More Than Reality with Adam and Danielle Busby
Episode: EP 36 - A Big Family Change Is Coming… But Are We Ready for It?
Release Date: June 5, 2025
Overview
In Episode 36 of More Than Reality, hosts Adam and Danielle Busby delve into the impending significant changes facing their large family. Balancing the joys of summer activities, personal projects, and the complexities of managing a household of eight, they candidly explore whether they are prepared for the upcoming transitions. The episode intertwines heartfelt discussions with lighthearted moments, offering listeners an unfiltered glimpse into the Busby family's dynamic.
Summer Routines and Personal Projects
Timestamp: [03:08]
Danielle and Riley discuss the onset of summer routines, including Vacation Bible School (VBS) for the girls and Blake’s weekly tennis drills. Danielle shares her excitement about advancing her writing projects:
Danielle Busby ([04:38]): "I'm working on a devotional life memoir in a devotional format, and it's almost done. The first book's nearly complete, and I'm thrilled to see it come together with illustrations."
Riley adds insights into her contributions to the children's book series, highlighting the collaborative process with their daughters:
Riley Busby ([04:34]): "The kids series is a series of six books, each based on one of the girls. It's been fun seeing their characters come to life through illustrations."
Contemplating a Major Family Change
Timestamp: [10:51]
A significant portion of the episode revolves around the Busbys' contemplation of selling their current home. They discuss the challenges posed by the current housing market and the logistics involved in moving a large family:
Riley Busby ([10:51]): "We’re looking at putting our house on the market. Finding a house that meets all our needs right now is tough."
Danielle elaborates on their strategic approach to ensure financial stability:
Danielle Busby ([14:23]): "We’re considering renting first to give ourselves time to pay off debts and save up, allowing us to jump on a great opportunity when it arises."
They also touch on the emotional aspects of moving and the importance of decluttering:
Danielle Busby ([15:53]): "For me, it's not about the moving; it's about the change. I love decluttering and getting rid of unnecessary stuff."
Managing Clutter and Organization
Timestamp: [16:22]
Riley candidly discusses her struggles with organization, especially pertaining to her workspace:
Riley Busby ([16:22]): "I'm in major need of organizing my office. Every trip I take leaves my workspace cluttered, and I avoid tackling it because it feels like a monumental task."
Danielle shares her perspective on their differing organizational habits:
Danielle Busby ([17:58]): "But that’s what you think about with moving is those things."
Their dialogue underscores the everyday challenges of maintaining order in a bustling household.
Parenting Styles and Family Dynamics
Timestamp: [23:06]
In a playful segment, Danielle and Riley engage in a "Who's More Likely To" game, highlighting their parenting dynamics and the personalities within the family. They touch upon topics like emotional responses, discipline, and privacy:
Danielle Busby ([25:38]): "Who’s more likely to accidentally leave a kid at church? It’s me."
Riley Busby ([38:16]): "I try to hold it in, but sometimes I lighten the mood with something off the wall."
This segment reveals their teamwork in parenting, balancing discipline with a sense of humor to manage their six teenage daughters.
Faith and Coping with Uncertainty
Timestamp: [12:44]
A heartfelt discussion emerges as Danielle speaks about their faith guiding them through life's uncertainties:
Danielle Busby ([12:44]): "We feel that God is wanting to change us, shaking up our lives, and we're trying to be obedient to what we find clarity on."
Riley reflects on her approach to faith versus stress:
Riley Busby ([13:25]): "Faith ain't gonna do everything for me. I have to pack up my house and put things in boxes."
Their conversation emphasizes the role of faith in navigating significant life changes and the balance between divine trust and personal responsibility.
Humor and Lighthearted Moments
Throughout the episode, the Busbys infuse humor into their discussions, making light of everyday mishaps and family antics. From Riley’s humorous take on her tendency to leave things disorganized to hilarious instances like chasing their daughter with a fake cockroach, they showcase the warmth and laughter that underpin their family life.
Danielle Busby ([35:02]): "Who's more likely to give in during discipline because the kid just looked too cute? It's me."
Such moments not only entertain but also highlight the affectionate dynamics within the Busby household.
Closing Thoughts
Timestamp: [53:33]
The episode concludes with Danielle and Riley reflecting on their strengths and differences, reinforcing the importance of complementary roles within their marriage and parenting approach.
Riley Busby ([50:46]): "I get caught up in all the details, but you trust your faith first."
Danielle Busby ([51:04]): "Our differences complement each other’s strengths."
They express gratitude to listeners and hints at future discussions, leaving the audience with a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead for the Busby family.
Notable Quotes
- Danielle Busby ([12:44]): "We feel that God is wanting to change us, shaking up our lives, and we're trying to be obedient to what we find clarity on."
- Riley Busby ([25:38]): "Who’s more likely to accidentally leave a kid at church? It’s me."
- Danielle Busby ([51:04]): "Our differences complement each other’s strengths."
Conclusion
Episode 36 of More Than Reality offers an intimate look into the Busby family's life as they navigate significant changes. Through honest conversations, humor, and reflections on faith, Adam and Danielle Busby provide valuable insights into managing a large family, dealing with life's uncertainties, and maintaining strong family bonds. Listeners are left inspired by their resilience and the genuine love that sustains their vibrant household.