Zach sits down with Greg and Rachel Denning, parents of seven, world travelers, authors, and coaches who have built a marriage around adventure and intentional living.

They share how their story began with adoption, grew through unexpected pregnancies, and expanded into a lifestyle of global travel and immersion experiences for their kids. From living on a shoestring in Nicaragua with six children to now leading retreats, writing books, and running The Extraordinary Family Life Podcast, Greg and Rachel open up about the lessons they’ve learned through risk, resilience, and imagination.

With candor and humor, they reflect on the importance of listening, navigating differences in intimacy, and approaching both marriage and travel as a hero’s journey, one that transforms you with every challenge and every chapter.

Key Takeaways

Adventure as a family philosophy – Travel and immersion became their way to educate, bond, and expand imagination.

Cycles and chapters – They’ve lived their marriage in 1–3 year “chapters” of babies, moves, and big shifts, embracing change as part of the design.

Rock bottom became a turning point – Running out of money in Nicaragua forced them to commit fully to creating their own path forward.

Focus creates reality – Greg learned that “where the head goes, the body follows”, what you focus on is what you feel and create.

Listening transforms intimacy – Rachel taught Greg how to listen without fixing, which became a cornerstone of their connection.

Balancing needs in sex and love – Rachel reframed physical intimacy as a reciprocal need, equal to emotional connection, deepening their bond.

Marriage as a hero’s journey – Just like travel, marriage is an adventure through unknowns, challenges, and transformation.

Guest Info

Greg Denning
Coach, author of The Formidable Family Man, and co-host of The Extraordinary Family Life Podcast, Greg helps men step into their roles as protectors, providers, and present partners. His coaching and writing distill the principles that guided his own transformation.

Rachel Denning
Co-host of The Extraordinary Family Life Podcast, Rachel is a writer, speaker, and mother of seven who brings wisdom on adventure, family design, and emotional growth. Her candid stories and practical tools empower women to embrace both courage and connection.

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Zach talks with Casey and Mike about their journey from young professionals in Washington, D.C., to building a life together in Seattle. Along the way, they share how floating homes, career shifts, parenting two kids, and Casey’s sobriety journey shaped their marriage.

Casey opens up about her decades-long relationship with alcohol, the turning points that led her to become a sober coach and podcast host, and how her choice changed not only her own life but the dynamic of her marriage. Mike reflects on what it meant to support her while maintaining his own relationship with drinking, and together they show how honesty, evolution, and mutual respect allow a couple to grow stronger, even when the path takes unexpected turns.

Sobriety reshapes relationships: Casey’s choice to stop drinking created more peace, presence, and honesty at home.

Support without judgment: Mike respected Casey’s journey without imposing his own agenda, allowing space for growth.

Evolution is part of marriage: Both acknowledge that partners change over time, and embracing that evolution is key to a long-term connection.

New rhythms bring deeper peace: The shift from late nights with wine to quieter, intentional time together restored balance and joy.

Self-advocacy matters: Casey learned to prioritize her own needs through retreats, friendships, and self-care, which strengthened the partnership.

Casey Davidson

Mike Davidson

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Zach talks with Sarah Rhoades and her boyfriend Grady, a young couple navigating the first year of their relationship. They share how a chance meeting at Grady’s backyard open mic, where he held a microphone for Sarah’s banjo, turned into an unexpected connection built on shared values, openness, and adventure.

Sarah and Grady reflect on blending friend groups, learning from divorced parents, and building a “tree trunk” foundation strong enough to handle differences in interests. They discuss the balance between independence and togetherness, the role of transparency, and their approach to the looming challenge of Sarah heading to college. With humor and thoughtfulness, they explore what it means to be intentional about connection, no matter your age.

Shared values beat shared hobbies: They connect on deeper principles and character rather than just liking the same activities.

Integration matters: Early on, they made intentional efforts to include each other in separate friend groups, creating a unified social circle.

Independence strengthens the unit: Inspired by Sarah’s grandparents, they value being able to live individual lives while staying connected as a couple.

Radical honesty as a reaction to secrecy: Grady’s experience with passive-aggressive family dynamics led him to favor openness and directness.

Parents notice the positive impact: Both sets of parents appreciate how the relationship brings out the best in them.

Facing change together: They’re preparing for the shift when Sarah leaves for college, focusing on communication and balance over fear.

Resisting cultural shortcuts: Despite living in a hookup culture, they see commitment as natural once you find the right person.

Sarah Rhoades
A recent high school graduate and musician, Sarah plays banjo and values independence, adventure, and intentional connection.

Grady
A high school senior who runs a backyard open mic, Grady brings openness, curiosity, and a commitment to honesty into the relationship.

Key TakeawaysGuest Info

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Zach sits down with Billy and Melissa Hofacker, parents of five, homeschoolers, entrepreneurs, and deeply intentional partners. They share how their relationship evolved from survival mode to something they both now call a “ten.”

Through structured connection points like weekly date nights and monthly marriage meetings, the Hofackers have built a resilient, emotionally intelligent partnership. Melissa opens up about postpartum struggles and therapy breakthroughs, while Billy shares how a health scare became a wake-up call for spiritual and emotional growth. From their faith journey to Jiu Jitsu metaphors, the Hofackers offer a practical and heartfelt look at what it takes to grow together over decades, not days.

Key Takeaways

“Ten” doesn’t mean perfect; it means committed: Even with five young kids and busy schedules, Billy and Melissa see their marriage as a ten because of the consistent work and shared mindset they bring to it.

Systems build connection: Weekly date nights, monthly family and marriage meetings, and Sunday listening sessions help them stay aligned and emotionally available.

Initiating connection is a skill: Melissa learned to lead with vulnerability instead of waiting for Billy to go first, transforming the emotional tone of their marriage.

Transformation starts within: Billy’s health scare sparked personal growth that made him a more emotionally present husband and father.

Faith goes deeper when life gets harder: Their spiritual path moved beyond habits and routines into intimate, soul-stretching territory, especially in moments of crisis.

Jiu Jitsu shaped Billy’s identity: He credits the discipline, humility, and emotional control he learned on the mat with strengthening his role in the marriage.

Guest Info

Billy Hofacker

Melissa Hofacker

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Zach sits down with his mother Joe and his stepfather Otis to explore their journey from painful pasts to a peaceful present.

Joe and Otis reflect on their “practice marriages,” the controlling dynamics they each endured, and the moment they realized they wanted something different. They share how a foundation of friendship, autonomy, and mutual respect became the bedrock of their 25-year relationship. From non-dating to dancing, from beach trips with girlfriends to golf trips alone, Joe and Otis have built a partnership that celebrates individuality and shared joy.

You’ll hear about Otis’s journey of temper management, Joe’s reclaiming of personal agency, and the subtle, intentional kindness that keeps their love strong, despite physical pain, aging bodies, and the trials of real life.

There’s life after divorce—and it might be the better life
Both Joe and Otis came from long, controlling marriages. Their second partnership, formed later in life, is more respectful, equal, and full of joy.

Friendship is the foundation
Their relationship began as school colleagues and friends, then grew over time into something deeper, supported by laughter, shared values, and trust.

Kindness is the cornerstone
Otis says the best description of their marriage is that they’ve “learned to be very kind to one another.”

The five-minute anger rule works
Otis, who struggled with rage in his youth, now uses a strategy where he’s allowed to be mad for five minutes, then lets it go. Joe even sets a timer.

Agency matters
Joe talks about finally being able to “be herself” in this marriage, without fear, control, or pressure. Otis’s calm, non-controlling nature allows her space to thrive.

Caregiving is mutual and meaningful
As they age, they care for each other with intention and grace. Joe says she always knew Otis would take care of her, and she’s glad to do the same.

Joe
Zach’s mom.

Otis
Zach’s stepdad and former high school gym teacher.

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Zach sits down with Monica Tanner—coach, podcast host, and author of Bad Marriage Advice—and her husband Ben, a self-proclaimed private “civilian.” Together, they share how their 23-year marriage has evolved from survival mode to a deeply intentional partnership.

The conversation moves from parenting young adults to debunking cliché marriage advice like “don’t go to bed angry” and “happy wife, happy life.” Monica opens up about abandonment wounds, anxiety, and the healing that came through personal work and communication. Ben offers a grounded perspective on emotional processing, individual growth, and learning how to show up with humility and humor.

Whether you're the fixer or the withdrawer in conflict, this episode offers insight into how couples can grow together by getting curious, staying patient, and prioritizing mutual respect.

Bad marriage advice lingers—until you replace it with something better

Self-work strengthens the marriage

Conflict patterns are rooted in the past

Intentionality transformed their relationship

Fun, friendship, and physical activity keep them connected

Monica Tanner

Ben Tanner

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Zach connects with listeners Paul and Symone during a road trip break near Austin. Speaking candidly from the front seat of their car, they reflect on their blended family, the nuances of a 20-year age gap, and the emotional work of learning to love each other's children.

As Paul and Symone navigate the complexities of second marriages, they share how gardening becomes their safe zone, how compassion becomes their compass, and how front porch conversations turn into moments of healing. With honesty and warmth, they unpack what it means to stay connected—even when it’s hard—and how legacy, curiosity, and forgiveness shape their evolving partnership.

Key Takeaways

Guest Info

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Zach sits down with Anna Rahe, fascia expert and founder of Genius of Flexibility, and her husband Daniel for an honest, layered conversation about what it looks like to “raise the grade” in a long-term partnership.

As Anna and Daniel explore the habits they’re unlearning—and the ones they’re trying to reinforce—they reflect on the small ways they grade their relationship, how conflict becomes a chance to build trust, and why staying curious about each other matters more than winning any argument. You’ll hear how their somatic awareness, emotional mismatches, and willingness to slow down help them stretch not just their bodies, but their capacity for connection.

The grade you give your relationship changes

Repair is a practice, not a performance

“Holding space” takes effort and awareness

Curiosity beats control

Anna Rahe

Daniel

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Zach sits down with couple Victoria Shalet and Adam James for a thoughtful and honest conversation about navigating the complexities of partnership. Drawing from their experiences in psychotherapy and performance, they unpack how their personal and professional worlds inform the way they connect, communicate, and occasionally clash.

Through light banter and open reflection, they explore moments of conflict, the importance of language in de-escalating tension, and the ways in which curiosity and humor keep them grounded. The episode offers listeners a window into a real, evolving relationship—complete with vulnerability, insight, and a shared desire to do better.

Words carry emotional weight
Replacing phrases like “that’s crazy” with “that’s surprising” can reduce defensiveness and create more space for empathy.

Curiosity is a relationship strength
Being able to ask your partner, “What’s really going on here?” rather than jumping to conclusions can keep you connected even in disagreement.

Repair isn’t a performance
What matters most is showing up after a rupture and trying again, not always getting it perfect in the moment.

Therapy and acting intersect
Understanding roles, scripts, and self-reflection can enrich how we navigate relational dynamics—but they don’t make us immune to the mess.

Laughter lightens the load
Humor isn’t just a relief valve—it’s a tool for staying close during tough conversations.

Adam James
Adam is a seasoned British actor with credits across television, theatre, and film, including roles in Doctor Foster, I May Destroy You, and Belgravia. His insight into communication, presence, and emotional fluency offers a unique complement to his partner’s therapeutic perspective. View his work at IMDb.

Key Takeaways Guest Info

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Zach is joined again by clinical and forensic psychologist Dr. Shannon Curry for a direct and thoughtful exploration of how language shapes conflict in relationships. Together, they dissect common but often misused terms like “narcissist,” “gaslighting,” and “codependent,” highlighting the real harm that can come from assigning labels without clear definitions or clinical backing.

Shannon brings clarity and nuance to a conversation that many couples face in therapy: how do you talk about what’s not working without turning your partner into a diagnosis? They explore why describing behavior—not assigning blame—builds trust and forward movement. The conversation also touches on the research around what actually predicts relationship success and how couples can stay grounded in hope and creativity, even in difficult seasons.

Key Takeaways

The problem with labeling
Terms like “narcissist” and “gaslighter” are frequently misapplied. 

Talk about behavior, not pathology
You don’t need a diagnosis to identify harmful or unhelpful dynamics. Focusing on specific behaviors allows for clarity and change.

The traits that actually matter
Zach discusses the importance of approaching our relationship with hope and creativity.

Guest Info

Dr. Shannon Curry
Dr. Curry is a clinical and forensic psychologist with advanced training in trauma therapy, couples counseling, and high-conflict relational dynamics. She is the founder of the Curry Psychology Group, a team-based mental health practice in Southern California. Shannon is known for her clarity, compassion, and expertise in both therapeutic and legal settings.

Website: currypsychgroup.com

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