Family Brand: Take Back Your Family

We at Family Brand want to raise a war cry to families everywhere. Now is the time to TAKE BACK YOUR FAMILY. Develop a family culture where relationships last, and each member of the family is seen and valued for who they are. It is absolutely possible to raise a family today without fear of the future. Define who you are as a family, and what you stand for. Stop looking at the future with fear and uncertainty and start looking forward with a possibility of more. More love. More joy. More connection. More resolve. The world needs strong families now more than ever. Let us show you how.

237. The Tuttle Twins Creator on Saving America at the Dinner Table 09/18/2025

237. The Tuttle Twins Creator on 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! . Links For This Episode: 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 /episode/index/show/familybrand/id/38260370

236. Becoming Dangerous...Being Strong Enough to Play, Protect, and Participate as a Parent 09/05/2025

236. Becoming Dangerous...Being Strong Enough to Play, Protect, and Participate as a Parent 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. 2. . All Links Family Brand! 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 /episode/index/show/familybrand/id/37988030

235. 7 Ways to Help Your Teen Stay Connected at Home 08/29/2025

235. 7 Ways to Help Your Teen Stay Connected at Home 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. 2. . All Links Family Brand! 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 /episode/index/show/familybrand/id/37986715

234. Girl Dad Camp: Boosting Confidence, Connection, and Courage in Our Daughters 08/22/2025

234. Girl Dad Camp: Boosting Confidence, Connection, and Courage in Our Daughters 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. 2. . 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 /episode/index/show/familybrand/id/37916770

233. Intentional Back-to-School: Letting Your Kids Help Choose Their Education 08/15/2025

233. Intentional Back-to-School: Letting Your Kids Help Choose Their Education 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! 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 /episode/index/show/familybrand/id/37806555

232. What If One Weekend Could Transform Your Family Forever? 08/01/2025

232. What If One Weekend Could Transform Your Family Forever? 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. 👉 Visit to learn more and grab your spot before it fills up! LINKS: All Links Family Brand! Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 – Why we’re so excited about this upcoming event 2:00 – How this event was born out of our own family’s transformation 4:15 – What the Family Brand Live Event will include 6:30 – Why gathering in-person creates powerful change 8:20 – What makes this weekend different from anything else out there 10:15 – Who this is for (hint: it’s not just “perfect” families)11:40 – Our personal invitation to YOU /episode/index/show/familybrand/id/37629145

231. Family Meeting that Don't Suck - How to Actually Make Them Work 07/25/2025

231. Family Meeting that Don't Suck - How to Actually Make Them Work 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 . 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! 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 /episode/index/show/familybrand/id/37546690

230. Why Hustle Culture Doesn’t Work for Families (and What to Do Instead) Feat. Kelly O’Neil 07/11/2025

230. Why Hustle Culture Doesn’t Work for Families (and What to Do Instead) Feat. Kelly O’Neil 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 and use code FamilyBrand at checkout to grab yours for free! LINKS: All Links Family Brand! Links For This Episode: 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! /episode/index/show/familybrand/id/37337740

229. Be Your Family’s Chief Reminding Officer 07/04/2025

229. Be Your Family’s Chief Reminding Officer 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! 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 /episode/index/show/familybrand/id/37248515

228. Preparing for the Unexpected: A Personal Story on Wills and Life Insurance 06/27/2025

228. Preparing for the Unexpected: A Personal Story on Wills and Life Insurance 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! 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 /episode/index/show/familybrand/id/37150295

227. What a $2.5B Exit Taught Me About Family and Leadership with Alex Bean 06/20/2025

227. What a $2.5B Exit Taught Me About Family and Leadership with Alex Bean 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! 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 /episode/index/show/familybrand/id/37064360

226. Family Culture Upgrades for Summer: Simple Changes That Make a Big Impact 06/06/2025

226. Family Culture Upgrades for Summer: Simple Changes That Make a Big Impact Hey Family Brand! It’s Melissa here, and this week I’m sharing something I’ve been thinking about a lot—how summer gives us a unique opportunity to pause, reflect, and upgrade our family culture. Whether your kids are home more, you're traveling, or you’re just trying to juggle a different routine, summer naturally gives us space to reevaluate what’s working… and what’s not. In this episode, I walk you through a few changes we’re making as a family this season. They’re small on the surface—things like setting limits on video games, resetting kitchen expectations, and creating more intentional mealtimes—but they’re making a big impact in how we’re showing up for each other. One of the biggest shifts we’ve made is in our morning routine. I share how we’ve gone from chaotic, slow-moving starts to mornings filled with structure, gratitude, and even scripture. I’ve also added a daily rhythm for myself that includes getting outside, stretching, drinking water, and tracking it all on paper. It’s been so good for my mental and physical health—and the kids are noticing too. I also open up about how these changes didn’t come from perfection or pressure. They came from a moment of honesty—realizing we were slipping into habits that didn’t reflect the culture we actually want to have. So if you’ve been feeling like it’s time to make a shift in your home, I want you to know: it doesn’t have to be complicated. Start small. Start now. This episode is a little behind-the-scenes peek into our summer—and an invitation for you to think about what kind of family culture you want to build in this season. LINKS: All Links Family Brand! Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 – Why summer is a great time to reset your family culture 1:15 – The moment I realized we needed some structure back in our mornings 2:30 – Our new morning rhythm: movement, water, journaling, and scripture 4:00 – Setting kitchen expectations so everyone pitches in 5:15 – Why I’m limiting video games and adding screen-free pockets 6:30 – How I’m building new rhythms for me as a mom this summer 8:00 – Encouragement: You don’t need to overhaul your life—just pick one thing /episode/index/show/familybrand/id/36885095

225. Can using AI make You a More Intentional Family?! 05/30/2025

225. Can using AI make You a More Intentional Family?! Hey Family Brand! It’s Melissa and Chris here, and today we’re diving into a topic we’ve never tackled before on the podcast—how families can use AI to live more intentionally. We’re not tech experts, but we’ve had some surprising (and honestly life-changing) experiences with tools like ChatGPT, and we think it’s time to pull back the curtain and share how we’re using AI in our everyday family life. This isn’t a conversation about robots taking over. It’s about how smart technology can save you time, help you communicate better, and create more space for connection—all things we care deeply about here at Family Brand. Whether it’s navigating tough parenting moments, dealing with your spouse’s quirks (hello, lateness battles!), or just trying to figure out what to make for dinner when the fridge is nearly empty, AI has become a quiet helper in the background of our home. Chris shares a personal story of asking AI how to approach an ongoing source of conflict in our marriage—our very different views on being on time—and how it led to one of the calmest, most productive conversations we’ve ever had. Melissa shares how AI helped her friend navigate a parenting situation with wisdom and compassion. These tools are surprisingly insightful when you give them the right context. We also talk about fun, practical ways AI can make life easier, like planning meals with whatever is in your fridge, building out your family’s weekly menu from your favorite blog, or even helping create time blocks for a parent who feels stretched too thin. It’s not about outsourcing our parenting or leadership—it’s about getting just enough support to show up more grounded, present, and intentional. If you’re new to AI or feeling hesitant, we get it. But our challenge for you this week is simple: ask AI to do one thing for you, and ask it for advice on one personal challenge. We think you’ll be blown away by how much lighter and clearer things can feel with a little help. 6 Ways AI Can Help Your Family Be More Intentional: Navigate recurring marriage disagreements with clarity and kindness Help you plan dinner with whatever’s in your fridge Create weekly meal plans from your favorite recipes or blogs Offer parenting advice based on your child’s age and situation Find time in your busy schedule by analyzing your day Encourage more thoughtful, less reactive communication LINKS: All Links Family Brand! Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 – Back from summer break! New York, Boston, Vermont… and why Tate is spending the summer in Kansas 2:00 – Introducing today’s topic: how families can use AI to be more intentional 3:30 – Melissa’s AI moment with the city planning board: resistance and curiosity 4:45 – Why Chris believes it’s crucial to introduce your kids to AI early 6:00 – Chris’s marriage breakthrough using ChatGPT for real-time relationship advice 7:45 – Using AI to help with parenting situations: a friend’s story and takeaways 9:15 – Making dinner with random ingredients? AI’s got you covered! 10:30 – Meal planning, grocery lists, and using AI with your favorite food blogs 11:30 – Ask AI to find you time when life feels chaotic 12:00 – Melissa’s reminder: AI can support you, but it shouldn’t replace your intuition 12:45 – Our weekly challenge to you: ask AI to do one thing and give advice on one topic 13:00 – Final thoughts and a commitment to help families live with intention /episode/index/show/familybrand/id/36782315

224. This One's For the Girls! 05/23/2025

224. This One's For the Girls! Hey Family Brand—it’s Melissa here, and this episode is just for the girls. Inspired by that old Martina McBride song (yes, I looked it up—2003!), I wanted to sit down and have a really honest chat about womanhood. From postpartum recovery to hormones, breast implants, Hashimoto’s, perimenopause, and trying to figure out what wellness even means in your 40s—this is the episode I wish I had heard years ago. And honestly? I hope it’s one Ivy listens to one day when she’s grown. Because we don’t talk about this stuff enough. I take you all the way back to my post-baby journey—five kids in 10 years, either pregnant or nursing—and what that did to my body. I share what it looked like to start exploring functional medicine, get my hormones checked, and find out I had Hashimoto’s (surprise!). I’ve been learning how to support my body ever since—less guessing, more intention. And yep… I talk about my decision to get a breast augmentation after baby number five. The good, the not-so-great, and the wild hospital story that followed (spoiler alert: not my favorite memory). I also talk about how much your environment and the people around you influence how you feel about your body—and why I might have made a different choice if I were living somewhere else at the time. Now at 40, I’m experimenting again. Weighted vests, walking, lifting heavy, gut health, and tracking my cycle—all things I’m learning about to support this season of life. I want to be strong. I want to be healthy. I want to be that 81-year-old hiking in Hawaii and wrestling grandkids on the beach. And I know that future starts now. This isn’t a how-to or a prescription. It’s just my story. But if you’re on your own health journey—and wondering if you’re doing it “right”—I hope this reminds you that you’re not alone. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to keep showing up. LINKS: All Links Family Brand! Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 – This one’s for the girls: aging, health, and real talk 3:00 – Postpartum recovery and learning to give your body grace 6:00 – Discovering Hashimoto’s and changing how I approach wellness 10:00 – What I wish I knew before getting a breast augmentation 14:00 – The hospital scare that made me question everything 20:00 – How your social circle impacts body image and decisions 22:00 – Current health practices: weight lifting, sauna, and cycle syncing 27:00 – Period products, hormone changes, and healing my gut 30:00 – Meeting the 81-year-old man who gave me a vision for the future 33:00 – You get to choose your wellness journey—start now /episode/index/show/familybrand/id/36660160

223. Mastering the 9-5 with Sean Cook 05/16/2025

223. Mastering the 9-5 with Sean Cook Hey Family Brand! It’s Chris and Melissa here, and today we are joined by one of our dear friends and someone who constantly inspires us—Dr. Sean Cook. Sean is a husband, a father of four, a dentist, and a proud Family Brand graduate. In this episode, we’re flipping the script on what it means to be “successful.” Instead of talking about the typical nine-to-five hustle, Sean shares what it looks like to master the five-to-nine—the hours after work that can so easily slip away from us but hold the most potential for connection, growth, and joy. Sean opens up about the moment that changed everything for him: realizing he had missed nearly all of his son’s soccer games that season. That wake-up call led to a radical shift in priorities. He and his wife decided that their family—not just their business—deserved intention, structure, and purpose. That’s when they created a loose, but powerful evening rhythm: intentional dinners, one-on-one kid time, spiritual conversations, and space to simply be together. What we love most about Sean’s story is how he and his wife made family leadership a shared vision. They developed core family values with their kids, shaped their evenings around connection, and let go of perfection in favor of presence. Whether they’re in the car, preparing dinner, or folding laundry—those ordinary moments are now opportunities to lead with love. We also dive into the importance of presence, meditation, and how communication is more than just words. Sean’s insights about fatherhood, growth, and spiritual connection are powerful reminders that the little moments—when you’re off the clock—are where the real magic happens. If you’ve been craving more purpose in your evenings or wondering how to create deeper connection with your family, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped. LINKS: All Links Family Brand! Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 – Meet Dr. Sean Cook and the story behind “Mastering the 5 to 9” 3:00 – The soccer game that changed everything 6:00 – Turning the family into a team with shared values 10:00 – Why presence matters more than perfection 14:00 – Creating intentional evenings, one kid at a time 18:00 – Listening, curiosity, and what kids really need 22:00 – Meditation, mindfulness, and modeling peace 26:00 – Adapting rhythms as kids grow and life gets busy 30:00 – Family communication, co-creating goals, and deeper connection 36:00 – Final reflections: Why Sean says he’ll never retire from being a dad /episode/index/show/familybrand/id/36587425

222. The Secret to Memorable Family Vacations 05/02/2025

222. The Secret to Memorable Family Vacations Hey Family Brand! It’s Chris and Melissa here, and this week we’re talking all about summer plans and how to create meaningful, memorable family vacations. If you're anything like us, summer can sneak up quickly, and planning can feel overwhelming. But what if the best family trips aren’t the most expensive or extravagant ones? What if they’re the simple, unstructured ones where everyone just gets to be together? Today, we’re sharing one of our favorite family exercises for figuring out what really matters when it comes to travel—and how it might just change the way you vacation. A few years ago, we sat our kids down with a whiteboard and asked a big question: “What are the most fun, memorable trips we’ve ever taken?” What surprised us? Disney World didn’t make the top five. The most expensive trips weren’t their favorites. Instead, what rose to the top were the road trips and spontaneous adventures—the ones with little structure, lots of connection, and no jam-packed itinerary. In this episode, we break down how that simple family discussion helped us realize the kind of trips that work for us—and how every family can do the same. We also talk about creating themes for each vacation (like “Wander with Wonder” or “Adventure”), letting each kid share what they’re hoping to experience, and why even short weekend getaways can be just as impactful as long, elaborate ones. We also opened up about our current season as our oldest prepares to be gone for most of the summer. It’s new territory, and it’s reshaping how we think about this year’s vacation plans. But instead of letting the logistics overwhelm us, we’re choosing to be intentional, and to make the most of the time we do have together. If you’re planning a summer trip (or just trying to figure out what would make the season meaningful), this episode is full of ideas to simplify your planning, prioritize connection, and make your next vacation truly unforgettable. LINKS: All Links Family Brand! Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 – Kicking off summer plans and Chris joins the show 2:00 – Asking our kids to name their favorite family trips 4:00 – Why big, expensive trips didn’t make the top 5 6:00 – What our favorite RV trip taught us about family travel 9:00 – How to create a family vacation “style” that works for you 11:00 – Creating themes and letting your kids shape the trip 13:00 – Navigating summer with teens and limited availability 14:00 – The power of small, intentional getaways /episode/index/show/familybrand/id/36416350

221. From Surviving to Leading – How Dee Taggart Found Her Voice and Helps Other Women Do the Same 04/25/2025

221. From Surviving to Leading – How Dee Taggart Found Her Voice and Helps Other Women Do the Same Hey Family Brand! It’s Melissa, and I’m so honored to introduce you to my guest today, Dee Taggart. After getting to know Dee at one of our recent couples retreats, I knew she had a story that needed to be shared with our community. Dee is the founder of Her Xpansion, a space where women can grow in confidence, connection, and self-leadership. She’s a mom, coach, spiritual mentor, and all-around powerhouse. This conversation is full of heart, hope, and honest truth—and I think every woman will hear something in Dee’s story that resonates with her own. Dee opens up about her incredible journey—from being a 20-year-old caring for four children under the age of two, to navigating single motherhood, divorce, and ultimately rediscovering her strength and purpose. Her story is one of resilience and spiritual awakening, and she’s the first to say she didn’t always feel strong. At one point, she was in a dark place, believing she wasn’t enough. It wasn’t until she hit her “ignite moment”—a quiet realization in the car—that she began to rebuild from the inside out. What really stuck with me is Dee’s approach to confidence. She says confidence doesn’t come from doing something once—it’s built by keeping promises to yourself. For any mom or woman who feels like she’s lost a part of herself, Dee offers a beautiful reminder: your spirit knows what’s calling you, and if you get quiet and listen, you’ll start to find your way back. Her practical advice for rebuilding confidence—through courage, small commitments, and daily self-leadership—is something I wish every woman could hear. We also talked about spiritual practice, and Dee shared how reconnecting with God and spending time in nature changed everything for her. She’s unapologetically faith-driven and believes our wholeness comes from something bigger than ourselves. If you’ve felt disconnected from your own sense of calling or are simply craving a deeper sense of peace, her insight on creating intentional time for reflection is powerful. Finally, Dee breaks down the Five Cs that guide her work with women: Confidence, Connection, Capabilities, Community, and Consciousness. These are the pillars of Her Xpansion, and they’re not just concepts—they’re tools to help women lead themselves well so they can lead their families, their communities, and their lives with purpose. LINKS: All Links Family Brand! Links For This Episode: Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 – Meet Dee Taggart and her powerful story of motherhood and resilience 3:00 – Raising four babies under age two and the emotional toll it took 6:00 – Shifting from “I’m not enough” to “I’ve had enough” 10:00 – The power of a single decision and where her healing began 14:00 – How movement and health became the catalyst for transformation 19:00 – Coaching women through nine categories of wellness 22:00 – What builds confidence: keeping promises to yourself 26:00 – Her Xpansion: Dee’s divine calling and the mission behind it 31:00 – Staying anchored to your mission when doubt creeps in 36:00 – Dee’s spiritual practice: solitude, nature, and prayer 42:00 – Final encouragement: You don’t need more time—you need more intention /episode/index/show/familybrand/id/36295860

220. How to Transform Your Inner World with Joey Klein 04/11/2025

220. How to Transform Your Inner World with Joey Klein Hey Family Brand! It’s Melissa here, and today I’m thrilled to introduce you to someone whose work is all about personal mastery and lasting transformation—Joey Klein. Joey is a transformation expert, author, and founder of Inner Matrix Systems. He’s helped over 84,000 people across the globe—from Fortune 500 executives to everyday families—create real results by mastering their emotions, nervous system, and mindset. In this episode, Joey and I go deep on why the inner game matters most, how to change your reality from the inside out, and what it really takes to live the life you were meant for. Joey shares how his own journey of inner healing started from a place of pain and a desire for peace. What began as a personal quest quickly turned into a career helping others find clarity, freedom, and fulfillment. He takes us through the process of uncovering our emotional “blind spots” and explains how behaviors, even addictions or stuck patterns, are often tied to emotional pain that hasn’t been addressed or even recognized. One of the most powerful parts of our conversation was Joey’s 4-step transformation framework: 1) Identify what to stop doing, 2) Start something new, 3) Get comfortable being uncomfortable, and 4) Prioritize vision over fear. It’s a simple but profound system that can be applied to everything—from relationships and parenting to career and health. We talk about how this framework transformed a client’s relationship with her daughter, and how small shifts can lead to big breakthroughs. We also explore the difference between meditation and what Joey calls “inner training.” While the idea of meditation has become more mainstream, Joey believes the real transformation happens when we train our inner world the way we train our bodies. It’s about intentional reps, nervous system awareness, and shifting how we feel—not just what we think. Joey’s new book, Relationship Alchemy: A Practical Guide to Getting Along Well With Others, launches April 1st and is packed with real-life tools for creating vibrant, connected relationships in every area of life. Be sure to grab your copy and access over $2,500 worth of bonus tools at . LINKS: All Links Family Brand! Links For This Episode: Instagram: @‌therealjoeyklein Facebook: Website: Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 – Welcome Joey Klein and his journey into transformation work 2:00 – What “inner training” really means and how Joey built Inner Matrix Systems 6:00 – Why addictions and stuck patterns are often about unresolved emotional pain 10:00 – Joey’s personal backstory: from destructive habits to a path of peace 14:00 – The rise of meditation and how inner training is different 16:00 – Where to begin when you feel stuck or unsure how to change 19:00 – Joey’s 4-Step Transformation Framework 24:00 – How shifting your focus from pain to vision creates lasting change 28:00 – All about Joey’s new book Relationship Alchemy and how to access bonus resources 30:00 – Final encouragement: the key to life transformation is inside you /episode/index/show/familybrand/id/36092630

219. Do Better, Get Better 04/04/2025

219. Do Better, Get Better Hey Family Brand! It’s Chris here with a solo episode for you today while Melissa is out of town with one of our daughters. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about a simple phrase I came across: “Do better, get better.” It hit me in a powerful way, and I’ve been sharing it with my team, our clients, my family—really anyone who will listen. Today, I want to share it with you, because it has the potential to shift everything in your life, just like it has for me. This all started when I read a story about a waiter who received a tip that wasn’t money at all. Instead, the customer had just written two words on the receipt: “Do better.” At first, he was angry. But then, he made a choice. He could take it as an insult or take it as a challenge—and he chose the latter. He stepped up, pushed himself, and ended up getting more tips, more recognition, and more fulfillment in his job. His life literally started getting better because he decided to do better. That story stuck with me. It reminded me how much time I’ve spent trying to get other people to change—whether it’s in our marriage, parenting, business, or friendships. But the truth is, the biggest shifts have always happened when I focused on improving myself. When I get better, everything else gets better. My relationships, my results, my mindset—it all improves when I take responsibility and grow. I’ve been encouraging our clients and team members to take this to heart too. What’s one area in your life where you could do better? Not because you’re broken or failing—but because you deserve to grow. Because getting better isn't about shame or pressure. It's about honoring your value and choosing to live into your potential. So my challenge to you this week is this: pick one thing in your life—just one—that you want to get better at. Maybe it’s communication, your health, your mindset, your marriage, or something at work. Commit to doing a little better this week. And then just notice what happens. You might be surprised at how quickly things start to shift. LINKS: All Links Family Brand! Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 – Chris kicks off the episode solo while Melissa is away 0:23 – Introducing the “Do Better, Get Better” concept 1:00 – A powerful story about a waiter and a two-word tip 3:00 – How a small mindset shift led to big transformation 4:00 – Why getting better yourself changes everything around you 5:50 – The importance of focusing your energy inward 7:00 – Chris’s challenge: Pick one area to get better 8:10 – Final encouragement: You’re already enough—and growth is your gift /episode/index/show/familybrand/id/36007850

218. Couple’s Retreat Recap – Why Your Marriage Deserves a Getaway 03/28/2025

218. Couple’s Retreat Recap – Why Your Marriage Deserves a Getaway Hey Family Brand! It’s Chris and Melissa here, and we’re finally sitting down to share the recap of our recent Couple’s Retreat in Hawaii. And wow—what an experience! Whether or not you were able to attend, this episode is for anyone who wants to grow in their marriage, reconnect with their spouse, and create intentional rhythms that bring joy and strength to your relationship. We’re pulling back the curtain on what we learned, what surprised us, and why this trip was such a full-circle moment for us personally. It had been over 14 years since the two of us visited Hawaii—just the two of us—with no kids, no distractions, and no big agenda other than connection. The last time we were there, our marriage was in a rough place. We weren’t even sure we’d make it. So to come back to the same place, not only thriving in our relationship but hosting a retreat for 20 amazing couples? It was surreal. A reminder that your marriage is worth fighting for and healing is possible—even if it feels far off right now. The retreat was filled with intentional conversations, practical tools, and a chance for couples to hit pause and truly reflect on where they are and where they want to go. From the kickoff dinner to the group workshops, one big theme kept showing up: You don’t need to wait for the “perfect” moment to prioritize your marriage. One couple told us they hadn’t been away together in over 10 years. Another said they hadn’t gone to the gym together since before they had kids. The retreat was their reset—but yours can start today, even with just a date night or a shared walk. We also talked about what happens when couples drift. It’s often not intentional—just a slow, subtle pulling apart that adds up over time. That’s why building in non-negotiables, like a weekly date night or check-in, is so powerful. These little systems act as a “forcing function” to help you reconnect even during the busy seasons. One of our favorites? Just putting it on the calendar. Whether it’s lunch dates or evening walks, we’ve found ways to prioritize our connection, even when life feels full. And if you’re thinking a couple’s getaway sounds amazing but totally out of reach, Melissa has something for you. We created a 30+ page Couple’s Getaway Guide that walks you through everything—from budgeting and planning to conversation prompts and goal-setting exercises. You’ll even get a recorded training to help you bring the retreat experience to your own trip, no matter where you go or how long you stay. You can grab it for just $11 at . LINKS: All Links Family Brand! Links For This Episode: Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 – Welcome to the Couple’s Retreat Recap 2:30 – A full-circle moment: Returning to Hawaii 14 years later 4:00 – What helped our marriage go from struggling to thriving 5:15 – Stories from couples who hadn’t gotten away in years 7:00 – Why you shouldn’t wait to prioritize your marriage 8:15 – The danger of drifting and how to avoid it 10:00 – What non-negotiable rituals keep us connected 11:30 – The surprising power of a simple couple’s getaway 12:30 – What’s inside our Couple’s Getaway Guide 14:00 – Research behind strong families and marriage prioritization 15:30 – Final thoughts: Don’t wait—do something today to grow closer Let us know if you grab the guide and plan a little getaway of your own—we’d love to hear how it goes! /episode/index/show/familybrand/id/35895890

217. Who Are You Really Following? The Hidden Impact of Online Influence 03/21/2025

217. Who Are You Really Following? The Hidden Impact of Online Influence Hey Family Brand! It’s Chris and Melissa here, and today, we’re having an important conversation about something we don’t always stop to think about—who we allow to influence us. In a world where social media, thought leaders, and online personalities are more accessible than ever, it’s easy to get caught up in curated versions of success. But how do we know if the people we’re following are truly worth listening to? And what happens when we allow the wrong influences into our homes and families? This whole conversation started when Melissa watched a new documentary about Ruby Franke, a once-popular family YouTuber whose life took a devastating turn. What started as a platform to showcase strong family values ended in tragedy, and it got us thinking—how quickly can things shift when we follow the wrong people or chase the wrong ideals? What warning signs should we be paying attention to? One of the biggest takeaways from this discussion is authenticity. Social media often presents a highlight reel, but are the people we’re looking up to showing us the whole picture? Are they living lives that align with the values we want for ourselves and our families? We share some personal experiences of getting caught up in coaching programs or mentorships that, in hindsight, didn’t align with our deeper values. It’s so easy to be drawn in by success, money, or status without realizing that some of these figures don’t actually live the kind of life we’d want for ourselves. We also talk about the danger of seeking external validation and how knowing who you are—both individually and as a family—is the key to making sure you’re not being blindly influenced. When you know your values and what truly matters to you, it’s easier to recognize when something feels off. Instead of constantly chasing external advice, you can take pieces of wisdom that align with you and leave the rest. Our challenge for you this week? Take an inventory. Who are you following? What books, social media accounts, or shows are you letting into your life? Are they actually serving you, or are they quietly shaping you in ways that don’t align with who you want to be? And most importantly—if you don’t know who you are, how will you know if something is misaligned? LINKS: All Links Family Brand! Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 – Why this topic matters: A YouTube family’s shocking downfall 2:30 – The curated highlight reels we see online 5:00 – Are we sharing real life or just what looks good? 9:00 – The risk of following people without questioning their values 12:45 – How coaching programs can be helpful… or dangerous 17:00 – Why external validation won’t fill internal gaps 22:00 – The importance of being grounded in your identity 30:00 – Taking an inventory: Who are you really following? Let us know what stood out to you in this episode! Are there any influences you’ve decided to cut out or new boundaries you’re setting? We’d love to hear from you! /episode/index/show/familybrand/id/35800445

216. Becoming a Peacemaker – Finding Peace Within and Around You 03/14/2025

216. Becoming a Peacemaker – Finding Peace Within and Around You Hey Family Brand! It’s Melissa here, and today, I’m bringing you a different kind of episode—one that I wasn’t expecting to record, but I know it’s exactly the conversation I need to have right now. My word for the year is ‘maker,’ and while I’ve spent time thinking about all the ways I want to create—being a homemaker, a moneymaker, a creator—it never occurred to me to focus on being a peacemaker. That changed recently when our family was asked to speak in church, and I was assigned Matthew 5:9: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.’ That moment set me on a journey to rethink what it really means to make peace—not just between people, but inside ourselves. When I first thought about peacemaking, I imagined it in the traditional sense—helping my kids resolve arguments, keeping peace in relationships, and fostering harmony within my family. But as I reflected more, I realized that being a peacemaker starts internally. How do we create peace within ourselves so that we have peace to give? It’s easy to think of peace as something external, but when we aren’t centered, it’s hard to extend calm to others. One of the biggest takeaways from this reflection was learning how to recognize and manage my own emotional state. I shared a tool from a past podcast episode with parenting coach Crystal Heitzma, who teaches about recognizing when we are in our "green zone" (calm and regulated), "yellow zone" (feeling dysregulated), or "red zone" (fully overwhelmed). Learning to catch ourselves in that yellow zone before we spiral is a game-changer in protecting our peace. I’ve taught this to my kids, and it’s been powerful for all of us. I also talk about the mental chatter that often steals our peace—self-doubt, parenting guilt, or insecurities that creep in daily. When we get intentional about quieting those voices and replacing them with truth, we reclaim our inner peace. For me, faith is a huge part of that. I find peace in Christ, and reminding myself of who I am in His eyes helps me stay grounded. Our family also uses personal declarations—statements of who we are and who we are becoming—which are so powerful in silencing negativity. So here’s my challenge to you: Take a moment this week to ask yourself, How can I create more peace in my life? Whether it’s in your emotions, your thoughts, or your relationships, being a peacemaker starts within. And when we cultivate peace inside, it naturally flows into the lives of those around us. LINKS: All Links Family Brand! Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 – A different kind of episode today 1:30 – The unexpected lesson from my word of the year 3:00 – What does it really mean to be a peacemaker? 5:00 – Recognizing when we lose our inner peace 7:30 – Managing emotional regulation (Green, Yellow, Red zones) 10:00 – The mental chatter that steals our peace 12:00 – Finding peace in faith and truth 14:00 – Challenge: How can you become a peacemaker in your own life? /episode/index/show/familybrand/id/35661960

215. Cultivating Greater Gratitude with Shannon and Matthew Missimer 03/07/2025

215. Cultivating Greater Gratitude with Shannon and Matthew Missimer Hey Family Brand! It’s Chris and Melissa here, and today, we have an incredible conversation for you with Shannon and Matthew Missimer, co-founders of The Motion of Gratitude. Their work is all about helping families move from just going through the motions of life to living with intention, presence, and gratitude. If you've ever felt stuck in survival mode or wondered how to cultivate more joy and connection in your home, this episode is for you! Shannon and Matthew share their personal journeys that led them to create The Motion of Gratitude. For Shannon, it all started as a young mother feeling completely drained, giving everything to her children but losing herself in the process. Her turning point came when she realized that practicing gratitude—intentionally and daily—was the key to transforming how she showed up as a wife, mom, and individual. Matthew, on the other hand, was deep in the financial services industry, constantly focused on providing for his family, but ultimately realizing that success without presence wasn’t enough. It wasn’t until he saw the impact of Shannon’s gratitude practice firsthand that he truly embraced the power of this mindset shift. We dive deep into the science of gratitude and how it physically rewires our brains and nervous systems. Shannon explains how gratitude journaling isn't just a nice habit—it actually shifts us from fight-or-flight mode into a state of peace and connection. When we make gratitude a regular practice, it changes the way we see the world, helping us become more present with our families and more intentional with our time. If you're wondering where to start, Shannon and Matthew break it down with simple, actionable steps. They introduce The Experience, their 28-day guided gratitude journey, designed to help individuals and families build a strong foundation for a gratitude practice. They also share their new workbook series, designed specifically for kids, to help families cultivate a culture of gratitude together. As we wrap up, we challenge you to take one small step today: take a deep breath, ask yourself what is still going right in my life?, and see how that one simple shift can change everything. LINKS: All Links Family Brand! Links For This Episode: Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 – Welcome Shannon & Matthew Missimer 2:00 – How The Motion of Gratitude was born 6:00 – Shannon’s turning point as a mom and how gratitude changed everything 10:00 – Matthew’s journey from financial services to finding deeper purpose 14:00 – The science of gratitude: how it rewires the brain and body 18:00 – How to start a gratitude practice (without overcomplicating it) 22:00 – The Experience: A 28-day gratitude journey for families 26:00 – Simple breathwork and mindset shifts to bring more gratitude into your day /episode/index/show/familybrand/id/35554115

214. Homeless...The Power of Shared Experiences: Why Serving Together Strengthens Families 02/28/2025

214. Homeless...The Power of Shared Experiences: Why Serving Together Strengthens Families Hey Family Brand! It’s Chris and Melissa here, and today we’re diving into something that has been incredibly meaningful for our family lately—creating shared experiences through service. If you’ve ever felt like life is moving too fast and you’re struggling to connect as a family, this episode is for you. We’re sharing our recent experience feeding the homeless, how it impacted our kids, and why we’re making service a bigger priority in 2025. One of our biggest takeaways from this experience? Service is like medicine. It shifts the focus away from ourselves and helps us see the bigger picture. It builds gratitude, strengthens our core values, and brings us together in a way that few other things do. We’ve always talked about the importance of being intentional with our family culture, and this was a perfect example of how shared experiences create a deeper sense of identity and belonging. We also talk about how we planned this experience using , a website that connects families with local service opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a one-time event or want to make service a regular part of your family’s routine, this is a great place to start. And if you don’t have time to plan something big? That’s okay. Even small, everyday acts of service—helping a neighbor, cooking a meal, or simply being more present for someone—can have a huge impact. Another takeaway? If it’s not on the calendar, it won’t happen. We’ve learned that good intentions aren’t enough—we need to schedule service opportunities just like we would a vacation or a family dinner. This week, we’re challenging our kids to pick our next family service project, giving them ownership in the process. We’ll report back on how it goes! So here’s your challenge—how can you create more shared experiences in your family? Whether it’s a service project, a trip, or just making time for regular family meals, intentionality is everything. Take some time this week to talk about it, put something on the calendar, and make it happen! LINKS: All Links Family Brand! Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 – Special announcement: Join us for our March 6th Masterclass! 2:00 – The inspiration behind our recent service project 4:00 – How JustServe.org helped us find a local opportunity 6:00 – The impact of serving together as a family 9:00 – Why shared experiences build strong family culture 12:00 – The importance of scheduling service on your calendar 15:00 – Giving kids a say in planning family service projects 18:00 – Your challenge: What shared experiences can you create this week? Let us know what you think and what service projects you take on as a family! We’d love to hear your stories. 💛 /episode/index/show/familybrand/id/35445900

213. Escape... with Intention. Don't miss our NEW Couple's Getaway Guide. 02/21/2025

213. Escape... with Intention. Don't miss our NEW Couple's Getaway Guide. Hey Family Brand! It’s Melissa here, and today, I’m sharing something that I am SO excited about—our brand-new Escape with Intention: A Couple’s Getaway Guide! Chris and I have felt the power of a well-planned getaway so many times, and we truly believe every couple deserves time away to reconnect, dream, and have fun together. But here’s the thing—there’s a BIG difference between just taking a trip and planning an intentional escape that strengthens your relationship. That’s where this guide comes in! In this episode, we talk about why getting away—whether for a weekend, a full vacation, or even just a few intentional hours—can be life-changing for your marriage. Chris and I share personal stories about our own getaways, from our honeymoon to last-minute anniversary trips, and even small moments that made a big impact. The key? Being intentional with your time together. When you approach your escape with purpose, it becomes more than just a break from daily life—it becomes a chance to grow, reconnect, and dream together. We also give you a sneak peek into what’s inside the Escape with Intention guide. It’s a fully designed 30-page resource packed with conversation prompts, planning tips, and ideas to help you make the most of your time away. Plus, we’re doing something special—we’re hosting a live masterclass, where we’ll walk you through the guide, answer your questions, and help you brainstorm how to make your own getaway happen this year! Whether you’ve been putting off a couples’ trip because of busy schedules, finances, or just not knowing where to start, this episode will help you rethink what’s possible. A getaway doesn’t have to be extravagant—it can be as simple as a planned afternoon together, a night away, or a full retreat if that’s an option for you. The most important thing is carving out time to escape… with intention. Want in? Head over to to grab your spot! Let’s make your next getaway the best one yet. See you there! LINKS: All Links Family Brand! Links For This Episode: Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 – Why every couple deserves a getaway 2:05 – What inspired the Escape with Intention guide 4:30 – How intentional getaways strengthen your marriage 7:00 – Small escapes vs. big vacations—why both matter 9:45 – What’s inside the Escape with Intention guide 12:00 – Join us for the live masterclass on February 27th! /episode/index/show/familybrand/id/35353875

212. When to STOP Showing Up to All Your Kid’s Stuff? (Spots, Events, Etc.) 02/14/2025

212. When to STOP Showing Up to All Your Kid’s Stuff? (Spots, Events, Etc.) Hey Family Brand crew! Today, we’re tackling a topic that might stir up some conversation—when should you stop showing up to all of your kid’s activities? As parents, we want to support our children and be there for them, but at what point does showing up to everything start to impact our time, energy, and even our family’s well-being? This is something Chris and I have been navigating lately, and I wanted to bring this conversation to the podcast so we can all reflect on it together. We’ve always been a family that values showing up for each other. But recently, as our kids have gotten older and their schedules have become packed with sports and activities, we started to ask ourselves—does attending every single game, match, or event actually serve our family? After a particularly overwhelming week of 12 different games across multiple sports, I found myself exhausted, our youngest daughter was feeling dragged along, and we realized it was time to reassess what showing up really looks like for us. One perspective that really caught my attention was from an interview with author Linda Flanagan, where she suggested that parents shouldn’t feel pressured to attend everything. Instead, she encourages modeling a happy adulthood by maintaining your own interests and not relying on your kids’ activities to define your purpose. That really hit home for me! It made me realize that sometimes, stepping back is just as valuable as showing up—it teaches kids independence, resilience, and that their worth isn’t tied to parental attendance. That said, every family is different. Some parents genuinely love going to every game, and that’s great! But if you’re feeling stretched too thin or questioning whether this is sustainable, it might be worth having an open conversation with your kids. Some of our kids have told us, “I really want you at this game,” while others have said, “I don’t mind if you miss this one.” Giving them a say in the conversation can help create a balanced approach that works for everyone. At the end of the day, it’s about being intentional with your time. Maybe showing up doesn’t always mean being physically present—it can also mean checking in after, celebrating their hard work, and making space for other meaningful family moments. So, if you’ve been feeling overcommitted or stretched too thin, I encourage you to take a step back and ask: What does showing up look like for our family? And is it time to redefine that? LINKS: All Links Family Brand! Links For This Episode: 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, episode 414. Take Back the Game - Episode Minute By Minute 0:00 – A conversation worth having: Do we need to go to everything? 2:00 – The pressure parents feel to attend every activity 5:00 – When supporting one child starts to affect the whole family 7:30 – What research says about showing up vs. stepping back 10:00 – Having an open conversation with your kids about expectations 12:00 – Redefining “support” and creating balance for the whole family I’d love to hear your thoughts on this! Have you ever questioned whether you need to be at everything? Let’s continue the conversation—message me on Instagram or share your thoughts with your partner this week. See you next time! /episode/index/show/familybrand/id/35248995

211. Becoming....Undeniable 02/07/2025

211. Becoming....Undeniable Hey Family Brand! It’s Chris and Melissa here, and today we’re diving into a topic that has been a theme in our home and our conversations lately—what it means to become undeniable. Whether it’s in parenting, business, sports, or life in general, how do we show up in a way that makes our contributions impossible to ignore? We’re sharing personal stories, including how our son took on this mindset in his journey as an athlete, and how you can apply this principle in your own life. Melissa kicks off the conversation by reflecting on her recent speaking experience. Even though she’s spoken on Zoom and hosted this podcast for years, standing on stage in front of a live audience pushed her in new ways. She found herself replaying every detail, second-guessing her delivery, and realizing how easy it is to be unnecessarily hard on ourselves when we step outside our comfort zones. The lesson? Growth happens when we embrace discomfort and keep showing up, even when we don’t have it all figured out yet. Chris shares a powerful conversation he had with an entrepreneur who was hesitating to take action in his business, waiting until he was "sure it would work." But here’s the reality—you don’t get certainty before taking the leap. You take the leap, and then you figure it out. This same idea applies in our families, our careers, and every area of life. If we wait until we feel completely ready, we’ll stay stuck. The inspiration for today’s episode comes from our son, Tanner, and the journey he’s been on with sports. Last year, he chose the word “undeniable” as his theme. At first, it seemed like just a word on a vision board, scribbled in a barely legible font. But over time, he fully embodied that word. He showed up differently in his training, his mindset, and his approach to challenges. Instead of hoping to earn playing time, he worked in a way that made it impossible for coaches to overlook him. He became undeniable. We wrap up with three powerful questions inspired by world-renowned sports psychologist Bill Beswick, questions that can help you in any area of life: What do you want? How bad do you want it? What are you willing to suffer for to get it? These questions push us to get clear on our goals, commit to them fully, and recognize that struggle is part of the process. Whether in sports, business, marriage, or personal growth, the key is to put in the work and trust that your undeniable efforts will lead to undeniable results. LINKS: All Links Family Brand! Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 – Why we’re talking about becoming undeniable 2:00 – Melissa’s experience stepping outside her comfort zone 6:00 – Why waiting to "be ready" will keep you stuck 10:00 – How our son embodied the undeniable mindset 14:00 – The three questions that help you level up 18:00 – Applying the concept of undeniable to family, work, and personal growth 22:00 – Final thoughts: What’s calling you to become undeniable? What’s one area of your life where you can commit to showing up so fully that your contribution can’t be ignored? We’d love to hear your thoughts—send us a message or share your story with us! /episode/index/show/familybrand/id/35155145

210. State of the Smith Family Finances Address 01/31/2025

210. State of the Smith Family Finances Address Hey Family Brand! It’s Chris and Melissa here, and today we’re diving into a topic that we haven’t spent much time on in the podcast: family finances. If the thought of finances makes you want to tune out, stick with us—we’re sharing lessons learned from our own money journey, the missteps we’ve taken, and the shifts that have helped us build a healthier relationship with money. This is about more than numbers; it’s about stewardship, mindset, and teaching our kids how to handle money in a way that sets them up for life. In this episode, we get personal about how we’ve navigated our finances as a family. Like many couples, we started with different upbringings around money, and for years, we didn’t even realize our mindset about money was rooted in scarcity. Early on, we spent countless hours trying to save a few dollars, without understanding the bigger picture of value creation and stewardship. A turning point came when we started reframing our language and habits around money—focusing less on “we can’t afford that” and more on “how can we create the money for what matters to us?” We also share the importance of teaching financial principles to our kids. A recent conversation with our 17-year-old revealed a gap in how we’ve communicated what it takes to manage money and run a household. This year, we’re being more intentional about showing our kids the behind-the-scenes of family finances—everything from setting budgets to understanding the value of creating income. A simple rule we’ve implemented, “We pay for everything you want and half of what you need,” has helped our kids think twice before spending. Another shift this year has been the introduction of clear roles in our household finances. Inspired by a couples retreat, we decided to designate Chris as the CFO (Chief Financial Officer) and Melissa as the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of our family. This has brought much-needed clarity and accountability to how we handle our responsibilities. It doesn’t mean we don’t support each other, but it has helped eliminate the overlap and inefficiencies we used to face. Our main takeaway for you: Financial success isn’t just about saving more or spending less; it’s about creating value, building good habits, and fostering a healthy relationship with money—both for you and your kids. As you step into this year, take some time to reflect on how you can intentionally improve your family’s relationship with money. LINKS: All Links Family Brand! Links For This Episode: - Podcast: 19. Why We Never Say “We Can’t Afford That” Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 – Why we’re talking about family finances 2:00 – Early lessons and scarcity mindsets around money 5:00 – How reframing our language changed everything 9:00 – Teaching kids financial responsibility and creation 14:00 – Our experiment with CFO and CEO family roles 18:00 – What we want our kids to learn about money 24:00 – Actionable takeaways for improving family finances /episode/index/show/familybrand/id/34964910

209. New Year, New Intentions – Finding Your Family’s Focus for 2025 01/24/2025

209. New Year, New Intentions – Finding Your Family’s Focus for 2025 Hey Family Brand! It’s Chris and Melissa here, and we’re coming to you from our brand-new house, fresh into 2025! This episode feels extra special because it’s the first one we’re recording in our new home, and we’re sharing how our family has been setting the tone for the new year. Whether you’re someone who loves creating goals and vision boards or you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, this episode will inspire you to pause, reflect, and bring intentionality into your family’s new year. We’re diving into our favorite end-of-year traditions, like reflecting on what went well in 2024 and what we want to improve for 2025. Chris shares how our family fills out reflection worksheets individually before coming together to talk about what we want to focus on as a group. It’s been such a powerful practice for us to not only grow as individuals but also strengthen our family culture. One of the big highlights of this year’s reflection process was choosing our family word for 2025: Peace. We explain how we arrived at that theme by gathering input from our kids and reflecting on the areas where we felt the most opportunity for growth—creating more order in our home, being kinder to one another, and fostering a calm, joyful environment. We even share how our kids come up with fun actions to reinforce our family values each day, making the process memorable and engaging. We also talk about our personal words for the year. Melissa’s word, Maker, is all about being intentional in every area of life—from homemaking to fun-making. Chris’s word, Fearless, challenges him to lean into fear and use it as a guide to pursue growth. These words help us approach the year with clarity and focus, and they’re a constant reminder of what matters most. Lastly, we touch on the importance of sustaining these intentions beyond the initial excitement of the new year. From creating visual cues like phone backgrounds to saying our family values together every morning, we share practical tips to keep your family’s goals front and center. And don’t worry—it’s not about perfection. It’s about progress, connection, and moving forward together. Let us know your family’s word or theme for 2025—we’d love to hear how you’re starting the year with intention. You can grab our free reflection guide and start creating your best year yet at . Cheers to a fresh start! LINKS: All Links Family Brand! Links For This Episode: Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 – Kicking off 2025 in our new home 3:00 – Reflecting on the past year and planning for the next 7:30 – How we chose our family word for 2025: Peace 12:00 – Melissa and Chris’s personal words and how they shape the year 17:00 – Simple ways to stay intentional all year long 20:00 – How to create a meaningful start to the year for your family /episode/index/show/familybrand/id/34913315

208. Rewriting the Stories That Hold You Back: Shatter the Need for Confidence with Guest Angus Nelson 01/17/2025

208. Rewriting the Stories That Hold You Back: Shatter the Need for Confidence with Guest Angus Nelson Hey Family Brand! It’s Melissa here, and I couldn’t be more excited to introduce you to my guest, Angus Nelson. Angus is an executive coach who helps entrepreneurs and high achievers break through their blockers and become their best selves. In today’s episode, we dive into why confidence isn’t the secret to success—and why the journey to real self-belief starts with action, not achievements. If you’ve ever felt stuck, doubted yourself, or let fear hold you back, this conversation is for you. Angus shares why many of us misunderstand confidence, treating it as something we need before taking action. He flips this idea on its head, explaining that confidence is always a result of doing, not a prerequisite. With humor and deep insight, Angus discusses how fear of failure and even fear of success are blockers that can paralyze us. By rethinking our stories and beliefs, we can take the first step toward growth—without waiting to feel “ready.” We also explore how these concepts apply to family life and relationships. Angus opens up about his own journey of personal transformation, including lessons from his role as a parent and his career as an entrepreneur. His vulnerability and wisdom remind us that building resilience, courage, and self-permission can transform not just our professional lives but our family dynamics as well. Angus also shares an incredible story of moving his family to Portugal, embracing resistance, and finding courage through big life changes. His takeaway? Resistance isn’t a sign to quit; it’s an opportunity to grow stronger and prove to yourself what you’re capable of. Lastly, Angus gives us a sneak peek into his upcoming book, Confidence Comes Later. He reveals why chasing confidence keeps us stuck and how shifting our mindset can unlock incredible potential. It’s a must-read for anyone ready to shatter limiting beliefs and step into the life they were meant to live. LINKS: All Links Family Brand! Links For This Episode: Book: Instagram: Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 – Meet Angus Nelson: Executive Coach and Author 2:00 – Why Confidence Isn’t What You Think It Is 5:00 – Breaking Down the Biggest Blockers: Fear of Failure and Success 10:00 – Why Resistance Is an Opportunity for Growth 15:00 – Redefining Confidence Through Action 20:00 – Angus’ Personal Transformation and Lessons from Family Life 27:00 – Moving to Portugal: The Courage to Follow Your Dreams 31:00 – How to Connect with Angus and Learn More About His Work /episode/index/show/familybrand/id/34797105

Family Brand: Take Back Your Family

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