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.
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242. Faith, Family, and the Songs That Heal: A Conversation with Angie Killian
11/14/2025
242. Faith, Family, and the Songs That Heal: A Conversation with Angie Killian
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! . 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
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241. Living with Intention: The Daily Habits That Build a Life You Love
11/07/2025
241. Living with Intention: The Daily Habits That Build a Life You Love
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. 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! . 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
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243. You Are What You Consume: How Media Shapes Your Family
10/31/2025
243. You Are What You Consume: How Media Shapes Your Family
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! . 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?”
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242. Building Family Identity Through Dia De Los Muertos
10/24/2025
242. Building Family Identity Through Dia De Los Muertos
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! . Links For This Episode: Movie- Disney's 'Coco': Article - "The Stories that Bind Us" by Bruce Feiler: Dia De Los Muertos Invitation: 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
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241. Why Unity Starts at Home: Building Strong Families in a Divided World
10/17/2025
241. Why Unity Starts at Home: Building Strong Families in a Divided World
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! . Links For This Episode: Article- "Peacemakers Needed" by Russell M. Nelson: Thomas McConkie on the Family Brand Podcast: 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
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240. How to Support Your Spouse Through Every Season of Marriage
10/10/2025
240. How to Support Your Spouse Through Every Season of Marriage
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! . 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
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239. The #1 Thing Standing Between You and the Life You Want
10/03/2025
239. The #1 Thing Standing Between You and the Life You Want
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! . 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
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238. How This Single Dad of 8 Blends Business, Faith, and Family
09/26/2025
238. How This Single Dad of 8 Blends Business, Faith, and Family
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! . Links For This Episode: 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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!
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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!
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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!
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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?
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