The Intentional Family: Recent Episodes
Rachel & Mike Schmitz
The Intentional Family is a podcast about purposefully building a great home life, one day at a time.
Mike and Rachel unpack family routines, rhythms, and the roadblocks that consistently get in the way.
Intentional Family Recording
A Simple System to Help You Focus on What Really Matters
Skylight Calendar
Daily Rituals by Mason Currey
The Confident Mind by Dr. Nate Zinsser
Rachel & Mike recap their first LifeTheme Live event by sharing takeaways and lessons learned.
Personal Socrates by Marc Champagne
The Library
LifeTheme Hybrid Cohort
Rachel shares encouragement with all moms out there to remember your unique calling and strength.
Learn the life-saving power of forgiveness as Rachel shares stories from the amazing life of a Rwandan Holocaust survivor.
Left to Tell by Immaculée Ilibagiza
The Bait of Satan by John Bevere
Mike and Rachel continue the conversation on communication, addressing the single greatest obstacle to effective communication: the illusion that it has actually happened.
The Intentional Family #131: Communicate With Love
5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom
Personal Socrates by Marc Champagne
Skylight Family Calendar
Even when you’re mad, communicating with love will keep a relationship intact while still addressing issues that inevitably arise. In this episode, Mike and Rachel share how to keep the lines of communication open with love even in the midst of conflict.
Finding joy in the midst of hardship, grief, and single parenting are a few topics in this powerful interview with Rachel’s Mom.
Editor’s Note: The audio quality of this episode is not the best. But we believe the content is worth releasing even if it doesn’t quite meet our usual quality standards. Our apologies!
Tech monsters and screen zombies don’t have to take over your family life. In this episode, Rachel shares about a powerful tool known as a digital detox.
Digital Detox by Molly Defrank
Time Timer
Rachel explains the difference between fear and anxiety, along with what you can do to escape being stuck in these emotions.
Understanding Fear, Anxiety, and Phobias
Rachel talks about the necessity of rest and shares practical tips to help you relax.
The Transcriptional Repressor DEC2 Regulates Sleep Length in Mammals
The People Who Barely Sleep | BBC
Rachel interviews Mike about his approach to managing information, his signature product, and lessons learned from the recent LifeHQ launch.
LifeHQ
Practical PKM Cohort
Scholarship Link
Rachel shares personal insights from recent experience about how to deal with disappointment and failure in a positive way.
Mike and Rachel share the inspiration behind selecting words for the year and share theirs for 2025.
Focused #218: Turning Down the Volume, with Stephen Hackett
LifeHQ
NeuYear Focused Calendar
Coretex #162: 2025 Yearly Themes
Rachel interviews five young guests about their favorite holiday memories and traditions.
In this episode, Rachel shares how creating a love for lifelong learning can (and should) be cultivated.
Bookworm
Affinity Designer
30 Lessons for Living by Dr. Karl Pillemer
Classical Conversations
Rachel shares how to curate responsibilities through 5 practical steps to help create margin and intentionality.
The LifeTheme cohort
The Intentional Family #117: Death by Extracurriculars
Anti-Time Management by Richie Norton
In this episode, Rachel shares practical examples and powerful principles on the importance of stewardship.
In this episode, Rachel provides encouragement to overworked, overwhelmed, under-compensated parents.
Rachel offers encouragement for how we can invest in our children’s future by noticing and fostering the things that spark delight.
The Young Writer
Read Aloud Revival
Classical Conversations Books
Institute for Excellence in Writing
The Lost Tools of Writing
The Christian Imagination by Leland Ryken
Wordsmithy by Douglas Wilson
Rachel shares about the benefits and potential pitfalls of extracurricular activities and how to curate what’s best for your children.
Rachel & Mike discuss the components of a great marriage, with all of the highs and lows.
Rachel shares time management wisdom from lessons learned after experimenting with many different ideas, systems, and tools.
Mike’s newsletter on procrastination
Analog by Ugmonk
M.C. Squares
Wet erase markers
In this fun episode, Rachel shares stories and lessons learned from her epic trip to London.
Focused podcast
Relay 10 Live in London
Bread Street
Tottenham Hotspur
The British Museum
Hackney Empire
Westminster Abbey
Hampstead Heath
London Pass
Mike and Rachel share a simple strategy for focusing intention in order to produce lasting change.
Personal Retreat Handbook
The 12 Week Year by Brian Moran and Michael Lennington
The One Thing by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan
The Library
Simon Sinek on Intensity vs. Consistency
Rachel shares the pitfalls of complaining, how to do it strategically to bring about change, and a compelling story about gratitude.
The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
This episode of The Intentional Family is brought to you by:
Aeropress: Make great coffee on the go with the Aeropress Go Plus. Get 20% off with the code FAMILY.
In this episode, Mike and Rachel share why it is vital that every leader guards their heart.
3 Reasons Why You Must Guard Your Heart | Michael Hyatt
Mike’s cycle diagrams
Bookworm #196: Why We Sleep
Mike’s Journaling course
In this episode, Rachel shares some wisdom and ideas on how to nurture a child’s heart.
This Episode of The Intentional Family is sponsored by:
AeroPress: Skip the drive-thru and make great coffee at home. Save $20 on your order at aeropress.com/family when you use coupon code FAMILY.
Rachel and Mike share tips to help you increase the quantity and quality of your sleep.
Mike’s newsletter on Sleep
The Sleep Revolution by Arianna Huffington
Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker
Phillips Hue Lights
Yogi Bedtime Tea
Rachel & Mike discuss the importance of having direction and share strategies for how to stay on target in different areas of your life.
Let Go, Luke | Cotton Bureau
Personal Retreat Handbook
Obsidian University Starter Vault
Mike’s newsletter on sleep
Hidrate Spark water bottle
Echo prayer app
Mike’s Reading Masterclass
Mike’s community (The Library)
Rachel shares the why behind their decision to homeschool and offers encouragement to live out the unique life that we are each designed to live.
The Proust & The Squid by Maryanne Wolf
Reader Come Home by Maryanne Wolf
Focused #196: Focus & The Reading Life, with Maryanne Wolf
Rachel shares practical tips, habits, and ideas to help you curb the chaos at home and keep the main thing the main thing.
LifeTheme Cohort
Reading Masterclass
Rachel shares keeping the main thing the main thing and how to make sure what’s most important stays in the forefront of our minds.
Mike’s Reading Workshop
Charlotte Mason Scripture Memory System
Sarah Blount Discipleship on the Go
The Jesus Storybook Bible
Rachel shares about stewardship and how we can apply this powerful principle to our lives.
Steward Greek definition
Mealtrain
Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown
The Practice of Story Stewardship
Rachel shares lessons about why self-care is so important from her struggles of not wanting to be "selfish."
“The Cello in The Rain”
MyFitnessPal
Mike and Rachel share about the power of reading and how what you read actually changes your brain.
Focused #196: Focus & the Reading Life, with Maryanne Wolf
Maryanne Wolf
Reader, Come Home by Maryann Wolf
The Proust & the Squid by Maryann Wolf
Island of Understanding
Bookworm
Piercing the Darkness by Frank Peretti
How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler
Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon
The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler
Rachel talks about her favorite writing program and shares writing samples from her children’s stories and papers.
Institute for Excellence in Writing
Fix It! Grammar
Maryanne Wolf
The Runaway by Normal Rockwell
Rachel shares about what focus is from a photographer’s perspective, why it matters, and what to do when you find your focus starts to drift.
Lion Tamer story
Focused podcast
Rachel & Mike revisit the topic of yearly themes and share their words for 2024.
Focused NeuYear calendar
Obsidian University cohort
Mike’s Multi-Scale Planning YouTube video
Mike’s Personal Retreat course
Hidrate Spark Water Bottle
Focused #194: I’d Like to Take a Mulligan
Rachel & Mike unpack this Latin phrase for "love of fate" and explain why you don't have to like what happens in order to use it for your advantage.
Amor Fati
Back to the Future
UHF
Mike’s YouTube channel
How to Do a Personal Retreat in Obsidian
Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown
Rachel shares about the value of tradition in helping to forge meaningful connections between families and friends.
Classical Conversations
The Giving Manger
The Intentional Family #73: 2023 Words for the Year
This Episode of The Intentional Family is sponsored by:
Green Chef: The #1 Meal Kit for eating clean. Get Green Chef’s best deal of the year ($250 off!) at greenchef.com/intentional250 and use coupon code intentional250.
Rachel encourages listeners to experience joy, lighten up, and laugh.
Rachel & Mike share a sneak peak of the LifeTheme cohort where they talk about finding your why, the 3 components of motivation, and using moments of impact to help you dial in your LifeTheme.
LifeTheme Cohort
Start With Why by Simon Sinek
Ikigai by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles
Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Master Your Motivation by Susan Fowler
The Second Mountain by Arthur Brooks
Chris Bailey TED Talk
Personal Socrates by Marc Champagne
Hidden Potential by Adam Grant
LifeTheme email course
This Episode of The Intentional Family is sponsored by:
Green Chef: The #1 Meal Kit for eating clean. Get 60% plus free shipping at greenchef.com/60intentional.
Rachel explains the value of losing and why failure doesn’t have to be fatal.
November 2023 LifeTheme Cohort coupon code FAMILY to save $50
The Life of George Mueller
Rachel & Mike discuss finding purpose & making adjustments.
The Intentional Family #22: Your LifeTheme
The Intentional Family #79: Knowing Your Why
How to Time Block Your Day in Obsidian | YouTube
Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl | Amazon
The LifeTheme Cohort (Use coupon code FAMILY to save $50)
Personal Retreat Handbook
Rachel talks about her battle with insecurity and shares three tips to help you overcome it.
Rachel shares the process she underwent recently to conquer overwhelm.
Procrastinate on Purpose by Rory Vaden
Classical Conversations
Obsidian University
Obsidian 101
Rachel & Mike discuss how and why consistency, not intensity, is the key to long-term progress.
Getaway House - save $25 using our link
Simon Sinek on Intensity vs. Consistency
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Continuous Improvement | jamesclear.com
Do Nothing app
In this episode, Rachel talks about the importance of authenticity in child training and shares some strategies for creating alignment amongst the members in your family.
Faith-Based Productivity Community
Discipleship On the Go
Rachel shares the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who will challenge and inspire us.
Faith-Based Productivity Community
Classical Conversations
Macstock Conference and Expo
Toastmasters
Bookworm
Rachel shares a compelling appeal to be a creator and not just a consumer of media.
Macstock Conference and Expo
Groundhog Day
Bookworm
2019 Common Sense Census: Media Use by Tweens and Teens
Smartphone Addiction Statistics for 2023
How to Set Up Screen Time
Lego Life App
Affinity Designer
Toby’s Puzzle Box
Rachel interviews Mike to discover his take on social media and how he uses various platforms with intention.
Chris Bailey’s books
The Social Dilemma
Make Time by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky
Hypefury
Faith-Based Productivity Community
Obsidian University
Macstock
Creator Science
Toby’s Lego Puzzle Box
The Light Phone
Rachel talks about the perils and pitfalls of social media and shares an appeal for a better option.
Can flip phones end our social media addiction? by Colin Kartchner | TEDxSaltLakeCity
The Light Phone
The Social Dilemma
Social Media Mental Health Statistics 2023 | Gitnux
The Faith-Based Productivity Community
Rachel & Mike interview Mylio Photos founder David Vasketvitch about his mission to transform how we remember through photos.
Mylio Photos
Rachel interviews Mike about his decision to go indie.
LifeTheme cohort
Superbook - Jonah
Mike’s Obsidian cohort (Obsidian University)
The Pathless Path by Paul Millerd
Faith-Based Productivity community
Bookworm
Focused
Rachel & Mike discuss making date night a habit and share their structure for family meetings.
Intentional Family #76: Train Up a Child
Downloadable Family Meeting Template PDF
Mike & Rachel share audio from the first call in their recent LifeTheme cohort on identifying your moments of impact.
LifeTheme cohort
Start With Why by Simon Sinek
Master Your Motivation by Susan Fowler
Bookworm #167: Master Your Motivation
7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
Personal Socrates by Marc Champagne
Bookworm #139: Personal Socrates
Giannis interview
StrengthsFinder
Mike’s first sketchnote
Write of Passage
Ship 30 for 30
Rachel shares how we can help our children grow, take ownership, and achieve independence through their habits and routines.
Classical Conversations
Mindset by Carol Dweck
Boxcar Children
Faith-Based Productivity community
The April 2023 LifeTheme cohort
The Intentional Family #79: Knowing Your Why
Rachel & Mike revisit the topic of a LifeTheme and talk about the importance of finding your why.
The Intentional Family #22: Your LifeTheme
Bookworm #167: Master Your Motivation
Master Your Motivation by Susan Fowler
April 2023 LifeTheme Cohort
Mike and Rachel share insights into their personal task management systems.
Work the System by Sam Carpenter
Ugmonk Analog
Mike’s Task Management Workflow Webinar Recording
Todoist
Obsidian
Faith-Based Productivity Community
Rachel shares some life-changing lessons from great men and women of history.
Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington
The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
Christian Heroes: Then and Now
Who Was Book Series
The Value Tale Series
Ordinary People Change the World Gift Set
Adventures in Odyssey
Faith-Based Productivity Community
Rachel & Mike discuss a startling statistic about why 75% of young adults walk away from their faith and the 5 things you can do with your family that caused the 25% to stay connected.
Josh Denhart - The Simple Things
What is a Man of God? by Dr. Mark Barclay
Faith-Based Productivity community
Rachel shares a recent story of contending for the freedom of one of her children.
The Intentional Family #66: My Life, His Story
Mama Bear Apologetics by Hillary Morgan Ferrer
Faith-Based Productivity Community
In this episode, Rachel outlines 5 steps to delegating successfully, resulting in buying back time, energy, and focus.
Work the System by Sam Carpenter
Procrastinate on Purpose by Rory Vaden
The Faith-Based Productivity Community
Mike and Rachel tackle the topic of creativity. They share several resources for making the most of your ideas, how to capture them, and ways to harness the inspiration you need to pursue them.
Mike’s Journaling course
Faith-Based Productivity community
The Laws of Creativity, by Joey Cofone
The Creativity Flywheel
Bookworm #42: How to Read a Book
Focused #163: The Laws of Creativity, with Joey Cofone
Where Good Ideas Come From by Stephen Johnson
Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon
Liminal Thinking by Dave Gray
Personal Socrates by Marc Champagne
Someday is Today by Matthew Dicks
Creative Calling by Chase Jarvis
Mindset by Carol Dweck
In this episode, Rachel shares her journey to becoming comfortable in her own skin and the confidence that has come with knowing her identity, purpose, and vision.
The Intentional Family #22: Your LifeTheme
The Faith-Based Productivity Community
Rachel & Mike talk about the motivation behind picking words or themes for the year, review their words for 2022, and share their words for 2023.
Faith-Based Productivity Community
Intentional Family #15: The Power of Your Words
Intentional Family #21: 2021 Words for the Year
Intentional Family #47: 2022 Words for the Year
Cortex #136: 2023 Yearly Themes
2023 Focused NeuYear Calendar
Part-Time YouTuber Academy
Ship 30 for 30
Rachel talks about the heart behind giving and shares some family Christmas outreach and gift ideas.
Police Lights of Christmas
Operation Christmas Child
Angel Tree
Jasper Board Game Table
Rachel & Mike discuss the importance of gratitude and share practical examples of how to make it a positive habit in your family.
Faith-Based Productivity community
The Intentional Family #55: The Power of Community
Ship 30 for 30
Part-Time YouTuber Academy
The Laws of Creativity by Joey Cofone
Focused 163: The Laws of Creativity, with Joey Cofone
Bookworm #157: The Laws of Creativity
The Richest Man Who Ever Lived by Steven Scott
The Gap vs. the Gain by Dan Sullivan
The Secrets of Happy Families by Bruce Feiler
The Intentional Family #4: Family Core Values
The Intentional Family #5: Family Core Values, Part 2
Mike and Rachel discuss a couple of assessment tools and share how insights from the results have helped them play to their strengths and work together more effectively.
Love + Work by Marcus Buckingham
Bookworm #149: Love + Work
StrengthsFinder
Kolbe Type A
The Story of You by Ian Morgan Cron
Bookworm #151: The Story of You
The Intentional Family #62: Birthdays
Rachel shares several parenting books and practical takeaways from each.
Intentional Family #46: Top Books We Read (& Lessons We Learned) in 2021
Intentional Family #54: How Are You Smart?
The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson
The Secrets of Happy Families by Bruce Feiler
Mama Bear Apologetics by Hillary Morgan Ferrer
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber
3 Big Questions for a Frantic Family by Patric Lencioni
Dare to Discipline by Dr. James Dobson
Preparing for Adolescence by Dr. James Dobson
The Strong-Willed Child by Dr. James Dobson
Bringing Up Girls by Dr. James Dobson
Bringing Up Boys by Dr. James Dobson
Rachel shares personal stories from her own life of how love helped her develop her faith and overcome fear.
This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti
Picture of Jonathan
Rachel & Mike explain the motivation behind one of their core values and share why the world of the generous keeps getting larger.
The Intentional Family #64: Meet the Buhligs
Bookworm
Liminal Thinking by Dave Gray
The Great Mental Models, Volume 2
Productivityist
MacSparky
Lifeonaire
The Intentional Family #62: Birthdays
Rachel interviews Joe & Becky Buhlig about their Sunday rituals, their motivation for homeschooling, and the story behind Acorn Ridge.
Bookworm
Joe’s website
How Joe Buhlig’s Shabbat Helps Him Stay Intentional
Acorn Ridge
Rachel shares a valuable strategy for evaluating a school, program, or curriculum to help decide what is best for the long-term interest of your child.
The Intentional Family #62: Birthdays
Classical Conversations catalog
Catachesis wheel
Example map
Rachel explains the history and evolution of birthdays along with examples of celebrating in a way that makes the recipient feel valued and loved.
Rachel and Mike discuss the destructive power of the little foxes in our lives, how to spot them, and what to do to guard against them.
The Social Dilemma
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Bookworm
The Messy Middle by Scott Belsky
Rachel shares the importance of choosing what is most important in the moment through a story of two sisters.
The Productivity Project by Chris Bailey
Kenneth Wuest translation
Rachel & Mike revisit the routines that help them live out their values and build their ideal future.
The Intentional Family #4: Family Core Values
The Intentional Family #5: Family Core Values, Part 2
Personal Retreat Handbook
Control
Hero on a Mission by Donald Miller
Bookworm #147: Hero on a Mission
The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
Indistractable by Nir Eyal
Rachel interviews Mike about some of the intentional routines he's established and the different ways he redeems the time to make the most of the moments they have together as a family.
Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey
What is a Man of God? by Dr. Mark T. Barclay
Focused #116: The Big Reset
The One Thing by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan
Rachel shares a revelation about building a strong family through using values, routines, and outcomes.
Mike’s Gap vs. Gain video
Intentional Family #4: Family Core Values
Intentional Family #5: Family Core Values, Part 2
Mike’s timeblocking post
Rachel shares a simple 3-step framework for helping you know your yes and makes it easier to say no.
Intentional Family #4: Family Core Values
Intentional Family #5: Family Core Values, Part 2
Personal Retreat Course
Rachel & Mike discuss the power of community and share examples of how they've personally benefitted from being involved.
The Intentional Family #54: How Are You Smart?
Ship 30 for 30
The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
Meal Train
Classical Conversations
How to Start Your Own Mastermind Group
Get Together by Bailey Richardson, Kevin Huynh & Kai Elmer Sotto
Bookworm podcast
Rachel shares about different domains of intelligence and shares tips for working successfully with each to set your kids up for success.
8 Great Smart by Dr. Kathy Koch
Affinity Designer
Affinity Designer Workbook
Amplified Bible
The Action Bible
Jesus Storybook Bible
Classical Conversations
Christian Heroes Gift Set
Boxcar Children
Rachel shares about the importance of stewardship and the long-term benefits of putting in the extra work when intentionally training your children.
Pie Chart
Financial Peace Junior
Age-appropriate chore charts
Rachel & Mike dive deeper on the topic of rest. They talk about the importance of trust, choosing joy in the journey, and releasing the burdens you were never meant to carry.
The Intentional Family #51: Places We Go When Things Don’t Go As Planned
Personal Retreat Handbook
Creative Calling by Chase Jarvis
Bookworm podcast
Rachel shares some recent revelations about unmet expectations from Brené Brown's book, The Atlas of the Heart.
The Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown
The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson
Rachel & Mike talk about making the most of your moments by fighting the urge to capture them all the time.
Bookworm podcast
Focused podcast
The Light Phone
Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman | Amazon
Bookworm #135: Four Thousand Weeks
The Social Dilemma
Lifeonaire by Steve Cook | Audible
Rachel & Mike discuss dealing with change, the importance of learning, and the value of mistakes.
The Legend of Theseus’ Ship
Building an Antilibrary | Ness Labs
20 Podcasts That Made Me a Millionaire | Ali Abdaal
Bookworm
Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Movie Version)
The Obstacle is The Way by Ryan Holiday
Liminal Thinking by Dave Gray
Focused #142: Sparky Gets Focused
Rachel expounds on one of her yearly themes and shares some keys to beating overwhelm and staying in a state of continual rest.
The Intentional Family #34: The Pursuit of Peace
The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale
The Intentional Family #47: 2022 Words for the Year
Mike’s Timeblocking Course
Work the System by Sam Carpenter
The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel Siegel
Rachel & Mike share their words for the year, and talk about why broad themes are more likely to create positive changes than specific goals.
Intentional Family #15: The Power of Your Words
Intentional Family #21: 2021 Words for the Year
Focused podcast
Theme System Journal
The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale
Bookworm #136: Thinking in Systems
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Liminal Thinking by Dave Gray
As Rachel & Mike reflect on the last year, they share some of the biggest lessons they've learned and discuss the books that they came from.
How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler
Bookworm podcast
Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon
Teaching From Rest by Sarah Mackenzie
The Great Mental Models, Volume 1 by Shane Parrish & Rhiannon Beaubien
The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale
Liminal Thinking by Dave Gray
Mama Bear Apologetics by Hillary Morgan Ferrer
Faith-Based Productivity Newsletter
The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel Siegel
Courage is Calling by Ryan Holiday
Prayer by Frank Laubach
Digital Body Language by Erica Dhawan
The Hiding Place by Carrie Ten Boom
Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman
Rachel shares ideas and examples for creating a home environment that is authentic, peaceful, and purposeful.
Intentional Family #4: Family Core Values
Intentional Family #5: Family Core Values, Part 2
The Giving Manger
Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar
Jasper Board Game Table
Police Lights of Christmas
Rachel & Mike talk about developing character, changing defaults, and staying patient and positive while training your kids.
Intentional Family #4: Family Core Values
Intentional Family #5: Family Core Values, Part 2
Intentional Family #31: Micro Adjustments
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Daily Questions in Obsidian | The Sweet Setup
Triggers by Marshall Goldsmith
Soundtracks by Jon Acuff
Duolingo
Intentional Family #12: Growth Mindset
Self Control - It’s Kingship & Majesty by William James Jordan
Rachel & Mike talk about the value of mentors, what to look for when choosing one, and why not having all the answers can actually be a good thing.
The Intentional Family #42: Boundaries, Part 2
The Art of Exceptional Living by Jim Rohn
Money: Master the Game by Tony Robbins
Focused podcast
The Intentional Family #31: Micro Adjustments
The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
Dave Ramsey
The Intentional Family #12: Mindset
The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale
Prayer: The Mightiest Force in the World by Frank Charles Laubach
Rachel & Mike revisit the topic of boundaries and talk about how to apply them with friends, family, and children.
Intentional Family #39: Landmarks and Landmines
Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend
Bookworm #53: Boundaries
The Art of Exceptional Living by Jim Rohn
Oct 18
The Schmitz family watches Dave Ramsey's new documentary on student debt, and soon-to-be-college-age Toby joins Rachel to discuss his perspective on the film.
Borrowed Future
The Student Borrower Protection Center
Student Loan Debt Statistics | Forbes
Dave Ramsey’s Scholarship Search Tool (not active, relaunching soon)
Debt Free Degree by Anthony ONeal
Solving a GENIUS LEGO Puzzle Box!! Level 9
Building the World's Hardest LEGO Puzzle Box! (32 steps)
Toby’s Lego store isn’t quite ready, we’ll mention it when it is!
Rachel & Mike talk about thinking bigger, faith vs. fear, and stepping outside of your comfort zone.
Intentional Family #35: Silencio, Bruno!
Luca
Alberto Funko Pop!
Intentional Family #39: Landmarks & Landmines
Courage is Calling by Ryan Holiday
Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Bookworm
Piercing the Darkness by Frank Peretti
Intentional Family #4: Family Core Values
Intentional Family #5: Family Core Values, Part 2
Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy
Focused #135: Don’t Eat the Frog, with Jesse J. Anderson
Rachel & Mike discuss the importance of boundaries in keeping the good stuff in and the bad stuff out.
Episode 38: The Grass is Greener
Boundaries by Henry Cloud
The Boss Baby: Family Business
The Little Farmer
Rio 2
The Great Mental Models, Volume 1
Thou Shalt Hustle
Comparison is deadly. It can quickly lead to a loss of identity, cause us to misjudge others, and creates a lack of desire to humbly seek out answers from trustworthy people in our lives. In this episode, Rachel shares some pointers from a recent experience to help you avoid it at all costs.
Rachel & Mike talk about discipleship, purposeful training, and raising lifelong learners.
Christian Men’s Network
HCWO Commissioning Service
Intentional Family #4: Family Core Values
Intentional Family #5: Family Core Values, Part 2
Rachel & Mike discuss cultivating curiosity, solving your own problems, and doing hard things.
The $100 MBA
Grit by Angela Duckworth
Duolingo
Mindset by Carol Dweck
A Guide to Sketchnoting on iPad
The Sketchnote Handbook by Mike Rohde
The Intentional Family #31: Micro Adjustments
Liminal Thinking by Dave Gray
Affinity Designer
Affinity Designer Workbook
Rachel & Mike discuss limiting beliefs and share some ways to silence the negative voices in your head.
Luca
Intentional Family #4: Family Core Values
Intentional Family #5: Family Core Values, Part 2
Mindset by Carol Dweck
Intentional Family #12: Growth Mindset
Liminal Thinking by Dave Gray
The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday
Stillness is the Key by Ryan Holiday
Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon
Man's Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl
Unique Ability 2.0
Rachel & Mike share a recent revelation about creating peace in their home and some of changes they've made to help them live in alignment.
Intentional Family #33: Marriage
Discipline Equals Freedom by Jocko Willink
Procrastinate on Purpose by Rory Vaden
Bookworm #123: Procrastinate on Purpose
Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin
The True Vine by Andrew Murray
Teaching From Rest by Sarah Mackenzie
XXL Hammock Chair
Rachel & Mike celebrate an anniversary and consider the topic of marriage. In this episode, they talk about commitment, stewardship, priorities, and being willing to ask for help.
Intentional Family #32: What is Essential?
Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
Intentional Family #6: Family Meetings
seanwes #322: The Communication Episode
Financial Peace University (Ramsey+)
Gary Keessee
The Richest Man in Babylon by George Clason
Toastmasters
Rachel & Mike talk about prioritizing things that are life-giving, avoiding FOMO, and the importance of building relationships.
Essentialism by Greg McKeown
Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
The 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 podcast
Toastmasters
Intentional Family #16: Top 10 Intentionality Tips for Parents
Intentional Family #30: Reading Revival
Fearless Parenting by Sarah Blount
Bringing Up Boys by Dr. James Dobson
Bringing Up Girls by Dr. James Dobson
The Strong-Willed Child by Dr. James Dobson
What is a Man of God? by Dr. Mart T. Barclay
Discipleship 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 Children
Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Focused #124: Reading & Learning
Bookworm podcast
How (and Why) I Take Notes on Books That I Read
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg
Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon
joebuhlig.com
How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler
Getting Things Done by David Allen
The Social Dilemma
The Sweet Setup
Moodnotes
The Art of Exceptional Living by Jim Rohn
Read-Aloud Revival
The Great Mental Models, Volume 1
The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel
The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Spear
Faith Behind the Iron Curtain by Ingolf Schmidt
Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigan
The Perfect Nest by Catherine Friend
Moustache Baby by Bridget Heos
Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham
Ol’ 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 Ludwig
Codenames
Carcassonne | Princess & The Dragon | Big Box
Monopoly Deal
Spaceteam
Ravine
King of Tokyo | Dark Edition
BoardGameGeek
Poetry for Neanderthals
Exploding Kittens
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
Sushi Go Party!
Labyrinth
Control
Clue Master Detective
Catan
My First Carcassonne
Rhino 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 Acuff
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
The Art of Thinking Clearly by Rolf Dobelli
Work 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 McKeown
Essentialism by Greg McKeown
Make Time by Jake Knapp & John Zeratsky
Mike’s Hybrid BuJo | The Sweet Setup
Work the System by Sam Carpenter
The Intentional Family #11: Habit-Forming Family Systems
XXL 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 Meetings
The 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 Mentality
Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin
Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins (WARNING: lots of language)
Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl
Macstock Conference & Expo
Faith-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 Crucible
The Intentional Family #12: Growth Mindset
Mindset by Carol Dweck
Boundaries by Henry Cloud
The Boxcar Children
The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday
The 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 Lifetheme
Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven
Yes to Life: In Spite of Everything by Victor Frankl
Forged in the Crucible of Life by Mordecai Lightstone
Rachel & Mike talk about what a lifetheme is, how it keeps you grounded, and why knowing who you and why you're here is paramount to living a joy-filled life.
Mike’s Faith-Based Productivity course (Use coupon code INTENTIONALFAMILY for 50% off)
Toastmasters
Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl
NeuYear Focused calendar (the calendar mentioned with our words for the year)
Thou Shalt Hustle by Mike Schmitz
Die Empty by Todd Henry
Yes to Life: In Spite of Everything by Victor Frankl
Bookworm #44: Man’s Search for Meaning
Rachel & Mike revisit the power of words. They share their individual words for the year and explain the process they use every year to identify them.
Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon
Cortex #110: 2021 Yearly Themes
The Theme System
Personal Retreat Handbook (coupon code IF50 to save 50%)
Intentional Family Core Values Episodes - Part 1 | Part 2
Rachel & Mike talk about the opportunity 2020 has given us to reconsider our commitments. They talk about making adjustments to the systems in our lives, figuring out new ways to do things, and changing defaults as we define what we want our "new normal" to look like going into 2021.
Work the System by Sam Carpenter
Toastmasters
Yamaha Music Program
Hue Lights
“Man School” curriculum
Castles of Mad King Ludwig
Sushi Go
King of Tokyo
Ravine
Rachel & Mike are joined by a few special guests to talk some of their favorite Christmas memories, and share some tips for making this holiday season one your family will never forget.
The Mandalorian
Scythe
Police Lights of Christmas
TableTopics cards
King of Tokyo
Castles of Mad King Ludwig
Sushi Go Party
Lifeonaire
Rachel & Mike share from a recent revelation of greenhouses and the similarities in cultivating a healthy family. They talk about the 3 essential things you need for growth, the importance of "pulling the weeds," and tips for controlling your environment while still making a positive impact in the lives of the people around you.
The Social Dilemma
Brain Wash by David & Austin Perlmutter | Amazon
Bookworm #106: Brain Wash
Rachel & Mike discuss motivation. They talk about how to motivate others, the difference between motivation and willpower, and share what they've learned from a recent motivation breakthrough.
Intentional Family #14: What to Do When Things Aren’t Working
The Motivation Code by Todd Henry
Bookworm
The Willpower Instinct by Kelly McGonigal
Toastmasters
Rachel & Mike share their 10 favorite tips for creating intentionality in your own family.
mcSquares
Command Central image
Focused podcast
Intentional Family #14: What to Do When Things Aren’t Working
Mike’s hybrid productivity system article
Pie Charts image
OK to Wake alarm clock
Little House on the Prairie books by Laura Ingalls Wilder
The Chronicles of Narnia books by C.S. Lewis
In this episode, Rachel & Mike talk about how the words you speak are used to frame your world. They examine why death and life are in the power of the tongue, and share some personal examples of how they changed their identities based on their confession.
Intentional Family shirts | Cotton Bureau
Rachel & Mike share a recent breakthrough to a rough start to the school year. They talk about the importance of feedback, the power of small adjustments, and what it really means to have peace in your home.
Intentional Family Shirts | Cotton Bureau
Intentional Family #12: Growth Mindset
A Smooth Sea Shirt | seanwes
Rachel & Mike continue their conversation about developing a growth mindset by considering the topic of deliberate practice. They talk about the importance of deliberate practice, getting outside your comfort zone, understanding other perspectives, and why they choose as a family to do hard things.
Shirts
Thou Shalt Hustle by Mike Schmitz
How to Be Everything by Emilie Wapnick
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
Bookworm #101: Never Split the Difference
Grit by Angela Duckworth
Toastmasters
Classical Conversations
Duolingo
Sermon Sketchnotes
Focused #83: Ideas Over Art, with Mike Rohde
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Intentional Family #12: Growth Mindset
Rachel & Mike take a look at growth mindset. They define what it is, consider why it's important, and share how you can develop a growth mindset in yourself and your kids.
Mindset by Carol Dweck
Mike’s Sermon Sketchnotes
Bookworm podcast
Toastmasters
Classical Conversations
Adventures in Odyssey: They Cycle of Fear
Intentional Family #4: Family Core Values
Intentional Family #5: Family Core Values, Part 2
Duolingo
Rachel and Mike share details on two of their most important family systems: Pie Charts & Star Rewards. They share how these systems help automate desired behaviors, why it's critical that you model the behavior you want to see, and the importance of winning or losing as team.
Intentional Family T-Shirts (& Sweatshirts)
Adventures in Odyssey
Disc Golf Basket
Intentional Family #4: Family Core Values
Intentional Family #5: Family Core Values, Part 2
Rachel & Mike look at why conversation is so important, why technology can actually work against us when trying to communicate effectively, and share strategies for cultivating meaningful conversation with the important people in your life.
Intentional Family #9: Screen Time
Mike’s Sermon Sketchnotes
Reclaiming Conversation by Sherry Turkle
Bookworm #97: Reclaiming Conversation
Classical Conversations
The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
Rachel & Mike talk about their approach to managing screen time and the systems they've established to encourage intentional technology use.
Reclaiming Conversation by Sherry Turkle
Shawn Blanc - Alternatives to the Just Checks
Make Time by Jake Knapp & John Zeratsky
Focused #70: Digital Decluttering with Shahid Kamal Ahmad
The Sweet Setup: How Mike Schmitz Changes the Email Rules by Removing it From His Phone
Satechi 7-port USB charger
Colin Kartchner TED Talk - Can flip phones end our social media addiction?
Rachel & Mike walk you through the details of a Personal Retreat. They explain how it works, why it’s so important, how to do a personal retreat effectively, and what you can expect from the process.
Bookworm #91: The Antidote
The 12 Week year by Brian Moran and Michael Lennington
Personal Retreat course (coupon code IF50 for 50% off)
Mike’s Wheel of Life (example)
Intentional Family #4: Family Core Values
Intentional Family #5: Family Core Values, Part 2
Intentional Family #6: Family Meetings
Faith-Based Productivity
Focused#101: Taking a Sabbatical w/ Sean McCabe
Rachel & Mike share about developing a growth mindset, the real meaning of passion, and the importance of working harder on yourself than you do on your job.
Toastmasters
Faith-Based Productivity
Dirty Jobs
Grit by Angela Duckworth
Personal Retreat Handbook
Rachel & Mike share the details of their their weekly family meeting process.
Work the System by Sam Carpenter
Personal Retreat Course
We dive deeper into the topic of family core values. Rachel & Mike discuss the importance of intentional habits, share the specifics of their family routines, and talk about how those routines have changed over the years in support of their core values.
Simple Habits
Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg
Atomic Habits by James Clear
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
Bookworm #94: Tiny Habits
Personal Retreat Course
Classical Conversations
Lifeonaire by Steve Cook & Shaun McCloskey
Rachel and Mike share their family core values, explain how & why you should have your own, and talk about the importance of a plan & the power of alignment for your family.
Core Values photo
Personal Retreat course
The 12 Week Year
Classical Conversations
Bookworm
Rachel & Mike talk about setting up your “schoolroom,” organizing your day, the power of routine, and share several resources for making learning fun.
StoryWorth
Lockdown Productivity: Spaceship You (VIDEO)
Bullet Journal
Classical Conversations
Duolingo
The Sweet Setup: Apply Intentionality to Your Downtime with Duolingo
Bitsbox
Xtramath
The Kitchen Pantry Scientist
Mystery Science
Museums at Home
Focused #92: Getting Focused w/ Kourosh Dini
Advice on how to successfully school from home for those who never wanted to homeschool.
Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Audible Kid’s Books
Chronicles of Narnia Radio Drama
Adventures in Odyssey
Bookworm podcast
What is a Man of God? by Mark T Barclay
Ken Blount Ministries YouTube channel
Kids on the Move YouTube channel
I Live By Faith video
Scripture Memory Box Project
Welcome to The Intentional Family! Meet your hosts as they share their story and embark on their journey to help families live with purpose and build a great life at home.