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Welcome back to the podcast. Today's episode is a little different because we're sharing some really exciting—and honestly, emotional—news. If you've been with us for a while, you probably know that Family Brand has been a huge part of our lives for the last seven years. It's been a dream, a calling, a business, and in many ways, something we've grown right alongside our own family. So today, we're sharing that Family Brand has officially been acquired by Libertas. Before we go any further, though, I want you to know this: we're not going anywhere. Chris and I are still very much part of Family Brand, and we're more excited than ever about what comes next. As we've reflected on this journey, I keep coming back to where it all started. Years ago, I found myself at a crossroads, wondering whether I should return to nursing or pursue this little idea that just wouldn't leave me alone. I couldn't fully explain it, but I felt this persistent impression that I was supposed to help build stronger families. I had no idea what that would look like. I didn't know how to start a podcast, build programs, or run a business. I just knew I needed to take the next step. Looking back now, it's incredible to see what can happen when you simply say "yes" to something that feels bigger than yourself. When the opportunity came to partner with Connor Boyack and the team at Libertas, I honestly wrestled with it. Family Brand has felt like one of our children. We've poured our hearts into it, celebrated victories, worked through setbacks, and watched it slowly grow. One day while I was journaling, an analogy came to me that brought so much peace. It felt like giving a child up for adoption—not because she wasn't loved, but because she could have opportunities we simply couldn't provide on our own. And the beautiful part was realizing we weren't saying goodbye. We would still get to watch her grow, cheer her on, and continue being part of the story. That perspective changed everything for me. What makes this transition feel so right is the alignment. From our very first conversations with Connor, it became clear that we shared the same heart: helping families become stronger. We weren't looking to sell Family Brand, but we were looking for ways to reach more people. Seeing Family Brand become part of an organization that already serves families in so many incredible ways feels less like an ending and more like an expansion of the original mission. And already, we're watching ideas we've dreamed about for years begin to take shape with resources and a team that can bring them to life. If there's one thing I hope you take away from this episode, it's this: don't let not knowing how stop you from saying yes to what you're being called to do. So often we think we need the whole roadmap before we begin, but that's almost never how it works. You take the first step, and then the next one appears. Family Brand exists today because we were willing to start before we felt ready. And now, this next chapter exists because we were willing to trust that sometimes the greatest act of stewardship is letting something you've built become even bigger than you imagined. We truly can't wait to see where this journey goes next—and we're so grateful you've been on it with us from the very beginning.   LINKS: stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz familybrand.com/retreats.  Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – A big Family Brand announcement 01:45 – How an introduction to Connor Boyack started everything 03:20 – Discovering the alignment between Family Brand and Libertas 05:00 – Chris's bold phone call: "Family Brand should be part of Libertas" 06:45 – Why this opportunity felt different from the beginning 08:00 – Melissa shares the emotions behind the decision 10:30 – The journal entry that changed everything 11:00 – "It felt like giving my baby up for adoption" 13:30 – Why Family Brand found the right home 15:00 – Watching dreams become reality with a bigger team 16:00 – Looking back on seven years of saying "yes" 17:15 – The lesson: answer the call, even when you don't know how 18:45 – Chris and Melissa reflect on building Family Brand together 19:30 – Family Brand 2.0: what's next and a thank you to the community    

Welcome back to the podcast. With Father's Day here, I wanted to have a conversation that would cause all of us to pause and think a little differently about one of the most important relationships in our lives: the relationship we have with our dads. Today's guest is Mick Naples, author of Walking with Grizzlies, a book he wrote after losing his father and realizing there were lessons, conversations, and moments he wished he hadn't taken for granted. What I loved about this conversation is that it isn't really about fatherhood—it's about being a son or daughter and asking what responsibility we have in nurturing those relationships while we still can. One of the things that stood out to me most was Mick's honesty. He openly shares that while he loved his dad, he didn't always appreciate him. In fact, many of the things he now treasures were the very things he overlooked when his dad was alive. As he reflected on his father's life after his passing, he began to see qualities, sacrifices, and acts of love that had always been there but that he simply hadn't fully recognized. It made me think about how often we focus on our parents' shortcomings while missing the gifts they've given us. And while none of our parents are perfect, that doesn't mean they aren't worthy of honor, gratitude, and intentional connection. We also talked about something that we discuss often in Family Brand: relationships don't grow by default. They grow by design. As children become adults, the automatic proximity that once existed starts to disappear. We move away, build our own families, get busy with work, and suddenly years can pass without truly investing in the relationship. Mick challenged me to think differently about that. Instead of asking what our parents could be doing differently, what if we asked what role we have in strengthening those relationships? What conversations have we been putting off? What questions haven't we asked? What stories haven't we taken the time to hear? Another part of the conversation that really stayed with me was the idea that many of the things our parents did that frustrated us as children can look very different through the lens of adulthood. As we become parents ourselves, we start to understand the weight of responsibility, the difficult decisions, and the imperfect ways people try to show love. It doesn't excuse every mistake, but it often creates empathy. And sometimes empathy opens the door to healing, understanding, and deeper connection. More than anything, this episode felt like an invitation. An invitation to be intentional. To make the call. Ask the question. Write the letter. Schedule the visit. Have the conversation you've been meaning to have. Because one of the hardest lessons Mick learned is that sometimes "later" never comes. And if there's one takeaway I hope you carry from this episode, it's this: don't wait until a relationship becomes a memory to start appreciating it. LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz familybrand.com/retreats.   Links For This Episode: walkingwithgrizzlies.com. Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Introducing Mick Naples and Walking with Grizzlies 02:30 – Why Mick wrote the book after losing his father 04:00 – "If you're going to be a bear, be a grizzly" 05:00 – The kind of father Mick's dad was 07:00 – Losing his dad and the regrets that followed 09:00 – Honoring parents despite their imperfections 11:00 – Why adult children share responsibility in the relationship 14:00 – Building parent relationships by design, not default 15:30 – Seeing the value in your dad 18:00 – When hard parenting is actually an expression of love 20:00 – Why proximity creates connection 22:00 – How becoming a parent changes your perspective 24:00 – Idolize, demonize, then humanize your parents 26:00 – The example we're setting for our own children 28:00 – The regret of "I'll talk to him later" 30:00 – Conversations worth having before it's too late 33:00 – Faith, legacy, and the condition of the soul 36:00 – Mick's challenge for every son and daughter 37:00 – The Walking with Grizzlies resolution 39:00 – Final Father's Day reflections

Welcome back to the podcast! Today's episode started with something that might seem small but actually sparked a much bigger conversation. Melissa recently hit a milestone that she's incredibly proud of—51 consecutive weeks of completing at least one workout every single week. Almost an entire year of consistency. And while the achievement itself is worth celebrating, what really got us talking was what it reveals about how meaningful change actually happens in our lives. For years, Melissa has worked out on and off, but this season has felt different. Part of that comes from seeing the results of consistent effort—not just physically, but in everyday life. Feeling stronger. Having more energy. Being able to play volleyball, jump, run, and keep up with our kids. It's not really about a workout app or even fitness itself. It's about seeing firsthand what happens when you commit to something and keep showing up, especially on the days when you don't feel like it. That led us into a conversation about a phrase we hear all the time: "must be nice." You know the one. Someone shares a vacation, a business success, a healthy relationship, a fitness goal, or an accomplishment, and the immediate reaction is, "Well, that must be nice." The problem is that phrase usually shuts down curiosity. It assumes the result simply happened to someone instead of asking what sacrifices, discipline, consistency, or effort may have gone into creating it. And if we're not careful, it can keep us stuck focusing on what we don't have instead of learning from people who have created something we admire. One of the ideas we explored is that every achievement leaves clues. Instead of asking, "Why do they have that and I don't?" a more useful question might be, "What did they do to create that?" Whether it's health, finances, relationships, faith, or personal growth, the formula is surprisingly similar. Get clear on what you want, commit to it, and stay consistent long enough to see results. It sounds simple, but most of the things we admire in others are often built quietly through daily actions that nobody sees. At the end of the day, this episode is really about personal responsibility and possibility. We all have moments where comparison creeps in or where it feels easier to become frustrated by someone else's success. But what if instead of being threatened by it, we allowed ourselves to be inspired by it? What if someone else's consistency became proof of what's possible rather than evidence of what's unfair? Because the truth is, you're capable of far more than you probably give yourself credit for. And the life you want is usually built the same way Melissa built 51 weeks of workouts—one choice, one day, and one act of consistency at a time. LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz familybrand.com/retreats.    Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Melissa's big accomplishment: 51 weeks of consistency 02:00 – Why the Sweat app has worked so well 03:30 – The power of tracking progress 04:30 – Why consistency is the great divider 05:30 – Be a lighthouse, not a tugboat 06:30 – How identity is built through repetition 07:00 – Staying active after 40 08:00 – Pickleball with Tanner and the "special rules" 09:00 – The dangerous phrase: "must be nice" 10:30 – What successful people actually do differently 12:00 – Turning jealousy into inspiration 13:00 – The formula for growth in every area of life 14:00 – Who's responsible for how content is received? 15:00 – 100/100 responsibility explained 16:00 – Victim mentality vs. personal ownership 17:00 – Creating change instead of complaining 18:00 – Final encouragement: you're more capable than you think  

Welcome back to the podcast! With summer officially here, we've found ourselves having a lot of conversations about something that many parents seem to be wrestling with right now: how do you raise hardworking, capable, confident kids without accidentally raising entitled ones? We're not coming to this conversation as experts who have it all figured out. In fact, we're right in the middle of it ourselves. As our kids get older, we're constantly asking questions about responsibility, work, money, freedom, and what it looks like to prepare them for adulthood. One thing we've noticed is that almost every parent we talk to is carrying some version of the same concern. Are we teaching our kids enough? Have we given them too much? Are they ready for the real world? Recently we found ourselves in conversations with other parents who were expressing many of the exact same fears. And honestly, it was reassuring. It reminded us that most parents care deeply about raising great kids and are doing the best they can while trying to navigate challenges that previous generations didn't necessarily face in the same way. A big part of this discussion comes back to the relationship between responsibility and opportunity. We've been thinking a lot about what we pay for, what our kids pay for, and how to create clear expectations around things like cars, phones, spending money, and privileges. Not because we want to make life harder for our kids, but because we've seen how powerful it is when people earn something for themselves. There's a confidence that comes from contributing, working, sacrificing, and learning that freedom is often connected to responsibility. The goal isn't to create struggle for the sake of struggle. It's to help our kids discover that they're capable of doing hard things and creating opportunities for themselves. Another idea we've been discussing is the difference between entitlement and empowerment. We recently came across a perspective that challenged us to think differently about how families support the next generation. It raised questions about family businesses, shared resources, multigenerational living, and what intentional support could look like as children become adults. We don't have all the answers, but we do think it's worth asking the question: what kind of future are we intentionally designing for our family instead of simply drifting into? At the end of the day, this episode isn't really about summer jobs, cell phones, curfews, or snacks. It's about intentionality. It's about deciding what values matter most to your family and then creating systems that reinforce those values. Whether your kids are five, fifteen, or twenty-five, one of the greatest gifts we can give them is the opportunity to become capable, confident, and responsible adults. And sometimes that starts by asking a simple question: are we creating conditions that help them rise—or conditions that make growth optional?   LINKS:   All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz familybrand.com/retreats.    Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Summer is here: parenting conversations we're having 02:00 – Are we accidentally raising entitled kids? 03:30 – The parenting dilemma: provide more or require more? 05:00 – Why parents worry as kids become teenagers 06:00 – Encouraging feedback from other adults about our kids 07:30 – Revisiting expectations around money and responsibility 09:00 – Why every family needs a clear philosophy 10:00 – When expectations are low, performance follows 11:00 – A story about earning phones, cars, and spending money 13:00 – Necessity creates action and confidence 14:00 – The hidden cost of over-providing 15:30 – A different perspective on supporting adult children 18:00 – Designing your family's future intentionally 20:00 – Family businesses, family compounds, and family vision 21:30 – Freedom and autonomy must be earned 23:00 – Real-life examples: cars, curfews, and cell phones 25:00 – Teaching kids the connection between effort and freedom 26:00 – Final thoughts on raising future leaders and capable adults  

Welcome back to the podcast! Today's episode is a little different and honestly really special to me. I'm sitting down with my youngest brother, Taylor, for a conversation I've wanted to have for a long time. I'm the oldest of nine kids, Taylor is the youngest, and after my daughter Indy randomly asked me why Taylor had never been on the podcast, I realized this was finally the perfect time to record it. Recently there's been a lot of conversation online around large families, especially after influencer Hannah Neeleman announced the birth of her ninth child. And watching the reactions was fascinating because people seemed split into a few camps: admiration, criticism, and curiosity. Some people thought it looked beautiful. Others questioned whether it was realistic or healthy. And then there were people who were simply fascinated asking, what is it actually like growing up in a family that big? It made me realize—we actually have a pretty unique perspective on that conversation. One of my favorite parts of this episode was reading a paper I wrote as a teenager when my parents announced they were having their ninth baby… Taylor. And to be honest, my initial reaction wasn't exactly excitement. I remember worrying about the comments people made about our family, feeling overwhelmed by the idea of "one more," and wondering how our family could possibly stretch any further. But then I read the ending of the paper, written after Taylor was born, where I admitted something completely different: that our family felt more complete because of him. Reading it back now was hilarious, emotional, and honestly a reminder of how perspective changes over time. Taylor shares what it was actually like growing up as the youngest of nine, and one thing I loved hearing was that what looked "crazy" from the outside just felt normal to him. He talks about how much he loved always having people around, growing up close to nieces and nephews because of our age gaps, and now becoming genuine friends with our siblings as adults. We also talked about how closeness in families doesn't just happen automatically—it comes from prioritizing each other, staying connected, and intentionally creating time together. More than anything, this episode left me feeling deeply grateful. Grateful for siblings, for cousins, for the relationships that continue long after childhood, and especially for my parents. As we talked, I found myself reflecting on how much they gave to create the life we had. And maybe the biggest takeaway from this conversation is this: family life may not always look efficient or easy from the outside, but the relationships built inside of it can become some of the greatest gifts of your entire life. LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz familybrand.com/retreats.    Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Introducing Taylor + why this episode happened 02:00 – Melissa and Taylor's 17-year age gap 04:00 – The online debate around large families 06:00 – Melissa reads the paper she wrote about baby #9 09:00 – "He makes our family complete" 10:00 – What it was like being the youngest of nine 12:00 – Did the older siblings resent babysitting? 13:00 – The lasting effects of having a big family 14:00 – Becoming friends with siblings as adults 15:00 – The "ingredients" that create sibling closeness 17:00 – Melissa's sisters trip to Paris 19:00 – Challenges of growing up in a large family 20:00 – How their mom raised nine kids with one arm 22:00 – "Shoutout to moms everywhere" 23:00 – Final reflections on family, siblings, and gratitude    

Welcome back to the podcast! Today's conversation is one I've been looking forward to for a long time. I'm sitting down with bestselling author Bruce Feiler to talk about families, transitions, rituals, and the stories that shape us. I first came across Bruce's work years ago through his article The Stories That Bind Us, and it completely changed the way I thought about family culture and the role our stories play in our kids' lives. One of the things Bruce shares in this conversation is that strong families aren't strong because they avoid hardship—they're strong because they know how to navigate it together. He talks about research showing that children who know more about their family history tend to have greater resilience and emotional well-being. Not because they think their family is perfect, but because they understand that every family goes through challenges, setbacks, loss, growth, and reinvention. I loved this reminder that one of the best things we can do for our kids is tell the truth about our stories in age-appropriate ways. Not hiding the hard parts, but helping them see that difficult seasons are part of life—and that people can make it through them. We also spent a lot of time talking about rituals, which is the focus of Bruce's new book, A Time to Gather. Before this conversation, I think I mostly associated rituals with formal traditions or religious ceremonies. But Bruce reframed it in such a practical and meaningful way. He describes rituals as shared acts that help people feel connected and grounded during moments of change. And honestly, the more we talked, the more I realized how much families need this right now. In a world that moves fast and constantly pulls us in different directions, rituals create space to pause, gather, reflect, and reconnect. One of my favorite moments in the episode was when Bruce helped me think through creating a meaningful graduation ritual for my oldest son. As we talked about him preparing to leave home, I found myself emotional realizing that this season really is the end of a chapter for our family. And instead of just letting that moment pass by, Bruce showed how intentional gatherings and small symbolic acts can help families honor transitions in a way that feels memorable and grounding. This conversation reminded me that families don't need to do everything perfectly to create meaningful connection. Sometimes the most powerful things are also the simplest: gathering around a table, telling stories, asking good questions, celebrating milestones, or creating intentional moments during seasons of change. More than anything, this episode feels like an invitation to slow down and create space for togetherness—because those moments are often the ones our families remember most. LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz familybrand.com/retreats.  Links For This Episode: Bruce's substack is at this link: https://brucefeiler.substack.com/ Most recent post about his upcoming book release and some other exciting announcements: https://brucefeiler.substack.com/p/its-time-to-gather-watch-me-on-cnn A pre-order link for the book: https://greenlightbookstore.com/book/9780593656433   Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Introducing Bruce Feiler and his work 02:00 – Bruce's journey from travel writer to family expert 04:00 – Why Bruce started studying families 06:00 – The modern challenges families face today 07:30 – Why parenting advice feels overwhelming 11:00 – The Stories That Bind Us explained 14:00 – Why family stories build resilient kids 16:00 – The "oscillating family narrative" 18:00 – Why kids need to hear about family struggles 19:00 – The importance of extended family and community 22:00 – Family mission statements and values 24:00 – Bruce shares his family mission statement 26:00 – How family values shape everyday decisions 28:00 – Introducing Bruce's new book: A Time to Gather 30:00 – What rituals actually are (and aren't) 32:00 – Why rituals are disappearing in modern culture 33:30 – The rise of reinvented family rituals 36:00 – How rituals help with loneliness and transition 38:00 – Bruce shares a story about grief and gathering 41:00 – Melissa workshops a graduation ritual for her son 48:00 – Why rituals don't need permission or perfection 50:00 – Bruce's three most important pieces of family advice 52:00 – "Family is not the most important thing—it's the only thing"    

Welcome back to the podcast. Today we want to talk about something that we think almost every family can relate to—the pursuit of more. More money, more success, more stability, more opportunities, more experiences. And on the surface, none of those things are bad. But recently, we've both had some conversations and experiences that made us pause and ask a deeper question: what are we really pursuing—and why? For most of our lives, we both felt this constant pull toward "more." And if we're honest, a lot of it came from the belief that the next milestone would finally be the thing that made us feel whole, fulfilled, or enough. Whether it was financial success, recognition, or even just a sense of stability, it felt like if we could just get there, everything would click. But what we've come to realize—and what we've seen in others—is that it often becomes an endless pursuit. You reach one level, and there's always another. And if the pursuit is rooted in comparison or trying to prove something, it can feel surprisingly empty. What's been helpful for us is redefining what "more" actually means. Because more itself isn't the problem. In fact, when you look at the original meaning of the word, it wasn't about accumulation—it was about becoming greater. Growth. Expansion. And that shift has been really powerful. Instead of chasing more things, we've been asking: what would it look like to pursue more purpose, more fulfillment, more impact? And to do that from a place where we already believe we're enough—not from a place of trying to prove it. We've also seen how this shows up in family life. It's not just about what we pursue individually—it's what we create for our kids. It's easy to get caught in the mindset of more activities, more opportunities, more experiences, thinking that's what will create a better life for them. But sometimes it just creates more noise, more pressure, and more overwhelm. And the truth is, with how much access we have today—technology, comparison, constant input—it's easier than ever to fall into that cycle without even realizing it. For us, one of the most grounding questions has been this: what is all of this for? Not in a negative way, but as a way to realign. Are we building something that actually leads to a meaningful life? Are we pursuing more in a way that helps us become better, serve others, and live with purpose? Because at the end of the day, more isn't the enemy—but if we don't define it intentionally, it can quietly take us somewhere we never meant to go. LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz familybrand.com/retreats.  Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Intro + recent trips and conversations 01:30 – The "endless pursuit of more" 03:00 – Why more doesn't always lead to fulfillment 04:30 – Defining "more" in a meaningful way 06:00 – How life has changed over the last 100 years 07:30 – Why we're overwhelmed with options today 09:00 – The original meaning of "more" (growth vs accumulation) 10:30 – A personal story: rebuilding life and chasing more 12:00 – The shift: from building our kingdom to serving something bigger 13:30 – Asking: what is all of this for? 14:30 – Final takeaway: pursue becoming, not just having  

Welcome back to the podcast! Today we're talking about something that we truly believe impacts every area of your life—your confidence. This conversation came from a recent event Chris spoke at, where the theme was connection, and it led to a powerful realization: before you can truly connect with others, you have to have confidence in yourself. For a long time, Chris struggled with confidence in a way that might surprise people who see him today. There was a season where he didn't like himself, constantly compared himself to others, lived in regret and fear, and didn't keep commitments—even to himself. And looking back now, it's obvious why confidence was lacking. It wasn't random. It was the result of patterns, behaviors, and internal narratives that were being repeated daily. One of the biggest shifts came from a simple but uncomfortable decision: taking 100% responsibility for everything in his life. That moment was both humbling and empowering. Because while it meant owning the things that weren't working, it also meant reclaiming the ability to change them. From there, it wasn't about "feeling confident"—it was about becoming someone who could be trusted. Keeping small commitments. Changing the way he spoke to himself. Focusing on serving others instead of being consumed by his own problems. Over time, those behaviors started to build something deeper—an identity. That's really the key idea we want to share with you: confidence isn't a feeling—it's an identity. It's not something you either have or don't have. It's something you practice. And more than anything, it's something you earn. Every time you make a commitment and keep it, you reinforce the belief that you are someone who can be counted on. And that belief compounds over time in a really powerful way. The reason this matters so much is because confidence isn't just for you. It directly impacts your ability to show up, serve others, and make a difference. When you believe in yourself, you're more willing to take risks, speak up, and share your gifts. And as parents, one of the most important things we can remember is this: our kids will learn far more from what they see than what we say. If we want them to be confident, the most powerful thing we can do is model it—by how we show up, how we speak to ourselves, and how we choose to live.   LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz familybrand.com/retreats.   Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Intro + exciting things coming soon 01:30 – Melissa shares the mastermind event experience 03:00 – Confidence before connection: the core idea 04:30 – Chris's personal struggle with confidence 06:00 – Why confidence is not a feeling 07:30 – The exercise: who do you have confidence in? 09:00 – Traits of people we trust and believe in 10:30 – Chris's lowest point and what was happening internally 12:30 – Taking 100% responsibility 14:00 – Becoming reliable and keeping commitments 15:30 – Controlling the internal narrative 17:00 – Serving others vs. focusing on yourself 18:30 – Identity vs. behavior: how confidence is built 20:00 – The "confidence hack": keep commitments to yourself 22:00 – Why confidence is not selfish 24:00 – Confidence allows you to serve more people 26:00 – Signs you are becoming more confident 28:00 – Helping your kids build confidence 29:30 – Model confidence, don't just teach it 31:00 – Family values and identity shaping 32:30 – Final takeaway: be confident and share your gifts    

Welcome back to the podcast. Chris here! Today I'm sitting down with someone who has become not just a client, but a coach and a friend—Ben Brown. And if there's one thing I want you to take from this conversation, it's this: your health isn't just about how you look… it determines how you show up in your life. One of the first things we got into was why health is often the first thing to fall off for parents. And honestly, it makes sense. The moment you have kids, your priorities shift. You want to give everything to your family. But what we talked about is how that can actually become counterproductive. Because if you're not taking care of yourself, you're not showing up as your best for the people who matter most. It's that simple but hard truth: taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's one of the most selfless things you can do. We also talked about something that I think a lot of people need to hear: most of us don't have a time problem—we have a commitment problem. It's really easy to say "I don't have time" or "I'm too busy," but when you actually look at your day, there are always opportunities. Whether it's getting up a little earlier, going for a walk during your kid's practice, or simply being more intentional with how you spend your evenings, there are small decisions available to all of us that can start to shift everything. Ben shared a really practical way to think about this, which I loved—having a "floor" and a "ceiling." Your ceiling is what you'd love to do on your best days. But your floor is what you commit to no matter what. And for a lot of people, that can be as simple as moving your body every day, creating some structure around your eating, and prioritizing your sleep. Those small, consistent actions start to build something much bigger: a new identity. And that's really what this comes down to. More is caught than taught. Your kids are always watching. Your health will either allow you to fully participate in your life—or it will force you to sit on the sidelines. So the question isn't just "Do I want to be healthier?" It's "Who do I want to be for my family?" Because when you start to answer that honestly, the decisions you need to make become a lot more clear.   LINKS:   All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz familybrand.com/retreats.   Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Introducing Ben Brown and his background 01:30 – The biggest health challenge for busy parents 03:00 – Why health is often the first thing to fall off 05:00 – Selflessness vs. taking care of yourself 07:00 – Using family as an excuse (and the truth behind it) 10:00 – Time vs. commitment: what's really holding people back 13:00 – "Show me your calendar, I'll show you your priorities" 16:00 – The power of language and identity 19:00 – Practical swaps: where time is actually being lost 22:00 – Finding movement in everyday life (walking, practices, etc.) 25:00 – The "floor vs. ceiling" framework 27:00 – Where to start if you feel overwhelmed 30:00 – Building identity through small wins 33:00 – Why walking is more powerful than you think 36:00 – Leading by example as a parent 39:00 – Health determines whether you participate or observe 42:00 – Final thoughts + Ben's 30-day reset resource    

Welcome back to the podcast! Today we want to share a little bit about how we're thinking about this upcoming season—heading into the busy summer months—and how we're trying to bring more joy, connection, and intention into our daily family life. Like most families, this time of year can feel really full. Between sports, school events, work, and everything else, it's easy to feel like you're just moving from one thing to the next. And recently, we found ourselves pausing and asking a simple but really important question: Are we actually happy right now? Not just getting everything done—but truly enjoying the life we're building as a family. That question brought us back to an idea we came across a few years ago about identifying your "ingredients" for joy and meaning—the things that, when they're present, consistently help your life feel grounded and connected. And it made us realize that most of the time, we already know what those things are… we just aren't always doing them consistently. Around the same time, Chris had an experience that really captured this. He was driving late at night and ended up following a car that was going slower than he wanted. At first it felt frustrating, but then he realized the driver had special lights that were helping illuminate the road and spot danger ahead. In that moment, the thought came: slow down and follow the light. And it felt like more than just driving—it felt like a message for how we've been living. So we came back to something we've done before as a family: asking, when does our family actually work? Not when everything is perfect, but when life feels smooth, connected, and aligned. And the answers were simple—when we're eating meals together, spending time outside, staying consistent with small routines, and making time for each other. Those are the things that actually bring the most joy into our daily life. As you head into a busy season, this is your invitation to pause and ask the same question: what are the few things that make your family feel connected and happy—and how can you make sure those don't get pushed aside? Because more often than not, it's not about adding more… it's about coming back to what already works. LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz familybrand.com/retreats.    Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – The idea of "ingredients" for joy and meaning 01:00 – Applying this concept to family life 02:00 – How busy this season feels for families 03:00 – The question: "Are we actually happy right now?" 04:15 – Chris's late-night driving story 05:30 – Following the car and realizing the lesson 06:45 – "Slow down and follow the light" 07:45 – Reframing pace and control in life 08:30 – The exercise: "Our family works when…" 09:45 – Examples of what makes a family work 11:00 – Identifying what doesn't work 11:45 – Final takeaway: do more of what already works  

We're really excited to be with you this week because this is something we've been working on for a long time—figuring out how to make this whole idea of creating a family brand as simple, practical, and meaningful as possible. We know what family life feels like. It's busy. It's full. There's always something going on. And because of that, anything we create for families, we're constantly asking ourselves: is this actually useful, or is it just one more thing to add to the list? Most families want to be more intentional. They want to define their values, create a shared vision, and be more aligned—but it often feels overwhelming or unclear where to even start. One thing we've learned over the years is that if something isn't simple, it usually doesn't become meaningful. And so we've taken everything we've taught inside our larger programs and asked: what are the absolute foundations? What are the core pieces every family would benefit from having? What we've landed on is this—when a family has a clear mission, a vision for who they want to become, and a set of values they actually use, everything else starts to align. What we've created is a way for you to do exactly that—in less than an hour. Not something complicated or overwhelming, but something simple and repeatable. A mission statement that's one line. A vision you can actually remember. Values that your kids can say out loud and understand. Because if it's too long or too complex, it doesn't get used. We've seen firsthand how powerful this kind of language can be. In our own family, phrases like "we elevate and inspire" or "we do hard things" have become part of how our kids see themselves. And no, they don't always love repeating it. Sometimes they roll their eyes. But it's in them. And when they're in hard moments, they come back to it. At the end of the day, every family is creating an identity—whether it's intentional or not. The question is: are you shaping it, or is the world shaping it for you? Because when you give your kids simple, consistent language about who they are and what they stand for, you're giving them something they'll carry with them for the rest of their lives.   LINKS: Links For This Episode: https://academy.familybrand.com/checkout/family-brand-foundations   All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz   Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Life updates and why families need simplicity 01:00 – The evolution of Family Brand programs 02:00 – Why simple = meaningful 03:00 – The problem: families want this but don't know how 04:00 – Introducing Family Brand® Foundations 05:00 – Creating mission, vision, and values in under an hour 06:30 – Why most families never finish this process 08:00 – Real-life example: kids on Trek and identity in action 09:30 – "Smiths do hard things" and identity language 11:00 – Why repetition matters (even when kids resist) 12:00 – If you don't shape identity, the world will 13:00 – Why this is one of the most valuable things you can give your kids 14:00 – Final invitation + where to find the program

In this episode of the Family Brand Podcast, Melissa sits down with a very special guest—her nine-year-old daughter, Indie—to do something the Smith family does every single week: a family check-in. Instead of just talking about the concept, they actually walk through a real check-in live on the podcast, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at how these simple conversations help their family stay connected and intentional. The Smith family has a weekly rhythm where they gather for a short family meeting and individual check-ins with each child. The goal isn't to lecture or correct behavior—it's simply to connect. During these conversations, they ask a few consistent questions: What's important to you this week? How can we support you? What goals do you want to set in different areas of your life? By creating space for these conversations regularly, it helps each child feel seen, supported, and understood. In the episode, Indie shares what matters most to her right now—things like riding her horse Stella, skateboarding outside, and planning time with friends. She also sets a few small goals for the week across four areas the family focuses on: spiritual, intellectual, physical, and social. These goals don't have to be complicated. Sometimes they're as simple as working on a church talk, learning more about national parks for homeschool, doing a short workout, or planning a get-together with friends. The point isn't perfection—it's helping kids build awareness and intention around how they spend their time. Melissa also explains that these check-ins often include a small weekly challenge and, of course, something fun like a treat or snack. Over time, the routine has helped their kids open up about what's happening in their lives. Because the conversation happens consistently each week, the kids know they have a safe place to talk about goals, struggles, and ideas they're thinking about. As Indie puts it simply, check-ins help the week feel less chaotic. Instead of just reacting to whatever happens, the family gets a chance to pause, get clear about what matters, and support each other. And sometimes the most important outcome isn't the goals themselves—it's the reminder that everyone in the family has a voice and someone who cares about what's important to them.   LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz familybrand.com/retreats.   Links For This Episode: Family Meeting Playbook: http://familybrand.com/meeting  Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Introducing today's special guest: Indie 01:05 – Meet Indie: homeschool, horses, and being the youngest 02:10 – How this podcast episode came together 02:45 – What family check-ins are and why the Smith family does them 03:40 – Where to download the Family Brand meeting guide 04:10 – Creating a relaxed environment for check-ins (beds, snacks, candy) 06:20 – Question #1: What's important to you this week? 07:10 – Writing down what matters and tracking it as parents 07:45 – Question #2: How can we support you this week? 08:35 – Setting weekly goals in four areas of life 08:50 – Spiritual goal example (church talk) 09:20 – Intellectual goal example (learning about national parks) 09:55 – Physical goal example (workouts and staying active) 11:05 – Social goal example (spending time with friends) 11:50 – The weekly challenge and why it matters 13:10 – Examples of past challenges with kids 14:15 – More examples of goals kids can set 16:10 – Why check-ins bring clarity to the week 17:10 – Following through on what kids say is important 18:20 – Using check-ins to support kids' goals 19:00 – Indie's biggest advice: always include a treat 19:40 – Why consistency makes check-ins easier over time 20:20 – Kids opening up about bigger challenges 21:10 – Funny examples from older siblings' check-ins 22:00 – Final encouragement to try check-ins with your family  

What separates high performers from everyone else? It's not talent. It's not intelligence. It's not even experience. It's consistency. In this episode, Chris and Melissa unpack why consistency might be the single greatest differentiator in business, parenting, marriage, health — and life. Chris shares something he teaches in sales leadership: the highest performers are consistently coachable, consistently curious, and consistently willing to refine their craft. Ironically, it's often lower performers who assume they've "already figured it out." The best stay students. That conversation led to a bigger family reflection. For 2026, the Smith family chose a single word to guide their year: Consistent. Not because they were failing — but because they recognized that almost every area of growth depends on sustained effort. Health goals. Marriage habits. Business development. Family routines. Spiritual practices. None of them collapse because of lack of knowledge. They collapse because of inconsistency. Chris shares a powerful quote their son Tanner selected: "Success isn't owned, it's rented — and the rent is due every day." That line captures the heart of this episode. Everyone can be disciplined for a week. Most can push for a month. Few can sustain effort once excitement fades. They explore some of the biggest threats to consistency: Busyness Boredom Short-term motivation Missing once and quitting altogether One powerful reframe that surfaces: Motivation is unreliable. Vision is sustaining. When you attach your habit to a bigger identity — to the kind of parent, partner, leader, or human you want to become — consistency stops being about willpower and starts being about alignment. Chris shares how coaching basketball didn't stay alive because it was exciting every day. It stayed alive because the vision expanded. It became about mentorship, leadership, and impact — not just a sport. The takeaway is simple but demanding: Anything worthwhile requires showing up after the novelty fades. And the moment you stop expecting it to feel exciting all the time is the moment you actually grow. The real question they leave listeners with: What in your life deserves long-term consistency — even if it isn't always thrilling? Because the difference between who you are and who you want to become may simply be how long you're willing to stay consistent. LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz familybrand.com/retreats.   Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Pepper makes a guest appearance! (Our fam dog) 01:00 – The three traits of high performers: coachable, curious, consistent 02:30 – The myth of "experience" without growth 03:30 – Why curiosity matters 04:30 – Introducing the 2026 family word: Consistent 05:30 – How the Smith family chooses a word of the year 07:00 – Scripture and quote for 2026 08:00 – The great divider: consistency 09:30 – "We were doing so good at…" 10:30 – What derails consistency: busyness and boredom 12:30 – The 90-day drop-off pattern 14:30 – Where does motivation come from? 16:00 – Obsession and high performance 17:30 – Vision sustains consistency 19:00 – Anything worthwhile requires grit 20:00 – Practical takeaway: what needs consistency in your life?

This episode was sparked by one of Chris and Melissa's classic "walk conversations" — the kind where something clicks, and you realize it needs to be shared…  They begin with a powerful testimonial from a Family Brand family who realized they were spending more time talking about what they don't like in the world — politics, division, noise — than they were talking about their own values. And that insight led to a bigger question: Where are we allowing our attention to go? Because wherever your attention goes, your energy follows. Chris shares how easy it is to get pulled into news cycles, controversial figures, political opinions, and cultural outrage — sometimes without even realizing it. And while many of those conversations feel urgent, he began asking himself a better question: What is this attention taking me away from? When he thinks about his wife, his five kids, his team, the players he coaches, and the people in his real, immediate life — he realizes that his influence is strongest right there. And every ounce of attention spent elsewhere is attention not available for those relationships. Melissa adds another layer: Sometimes it feels like we're being pressured — even bullied — into having opinions about everything. Social media makes it easy to take a stance instantly. But do we actually have to?  You don't owe the world an opinion on every issue. You don't have to be dragged into every debate. And you definitely don't have to sacrifice your peace or your family's focus in the process.  They also clarify: This isn't about sticking your head in the sand. It's not about ignoring real issues or not standing for something meaningful. It's about being intentional. If you care about a cause, choose it on purpose. If you want to serve your community, do it intentionally. If you want to shape the world, start by loving your family well. Because the most meaningful influence often begins at home.  This episode is ultimately an invitation to do a personal audit: Where am I giving my attention? Is that aligned with who I want to be? Is the energy tradeoff worth it? What deserves more of my focus? When you protect your attention, you protect your energy. And when you protect your energy, you protect your family.   LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz familybrand.com/retreats.    Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – The walk that inspired today's episode 01:00 – The Nickerson family quote and cultural noise 02:30 – Where attention goes, energy flows 04:00 – The hidden cost of divided attention 05:30 – Do I actually care about this issue? 06:30 – Chris's example: where his energy truly belongs 08:30 – "If you want to change the world, go home and love your family." 09:30 – Being intentional about the causes you support 10:30 – Feeling pressured to take a stance 12:00 – You don't owe anyone an opinion 13:30 – Choosing principles over politics 15:00 – Protecting your attention 16:00 – Practical audit: where is my attention going? 17:00 – Final takeaway and weekly challenge

This episode started the way some of our best conversations do — on a walk. Chris and Melissa talk about why the idea of "balance" often leaves families frustrated, exhausted, and feeling like they're failing. Instead, they introduce a different lens that has brought them far more peace over the years: seasons of life. Every season affords certain opportunities. Every season also has real limitations. And neither are permanent. Chris shares a conversation he had with someone wrestling with a big opportunity — one that looked great on paper, but didn't quite align with the season of life he and his family were in. That's when the idea of seasonality clicked. Not as an excuse, but as a filter. They walk through real-life examples — newly married seasons, seasons with little kids, seasons when kids are more independent, seasons packed with sports schedules, and even micro-seasons like coaching a basketball team or building a business. Each season requires different energy, different priorities, and different definitions of success. Melissa reflects on how much pressure we put on ourselves to "do it all" at once — careers, health, friendships, travel, parenting — without acknowledging that something always has to give. The freedom comes when you choose what gives on purpose, rather than resenting it later. They also talk about how comparison makes this even harder. Seeing other families travel, rest, hustle, or expand can make you question your own choices — unless you remember that you're not in the same season. Chris shares one of the most grounding decisions he's made for himself: If I choose it, I surrender my right to complain about it. Whether it's coaching basketball, committing to a business season, or choosing rest — owning your choice removes resentment and allows you to fully show up where you are. This episode is an invitation to pause and ask better questions: What season am I in right now? What does this season afford me? What am I choosing to prioritize here? And can I trust that the seasons will change? Because no season lasts forever. And no matter where you are right now, the belief that the best is yet to come is always available. LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz familybrand.com/retreats.  Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Why this conversation started on a walk 01:00 – The power of walks for connection 02:00 – Clarity, commitment, and consistency 03:00 – Why Chris doesn't believe in "balance" 04:00 – Introducing seasons of life 05:00 – What newlywed seasons afford 06:00 – Seasons with little kids 07:00 – When kids get older and independence grows 08:00 – Sports schedules and real-life limitations 09:00 – Evaluating opportunities through seasonality 10:00 – Equity, work, and family alignment 11:00 – Embracing a season instead of resenting it 12:00 – Choosing what gives (and why that matters) 13:00 – Health goals and shifting seasons 14:00 – Comparison and the pressure to do it all 15:00 – Behind the highlight reel 16:00 – Why seasons always change 17:00 – Micro-seasons (like coaching basketball) 18:00 – Choosing presence over forcing hobbies 19:00 – "If I choose it, I surrender my right to complain"  20:00 – Releasing resentment 21:00 – Final encouragement: the best is yet to come  

Couple's Playbook: Getting on the Same Page for the Year Ahead It's easy to start a new year with good intentions — and just as easy to lose them once life speeds back up. In this episode, Chris and Melissa talk about why so many couples want to be intentional but struggle to actually do it together. The issue isn't desire. It's structure. Most couples don't need more motivation — they need a simple playbook that creates the right conversations. They kick things off with a lighthearted look at Chris fully embracing his cowboy era (yes, cowboy hats and horses included), which naturally leads into a bigger theme of the episode: when you don't slow down to get aligned, life starts making decisions for you. Melissa shares how their family has built meaningful year-end and new-year rhythms — from vision boards to reflection questions — and why those traditions work so well, even with kids. Chris explains how reflection and planning became a cornerstone not just in their family, but in their business as well, helping them shape focus, priorities, and direction for the year ahead. The heart of the conversation centers on the Couple's Planning Playbook Melissa created — a simple, guided experience designed to help couples reflect individually, then come together on the things that matter most. They share what it looked like to take the playbook on a date night, fill it out separately, and then talk through it over dinner — including the moment their waitress asked where she could buy it. They also dig into why individual clarity is just as important as shared goals. From health and fitness to parenting and schedules, many goals quietly require two people to succeed — whether we acknowledge that or not. Without alignment, support turns into frustration and good intentions turn into resentment. One of the most meaningful parts of their experience came from walking through questions about each child individually — stepping back from the rush of daily life to really see where each kid is thriving, struggling, or needing extra support. Chris explains how alignment around parenting doesn't happen by accident; it happens through regular, intentional conversations. They wrap up with a hilarious (and very real) story about nearly being manipulated into getting a third dog — a perfect metaphor for what happens when couples don't pause long enough to compare notes. When you don't get on the same page intentionally, decisions get made for you. This episode is an invitation to stop chasing your tail and start leading your family with clarity, unity, and purpose — one simple conversation at a time. P.S.  Get your couples playbook here: https://familybrand.com/playbook   LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz familybrand.com/retreats.  Links For This Episode: Get your couples playbook here: https://familybrand.com/playbook Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Happy New Year and Cowboy Chris makes an appearance 01:00 – Chris's goals, cowboy hats, and qualifying for Vegas 02:30 – Vision boards, manifestation, and setting intentions 04:00 – Family year-end reflection traditions 05:15 – Why reflection without structure feels overwhelming 06:45 – Using the same process for business and family 07:45 – Why couples need an actual playbook 08:45 – Taking the Couple's Playbook on a date night 10:00 – Filling it out individually, then talking it through 11:00 – Why individual clarity matters inside marriage 12:15 – Supporting each other's health and personal goals 13:30 – One powerful question about each child 15:00 – Alignment in parenting doesn't happen accidentally 16:30 – The almost-got-a-third-dog story 18:15 – Why couples need "forcing functions" to align 19:15 – Final encouragement: stop letting life run your marriage    

Couple's Playbook for 2026: Setting the Frequency for Your Year It's that time of year when the Smith family pauses, reflects, and intentionally sets the tone for the year ahead. In this episode, Chris and Melissa walk through exactly how they approach vision boards, words (or frequencies) for the year, and why doing this work up front creates so much more ease as the year unfolds. While they share what this looks like in their own family, their hope is that it gives you practical inspiration you can adapt for yours — no matter what time of year you're listening. They talk about why your "word for the year" is more than just a cute idea — it's a frequency you choose to live at. A lens that shapes what you notice, what you prioritize, and how you show up when life gets busy or hard. Chris explains how reflecting on the past year, looking ahead, and then choosing a word that truly embodies who you want to be can completely change how a year unfolds. Melissa shares a powerful exercise they did with their kids — a timed writing prompt asking "What do I want in 2026?" — and how repeating it helped everyone move past surface-level answers into more imaginative, honest desires. They also explain how they invite their kids into the process by asking what the family could use most this year, then choosing a shared family frequency together. You'll hear Melissa unpack her word for the year — Gather — and how, once she leaned into it, the meaning expanded far beyond what she initially expected. From gathering people, to gathering at church, to gathering growth through using her voice, she shares how the word already seems to be "finding her." Chris shares his word for the year — Partner — and why he's choosing to live more fully as a committed partner in every area of life: with God, with Melissa, with their kids, with their team, and with the people they serve. They talk honestly about how words create identity, how telling people your word builds accountability, and why allowing others to support your focus is one of the hidden gifts of this practice. They also address the real-life parenting side of this process — what to do when kids resist, how to balance support with challenge, and why it's okay if your child's vision board is one picture taped to a page. The goal isn't perfection — it's participation. The episode closes with powerful stories of vision boards turning into reality, sometimes immediately, sometimes years later — and a reminder that choosing a word, a frequency, or a focus plants a seed of possibility. One that has a way of growing when you give it attention.   LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz familybrand.com/retreats.  Links For This Episode: http://familybrand.com/playbook Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Why this is the Smith family's favorite time of year 01:00 – Reflecting on the year and setting the tone for 2026 02:00 – Why Chris thinks of words as "frequencies" 03:00 – Choosing your frequency by reflecting on the past and future 04:00 – Melissa's writing exercise: "What do I want in 2026?" 05:00 – How repeating the exercise unlocked deeper clarity 06:00 – Inviting kids into choosing a family word 07:00 – Melissa reveals her word for the year: Gather 08:00 – Unpacking what "Gather" really means 09:00 – How sharing your word invites support and alignment 10:00 – The shower hack: writing your word every day 11:00 – Creating cues so your word doesn't get forgotten 12:00 – Vision boards as visible reminders 13:00 – Using word definitions and etymology for deeper meaning 14:00 – Chris shares his word for the year: Partner 15:00 – What it means to live as a committed partner 16:00 – Telling people your word to create accountability 17:00 – When kids resist the process (and how to handle it) 18:00 – Support vs. challenge in parenting 19:00 – Why imperfect vision boards still matter 20:00 – Stories of vision boards becoming reality 22:00 – Immediate results vs. long-term seeds 23:00 – Final encouragement: choose your frequency and plant the seed    

The Power of Boredom: Learning to Live in the Present In this solo episode, Chris shares a personal experiment that quietly changed the way he experiences life. It started with a conversation around a Harvard study shared by Arthur Brooks — research suggesting that one of the biggest challenges we face today is that we never experience boredom. Every spare second is filled. Every pause is interrupted. And in the process, we're losing something deeply important: the space to think, reflect, and be present. While celebrating his 20-year anniversary with Melissa in Spain, Chris decided to test that idea. He completely removed social media from his phone — not with a timeline or rules, but simply as an experiment in presence. What followed surprised him. He read more. He prayed more. He thought more deeply. And slowly, the urge to constantly reach for distraction faded. Chris reflects on how rare it has become to simply be — even for ten seconds at a stoplight — and how reclaiming boredom opened the door to clarity, peace, and freedom. He also revisits one of the most meaningful practices from a book that has shaped his life, The Way of Mastery: ending each day by blessing and releasing it. "I bless and release this day. It has been perfect, and it is finished." That simple practice helped him recognize how often his mind lived in guilt about the past or worry about the future — and how little time he actually spent in the one place where life truly happens: the present moment. This episode isn't about quitting social media or adopting someone else's routine. It's an invitation to run your own experiment. To notice where distraction is stealing your attention. And to create a small, intentional practice that helps you come home to yourself, your family, and your life. As Chris shares, the goal isn't perfection — it's presence. And maybe, just maybe, boredom isn't something to avoid… but something we desperately need more of. LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz familybrand.com/retreats.    Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Why Chris wanted to record a short solo episode 01:00 – The study on boredom and constant distraction 02:00 – Why we never let our minds be still 03:00 – The Spain trip and removing social media 04:15 – What changed when the noise stopped 05:30 – Why this isn't really about phones 06:30 – Living in the past and future instead of the present 07:30 – The daily practice of blessing and releasing the day 08:45 – Why presence is where peace actually lives 09:45 – A simple experiment you can try 10:30 – Final encouragement: let boredom work for you    

You Are Firemen: Built to Lead, Built to Last This week's episode is part reflection, part celebration, and part reminder. Chris and Melissa sit down to talk about two big milestones: the recent Family Brand Blitz and the five-year anniversary of The Family Brand Podcast. And instead of just sharing highlights, they unpack the deeper lessons that emerged — about consistency, leadership, and why families are far more capable than they often realize. They reflect on the power of bringing couples together in person at the Blitz, how every family — no matter the stage — is carrying something hard, and why the work of building a strong family culture is always worth doing. They also share a big realization that came out of the event: families don't need more content or bigger programs — they need simpler, more focused tools that actually fit real life. Chris and Melissa talk honestly about the tension between doing more and doing better, and why growth often looks like subtraction instead of addition. As the new year approaches, they invite listeners to consider what needs to be simplified, not added. They also reflect on the hardest part of any meaningful work: consistency. Excitement comes easily. Staying the course when motivation fades does not. Melissa shares what it's taken to show up week after week for five years — even on the weeks she didn't feel inspired — and how consistency is what ultimately allows you to "earn the right" to lead, teach, and have a voice. The episode closes with one of the most powerful metaphors they've ever shared: you are firemen. Challenges don't mean you're failing — they mean you're exactly where you're supposed to be. You were built for the heat. You were sent your kids for a reason. And together, as a family, you are capable of far more than you think. This episode is both grounding and empowering — a reminder that leadership starts at home, consistency builds confidence, and strong families aren't perfect… they're intentional. LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz familybrand.com/retreats.   Links For This Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sq2figwIX9s&feature=youtu.be  Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Holiday check-in and why this episode matters 01:00 – Introducing the Family Brand Blitz 02:00 – Why the right couples showed up 03:00 – Celebrating five years of The Family Brand Podcast 04:00 – Chris acknowledges Melissa's consistency 05:00 – "Earning the right" to have a voice 06:00 – Lessons learned from the Blitz 07:00 – Every family struggles — and that's okay 08:00 – Why families don't need bigger programs 09:30 – Simplifying instead of doing more 11:00 – Addition by subtraction in family life 12:00 – Start, stop, continue: a powerful planning exercise 13:00 – Why this season of life feels overwhelming 14:00 – Consistency vs. motivation 15:00 – What happens when the excitement wears off 16:00 – Discipline, confidence, and earning the right 17:00 – The fireman analogy: facing adversity with identity 18:00 – Why challenges mean you're exactly where you belong

The Family Brand New Year's Kickoff: A Tradition That Builds Culture Every year, right after Christmas — during those quiet, in-between days when no one quite knows what day it is — our family slows down and does something that has become one of our most meaningful traditions. We reflect. We celebrate. And we intentionally step into the new year together. In this solo episode, Melissa walks you through the Family Brand New Year's Kickoff, a simple, free activity that hundreds of families download every year — and come back to again and again. This year's version has been fully updated, and families continue to share how impactful it's been, from sparking meaningful conversations to even becoming the moment they announced a new baby to their kids. Melissa explains why reflection matters just as much as goal-setting, and how looking back before looking forward helps families build clarity, gratitude, and momentum. She shares how to use the reflection questions with kids of all ages (even toddlers), how to keep the process light and pressure-free, and why there's no "right" way to do this — just a way that works for your family. She also breaks down two of the most loved parts of the kickoff: Choosing a family word (or phrase) for the year — a shared language that shapes how your family shows up The annual Family Award Ceremony — a powerful moment where each child (and spouse!) is recognized not for achievements, but for who they are and how they showed up Melissa shares a deeply touching story about a family friend whose son, now leaving on a two-year mission, named this New Year's award ceremony as one of his favorite family memories — a reminder that these small traditions often leave the biggest impact. Finally, she walks through how they create vision boards as a family, why perfection isn't the goal, and shares a beautiful personal story about a vision board image that unexpectedly showed up for her on a bridge in Spain — a moment that felt like a quiet wink from God. This episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and start the year with intention — not pressure. You don't need a perfect plan. You just need a moment to pause and ask: Who do we want to be this year, together? LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz familybrand.com/retreats.  Links For This Episode: https://familybrand.com/kickoff Episode Minute By Minute: 01:20 – Introducing the Family Brand New Year's Kickoff 02:30 – Why reflection is often skipped (and why it matters) 03:30 – How the reflection questions work 04:30 – Keeping it light and pressure-free for kids 05:30 – Adapting the activity for younger children 06:30 – Using everyday moments (car rides, walks) for reflection 07:30 – Choosing a family word or phrase for the year 08:45 – Shared language and building family culture 10:00 – The Family Award Ceremony explained 11:15 – Why awards are about who they are, not what they did 12:15 – A powerful story about a son leaving on a mission 13:30 – Vision boards: why they matter 14:45 – How to make vision boards simple and fun 16:00 – Encouraging kids without forcing perfection 17:00 – Melissa's vision board story from Spain 19:30 – Feeling seen, aligned, and intentional 20:45 – Don't forget to honor your spouse 21:45 – Where to download the kickoff + how to share 22:45 – Final encouragement for the new year

As we head into a new year, Chris and Melissa wanted to revisit a conversation that has quietly shaped their family more than almost anything else: the power of language. This idea — that language creates — was one of the very first topics ever discussed on The Family Brand Podcast, and it's still one of the most talked-about episodes to this day. Because once you see it, you can't unsee it. In this episode, Chris explains why language is never neutral. The words we use are either rooted in possibility or anchored in limitation — and over time, they shape our beliefs, our behaviors, our marriages, our kids, and even what we believe is possible for our lives. Melissa shares real-life moments where she's seen language create identity — including a powerful story about how a single sentence labeled one of their children as "shy," and how quickly that label became part of his self-story. Together, they unpack how easily we talk ourselves out of what we want by using phrases like "I should," "I need to," or "that could never work." They also explore how we often spend far more energy talking about what we don't want, don't like, don't have, or what isn't working — and how simply shifting our language can begin to change how life occurs for us. From an Uber conversation about health, to a heartbreaking post about a mother who hadn't seen her daughter in 14 years, this episode brings the concept of language into everyday life. This isn't about toxic positivity or pretending things are perfect. It's about awareness. It's about noticing the words you use — with yourself, with your spouse, and with your kids — and asking whether they're creating freedom or reinforcing fear. As Chris says, "If you upgrade your language, you upgrade your life." And as a family, that's a powerful place to start.   LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz familybrand.com/retreats.  Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Holiday season, basketball season, and family life right now 01:45 – Why this conversation matters heading into a new year 02:30 – Revisiting one of the most impactful Family Brand episodes ever 03:10 – "Language creates" — what that actually means 04:10 – Words create either possibility or limitation 05:10 – How language shapes the culture of your home 06:00 – The Uber story: "I should go to the gym" 07:40 – Anchored in limitation vs. rooted in possibility 08:40 – Why guilt and shame don't create change 10:10 – The four language traps: don't want, don't have, don't like, isn't working 11:30 – Shifting energy toward what does work 13:10 – A heartbreaking story about language and impossibility 15:00 – Declaring what you want — then ripping the seed out 16:30 – Why staying limited feels safer than change 18:20 – Language creates identity (the "shy" story) 20:00 – How parents unintentionally label their kids 21:45 – Upgrading language without guilt or pressure 23:10 – Social media, negativity, and reinforcing limitation 24:30 – A simple experiment: change your language for one week 25:45 – Helping your kids shift language without correcting them 26:45 – Final takeaway: talk about what works 27:20 – Family Brand Quiz + free PDF invitation  

Chief Reminding Officer: The Power of Repetition in Your Family If you've ever felt like a broken record as a parent — constantly reminding your kids (or yourself) of the same things over and over — this episode will make you feel a whole lot better. This week, Chris and Melissa talk about something they've been feeling in both their home and business lately: that quiet drift that happens when you stop doing the simple things that actually work. The routines that keep your house running. The systems that make your marriage stronger. The habits that help your family thrive. And the truth they came back to? Most families don't need a brand-new plan… they just need to remember the one they already have. Chris shares a conversation that pushed him to revisit Excellence Wins by Horst Schulze, the cofounder of the Ritz-Carlton. One line jumped off the page: "Great leaders are really just Chief Reminding Officers." At the Ritz, they review the same guiding principles every 21 days — not because people don't know them, but because repetition is what keeps a culture alive. As Chris and Melissa talk through examples from their own home, you'll hear how easy it is to slip into "sloppy" seasons — dishes piling up, routines disappearing, date nights pushed aside. Not because something is wrong… but because we forget what works. Melissa shares why repetition used to feel boring to her — and how she learned to see it as one of the most loving, grounding things you can do for your family. When you remind your kids who they are, remind your spouse what your marriage is about, or remind yourself what your family values… you're strengthening your culture every single time. This episode will make you feel encouraged, not overwhelmed. You'll walk away remembering that you don't need to reinvent your life — you probably already have the tools, rhythms, and values that work. You just need to return to them, repeat them, and keep reminding the people you love most. LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz familybrand.com/retreats.  Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Recap: Family Brand Blitz and 20th anniversary reflections 01:30 – Introducing today's topic: becoming the Chief Reminding Officer 02:00 – Why repetition and reinforcement are underrated leadership traits 03:00 – The "authentic conversation" that sparked this episode 04:00 – Lessons from Excellence Wins and the Ritz Carlton's 21 rules 05:30 – "Ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen" — defining culture 06:30 – Why repetition sustains identity better than constant reinvention 08:00 – Applying business lessons to family life 09:00 – How Family Brand uses corporate exercises to shape home culture 10:00 – Responding to the "we need something new" mindset 11:30 – The real fix for "sloppiness" in teams and families 12:30 – Why date nights and routines matter more than new ideas 13:30 – How small sacrifices lead to peace and structure 14:30 – The "Family Works When…" and "Marriage Works When…" exercise 15:30 – Writing down what makes your family thrive 16:30 – Reinforcing vs. reinventing: the real job of leadership 17:00 – Melissa's insight: learning to love the act of reminding 18:00 – Final takeaway: stop fighting repetition — embrace it as the path to peace

Have you ever caught yourself saying "no" to your kids' adventures out of pure instinct — only to wonder later if maybe the risk was worth it? In this episode, Chris and Melissa talk about how they're learning to raise kids who are more confident, capable, and adventurous by saying yes a little more often. The idea started after Melissa read The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt — a powerful book that explores how modern parenting and constant digital connection have created more anxious, less independent kids. Together, they reflect on how the shift from outdoor play to screens has changed childhood, and what parents can do to reclaim freedom and resilience for their kids. They share personal stories from their own family — like letting their teenage son navigate New York City solo, their kids exploring Paris and Croatia by themselves, and their 10-year-old's first bike ride to school (which included a coyote sighting and a dog chase). Each story carries the same theme: that a little bit of risk, independence, and real-world adventure is not just okay — it's essential. Chris and Melissa also discuss how media consumption has shaped our fears, why the world may not actually be more dangerous than it used to be, and how giving kids appropriate autonomy builds courage and confidence. They tackle the smartphone dilemma too — why they're rethinking when their kids get phones, and what it means to trade "connection" for constant anxiety. This episode will inspire you to loosen the reins just a bit, trust your kids more, and rediscover the joy of letting them learn through life — not just lectures. As Chris puts it, "Adventure builds confidence. Confidence builds courage. And courage builds character."   LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz familybrand.com/retreats.  Links For This Episode: https://www.anxiousgeneration.com Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – The inspiration behind today's topic: The Anxious Generation 01:00 – Introducing the Family Brand Croatia Cruise (June 20–27!) 03:00 – Letting their 17-year-old explore New York City alone 05:00 – How independence builds confidence and perspective 06:00 – Kids navigating Paris, Croatia, and new cities on their own 08:00 – The 10-year-old's first solo bike ride (and wild encounters) 10:00 – How small risks create big growth and resilience 11:00 – Is the world really more dangerous than it used to be? 12:00 – The role media plays in fueling parental anxiety 13:00 – What The Anxious Generation teaches about freedom vs. fear 15:00 – Revisiting your family's smartphone rules 16:00 – Chris's powerful analogy: "Would you pay for your child's destruction?" 17:00 – The Harvard study on boredom and why it's good for kids 18:00 – Rediscovering stillness and creative thought 19:00 – Building community around shared parenting values 20:00 – Changing the narrative: why "different" is good 21:00 – Rewriting your family's agreements — it's never too late 22:00 – Holiday reflections: gifts that inspire adventure, not anxiety

Making Jesus Famous One Song at a Time with Angie Killian This week, Melissa sits down with award-winning songwriter and composer Angie Killian, whose music has touched millions of hearts around the world. Angie's songs — like her viral hit "My Own Sacred Grove" — have been streamed over 30 million times and translated into dozens of languages, inspiring faith, joy, and connection in homes everywhere. But Angie's story didn't start with fame or recognition. It began in the quiet moments of motherhood — rocking a newborn in the middle of the night, wrestling with exhaustion and postpartum depression, and hearing a simple melody that became her lifeline. That small spark of light led Angie to write songs for her children about Jesus, love, and hope — songs that would eventually bless families all over the world. Melissa and Angie dive deep into the power of music — especially for children. Angie shares how melodies and lyrics can plant truth deep in a child's heart and why music is one of the most powerful tools parents can use to teach faith. She offers practical ideas for families who want to bring more music into their homes — from listening in the car to singing together at bedtime or joining a local children's choir. They also explore what it looks like to balance motherhood and creative callings. Angie opens up about the guilt she once felt spending time on her music instead of chores or endless to-do lists — and how she came to realize that pursuing her God-given gifts made her a more joyful, grounded mom. From writing songs during nap times to her new preschool project Tiny Disciple Songs, Angie's story is a powerful reminder that light often breaks through in unexpected places — and that creativity, faith, and motherhood can coexist beautifully.   LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz familybrand.com/retreats.    Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Introduction: Melissa shares how she discovered Angie's music 02:00 – The piano over countertops story: a mom's early sacrifice for music 04:00 – How a sleepless night sparked Angie's songwriting journey 06:00 – Writing songs for her children through postpartum depression 08:00 – Learning the craft of songwriting and sharing vulnerable work 10:00 – How music shaped her family life — and how her kids now sing with her  13:00 – The joy of raising musical children and creating together 14:30 – Why children's songs hold unique power for faith and memory 16:00 – Practical ways to use music as a spiritual teaching tool in your home 18:00 – Finding balance between sports, choir, and faith-based activities 20:00 – The rise of Christian music in the mainstream (and why it matters) 23:00 – CCM vs. Worship: understanding modern Christian music 24:00 – Angie's favorite songs and how "I Am Thankful" came to life 25:00 – "Making Jesus Famous" — her mission behind the music 27:00 – The miracle behind My Own Sacred Grove and trusting God's timing 30:00 – Navigating creativity, family, and guilt as a mom 32:00 – Why pursuing your calling makes you a better parent 33:00 – What's next: Holy Road, Wonderfully Made, and Tiny Disciple Songs 35:00 – Final thoughts and Melissa's reflections on using music to teach faith    

Living with Intention: The Daily Habits That Build a Life You Love This week, Melissa continues the conversation from Episode 239 — The #1 Thing Standing Between You and the Life You Want — where she shared the importance of getting clear on what you want. Now, in Part Two, she goes deeper into what to do once you've found that clarity, and how to live with intention even in the middle of life's stress, chaos, and constant demands. Click here to listen to part one on Apple!  Click here to listen and read on our website! In this episode, Melissa shares insights from a workshop she recently gave to women at her church about living intentionally and managing the mental load that comes with modern life. She explains what "intentional living" really means — making choices based on your values and goals instead of defaulting to busyness or comparison — and walks through a practical exercise you can do right now: asking yourself, What do I really want? She guides listeners through a journaling activity that reveals recurring themes, hidden desires, and areas where you might need more clarity. Then, she moves into the second half of the conversation — managing stress in real life. From a day spent painting with her kids that turned chaotic to simple strategies for lowering stress hormones like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, Melissa shows that living intentionally doesn't mean living perfectly — it means noticing what's working and making small, conscious adjustments. She also highlights one of the most underused yet powerful tools for reducing anxiety and increasing self-awareness: journaling. Melissa shares research showing its benefits and how writing down what's in your head — no matter how messy — can be both healing and clarifying. This episode is a gentle, encouraging reminder that you don't have to overhaul your life to live more intentionally. Sometimes it's as simple as pausing, reflecting, and asking: What's one thing I can do today to move closer to the life I truly want?   LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz familybrand.com/retreats.  Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Welcome to Part Two of the Living with Intention series 01:00 – Why this episode stands alone but connects to clarity (Part One) 02:00 – What intentional living actually means — and what it doesn't 03:30 – Knowing what you want and living in alignment with it 05:00 – Why this question — "What do I want?" — keeps showing up 06:30 – The writing exercise: ask yourself the question seven times 08:00 – Identifying patterns and themes in your answers 09:00 – How clarity leads to alignment and purpose 10:00 – Transition: managing the mental load of daily life 11:00 – The painting story — and how "small stress" still adds up 12:30 – The four happiness chemicals and how to activate them 13:30 – Dopamine: reward yourself and celebrate small wins 14:00 – Oxytocin: connection through touch, kindness, and service 14:30 – Serotonin: stability through sun, nature, and mindfulness 15:00 – Endorphins: joy through laughter, movement, and music 16:00 – The surprising science behind journaling and stress relief 17:30 – Why journaling is powerful — and why we often avoid it 19:00 – How confronting your thoughts can lead to healing 20:00 – Creating your personal plan of action 21:00 – One small step toward more peace and less stress 22:00 – Closing encouragement: be still, do what brings you joy, and live with intention

You Are What You Consume: How Media Shapes Your Family What we watch, listen to, and read matters more than we realize. In this episode, Chris and Melissa open a conversation that every family needs to have: how the media we consume — from music and books to shows and social media — shapes who we become. It all started with a walk and a conversation about Taylor Swift's latest album, but the discussion quickly turned into something much deeper: how to discern light from darkness in a world full of noise, artificial positivity, and subtle influence. Chris shares the idea of hidden darkness — how things that appear good on the surface can sometimes carry messages that slowly erode our values. Melissa adds practical examples from their own family, from karaoke songs that sounded fun until the lyrics popped up on the screen, to noticing mood and behavior shifts in their kids after certain music or books. They discuss everything from letting kids read Harry Potter too early, to streaming algorithms that quietly shape what we watch, to the way humor and sarcasm in "innocent" family sitcoms can normalize disrespect and contention. Chris and Melissa don't pretend to have it all figured out — in fact, they share openly how they're still navigating this as parents. But they emphasize one thing: the goal isn't perfection, it's vigilance. The takeaway? Be intentional and stay vigilant. Pay attention to what you — and your kids — are consuming. Ask whether it elevates and inspires, or subtly dulls your light. Because as Melissa reminds us, "That's who we become." LINKS: All Links Family Brand! stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz familybrand.com/retreats. Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Family Brand Blitz retreat reminder 02:00 – The Taylor Swift album conversation that sparked this episode 04:00 – "Light or darkness?" — Chris on hidden darkness and artificial light 06:00 – How small influences add up: the justification trap 08:00 – The Pink Pony Club karaoke story (and what it revealed) 10:00 – Joy vs. artificial light — how to discern the difference 11:30 – What happens when your child falls asleep to the wrong playlist 13:00 – How books, music, and media can shift behavior 15:00 – The Harry Potter moment: knowing when your kids are ready 17:00 – Recognizing subtle influences in "family" shows 18:30 – Modeling behavior and what kids learn from on-screen families 20:00 – The danger of "it's not that bad" 21:00 – The justification test: if you're defending it, it's worth questioning 22:00 – Artists who choose light over fame — Forest Frank's example 23:30 – Using your family values as a filter for what you consume 24:00 – The Family Brand lens: "Does this elevate and inspire?"

How to Celebrate Dia De Los Muertos as a Family (and Why You Should) Every year around this time, Chris and Melissa share one of their favorite family traditions — celebrating Dia De Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. What started years ago as an invitation to a friend's backyard gathering has turned into a cherished Family Brand tradition that connects their kids to their heritage in the most fun and meaningful way. In this episode, Chris and Melissa unpack why Dia De Los Muertos is so powerful, how it has evolved in their home, and why they believe every family can benefit from celebrating it — no matter your background. Far beyond face paint or costumes, this holiday is about remembering those who came before us, honoring their legacy, and helping our children understand where they come from. Melissa shares research from the article “The Stories That Bind Us,” which reveals that kids who know about their family history are more resilient, grounded, and confident. Chris adds that Dia De Los Muertos has become their built-in reminder each year to tell those stories, building both identity and belonging for their children. They walk through practical ways to celebrate — from hosting a full neighborhood party with a food potluck and an ofrenda (altar) to something as simple as sharing popcorn and stories about a grandparent at home. Whether you want to go all-out or keep it small, this episode will leave you inspired to make it your own and create a tradition that helps your family feel more connected, seen, and rooted.   LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz familybrand.com/retreats.   Links For This Episode: Movie- Disney's 'Coco': https://movies.disney.com/coco Article - "The Stories that Bind Us" by Bruce Feiler: https://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/17/fashion/the-family-stories-that-bind-us-this-life.html Dia De Los Muertos Invitation: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFQjqjuXGo/N4wG0U-JXTTSBCdohrtjUw/edit?utm_content=DAFQjqjuXGo&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Intro: Why Dia De Los Muertos matters to the Family Brand 01:00 – What is Dia De Los Muertos and how the Pages started celebrating 02:00 – The meaning behind the holiday: honoring heritage and ancestors 03:00 – The science of family history: “The Stories That Bind Us” study 04:00 – Why knowing family stories builds resilience and identity in kids 05:00 – How Chris and Melissa adapted the tradition for their own family 06:00 – Hosting your first Dia De Los Muertos gathering 07:00 – Setting up an ofrenda like in the movie Coco 08:00 – Bringing food that represents your family's heritage 09:00 – Inviting kids to share stories about relatives and ancestors 10:00 – Why storytelling and tradition make this night unforgettable 11:00 – Making it simple: popcorn, photos, and one meaningful story 12:00 – Turning small moments into powerful family connections 13:00 – Creative ideas: Canva invites, neighborhood gatherings, or movie nights  

Creating Unity in a Divided World In this powerful and emotional episode, Chris and Melissa explore one of the most timely and important topics of our day — unity. The world feels more divided than ever, and yet, as Chris and Melissa remind us, the healing of that division starts at home. Drawing inspiration from past guests like Connor Boyack and Bubba Page, and from recent events in their faith community, Chris and Melissa discuss what it means to “save America at the dinner table.” They share how strong, connected, unified families raise strong, confident kids who bring peace and leadership into the world — and how that ripple of unity begins with the way we talk to each other at home. They also reflect on the late President Russell M. Nelson's message, “Peacemakers Needed,” and how we can apply it in our homes. From resisting anger and contention to learning the art of response over reaction, the episode dives deep into what real peace looks like in practice — even when it's hard. Chris and Melissa open up about their own marriage and parenting journey, from moments of frustration to raising kids who make their own decisions. They discuss what it means to love your children — and one another — through disagreement and imperfection, reminding listeners that there's no such thing as a perfect family, only families committed to growing together. With stories ranging from spiritual reflection to a fun nod to Bob Marley's “One Love,” this conversation is both sobering and hopeful. It's an invitation to look inward, lead your family with compassion, and become a peacemaker — one conversation, one dinner table, and one act of love at a time. LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz familybrand.com/retreats.  Links For This Episode: Article- "Peacemakers Needed" by Russell M. Nelson: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/04/47nelson?lang=eng Thomas McConkie on the Family Brand Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/51-finding-identity-through-navigating-a-faith/id1536495798?i=1000540847056 Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Introduction: Why unity matters more than ever 01:00 – “Saving America at the dinner table” — what that really means 02:00 – Division in the world and how it mirrors our homes 04:00 – Honoring President Russell M. Nelson and his message “Peacemakers Needed” 06:00 – “Anger never persuades, hostility builds no one” — lessons from faith 08:00 – How to respond instead of react: the braided whip story 10:00 – Social media, contention, and how to model peace 12:00 – The Michigan tragedy and practicing compassion online 14:00 – Raising kids who make their own choices — and loving them through it 16:00 – When children disappoint us and how to respond with unity 18:00 – The dangers of polarization and division inside families 20:00 – How to foster unity when your kids feel pressure to “look perfect” 21:00 – Creating stillness and listening for divine inspiration in your parenting 22:00 – The power of asking guiding questions like “Will this create more peace?” 24:00 – Modeling respectful disagreement for your kids 25:00 – Leadership lessons from President Nelson and his counselors 26:00 – Why true courage looks like peacemaking, not fighting 27:00 – Bob Marley, “One Love,” and finding examples of real-world unity 28:00 – Closing thoughts: how to be a unifier in your home and beyond    

Have you ever felt like your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling? Like you're crying out to God, but heaven feels silent? I've been there — in those seasons where it feels barren, heavy, and like nothing's moving.But friend, here's what I've learned: God is never silent. He's speaking — even when we can't hear it clearly. And sometimes, the greatest act of faith you can make is to praise your way through the valley.

In this episode, Chris and Melissa get real about what it means to truly support your spouse—not just when it's easy, but through every season of life and marriage. Inspired by a listener question, they dive into what support actually looks like when your goals, energy, and responsibilities are constantly shifting. From the early days of raising five kids under nine to their current phase of parenting more independent children, they reflect on how their definition of support has evolved — and how communication has been the key at every step. Chris shares a powerful mindset shift: that supporting your spouse isn't just something nice to do, it's part of the commitment of marriage — a responsibility to breathe life into each other's dreams. Melissa opens up about learning to ask for help (and release the guilt around it), while Chris admits the times he didn't show up as fully as he could have. They talk about everything from balancing business and family life, to handling burnout and travel seasons, to how “leaving each other alone” can sometimes be the best form of support. Through honesty and humor, they show that the healthiest marriages don't avoid conflict — they communicate through it. Whether you're newlyweds or empty nesters, this episode is full of practical wisdom, grace, and laughter. You'll walk away encouraged to check in with your spouse, redefine what support looks like in your current season, and remember that you're on the same team — even when life feels messy. LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz familybrand.com/retreats.  Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Welcome + Family Brand Blitz retreat details 02:00 – Listener question: how do you support your spouse's goals? 03:00 – Chris's shift from “it's her responsibility” to “it's my privilege” 05:00 – How support changes with each season of marriage 07:00 – Supporting each other through early parenting years 09:00 – Asking for help and releasing the guilt 11:00 – The danger of “you should just know” in marriage 13:00 – Roping, hobbies, and finding balance in personal passions 15:00 – Learning to let go of scorekeeping and resentment 17:00 – Getting clear on what you want instead of complaining 18:00 – Different definitions of support (even when it's takeout for dinner!) 20:00 – Communication as the foundation for support 23:00 – The power of challenge: pushing your spouse to grow 25:00 – Melissa calling Chris out on chasing others' dreams 27:00 – Investing in each other's dreams and identities 29:00 – Navigating travel seasons and defining family goals together 31:00 – How alignment and communication make everything easier 33:00 – Why date night is key for staying connected 34:00 – Support vs. complaining: use your energy for creation, not criticism 35:00 – Final thoughts and encouragement to support each other better  

Do you ever start something with fire and excitement — a new business, a fitness plan, a book, a podcast — only to lose steam a few weeks in? You're not alone. Most people hit that wall, and when they do, they let emotions take the wheel. They quit. And yet, here's the truth: quitters never win, and winners never quit.In this episode, we're tackling one of the biggest reasons people fail to follow through — their feelings. We'll talk about why emotions are often the enemy of progress, how to push past them, and the daily habits and mindsets that will keep you showing up long after motivation fades.

Clarity: The First Step Toward the Life You Actually Want What if the reason you're not living the life you want isn't because you're lazy or unmotivated — but simply because you haven't gotten clear on what you truly want? In this powerful conversation, Chris and Melissa kick off a two-part series on living with intention, starting with the one thing that has to come first: clarity. They unpack why clarity is so often missing in our lives — from distractions and busyness to fear of what the truth might require from us. Chris shares how clarity is the gateway to intentionality and why it's impossible to build a life on purpose without first defining what matters most. Together, they discuss how too many people settle for “good” and miss out on “great,” how the phrase “I don't know” lets us off the hook, and why it's so important to confront our deeper desires even when it's uncomfortable. The episode also dives into the practical side of clarity. Chris shares how he and Melissa once created a “creation list” for their marriage and life — and how that act of defining their goals completely transformed their future. They offer a simple exercise for listeners: reflect on five key areas (faith, family, fitness, finances, and fun) and define what's most important in each right now. Even one sentence of clarity in a single category can start a powerful ripple of change. This episode is an invitation to stop drifting like a tumbleweed and start designing a life you love — one that reflects your deepest values and highest purpose. Clarity takes courage, but as Chris and Melissa remind us, everything you want is on the other side of getting clear. LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz familybrand.com/retreats.    Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Kicking off a two-part series on clarity and intentionality 01:00 – Defining “intentional” and why it matters 03:30 – Clarity as the gateway to intentional living 05:00 – Why clarity is hard: noise, fear, and feelings of unworthiness 07:00 – “I don't know” — the most dangerous phrase in our vocabulary 09:30 – How “good” can become the enemy of “great” 11:00 – Creating a “2.0” version of your life after success or change 12:30 – The power of vision boards and the “creation list” 15:00 – How couples drift apart when they stop dreaming together 16:30 – Getting clear individually, as a couple, and as a family 17:30 – Everything you want is on the other side of clarity 18:30 – Why focusing on what you do want matters more than what you don't 19:30 – Practical exercise: the five F's of life 20:30 – Homework: Identify where you're least clear and define what you want 22:00 – Final encouragement: clarity can change everything    

Faith, Fatherhood, and Leading at Home with Intention In one of the most heartfelt episodes we've ever recorded, Chris and Melissa sit down with Bubba Page — a single dad of eight, serial entrepreneur, and unapologetic follower of Jesus — to explore what it really means to lead your family with faith, intentionality, and purpose. Bubba's story is raw, real, and deeply inspiring. From building and selling companies to walking through heartbreak and healing, he's discovered that success means nothing without faith and family at the center. He shares how his relationship with God transformed after a season of humility and loss, and how daily spiritual practices — from prayer and scripture study to worship and journaling — helped him discover God's will for his life. This conversation goes far beyond business. Bubba opens up about spiritual warfare, discerning the “three voices” we all hear, and how to cultivate strength and clarity to follow God's plan. He also shares how we can turn our deepest trials into the very source of our light — a message every parent and leader needs to hear. As a father, Bubba's mission is crystal clear: to raise warriors for Christ and equip parents with practical tools to lead their homes. He's now building the Fatherhood Movement and writing The Father Operating System, a guide that applies business principles — like KPIs, meetings, and mission statements — to family life. The goal? More intention, more connection, and more joy. If you've ever wondered how to bring more purpose, structure, and spiritual depth into your home, this episode will leave you inspired, challenged, and ready to step into your calling as a parent and leader. LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz familybrand.com/retreats.  Links For This Episode: https://linktr.ee/bubbapage Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Welcome and how Chris met Bubba 02:00 – Girl Dad memories and the story behind the name “Bubba” 04:00 – Why the world needs your light (and why darkness can't exist where light is) 06:30 – Bubba on sharing faith, fatherhood, and entrepreneurship 08:00 – Discovering purpose and the mission God has for your life 10:30 – How humility and failure led Bubba to deeper faith 13:00 – Creating sacred space, daily prayer, and deeper spiritual connection 15:00 – Hearing God's voice and discerning the three voices we all hear 20:00 – Spiritual warfare and raising warriors for Christ 22:00 – Turning pain into purpose and the power of Jesus to heal 25:00 – Doing the inner work: healing, attachment, and triggers 28:00 – Understanding why God gave you your life experiences 30:00 – Fatherhood as a divine calling and the duty of parents 32:00 – Leading your home with structure, intention, and vision 34:00 – The Father Operating System: bringing business tools into parenting 35:00 – Creating a family crest and legacy 38:00 – Bubba's greatest hope and legacy for his children 40:00 – Where to connect with Bubba and follow his work

What if the future of our country doesn't hinge on elections, courtrooms, or political battles—but on family dinner conversations? That's exactly the vision today's guest, Connor Boyack, shares with us. Connor is the bestselling author of over 50 books, including the wildly popular Tuttle Twins series, which has sold more than seven million copies worldwide. He's also the founder of Libertas Network, a think tank and collection of family-centered initiatives that have changed over 100 laws and empowered kids and parents around the globe. From teaching free-market principles to launching kids' entrepreneur markets, Connor is passionate about helping families raise critical thinkers and problem solvers. In our conversation, Connor shares how his journey—from web developer to outlaw beekeeper to social entrepreneur—unfolded step by step through what he calls “the adjacent possible.” We talk about why most adults underestimate kids' capacity for deep conversations, how parents can break free from simply outsourcing education, and why intentionality is the key to raising thriving children. We also explore entrepreneurship for kids, why college isn't always the right answer, and how his programs like Praxis are creating debt-free pathways to meaningful careers. Most importantly, Connor reminds us that transformation doesn't start in Washington—it starts in the home. Strong families create strong communities, and strong communities create a strong nation. This is a powerful and practical conversation that will inspire you to invest in your family as intentionally as you do your business or health. Whether you're a parent, entrepreneur, or educator, Connor's message is clear: the family is where the real work of building a freer future begins. LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz familybrand.com/retreats.  Links For This Episode: https://tuttletwins.com https://kidsmarkets.com https://act.libertas.org/dinner Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Welcome + introduction to Connor Boyack 01:00 – Connor's journey: from web developer to author and activist 03:00 – The “adjacent possible” and saying yes to new opportunities 05:00 – How the Tuttle Twins series began 07:00 – Why kids are ready for deeper conversations than we think 09:00 – Connor's favorite Tuttle Twins books and why they matter today 13:00 – Why saving America starts at the dinner table, not the courtroom 15:00 – Root problems vs. hacking at branches: why family comes first 17:00 – Why well-meaning parents struggle with civic and economic conversations 19:00 – How Tuttle Twins equips parents to have better family discussions 21:00 – Why families resist investing in their own growth 23:00 – The problem of outsourcing education, belonging, and values 25:00 – Building an industry for proactively strengthening families 27:00 – The importance of intentionality in parenting 30:00 – Kids Markets: empowering children through entrepreneurship 34:00 – Praxis: a college alternative for young adults 38:00 – Rethinking college: intention vs. the conveyor belt 42:00 – Creating a portfolio and being the “signal” in a noisy job market 45:00 – Connor's family brand: Boyacks stand up and solve problems 47:00 – Dinner conversation starters: free resource for families 48:00 – Final encouragement: strong families = a strong future    

Saving America at the Dinner Table What if the future of our country doesn't hinge on elections, courtrooms, or political battles—but on family dinner conversations? That's exactly the vision today's guest, Connor Boyack, shares with us. Connor is the bestselling author of over 50 books, including the wildly popular Tuttle Twins series, which has sold more than seven million copies worldwide. He's also the founder of Libertas Network, a think tank and collection of family-centered initiatives that have changed over 100 laws and empowered kids and parents around the globe. From teaching free-market principles to launching kids' entrepreneur markets, Connor is passionate about helping families raise critical thinkers and problem solvers. In our conversation, Connor shares how his journey—from web developer to outlaw beekeeper to social entrepreneur—unfolded step by step through what he calls “the adjacent possible.” We talk about why most adults underestimate kids' capacity for deep conversations, how parents can break free from simply outsourcing education, and why intentionality is the key to raising thriving children. We also explore entrepreneurship for kids, why college isn't always the right answer, and how his programs like Praxis are creating debt-free pathways to meaningful careers. Most importantly, Connor reminds us that transformation doesn't start in Washington—it starts in the home. Strong families create strong communities, and strong communities create a strong nation. This is a powerful and practical conversation that will inspire you to invest in your family as intentionally as you do your business or health. Whether you're a parent, entrepreneur, or educator, Connor's message is clear: the family is where the real work of building a freer future begins. LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz familybrand.com/retreats.  Links For This Episode: https://tuttletwins.com https://kidsmarkets.com Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Welcome + introduction to Connor Boyack 01:00 – Connor's journey: from web developer to author and activist 03:00 – The “adjacent possible” and saying yes to new opportunities 05:00 – How the Tuttle Twins series began 07:00 – Why kids are ready for deeper conversations than we think 09:00 – Connor's favorite Tuttle Twins books and why they matter today 13:00 – Why saving America starts at the dinner table, not the courtroom 15:00 – Root problems vs. hacking at branches: why family comes first 17:00 – Why well-meaning parents struggle with civic and economic conversations 19:00 – How Tuttle Twins equips parents to have better family discussions 21:00 – Why families resist investing in their own growth 23:00 – The problem of outsourcing education, belonging, and values 25:00 – Building an industry for proactively strengthening families 27:00 – The importance of intentionality in parenting 30:00 – Kids Markets: empowering children through entrepreneurship 34:00 – Praxis: a college alternative for young adults 38:00 – Rethinking college: intention vs. the conveyor belt 42:00 – Creating a portfolio and being the “signal” in a noisy job market 45:00 – Connor's family brand: Boyacks stand up and solve problems 47:00 – Dinner conversation starters: free resource for families 48:00 – Final encouragement: strong families = a strong future    

Getting Off the Sidelines Have you ever looked around and realized that too many parents are sitting on the sidelines of their kids' lives? Chris had this exact thought during a recent Girl Dad camp, where he noticed how many dads struggled to fully participate in simple activities like soccer, frisbee, or even just running around with their daughters. It broke his heart—not out of judgment, but out of empathy. Because every parent wants to be in the game, not watching from the bench. In this episode, Chris and Melissa unpack what it really means to stay active and engaged—not for vanity, but for energy, presence, and connection. They share stories from Disneyland, conversations with inspiring elders, and even Chris's intense bodybuilding prep that showed the tradeoffs and sacrifices health sometimes requires. The theme is clear: your health isn't just about you. It's about the people counting on you. Melissa highlights how health impacts every other family value—from talking and bonding, to appreciating and prioritizing one another. Without the physical ability to engage, everything else becomes harder. Together, they remind listeners that choosing short-term sacrifice leads to long-term freedom—and that even small decisions today can keep you off the sidelines tomorrow. Chris also shares a powerful, raw perspective: as dads, are we strong enough to be “dangerous” in defense of our families? Not reckless, but capable. Strong enough to wrestle, hike, run, play, and even protect if needed. It's about being prepared to show up fully in every sense of the word. This episode isn't about six-pack abs or gym selfies. It's about creating energy, joy, and capability so you can fully participate in the lives of the people you love most. If you've ever felt tired, stretched thin, or sidelined, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to step back onto the field.   LINKS: 1. familybrand.com/quiz 2. familybrand.com/retreats.  All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Continuing the Girl Dad conversation from camp 01:30 – Chris's sad observation: dads on the sidelines 03:00 – Inspiration from an 80-year-old still wrestling with his grandkids 04:30 – Are you physically able to participate in your kids' lives? 05:30 – Disneyland story: when health limits parents' ability to join in 07:00 – Sacrifice vs. participation: health choices that pay dividends later 09:00 – A healthy person has a thousand wishes… an unhealthy person has just one 11:00 – Family Brand Academy and why health became a core family value 13:00 – Without health, every other family value gets harder 15:00 – Hard choices now = easier life later 16:00 – Chris on being “dangerous” enough to defend your family 18:00 – Health as energy: why it ripples into every area of life 19:30 – Fitness is the best free “drug” for your mood and spirituality 20:30 – Final encouragement: get back in the game for your family    

Helping Teens Connect at Home If you've ever felt like your teens are drifting toward their rooms, screens, or independence a little faster than you'd like, you're not alone. In this episode, Chris and Melissa open up about the rhythms, struggles, and small wins of keeping their three teenagers connected and interactive with family life. They share the real-time lessons they're learning as parents—from literally pulling kids out of their rooms to setting boundaries around phones at the dinner table. You'll hear how mealtimes (even if it's just one-on-one breakfasts), family check-ins, and weekly rhythms can create the space for deeper conversations you might otherwise miss. Chris and Melissa also dive into the importance of one-on-one time—what they call “kid dates”—and how even something simple like ice cream or a walk can help teens open up. They talk about managing screen time with curiosity rather than control, and why it's worth finding activities (like movies, bowling, or camping) that everyone in the family can enjoy, from eight to eighteen. Most importantly, they remind us that our words matter. Shaping a positive narrative around teens—rather than joking about how “awful” those years are—creates a home where kids feel safe to share their ideas, opinions, and hearts without judgment. If you're looking for encouragement and practical ways to keep your family connected, especially during the teenage years, this conversation will give you fresh perspective, hope, and a handful of actionable ideas you can start this week.   LINKS: 1. familybrand.com/quiz 2.  familybrand.com/retreats.  All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand   Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 – Settling into new rhythms as school starts 02:30 – Why teens drift to their rooms (and how to pull them back) 05:30 – The power of mealtimes and making “no phones” a family rule 09:30 – No one eats alone: small moments that spark big conversations 11:30 – Family meetings and one-on-one check-ins 13:30 – The magic of kid dates and individual time 15:00 – Screen time: helping teens regulate with awareness 17:30 – Finding activities everyone can enjoy together 19:30 – The gift of camping, bowling, and going where phones don't work 20:00 – Fostering open conversations without judgment 23:00 – Why listening is more powerful than teaching 26:30 – Rejecting the negative narrative about teens 28:00 – Final encouragement for creating deeper family connection    

This week's episode is a special one—Chris is back from Girl Dad Camp and we're unpacking everything he experienced alongside our daughters, Ivy and Indy. Hosted at BYU and organized by the women's athletics coaches, Girl Dad Camp is a weekend built for fun, connection, and, most importantly, confidence-building. With stations like pickleball, gymnastics, bracelet-making, and journaling, it's a mix of sports and soul work designed to strengthen the father-daughter bond. Chris shares everything from fun moments (like their epic dance competition!) to sobering stats about girls' confidence and body image. You'll hear powerful takeaways about how dads—and all the men in a young girl's life—can affirm, support, and shape a daughter's confidence in the face of a world that too often tries to shrink it. We also talk about: Why girls drop out of sports at higher rates than boys How to speak life into your kids—even when it feels awkward Ways brothers can help build their sisters' confidence Practical ideas to uplift and empower your daughter this week Even if you didn't attend the event, we hope this episode inspires you with simple, intentional ways to show up for the young girls in your life. Their confidence can't wait. LINKS: 1. familybrand.com/quiz 2.  familybrand.com/retreats.    Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 – Welcome + Family Brand Blitz retreat reminder (Nov 7–8!) 2:30 – What is Girl Dad Camp and why Chris went with Ivy and Indy  4:10 – The sports stations, the dance-off, and the Believe Station experience 6:45 – Why this camp is actually about building confidence 8:15 – The shocking statistics about girls' self-worth and sports dropout rates 10:30 – The heartbreaking impact of uniforms on girls' confidence 11:30 – Chris's big takeaway: write more notes, give more encouragement 12:30 – How dads can shift focus from outcomes to effort 13:45 – Sticky notes, mantras, and being “her guy” until someone else is 15:00 – Indy's powerful declaration: “When I grow up, I'll be a powerful woman” 16:10 – Dads as protectors, affirmers, and permission-givers 17:30 – How Melissa noticed Indy embodying her powerful dreams 18:30 – Encouraging girls to dream—and letting those dreams change 20:00 – The cultural need for girls to hear “you belong” from their dads 21:00 – What to say if this language feels unfamiliar or awkward 22:00 – Why teens still need the affection, even if they don't show it 23:00 – Final invitation: be the voice of courage in your daughter's life 

Hey friends! It's that time of year again—backpacks, new shoes, and… big decisions about school. In this week's episode, Chris and I open up about what school looks like for our family this year. With five kids in different grades (and different learning styles), we've never taken a one-size-fits-all approach to education—and this year is no different. From public school to community college to homeschool with a neighbor, we share why each of our kids is doing something unique this year and how we've learned to give them a say in the process. We also reflect on how our views on education differ as a couple, how we prepare our kids emotionally and spiritually for the school year, and why the words they speak about school really do matter. This isn't about promoting one path over another. It's about showing up with intention, remembering that you get to choose, and making space to parent each child individually. Plus, we talk about: Why we brought in a neighbor to help homeschool Indy How Chris is learning not to rush everyone out the door Our back-to-school blessing tradition Practical ways we're setting our mornings up for peace (not panic) Whether you're homeschooling, doing public school, or a little bit of everything—this episode is for you. Let's start the school year strong—together. LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 – Intro: Why this back-to-school season looks different 1:30 – Every child, every year: how school changes for our family 4:45 – Melissa and Chris's different philosophies on education 6:20 – A breakdown of what each of our five kids is doing this year 10:00 – Letting kids help decide their education path 11:20 – Why Melissa brought in outside help for homeschool 13:30 – The power of outsourcing in a season of change 14:45 – Preparing our kids mentally for the new school year 15:50 – Why language matters: school isn't boring unless we say it is 17:00 – “You chose this”: a powerful reminder to ditch the complaints 18:00 – How we use our back-to-school dinner to set intentions 19:00 – Our tradition of giving each child a blessing before school starts 20:15 – Teaching our kids to look out for the new kid 21:00 – Daily habits that build spiritual and emotional armor 22:00 – The importance of clear family agreements for school mornings 23:30 – Recap on Tate and how his senior year is evolving 24:30 – The reminder: no two kids are the same, and that's a gift

Hey friends—can you believe we're already at the end of summer?! I know the transition into a new season can stir up all kinds of feelings—uncertainty, excitement, even disappointment. That's why I wanted to slow things down in this episode and share something that has helped me over and over again:“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”We dive into a powerful parable—the story of the Chinese farmer—and how it challenged me to stop labeling every moment as good or bad, and instead trust that maybe yes, maybe no, it's all working for my good.

Hey Family Brand, it's Chris and Melissa here! We have something really special to share with you today. If you've ever felt like life is moving too fast, like your family is surviving more than thriving, or you just wish you had space to reconnect and refocus—this episode is for you. We're inviting you to something we've been dreaming about and working on behind the scenes: our Family Brand Live Event, coming this November. This isn't your average seminar or parenting workshop—it's a full weekend experience designed to bring your family together in a powerful, life-changing way. In today's episode, we pull back the curtain on why we're hosting this event and what we hope families walk away with. We talk about our own journey—how our family felt disconnected years ago and how creating a family brand brought us clarity, unity, and a sense of purpose. This event is built on the exact framework that changed our home. And now, we want to share it with you—in real life. We walk through what the weekend will look like, who it's for (spoiler: if you're a parent who wants more for your family, it's for you), and the kind of transformation you can expect. This is about more than just tools—it's about intentional time together, meaningful conversations, and building a vision for your family's future. Whether you've been part of the Family Brand community for a while or you're just getting started, we'd love to see you there. You don't have to figure it all out alone. Let's do this—together.

Hey Family Brand! It's Melissa here, and if you've ever tried to hold a family meeting that ended in chaos, eye-rolls, or zero follow-through… this episode is for you. We're diving into a topic that might sound boring but can truly transform your family culture: family meetings. Trust me, I get it—most of us didn't grow up doing these, and if we did, we may not have the best memories of them. But what if family meetings didn't suck? What if they were actually helpful, hopeful, and maybe even a little fun? This idea hit me recently while working with a coaching client who was really passionate about optimizing his family meetings. That conversation reminded me that even if we've covered this before, it's something worth revisiting—and often. When life feels a little out of sync or chaotic, a family meeting rhythm can be the very thing that brings us back to center. In this episode, Chris and I talk about how meetings are often a reflection of how well (or how poorly) things are running in any group—your family included. We share how being intentional with simple, consistent family meetings has helped us stay connected and work as a team. You'll also hear why “too many meetings” or “not enough meetings” can both be problems—and how to strike the balance. We get real about the resistance you might face—yes, especially from your kids—and how you can gently but firmly lead with vision. I also share our free Family Meeting Guide, which includes videos and a printable PDF to walk you through everything step-by-step. You can grab it at familybrand.com/meeting. And don't worry—we're not saying you need to overhaul your entire schedule overnight. Start small. Even a quick weekly check-in over dinner (with snacks, of course!) can work wonders. At the end of the day, we want to help you build a home where your family communicates, feels seen, and works toward shared goals. Family meetings might not be flashy, but they're powerful. Let's make them work. LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 – Why summer's end has us craving more structure 1:10 – The connection between meetings and family culture 3:00 – Common mistakes families make with meetings 4:40 – Real talk: meetings that don't work (and what does) 6:30 – Using existing rhythms to “bake in” intentional time 7:45 – Overview of the free Family Meeting Guide 8:30 – Start small: choose one type of meeting to try 9:15 – Tips to overcome resistance (snacks help!) 10:00 – Reflecting on the influence we have as parents 11:00 – Why this matters most in the long run    

Hey friends, it's Amy! Today's episode is something really special—a heartfelt roundtable with three women who know what it's like to walk through fire and still find their way to peace, purpose, and healing on the other side.We talk about real-life pain. Divorce, betrayal, heartbreak, identity loss, and the long, slow process of rebuilding a life when the one you had crumbles. But this isn't a story of staying stuck—this is a story of restoration. Of women who chose not to let bitterness define them. Of holding on to faith even when it felt like everything else fell apart.This episode is tender, honest, and full of those moments that make you feel like you're sitting around a table with your closest friends—laughing, crying, nodding along, and feeling seen. Whether you're in the middle of your own hard season or looking back at one you've walked through, I believe this conversation will encourage your heart in the deepest way.What You'll Hear:Why slowing down is not failure—it's where healing beginsHow to be honest about pain while still holding onto hopeThe difference between fixing and healingEncouragement for women learning to live with open handsWhy God is not afraid of your mess, your process, or your questionsConnect With Us:Website: https://www.youaremore.comFree Download: 5 Steps to Win Through AdversitySocial Media: Follow us on Facebook and InstagramEmail: amy@amywienands.comThis is an episode to bookmark, share with a friend, and come back to whenever you need to remember that healing is possible—and you don't have to do it alone.Episode Minute By Minute:00:00 – Welcome & Introducing Today's Roundtable01:47 – Life after betrayal: “I never thought I'd be here…”05:20 – The power of vulnerability: letting people into your pain08:55 – When healing feels slow (and why that's okay)13:10 – What divorce taught us about God's character16:32 – Rebuilding your identity when it's been shattered20:45 – Letting go of shame and embracing grace24:18 – When your plans fall apart: trusting the process28:01 – God is not surprised by your story31:00 – How community carried us through34:20 – The tension between grief and gratitude38:02 – Final encouragement: you're not broken, you're becoming40:11 – A prayer for the woman in the middle of the storm41:43 – Closing thoughts & how to connectBe intentional, stay focused, and remember you are more!

Hey Family Brand — it's Melissa here, and I am SO excited to introduce you to today's guest, the incredible Kelly O'Neil. I have been a fan of Kelly's work for years, and I'm still processing this conversation — it was that impactful. Kelly is a strategist, a visionary, and a total powerhouse when it comes to helping people build legacy businesses without sacrificing what matters most. She's worked with Fortune 500s, celebrity entrepreneurs, and industry disruptors, and today, she's bringing that same level of insight to us as families. In this episode, we're talking about a concept I love: Epic Is the New Hustle. Kelly believes that we were never meant to burn out trying to “have it all.” Instead, we're meant to create something sustainable, purposeful, and aligned with our unique calling — and that starts at home. Whether you're a parent, entrepreneur, or just someone trying to live more intentionally, this conversation will expand your vision in the best way. One of my favorite moments in this episode is when Kelly shares how “life doesn't happen in a vacuum” — meaning, we can't just build businesses in isolation from our family and our values. She challenges us to define success on our terms and reminds us that hustle culture is not the only way. As women especially, we have the power to choose what our days look like, how we raise our kids, and how we lead. Kelly also talks about the importance of emotional intelligence, energetic alignment, and trusting your own wisdom. She reminds us that legacy isn't just about what we build — it's about how we live. You'll hear practical tips for getting clear on your family values, creating systems that support your lifestyle, and making space for creativity and fun again. And I'm thrilled to share that Kelly has gifted our Family Brand audience an exclusive bundle of resources to help you start living your own “epic” life today. Head over to www.epicisthenewhustle.com and use code FamilyBrand at checkout to grab yours for free!   LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand Links For This Episode: www.epicisthenewhustle.com Use code FamilyBrand at checkout to grab yours for free! Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 – Meet Kelly O'Neil and the “Epic Is the New Hustle” movement 2:15 – Redefining success and legacy for families and entrepreneurs 4:40 – Why burnout isn't the badge of honor we think it is 7:30 – The power of vision: creating a life that fits YOU 11:20 – How to align your energy, values, and systems at home 14:00 – Creating space for play, peace, and personal growth 17:45 – Kelly's top tips for leading your family with intention 21:00 – How women can reclaim their time, power, and presence 24:00 – Free gift bundle for Family Brand listeners!

Hey Family Brand, it's Chris and Melissa! Today's episode is inspired by something we've found to be one of the most underrated (but absolutely essential) roles in leadership — whether you're running a company or raising a family: becoming the Chief Reminding Officer. This idea came up during one of our walks, and we realized how much of parenting and leadership isn't about coming up with something brand new every day. It's about consistently reminding your team — or your kids — of what's already true. Who you are. What you stand for. What you value. And honestly? That kind of consistency is powerful. We talk about how we've seen this play out in our own family, especially in real-time with our oldest son, Tate, who's away selling pest control this summer. One day was the worst — he twisted his ankle, was over everything, and needed a pep talk. The next? He crushed it and had his best sales day ever. What changed? Not a brand-new strategy. Just a reminder of something he'd already heard 100 times: don't be attached to the outcome. If you've ever felt tired of repeating yourself or wondering why your spouse or your kids aren't just getting it — you're not alone. But today, we want to encourage you to flip that frustration into purpose. Your job isn't just to lead once. It's to lovingly lead over and over again, through your reminders, your example, and your consistency. We also talk about grace — because hey, God reminds us daily. So maybe it's okay that we have to remind our kids, our spouses, and ourselves. Not in a nagging way, but in a nurturing way. Because that's what creates strong families and real connection: truth repeated in love. Let's normalize being the CRO — Chief Reminding Officer — of our homes. And let's wear that title with pride. LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 – What it means to be a Chief Reminding Officer (CRO) 1:30 – Why consistent reminders beat constant innovation 3:00 – Family rhythms that work when you stay consistent 4:45 – How inconsistency causes things to fall apart 6:00 – The power of applying what you already know 7:15 – A story about Tate's worst day… and best day the very next day 8:30 – Why reminders can be more powerful than new advice 9:30 – Giving grace to your spouse and kids when they need another reminder 10:15 – Melissa shares how even God reminds us again and again 11:00 – Final encouragement: Go be the best CRO you can be

Hey Family Brand — it's Melissa here. Today's episode is a little different, and honestly, it's one I tried to record six different times. It took me a while to even figure out what I wanted to say because this one hits close to home. Last week, my cousin and his wife passed away unexpectedly in a tragic plane crash, leaving behind two little ones. Even as I write that, my heart feels so heavy. It's every parent's worst nightmare to even imagine not being there for your kids as they grow up. It's something we never want to face — and I never thought we'd have to. But this experience really made me look at some practical things that all of us, as parents, need to have in place. Specifically: a will, and life insurance. Years ago, when we had our last baby, one of Chris's clients — who happened to be an attorney — kind of nudged us to ask, “Hey, if something ever happened to you guys, who would raise your kids? Do you have a plan for that?” We didn't, so we sat with it and decided it was too important to put off. So, I'm sharing some of that thought process today. Who did we pick? What kinds of questions did we ask ourselves? And, honestly — I'd encourage you to do the same. It's one of the most caring, responsible things we can do for our kids. And the other thing I want to talk about is life insurance. That was something that really shifted for me as we were having babies. Back then, Chris had just gotten a policy, and I thought, “That's great. That's one box checked.” But then our agent asked if we'd thought about me too. Even though I wasn't working much at the time, he explained that if something happened to me, someone would need to help with the kids, house, all of it. Plus, we'd need the space to grieve without worrying about finances. That really stayed with me — because it's not just about income, it's about protecting your family's time together too. So if you don't have a will or you haven't updated yours in a while, or if you don't have life insurance, I just want to gently encourage you to make some time to do that. It's not fun to talk about. Trust me, I get it. But it really is an important part of being an intentional family. And I'll leave you with one last story that kind of caught me off guard… The other day after one of Ivy's softball games, we were driving home and I saw this random basketball on the side of the road. I told Tanner to pull over so I could go grab it — I'm forever rescuing random stuff on the roadside lol — and when I picked it up, I flipped it over and saw the name “Smith” written on it in kid handwriting. It was our basketball that we hadn't seen in probably a year and a half. How it ended up two towns over, on the side of the road where I happened to drive past it? I have no idea. And I just felt this really sweet, gentle reminder that God sees us. That even when life feels heavy or uncertain, we're not alone. So that's my encouragement for you this week — you're seen, you're loved, and you're not forgotten.  P.S. Hug your babies a little tighter tonight. LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 – Why this episode took me six tries to record 1:45 – The heartbreaking loss of my cousin and his wife, and the kids they left behind 6:00 – Why choosing guardians for your kids matters and our process for deciding 10:45 – Talking about life insurance and why it's one of the most caring things you can do for your family 14:00 – Revisiting your plan: making sure your will and insurance fit your current stage of life 16:00 – A surprising story about a lost basketball that felt like a gentle reminder from God 18:00 – A heartfelt encouragement: you are seen, you are loved, and you're not alone

Hey Family Brand—it's Melissa here! I'm so excited to share this conversation with someone I've admired for a long time: Alex Bean, co-founder of Divvy and a passionate leader with a heart for family, community, and building something bigger than yourself. I've wanted to have Alex on the show for a while because he embodies what we talk about so often—legacy, leadership, and how our values shape the way we show up in both business and at home. In this episode, Alex shares the behind-the-scenes journey of building Divvy and what he learned when the company sold for $2.5 billion. But what really stood out to me? His humility. Alex is incredibly open about how chasing success isn't the same as chasing significance. He reminds us that no matter how big the company or the win, if we're not showing up for the people who matter most—our families—then we've missed the point. We talk a lot about how faith, integrity, and identity play into his journey, and I love how Alex explains the difference between what you do and who you are. This episode is filled with gold for anyone who wants to lead with purpose—whether you're building a business, leading your kids, or just figuring out how to live with more intention. Alex also gets vulnerable about marriage, being a dad, and the honest work of becoming someone your family can count on. This isn't just a business episode—it's a reminder to slow down, check in with your values, and remember why you started building in the first place. If you've ever wrestled with success vs. significance or wondered what it looks like to lead well in both business and family—this episode is for you. All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 – Meet Alex Bean: Co-founder of Divvy and believer in building with purpose 2:45 – The Divvy story: From startup to $2.5 billion exit 4:30 – Chasing significance, not just success 6:15 – How Alex's faith and identity shaped his leadership 8:00 – Marriage, parenting, and becoming someone your family can trust 10:45 – The power of integrity and staying rooted in what matters 13:00 – Why your “who” is more important than your “what” 15:00 – What Alex is building now—and what he's most proud of 17:20 – Final encouragement: You can build something bigger than you

In this episode, Jess and Megan walk us through their recent family getaways to two standout Hyatt properties in the American Southwest: the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale in Arizona and the Hyatt Regency Tamaya in New Mexico. From flights on Southwest® using Companion Passes to family-friendly resort and cultural activities, they break down exactly how they booked, what they loved, and what they'd do differently next time. Grand Hyatt Scottsdale: Renovated Luxury with Resort Vibes Fresh off a huge renovation and rebrand, the former Hyatt Regency Scottsdale is now the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale—and Jess and Megan each had three-night family stays to check it out. The resort has ten pools, including a three-story water slide, a sandy beach area for little kids, and a separate adults-only pool. There's even a rock-climbing wall, putting green, and weekly birds of prey show. The club lounge, while small, included complimentary breakfast, drinks, appetizers, and desserts, and Jess made good use of the free happy hour drinks by taking them poolside. Their biggest warning? Avoid Thursday–Saturday stays if you're sensitive to noise—live music in the lobby those nights is extremely loud and carries to guest rooms. Jess called it the biggest damper on an otherwise enjoyable trip. Hyatt Regency Tamaya: Hidden Gem Near Albuquerque Megan also shares her family's stay at Hyatt Regency Tamaya, located on the Santa Ana Pueblo in New Mexico. Recently renovated and still a Category 4 Hyatt, it offered unique Native American cultural experiences, incredible mountain views, and tons of free family activities. Megan's family enjoyed nightly s'mores by the fire pit, cultural storytelling sessions, hands-on artisan demos, and a pueblo bread tasting. There are multiple pools, bike rentals, and even a horseback riding stable on-site.  This resort is just 30 minutes from Albuquerque's airport and offers easy access to Santa Fe and Petrified Forest National Park not too far away—making it perfect for road trip loops or a more relaxing extended stay. If you're dreaming of a warm-weather escape filled with adventure, learning, and luxury—without the luxury price tag—this episode is packed with inspiration and real-world tips for traveling the Southwest on points. Hit play and start planning your family's next trip!   Links: Webinar: How to Get Your Next Vacation for Nearly Free Grand Hyatt Scottsdale: https://www.hyatt.com/grand-hyatt/en-US/scott-grand-hyatt-scottsdale-resort Hyatt Regency Tamaya: https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/tamay-hyatt-regency-tamaya-resort-and-spa Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad Episode Minute By Minute: 00:30 – Intro + overview 01:00 – Flights on Southwest® + Companion Pass 03:00 – Costco car rental + tips for family travel 08:00 – Grand Hyatt Scottsdale: room types, points cost, parking fees 13:00 – Club lounge pros/cons 18:00 – Pool features, beach area, adult-only spaces, kids' activities 23:00 – Live music noise issues + what to know before booking 31:00 –  Hyatt Regency Tamaya 34:00 – Hotel background, cultural ties, and points cost 38:00 – Pools, spa, activities, and Guest of Honor details 41:00 – Cultural experiences 44:00 – Horseback riding + why this property is a favorite for families

In this episode, Jess, Pam, and Alex break down their recent spring break trips to Costa Rica—highlighting three unforgettable resorts, two different travel styles, and one shared love for how easy (and affordable!) this country is to explore with points and miles.  Flights on Points Alex and Jess both flew Southwest—Jess from Houston and Alex from Salt Lake City—and Pam chose United. Between Southwest Companion Passes, smart rebooking, and good timing, Jess got a great deal for round-trip flights for four people. Pam, always loyal to United for the elite-status perks, flew out of Denver and got a free upgrade to first class on the way home.   Where They Stayed: Andaz Papagayo, Rio Perdido, and Tabacón Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort (Hyatt Category 8): A luxury resort with monkeys, pools, and a new beach club you access by boat. Jess scored a Bay View Suite with a birthday upgrade, while Alex's family enjoyed connecting rooms with a rollaway for the kids.  Rio Perdido (Hilton SLH): Jess took her family here for a more boutique, off-the-grid experience. Set in the rainforest with private bungalows, thermal rivers, and mud baths, Rio Perdido offered a quieter, more immersive vibe.  Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa (Hilton SLH): Pam and Alex's family stayed at this jungle escape near La Fortuna. Booking via Hilton points and free-night certificates, they enjoyed connecting rooms, views of the Arenal Volcano, and unlimited access to the hot springs.   Rental Cars, Shuttles, and Driving Tips The Squad breaks down everything you want to know about whether to rent a car or book a shuttle service in Costa Rica and how to decide which option is best for your trip. They even advise on what kind of vehicles to avoid renting and recommend a great woman-owned transportation service if you don't want to drive yourself.    Activities: Adventures for All Ages Alex's crew went full-on jungle mode with: A zipline and rappelling canyon tour through Maquique Adventure A night walk with frog and snake sightings (not for the faint of heart!) Exploring La Fortuna  Jess and Ella did a canyon adventure at Rio Perdido, complete with a pro photographer tagging along. Meanwhile, everyone raved about thermal pools and monkey spotting! Whether you're team luxury resort or jungle bungalow, this episode proves that Costa Rica is made for points travelers—and families. 

In this episode, Pam shares her full itinerary from her recent return to Thailand—a dream trip she's been wanting to repeat since her very first adventure on points and miles years ago. From business-class flights on Singapore Airlines, to luxury stays at the Conrad, Ritz-Carlton, and Banyan Tree—and of course, daily massages for $12—Pam takes us through every high (and low!) of the trip. How Pam Booked Her Flights The trip started with a Thrifty Traveler Premium alert: saver award space on Singapore Airlines from San Francisco to Bangkok. Pam positioned to SFO from Denver and visited the Polaris Lounge before the long-haul flight—cookie skillets included!  Stop #1: Koh Samui – The Conrad vs. The Ritz-Carlton Pam's first two nights were spent at the Conrad Koh Samui, booked with Hilton free-night certificates.  Next, she moved to the Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui, using two Marriott free-night certificates.  So which luxury resort won Pam over? Listen to find out what Pam loved about the Conrad that made it the winner over the Ritz-Carlton. Stop #2: Krabi – Luxury, Views, and Boat Tours Next up was Krabi, where Pam and her crew splurged on a paid stay at the Banyan Tree Krabi. This peaceful resort had amazing views, but the food was disappointing. It provided a great base for day trips to Hong Island, Railay Beach, and the Phi Phi Islands.  And with massages available nearby from $12 to $30/hour, Pam was in heaven! Final Nights: Park Hyatt Bangkok & Grand Hyatt SFO Before flying home, Pam spent one night at the Park Hyatt Bangkok, booked for 25,000 Hyatt points. She raved about the architecture, location, outstanding food, and luxurious vibe—and she can't wait to go back. Then Pam stayed one night at the Grand Hyatt SFO, an airport hotel she loves for its breakfast and convenience—even though it's now in the same category as the Park Hyatt Bangkok! Pam's take? Thailand is one of the most affordable and rewarding destinations you can book with points and miles. Use airline miles to get there, pay cash or use points for luxury stays, and save room in your budget for daily massages!