Family Brand: Take Back Your Family

Have you ever caught yourself saying "no" to your kids' adventures out of pure instinct — only to wonder later if maybe the risk was worth it? In this episode, Chris and Melissa talk about how they're learning to raise kids who are more confident, capable, and adventurous by saying yes a little more often. The idea started after Melissa read The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt — a powerful book that explores how modern parenting and constant digital connection have created more anxious, less independent kids. Together, they reflect on how the shift from outdoor play to screens has changed childhood, and what parents can do to reclaim freedom and resilience for their kids. They share personal stories from their own family — like letting their teenage son navigate New York City solo, their kids exploring Paris and Croatia by themselves, and their 10-year-old's first bike ride to school (which included a coyote sighting and a dog chase). Each story carries the same theme: that a little bit of risk, independence, and real-world adventure is not just okay — it's essential. Chris and Melissa also discuss how media consumption has shaped our fears, why the world may not actually be more dangerous than it used to be, and how giving kids appropriate autonomy builds courage and confidence. They tackle the smartphone dilemma too — why they're rethinking when their kids get phones, and what it means to trade "connection" for constant anxiety. This episode will inspire you to loosen the reins just a bit, trust your kids more, and rediscover the joy of letting them learn through life — not just lectures. As Chris puts it, "Adventure builds confidence. Confidence builds courage. And courage builds character." LINKS: All Links Family Brand! stan.store/familybrandfamilybrand.com/quizfamilybrand.com/retreats Links For This Episode: https://www.anxiousgeneration.com Episode Minute By Minute:

Making Jesus Famous One Song at a Time with Angie Killian This week, Melissa sits down with award-winning songwriter and composer Angie Killian, whose music has touched millions of hearts around the world. Angie's songs — like her viral hit "My Own Sacred Grove" — have been streamed over 30 million times and translated into dozens of languages, inspiring faith, joy, and connection in homes everywhere. But Angie's story didn't start with fame or recognition. It began in the quiet moments of motherhood — rocking a newborn in the middle of the night, wrestling with exhaustion and postpartum depression, and hearing a simple melody that became her lifeline. That small spark of light led Angie to write songs for her children about Jesus, love, and hope — songs that would eventually bless families all over the world. Melissa and Angie dive deep into the power of music — especially for children. Angie shares how melodies and lyrics can plant truth deep in a child's heart and why music is one of the most powerful tools parents can use to teach faith. She offers practical ideas for families who want to bring more music into their homes — from listening in the car to singing together at bedtime or joining a local children's choir. They also explore what it looks like to balance motherhood and creative callings. Angie opens up about the guilt she once felt spending time on her music instead of chores or endless to-do lists — and how she came to realize that pursuing her God-given gifts made her a more joyful, grounded mom. From writing songs during nap times to her new preschool project Tiny Disciple Songs, Angie's story is a powerful reminder that light often breaks through in unexpected places — and that creativity, faith, and motherhood can coexist beautifully. LINKS: All Links Family Brand! stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz familybrand.com/retreats. Episode Minute By Minute:

Living with Intention: The Daily Habits That Build a Life You Love This week, Melissa continues the conversation from Episode 239 — The #1 Thing Standing Between You and the Life You Want — where she shared the importance of getting clear on what you want. Now, in Part Two, she goes deeper into what to do once you've found that clarity, and how to live with intention even in the middle of life's stress, chaos, and constant demands. Click here to listen to part one on Apple! Click here to listen and read on our website! In this episode, Melissa shares insights from a workshop she recently gave to women at her church about living intentionally and managing the mental load that comes with modern life. She explains what "intentional living" really means — making choices based on your values and goals instead of defaulting to busyness or comparison — and walks through a practical exercise you can do right now: asking yourself, What do I really want? She guides listeners through a journaling activity that reveals recurring themes, hidden desires, and areas where you might need more clarity. Then, she moves into the second half of the conversation — managing stress in real life. From a day spent painting with her kids that turned chaotic to simple strategies for lowering stress hormones like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, Melissa shows that living intentionally doesn't mean living perfectly — it means noticing what's working and making small, conscious adjustments. She also highlights one of the most underused yet powerful tools for reducing anxiety and increasing self-awareness: journaling. Melissa shares research showing its benefits and how writing down what's in your head — no matter how messy — can be both healing and clarifying. This episode is a gentle, encouraging reminder that you don't have to overhaul your life to live more intentionally. Sometimes it's as simple as pausing, reflecting, and asking: What's one thing I can do today to move closer to the life I truly want? LINKS: All Links Family Brand! stan.store/familybrandfamilybrand.com/quizfamilybrand.com/retreats Episode Minute By Minute:

You Are What You Consume: How Media Shapes Your Family What we watch, listen to, and read matters more than we realize. In this episode, Chris and Melissa open a conversation that every family needs to have: how the media we consume — from music and books to shows and social media — shapes who we become. It all started with a walk and a conversation about Taylor Swift's latest album, but the discussion quickly turned into something much deeper: how to discern light from darkness in a world full of noise, artificial positivity, and subtle influence. Chris shares the idea of hidden darkness — how things that appear good on the surface can sometimes carry messages that slowly erode our values. Melissa adds practical examples from their own family, from karaoke songs that sounded fun until the lyrics popped up on the screen, to noticing mood and behavior shifts in their kids after certain music or books. They discuss everything from letting kids read Harry Potter too early, to streaming algorithms that quietly shape what we watch, to the way humor and sarcasm in "innocent" family sitcoms can normalize disrespect and contention. Chris and Melissa don't pretend to have it all figured out — in fact, they share openly how they're still navigating this as parents. But they emphasize one thing: the goal isn't perfection, it's vigilance. The takeaway? Be intentional and stay vigilant. Pay attention to what you — and your kids — are consuming. Ask whether it elevates and inspires, or subtly dulls your light. Because as Melissa reminds us, "That's who we become." LINKS: All Links Family Brand! stan.store/familybrandfamilybrand.com/quizfamilybrand.com/retreats Episode Minute By Minute:

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

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

In this episode, Chris and Melissa get real about what it means to truly support your spouse—not just when it’s easy, but through every season of life and marriage. Inspired by a listener question, they dive into what support actually looks like when your goals, energy, and responsibilities are constantly shifting. From the early days of raising five kids under nine to their current phase of parenting more independent children, they reflect on how their definition of support has evolved — and how communication has been the key at every step. Chris shares a powerful mindset shift: that supporting your spouse isn’t just something nice to do, it’s part of the commitment of marriage — a responsibility to breathe life into each other’s dreams. Melissa opens up about learning to ask for help (and release the guilt around it), while Chris admits the times he didn’t show up as fully as he could have. They talk about everything from balancing business and family life, to handling burnout and travel seasons, to how “leaving each other alone” can sometimes be the best form of support. Through honesty and humor, they show that the healthiest marriages don’t avoid conflict — they communicate through it. Whether you’re newlyweds or empty nesters, this episode is full of practical wisdom, grace, and laughter. You’ll walk away encouraged to check in with your spouse, redefine what support looks like in your current season, and remember that you’re on the same team — even when life feels messy. LINKS: All Links Family Brand! stan.store/familybrandfamilybrand.com/quizfamilybrand.com/retreats Episode Minute By Minute:

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

Faith, Fatherhood, and Leading at Home with Intention In one of the most heartfelt episodes we’ve ever recorded, Chris and Melissa sit down with Bubba Page — a single dad of eight, serial entrepreneur, and unapologetic follower of Jesus — to explore what it really means to lead your family with faith, intentionality, and purpose. Bubba’s story is raw, real, and deeply inspiring. From building and selling companies to walking through heartbreak and healing, he’s discovered that success means nothing without faith and family at the center. He shares how his relationship with God transformed after a season of humility and loss, and how daily spiritual practices — from prayer and scripture study to worship and journaling — helped him discover God’s will for his life. This conversation goes far beyond business. Bubba opens up about spiritual warfare, discerning the “three voices” we all hear, and how to cultivate strength and clarity to follow God’s plan. He also shares how we can turn our deepest trials into the very source of our light — a message every parent and leader needs to hear. As a father, Bubba’s mission is crystal clear: to raise warriors for Christ and equip parents with practical tools to lead their homes. He’s now building the Fatherhood Movement and writing The Father Operating System, a guide that applies business principles — like KPIs, meetings, and mission statements — to family life. The goal? More intention, more connection, and more joy. If you’ve ever wondered how to bring more purpose, structure, and spiritual depth into your home, this episode will leave you inspired, challenged, and ready to step into your calling as a parent and leader. LINKS: All Links Family Brand! stan.store/familybrandfamilybrand.com/quizfamilybrand.com/retreats Links For This Episode: https://linktr.ee/bubbapage Episode Minute By Minute:

What if the future of our country doesn’t hinge on elections, courtrooms, or political battles—but on family dinner conversations? That’s exactly the vision today’s guest, Connor Boyack, shares with us. Connor is the bestselling author of over 50 books, including the wildly popular Tuttle Twins series, which has sold more than seven million copies worldwide. He’s also the founder of Libertas Network, a think tank and collection of family-centered initiatives that have changed over 100 laws and empowered kids and parents around the globe. From teaching free-market principles to launching kids’ entrepreneur markets, Connor is passionate about helping families raise critical thinkers and problem solvers. In our conversation, Connor shares how his journey—from web developer to outlaw beekeeper to social entrepreneur—unfolded step by step through what he calls “the adjacent possible.” We talk about why most adults underestimate kids’ capacity for deep conversations, how parents can break free from simply outsourcing education, and why intentionality is the key to raising thriving children. We also explore entrepreneurship for kids, why college isn’t always the right answer, and how his programs like Praxis are creating debt-free pathways to meaningful careers. Most importantly, Connor reminds us that transformation doesn’t start in Washington—it starts in the home. Strong families create strong communities, and strong communities create a strong nation. This is a powerful and practical conversation that will inspire you to invest in your family as intentionally as you do your business or health. Whether you’re a parent, entrepreneur, or educator, Connor’s message is clear: the family is where the real work of building a freer future begins. LINKS: All Links Family Brand! stan.store/familybrandfamilybrand.com/quizfamilybrand.com/retreats Links For This Episode: https://tuttletwins.comhttps://kidsmarkets.comhttps://act.libertas.org/dinner Episode Minute By Minute:

Saving America at the Dinner Table What if the future of our country doesn’t hinge on elections, courtrooms, or political battles—but on family dinner conversations? That’s exactly the vision today’s guest, Connor Boyack, shares with us. Connor is the bestselling author of over 50 books, including the wildly popular Tuttle Twins series, which has sold more than seven million copies worldwide. He’s also the founder of Libertas Network, a think tank and collection of family-centered initiatives that have changed over 100 laws and empowered kids and parents around the globe. From teaching free-market principles to launching kids’ entrepreneur markets, Connor is passionate about helping families raise critical thinkers and problem solvers. In our conversation, Connor shares how his journey—from web developer to outlaw beekeeper to social entrepreneur—unfolded step by step through what he calls “the adjacent possible.” We talk about why most adults underestimate kids’ capacity for deep conversations, how parents can break free from simply outsourcing education, and why intentionality is the key to raising thriving children. We also explore entrepreneurship for kids, why college isn’t always the right answer, and how his programs like Praxis are creating debt-free pathways to meaningful careers. Most importantly, Connor reminds us that transformation doesn’t start in Washington—it starts in the home. Strong families create strong communities, and strong communities create a strong nation. This is a powerful and practical conversation that will inspire you to invest in your family as intentionally as you do your business or health. Whether you’re a parent, entrepreneur, or educator, Connor’s message is clear: the family is where the real work of building a freer future begins. LINKS: All Links Family Brand! stan.store/familybrandfamilybrand.com/quizfamilybrand.com/retreats Links For This Episode: https://tuttletwins.comhttps://kidsmarkets.com Episode Minute By Minute:

Getting Off the Sidelines Have you ever looked around and realized that too many parents are sitting on the sidelines of their kids’ lives? Chris had this exact thought during a recent Girl Dad camp, where he noticed how many dads struggled to fully participate in simple activities like soccer, frisbee, or even just running around with their daughters. It broke his heart—not out of judgment, but out of empathy. Because every parent wants to be in the game, not watching from the bench. In this episode, Chris and Melissa unpack what it really means to stay active and engaged—not for vanity, but for energy, presence, and connection. They share stories from Disneyland, conversations with inspiring elders, and even Chris’s intense bodybuilding prep that showed the tradeoffs and sacrifices health sometimes requires. The theme is clear: your health isn’t just about you. It’s about the people counting on you. Melissa highlights how health impacts every other family value—from talking and bonding, to appreciating and prioritizing one another. Without the physical ability to engage, everything else becomes harder. Together, they remind listeners that choosing short-term sacrifice leads to long-term freedom—and that even small decisions today can keep you off the sidelines tomorrow. Chris also shares a powerful, raw perspective: as dads, are we strong enough to be “dangerous” in defense of our families? Not reckless, but capable. Strong enough to wrestle, hike, run, play, and even protect if needed. It’s about being prepared to show up fully in every sense of the word. This episode isn’t about six-pack abs or gym selfies. It’s about creating energy, joy, and capability so you can fully participate in the lives of the people you love most. If you’ve ever felt tired, stretched thin, or sidelined, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to step back onto the field. LINKS: 1. familybrand.com/quiz 2. familybrand.com/retreats. All Links Family Brand! stan.store/familybrand Episode Minute By Minute:

Helping Teens Connect at Home If you’ve ever felt like your teens are drifting toward their rooms, screens, or independence a little faster than you’d like, you’re not alone. In this episode, Chris and Melissa open up about the rhythms, struggles, and small wins of keeping their three teenagers connected and interactive with family life. They share the real-time lessons they’re learning as parents—from literally pulling kids out of their rooms to setting boundaries around phones at the dinner table. You’ll hear how mealtimes (even if it’s just one-on-one breakfasts), family check-ins, and weekly rhythms can create the space for deeper conversations you might otherwise miss. Chris and Melissa also dive into the importance of one-on-one time—what they call “kid dates”—and how even something simple like ice cream or a walk can help teens open up. They talk about managing screen time with curiosity rather than control, and why it’s worth finding activities (like movies, bowling, or camping) that everyone in the family can enjoy, from eight to eighteen. Most importantly, they remind us that our words matter. Shaping a positive narrative around teens—rather than joking about how “awful” those years are—creates a home where kids feel safe to share their ideas, opinions, and hearts without judgment. If you’re looking for encouragement and practical ways to keep your family connected, especially during the teenage years, this conversation will give you fresh perspective, hope, and a handful of actionable ideas you can start this week. LINKS: 1. familybrand.com/quiz 2. familybrand.com/retreats. All Links Family Brand! stan.store/familybrand Episode Minute By Minute:

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: 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: familybrand.com/quizfamilybrand.com/retreats Episode Minute By Minute:

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: Whether you're homeschooling, doing public school, or a little bit of everything—this episode is for you. Let’s start the school year strong—together. LINKS: All Links Family Brand! stan.store/familybrand Episode Minute By Minute:

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 familybrand.com/live to learn more and grab your spot before it fills up! LINKS: All Links Family Brand! stan.store/familybrand Episode Minute By Minute:

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

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

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

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