Family Brand: Take Back Your Family

Couple's Playbook for 2026: Setting the Frequency for Your Year It's that time of year when the Smith family pauses, reflects, and intentionally sets the tone for the year ahead. In this episode, Chris and Melissa walk through exactly how they approach vision boards, words (or frequencies) for the year, and why doing this work up front creates so much more ease as the year unfolds. While they share what this looks like in their own family, their hope is that it gives you practical inspiration you can adapt for yours — no matter what time of year you're listening. They talk about why your "word for the year" is more than just a cute idea — it's a frequency you choose to live at. A lens that shapes what you notice, what you prioritize, and how you show up when life gets busy or hard. Chris explains how reflecting on the past year, looking ahead, and then choosing a word that truly embodies who you want to be can completely change how a year unfolds. Melissa shares a powerful exercise they did with their kids — a timed writing prompt asking "What do I want in 2026?" — and how repeating it helped everyone move past surface-level answers into more imaginative, honest desires. They also explain how they invite their kids into the process by asking what the family could use most this year, then choosing a shared family frequency together. You'll hear Melissa unpack her word for the year — Gather — and how, once she leaned into it, the meaning expanded far beyond what she initially expected. From gathering people, to gathering at church, to gathering growth through using her voice, she shares how the word already seems to be "finding her." Chris shares his word for the year — Partner — and why he's choosing to live more fully as a committed partner in every area of life: with God, with Melissa, with their kids, with their team, and with the people they serve. They talk honestly about how words create identity, how telling people your word builds accountability, and why allowing others to support your focus is one of the hidden gifts of this practice. They also address the real-life parenting side of this process — what to do when kids resist, how to balance support with challenge, and why it's okay if your child's vision board is one picture taped to a page. The goal isn't perfection — it's participation. The episode closes with powerful stories of vision boards turning into reality, sometimes immediately, sometimes years later — and a reminder that choosing a word, a frequency, or a focus plants a seed of possibility. One that has a way of growing when you give it attention. LINKS: All Links Family Brand! stan.store/familybrandfamilybrand.com/quizfamilybrand.com/retreats Links For This Episode: http://familybrand.com/playbook Episode Minute By Minute:

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

You Are Firemen: Built to Lead, Built to Last This week's episode is part reflection, part celebration, and part reminder. Chris and Melissa sit down to talk about two big milestones: the recent Family Brand Blitz and the five-year anniversary of The Family Brand Podcast. And instead of just sharing highlights, they unpack the deeper lessons that emerged — about consistency, leadership, and why families are far more capable than they often realize. They reflect on the power of bringing couples together in person at the Blitz, how every family — no matter the stage — is carrying something hard, and why the work of building a strong family culture is always worth doing. They also share a big realization that came out of the event: families don't need more content or bigger programs — they need simpler, more focused tools that actually fit real life. Chris and Melissa talk honestly about the tension between doing more and doing better, and why growth often looks like subtraction instead of addition. As the new year approaches, they invite listeners to consider what needs to be simplified, not added. They also reflect on the hardest part of any meaningful work: consistency. Excitement comes easily. Staying the course when motivation fades does not. Melissa shares what it's taken to show up week after week for five years — even on the weeks she didn't feel inspired — and how consistency is what ultimately allows you to "earn the right" to lead, teach, and have a voice. The episode closes with one of the most powerful metaphors they've ever shared: you are firemen. Challenges don't mean you're failing — they mean you're exactly where you're supposed to be. You were built for the heat. You were sent your kids for a reason. And together, as a family, you are capable of far more than you think. This episode is both grounding and empowering — a reminder that leadership starts at home, consistency builds confidence, and strong families aren't perfect… they're intentional. LINKS: All Links Family Brand! stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz familybrand.com/retreats. Links For This Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sq2figwIX9s&feature=youtu.be Episode Minute By Minute:

The Family Brand New Year's Kickoff: A Tradition That Builds Culture Every year, right after Christmas — during those quiet, in-between days when no one quite knows what day it is — our family slows down and does something that has become one of our most meaningful traditions. We reflect. We celebrate. And we intentionally step into the new year together. In this solo episode, Melissa walks you through the Family Brand New Year's Kickoff, a simple, free activity that hundreds of families download every year — and come back to again and again. This year's version has been fully updated, and families continue to share how impactful it's been, from sparking meaningful conversations to even becoming the moment they announced a new baby to their kids. Melissa explains why reflection matters just as much as goal-setting, and how looking back before looking forward helps families build clarity, gratitude, and momentum. She shares how to use the reflection questions with kids of all ages (even toddlers), how to keep the process light and pressure-free, and why there's no "right" way to do this — just a way that works for your family. She also breaks down two of the most loved parts of the kickoff: Choosing a family word (or phrase) for the year — a shared language that shapes how your family shows up The annual Family Award Ceremony — a powerful moment where each child (and spouse!) is recognized not for achievements, but for who they are and how they showed up Melissa shares a deeply touching story about a family friend whose son, now leaving on a two-year mission, named this New Year's award ceremony as one of his favorite family memories — a reminder that these small traditions often leave the biggest impact. Finally, she walks through how they create vision boards as a family, why perfection isn't the goal, and shares a beautiful personal story about a vision board image that unexpectedly showed up for her on a bridge in Spain — a moment that felt like a quiet wink from God. This episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and start the year with intention — not pressure. You don't need a perfect plan. You just need a moment to pause and ask: Who do we want to be this year, together? LINKS: All Links Family Brand! stan.store/familybrandfamilybrand.com/quizfamilybrand.com/retreats Links For This Episode: https://familybrand.com/kickoff Episode Minute By Minute:

As we head into a new year, Chris and Melissa wanted to revisit a conversation that has quietly shaped their family more than almost anything else: the power of language. This idea — that language creates — was one of the very first topics ever discussed on The Family Brand Podcast, and it's still one of the most talked-about episodes to this day. Because once you see it, you can't unsee it. In this episode, Chris explains why language is never neutral. The words we use are either rooted in possibility or anchored in limitation — and over time, they shape our beliefs, our behaviors, our marriages, our kids, and even what we believe is possible for our lives. Melissa shares real-life moments where she's seen language create identity — including a powerful story about how a single sentence labeled one of their children as "shy," and how quickly that label became part of his self-story. Together, they unpack how easily we talk ourselves out of what we want by using phrases like "I should," "I need to," or "that could never work." They also explore how we often spend far more energy talking about what we don't want, don't like, don't have, or what isn't working — and how simply shifting our language can begin to change how life occurs for us. From an Uber conversation about health, to a heartbreaking post about a mother who hadn't seen her daughter in 14 years, this episode brings the concept of language into everyday life. This isn't about toxic positivity or pretending things are perfect. It's about awareness. It's about noticing the words you use — with yourself, with your spouse, and with your kids — and asking whether they're creating freedom or reinforcing fear. As Chris says, "If you upgrade your language, you upgrade your life." And as a family, that's a powerful place to start. LINKS: All Links Family Brand! stan.store/familybrandfamilybrand.com/quizfamilybrand.com/retreats Episode Minute By Minute:

Chief Reminding Officer: The Power of Repetition in Your Family If you've ever felt like a broken record as a parent — constantly reminding your kids (or yourself) of the same things over and over — this episode will make you feel a whole lot better. This week, Chris and Melissa talk about something they've been feeling in both their home and business lately: that quiet drift that happens when you stop doing the simple things that actually work. The routines that keep your house running. The systems that make your marriage stronger. The habits that help your family thrive. And the truth they came back to? Most families don't need a brand-new plan… they just need to remember the one they already have. Chris shares a conversation that pushed him to revisit Excellence Wins by Horst Schulze, the cofounder of the Ritz-Carlton. One line jumped off the page: "Great leaders are really just Chief Reminding Officers." At the Ritz, they review the same guiding principles every 21 days — not because people don't know them, but because repetition is what keeps a culture alive. As Chris and Melissa talk through examples from their own home, you'll hear how easy it is to slip into "sloppy" seasons — dishes piling up, routines disappearing, date nights pushed aside. Not because something is wrong… but because we forget what works. Melissa shares why repetition used to feel boring to her — and how she learned to see it as one of the most loving, grounding things you can do for your family. When you remind your kids who they are, remind your spouse what your marriage is about, or remind yourself what your family values… you're strengthening your culture every single time. This episode will make you feel encouraged, not overwhelmed. You'll walk away remembering that you don't need to reinvent your life — you probably already have the tools, rhythms, and values that work. You just need to return to them, repeat them, and keep reminding the people you love most. LINKS: All Links Family Brand! stan.store/familybrandfamilybrand.com/quizfamilybrand.com/retreats Episode Minute By Minute:

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: