The Intentional Family

Rachel & Mike talk about prioritizing things that are life-giving, avoiding FOMO, and the importance of building relationships.Essentialism by Greg McKeownLeaders Eat Last by Simon SinekThe Art of Gathering by Priya Parker

Rachel & Mike share some of their favorite intentional "micro adjustments" to make things at home a little more simple and a little more peaceful.Focused podcastToastmastersIntentional Family #16: Top 10 Intentionality Tips for ParentsIntentional Family #30: Reading RevivalFearless Parenting by Sarah BlountBringing Up Boys by Dr. James DobsonBringing Up Girls by Dr. James DobsonThe Strong-Willed Child by Dr. James DobsonWhat is a Man of God? by Dr. Mart T. BarclayDiscipleship on the Go

Readers are leaders. In this episode, Rachel & Mike talk about some of the biggest lessons they've learned on their own reading journeys and share some of their favorite books.The Boxcar ChildrenHitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas AdamsFocused #124: Reading & LearningBookworm podcastHow (and Why) I Take Notes on Books That I ReadThe Power of Habit by Charles DuhiggAtomic Habits by James ClearTiny Habits by BJ FoggSteal Like an Artist by Austin Kleonjoebuhlig.comHow to Read a Book by Mortimer AdlerGetting Things Done by David AllenThe Social DilemmaThe Sweet SetupMoodnotesThe Art of Exceptional Living by Jim RohnRead-Aloud RevivalThe Great Mental Models, Volume 1The Case for Christ by Lee StrobelThe Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George SpearFaith Behind the Iron Curtain by Ingolf SchmidtSnow Treasure by Marie McSwiganThe Perfect Nest by Catherine FriendMoustache Baby by Bridget HeosCarry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee LathamOl’ Mama Squirrel by David Ezra Stein

Rachel & Mike talk about the many benefits of playing board games as a family and share some of their favorites.Rory’s Story Cubes (Complete Set)Castles of Mad King LudwigCodenamesCarcassonne | Princess & The Dragon | Big BoxMonopoly DealSpaceteamRavineKing of Tokyo | Dark EditionBoardGameGeekPoetry for NeanderthalsExploding KittensTaco Cat Goat Cheese PizzaSushi Go Party!LabyrinthControlClue Master DetectiveCatanMy First CarcassonneRhino Hero

Rachel & Mike talk about the difference between fear the verb and the fear the noun, explain how it fuels the fight vs. flight response in our brains, and share personal stories about overcoming it.Start by Jon AcuffThinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel KahnemanThe Art of Thinking Clearly by Rolf DobelliWork the System

The simplest solution is often the best solution. In this episode, Rachel & Mike talk about the value of simplicity and share some of the ways they've managed to make things more effortless.Effortless by Greg McKeownEssentialism by Greg McKeownMake Time by Jake Knapp & John ZeratskyMike’s Hybrid BuJo | The Sweet SetupWork the System by Sam CarpenterThe Intentional Family #11: Habit-Forming Family SystemsXXL Hammock Chair Swing by Hammock Sky

Rachel & Mike talk about embracing conflict. They share strategies for staying in agreement as husband & wife, and explain why it's necessary in order to really achieve peace in your family.Intentional Family #5: Family MeetingsThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

Rachel & Mike tell some of their favorite stories about inspirational people who overcame difficult circumstances, and share some of their own struggles in overcoming a victim mentality.Intentional Family#24: Overcoming a Victim MentalityExtreme Ownership by Jocko Willink & Leif BabinCan’t Hurt Me by David Goggins (WARNING: lots of language)Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor FranklMacstock Conference & ExpoFaith-Based Productivity

Rachel & Mike talk about overcoming a victim mentality and share how you can help your kids take ownership of their future.The Intentional Family #23: The CrucibleThe Intentional Family #12: Growth MindsetMindset by Carol DweckBoundaries by Henry CloudThe Boxcar ChildrenThe Obstacle is the Way by Ryan HolidayThe Intentional Family #18: Your Life as a Greenhouse

Rachel & Mike follow up their discussion of Lifethemes with a conversation about embracing difficulty and never giving up.Intentional Family #22: Your LifethemeMake Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRavenYes to Life: In Spite of Everything by Victor FranklForged in the Crucible of Life by Mordecai Lightstone