Family Brand: Take Back Your Family

Hey Family Brand! It’s Melissa here, joined by Chris, and today we’re celebrating a huge milestone: four years of the Family Brand Podcast! We can hardly believe it ourselves, and we couldn’t have done it without YOU—our incredible listeners. In this episode, we’re looking back at the conversations that have shaped us, the lessons we’ve learned, and why consistency has been our secret sauce. Plus, we’re giving you a sneak peek at an exciting New Year’s resource we’ve created just for you and your family! We kicked things off with some behind-the-scenes fun—recording this episode on a school bus! Yes, you heard that right. Chris pulled up in the bus after coaching our daughter’s basketball team, and it felt fitting to mark this adventure-filled journey with a little spontaneity. Reflecting on these past four years, we’re amazed at how the podcast has grown and the impact it’s had on families worldwide. Your support, shares, and reviews keep us going, so thank you for being part of this mission! Melissa shared her “why” behind the podcast—what keeps her showing up every week (almost without fail!). It started as a personal challenge to find her voice and has since transformed into a platform for meaningful conversations that uplift families. For Chris, one key takeaway has been the power of consistency. Whether it’s a podcast, a family tradition, or building a strong marriage, consistency trumps everything. We also revisited some of our favorite episodes, like Thomas McConkie’s conversation on navigating faith crises within families and our deeply personal episode on why your marriage is worth fighting for. Each one reminded us of the transformative power of honest, vulnerable conversations. And here’s the big news: We’re launching a free New Year’s resource to help you close out this year intentionally and start the next one with purpose. It’s designed for families to reflect together, celebrate your wins, and set meaningful goals as a team. Head over to familybrand.com/best to grab your copy and get a head start on making 2024 your most intentional year yet!   LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand Links For This Episode: familybrand.com/best https://familybrand.com/finding-identity-through-navigating-a-faith-crisis-with-thomas-mcconkie https://familybrand.libsyn.com/17-why-your-marriage-is-worth-fighting-for   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 – Celebrating four years of the Family Brand Podcast 2:00 – Recording on a school bus (because why not?) 5:00 – Melissa’s motivation to keep showing up weekly 8:00 – The lessons consistency has taught us 10:00 – Favorite episodes and unforgettable conversations 14:00 – Sneak peek: Our free New Year’s download for families Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Here’s to building strong families, creating intentional traditions, and making the next year our best one yet! We love you, Family Brand!    

Hey Family Brand! It’s Melissa here, and today, I’m so excited to welcome back two incredible guests, Wayne and Mae Wagner. If you’ve been feeling like you want to start 2025 with intention and purpose, this episode is for you. We dive deep into practical ways to close out this year strong, reflect on what worked (and what didn’t), and set up your family for success in the new year. Wayne and Mae share how their family has evolved their year-end planning rituals over time. From reflection exercises to setting meaningful goals, they emphasize the importance of being intentional and involving the whole family. Mae highlights their tradition of evaluating relationships within the family, using a scale of 1 to 10 to foster honest conversations. While these moments can feel vulnerable, they’ve found that it strengthens their family bonds and builds resilience. We also dive into the power of vision boards—one of our family’s favorite traditions. Whether you use it to reflect personal goals, family goals, or a mix of both, vision boarding can be a tactile and fun way to create a shared sense of purpose. Mae and Wayne shared how they’ve adapted this process over the years, even incorporating financial planning for their adult children to help them feel empowered and prepared. One of the highlights of our conversation was discussing the value of creating a family narrative. As Mae beautifully explains, families thrive when they can reflect on their shared stories—the ups and downs, challenges, and victories. This narrative not only helps create identity but also instills confidence and grit in kids. It’s a reminder that as families, we’re all in this together. Lastly, we shared some practical resources to help you start your own planning traditions. Whether you’re creating a family mission statement, planning a vision board night, or setting up year-end reflections, the most important thing is to start. And remember, you don’t have to do it perfectly—it’s the effort and intentionality that matter most. Let us know how you plan to make 2025 your best year yet! And don’t forget to grab the free family planning resources mentioned in this episode at familybrand.com/best. We can’t wait to hear how these ideas help your family thrive! LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 – Welcome Wayne and Mae Wagner 3:00 – Evolving your family’s year-end planning 7:30 – Building resilience through family narratives 10:00 – Vision boards: Fun and purposeful tradition 15:00 – Family planning for adult kids and future goals 20:00 – How to start 2025 with intention and success

Hey Family Brand! It’s Melissa here, and today’s episode is extra personal as I reflect on turning 40. Hitting this milestone has been such a meaningful moment for me—an opportunity to look back on my 30s, decide what I’m leaving behind, and think about what I want to embrace moving forward. I’m also excited to share some big changes I’ve been making, including a shift in how I’m showing up online. If you’re navigating a season of transition, this one’s for you! I started this decade feeling surprisingly at peace. Turning 40 wasn’t scary for me—it felt like a gift. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that growing older is truly a privilege, one not everyone gets to experience. That said, this birthday brought up some unexpected reflections, particularly around friendships and how I want to show up in my relationships moving forward. It was a reminder to celebrate the connections that mean the most and to be intentional about fostering those bonds. One of the biggest shifts I want to make in my 40s is caring less about what others think and living more authentically. During a recent breathwork session, I had a powerful realization about wanting to live with an open heart. For me, this means trusting my instincts, being more courageous, and leaning into the things that bring me joy—even when they feel a little scary, like launching a new masterclass or changing my Instagram handle. (By the way, you can now find me at @heyMelissaSmith!) Another thing I’m embracing in this new season is the idea of wholehearted living, inspired by Brené Brown’s work in The Gifts of Imperfection. I’m letting go of perfectionism, fear, and comparison, and choosing to cultivate gratitude, creativity, and meaningful work instead. It’s a process, but it’s one I’m excited to lean into because it feels like the path to truly living life to the fullest. As I wrap up this reflection, I want to say thank you for being part of my journey. Family Brand has been such a beautiful evolution over the past four years, and I’m so grateful for this community. Whether you’re entering a new decade or just looking to make small, meaningful changes, I hope this episode inspires you to embrace the things that light you up and let go of what no longer serves you. LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand Links For This Episode: Follow my new instagram! Click here: https://www.instagram.com/heymelissasmith/  Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 – Welcome and my big Instagram change 1:30 – Reflecting on turning 40 and celebrating life’s milestones 3:00 – Lessons on friendship and connection 7:00 – Living openheartedly and trusting your instincts 10:00 – Embracing creativity and authenticity in your 40s 13:00 – Letting go of fear and comparison 15:00 – The beauty of wholehearted living I’d love to hear what you’re leaving behind and embracing in your own season of life. Share your reflections with me on Instagram—I’m here to cheer you on! 💛

Hey Family Brand! It’s Melissa here, and today, I want to dive into a topic that feels especially timely as we head into the holidays: family traditions. Traditions can be beautiful and meaningful, but have you ever stopped to ask yourself if all of your traditions are still serving you and your family? That’s what we’re exploring in this episode—how to evaluate your traditions, let go of the ones that no longer work, and intentionally create new rituals that bring your family closer together. When we think of traditions, our minds often jump to the big ones—holiday celebrations, birthdays, or annual events. But family traditions are so much more than that. They’re also the small, consistent rituals we build into our daily and weekly lives, like family dinners, bedtime routines, or even Sunday night check-ins. Research shows that the strongest families have the highest frequency of these rituals, not just around special occasions, but woven into everyday life. I share some examples from our family, like how we’ve reevaluated traditions over the years. For instance, we decided to stop making gingerbread houses with extended family after moving further away, even though it was hard for the kids at first. The key is to make space for what works best for your unique family, while still honoring the core purpose of traditions: building identity, belonging, and strength. If you’re ready to shake things up, I suggest starting with a family discussion. Bring everyone together, explain your thoughts about why you’d like to adapt or change certain traditions, and invite their feedback. One resource I recommend for this process is the book The Intentional Family by William Dougherty, which offers practical advice on how to make these shifts thoughtfully and collaboratively. Lastly, I encourage you to double down on traditions that truly bring connection to your family. For us, family meetings and shared mealtimes have been game-changers. If you’re curious about starting family meetings, I have a free resource to guide you through the process, complete with a mini-course to make it super simple. Check it out at familybrand.com/meetings. As you step into this holiday season and prepare for the new year, take some time to reflect: What traditions are worth keeping, and what new ones can you create to align with the family culture you want to build? LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand Links For This Episode: Book- 'The Intentional Family' by William Doherty: https://amzn.to/3AJ14Up Get the Family Meeting Playbook: https://familybrand.com/meeting Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 – Why it’s time to rethink family traditions 2:00 – The importance of small, consistent rituals 5:00 – Evaluating traditions: What serves your family? 7:30 – Tips for adapting or letting go of old traditions 10:00 – The power of family meetings and shared meals 12:00 – How intentional traditions create strong families I hope this episode inspires you to embrace traditions that truly bring joy and connection to your family. Let me know what changes you decide to make—I’d love to hear your story!    

Hey Family Brand! It’s Chris and Melissa here, and we’re thrilled to bring you this week’s conversation, inspired by a special experience we had as a family. Over the weekend, we attended church with some dear friends, and the pastor shared a powerful message about Jonah and what it means to have a calling. That message sparked an amazing family discussion, and today, we’re diving into what it means to listen for your calling, why it’s so important, and how to act on it, even when it feels scary. We kicked off the episode sharing our weekend in Phoenix, where we enjoyed great company, community events, and some meaningful time with our kids. A highlight was attending a non-denominational church service, which was a first for most of our family. The pastor’s message about Jonah running from his calling really hit home and prompted a big question: What does it mean to feel called to something? Together, we explored the idea that callings can look different for everyone. Sometimes, they’re about pursuing something that excites you. Other times, they involve stepping into something uncomfortable or unknown. Either way, callings often require courage. We reflected on how fear of failure, judgment from others, or simply the busyness of life can drown out those inner nudges. But here’s the truth—when you listen and act on what’s calling to you, amazing things can happen. Melissa shared a personal story about stepping away from her career as a nurse, despite the resistance and questions she faced from others. Chris talked about how their family’s move to Hawaii, driven by nothing more than a feeling, taught them to trust their intuition. These experiences reminded us that callings don’t always make sense to others—and they don’t have to. We wrapped up by encouraging you to get quiet, reflect, and listen. What’s calling to you right now? Maybe it’s something big, like a career change, or something small, like dedicating more time to a passion. Whatever it is, don’t let judgment or fear hold you back. As Melissa beautifully put it, “Time is going to pass anyway, so you might as well spend it on the path to where you want to go.”   LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 – Weekend in Phoenix and connecting with friends 2:12 – Attending a new church and lessons from Jonah 4:30 – What does it mean to feel called to something? 7:00 – Overcoming resistance to your calling 9:45 – Facing external opinions about your decisions 11:20 – Quiet reflection: Listening to what’s calling you 12:17 – Final thoughts: Time is going to pass—heed the calling!

Hey, Family Brand! It’s Melissa here, and today, I have a very special guest on the podcast—Brittany Richman of The American Moms. Brittany’s story is inspiring, from working on President Bush’s speechwriting team to founding The American Moms blog with her twin sister. She’s here to share her insights on teaching our kids about civics, showing up in our communities, and the power we each have to create positive change. If you’ve ever wondered how to get your family more involved in civic life or felt unsure about where to start, this episode is packed with ideas to help you make a difference, right where you are! Brittany talks about her journey into politics and public service, starting with her job in the White House. Her passion for civic engagement is something she and her sister carry forward today through The American Moms, where they help families raise civically aware kids. Brittany shares how simple activities like watching the news as a family or attending local meetings can create a lasting impact. She believes these small, everyday actions build a foundation of awareness and involvement, showing kids that they, too, have a voice. One of the biggest takeaways Brittany shares is the importance of teaching kids to understand and appreciate differing viewpoints. In today’s world, disagreement often feels like division, but Brittany emphasizes that “disagreement and hatred are not the same thing.” She encourages families to foster open conversations, teaching kids to approach others with respect, even when opinions differ. This lesson, Brittany says, helps raise citizens who are engaged, empathetic, and empowered to make a difference. Brittany also talks about the importance of getting involved at the local level. From advocating for better sidewalks to improving school grading systems, she shares real-life examples of how showing up can lead to meaningful change. This isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about addressing what matters in your own backyard. Brittany reminds us that “sometimes change is as simple as gathering a group of moms, writing letters, or attending a school board meeting.” If you’re interested in finding unbiased news or want to know where to start with civic education, Brittany has some fantastic advice. She recommends local news, podcasts like Civics 101, and educational websites that help both kids and parents learn about government and civics without the bias we often see today. By seeking a variety of sources, we can foster an open-minded approach to news and help our kids build a well-rounded understanding of the world.   LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand Links For This Episode: https://www.instagram.com/theamericanmoms   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 – Welcome Brittany Richman of The American Moms 2:00 – How Brittany’s Political Journey Began 5:00 – Why Civics Matters for Families 10:00 – Involving Kids in Local Issues 15:00 – The Importance of Respecting Different Views 20:00 – Getting Started with Civic Education at Home 25:00 – Raising Good Citizens Over Partisan Leanings 30:00 – Finding Unbiased News Sources and Civic Resources

Hey Family Brand community! Melissa here, and I’m thrilled to welcome Amy Jordan to our podcast today. Several of you have reached out requesting us to have Amy on the show, and she does not disappoint!  Amy is not just a pioneer in the Pilates world but also a passionate mom who embodies the spirit of healthy living and resilience. Today, she shares her journey from a high-stakes career in Hollywood to creating WundaBar Pilates and how her role as a mother has deeply influenced her entrepreneurial path. Amy opens up about the challenges of balancing motherhood with her career, emphasizing the importance of modeling success, health, and resilience for our children. She believes that by showing our kids how we tackle challenges and pursue our passions, we teach them invaluable lessons about determination and living on purpose! We also dive into Amy’s innovative approach to Pilates, her invention of the Wunda Core Resistance Ring, and how she’s making fitness accessible and fun for everyone. Amy’s story is not just about overcoming obstacles but also about the transformative power of following one's passion and the impact it can have on our children’s perception of what is possible. Interested in learning more about Amy’s philosophy on fitness and motherhood? Hit play now for this inspiring conversation!  If Amy’s journey inspires you, or if you have your own experiences with integrating fitness and family life, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out, share your story, and let’s keep building strong, vibrant families together. P.S.  Registration is now open for our couples retreat in Hawaii!  Join us and Family Brand for transformational retreats designed to deepen your connection and reignite the spark in your relationship. Sign Up Now: https://familybrand.com/retreats   LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand   Links For This Episode: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyjordanofficial Connect with Amy: https://linktr.ee/amyjordan Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 - Introduction to the episode and welcoming Amy Jordan. 01:11 - Amy shares her journey from a high-stakes Hollywood career to becoming a Pilates entrepreneur. 02:18 - Discussion on the transition from the entertainment industry, dealing with personal challenges including a divorce. 04:34 - Amy talks about the creation of WundaBar Pilates and the invention of the WundaFormer. 06:29 - How the challenges of the pandemic led Amy to invent the Wunda Core Resistance Ring. 08:18 - Amy explains her passion for Pilates and its benefits, emphasizing the power of movement. 10:19 - Details on Amy's battle with cancer, her recovery, and how it transformed her perspective on health and business. 13:01 - Insights on co-parenting, maintaining a good relationship with an ex, and prioritizing children's needs. 17:40 - Final thoughts from Amy on the importance of resilience and adapting to change in both personal and professional life.

Hey Family Brand! It’s Melissa here, and today, I’m beyond excited to introduce you to Brad Nelson, also known as the Debt Free Dad. Brad has an incredible story about going from the weight of debt to a life of financial freedom, and he’s here to share how he did it and how you can too. If you’ve ever felt alone in your financial struggles, this episode is for you! Brad breaks down simple, practical steps to help families like ours get out of debt and start building the future we want. Brad opens up about his early financial journey and the challenges he faced, from living paycheck-to-paycheck to ultimately losing his home. He shares how this wake-up call led him to completely transform his mindset and make debt freedom a reality. Brad’s story is one so many of us can relate to—thinking we’ll manage “someday” while trying to keep up with life’s demands. But he shows us that, with the right mindset and some determination, financial freedom is possible. One thing Brad emphasizes is the importance of mindset. Getting out of debt isn’t easy, but it starts with a vision and a commitment to change. He talks about how having a clear vision for his future helped him make tough choices, like cutting back on unnecessary spending. This vision was a game-changer, motivating him to stay on track when things got hard. Brad encourages all of us to sit down and get honest about what we want our financial lives to look like—and to start taking small steps to get there. We also dive into the topic of family finances and how to involve our kids in positive, age-appropriate ways. Brad suggests bringing children into simple budgeting conversations, teaching them that “no” doesn’t mean “never,” and that financial responsibility is about intentional choices. It’s about giving them the tools to build a healthy relationship with money that will last a lifetime. Lastly, Brad shares how he’s now helping others on their financial journeys through his Debt Free Dad podcast and membership community, Roots of Personal Finance. By providing accountability and support, Brad has created a space where people don’t have to feel alone in their financial struggles. This community is all about giving families the tools and support to reach their goals, one step at a time. P.S.  Registration is now open for our couples retreat in Hawaii!  Join us and Family Brand for transformational retreats designed to deepen your connection and reignite the spark in your relationship. Sign Up Now: https://familybrand.com/retreats   LINKS: stan.store/familybrand Links For This Episode: Free Gift from Brad: https://www.debtfreedad.com/payoff-debt-in-60-to-90-days Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 – Welcome Brad Nelson! Aka The Debt Free Dad 3:00 – How Brad Got into Debt with Bad Money Habits 7:00 – Brad’s Journey to Helping Others Get Out of Debt and Live Free 10:30 – How Normal People with Normal Jobs Can Become Debt-Free 14:00 – Shifting Your Mindset Around Debt and Money 18:30 – What to Do if Your Spouse Isn’t Ready for Financial Changes 21:45 – Defining Your Family’s “Why” and Creating a Shared Vision    

Hey there, Family Brand community! Chris and Melissa here. As the leaves change and the crisp autumn air sets in, we're gearing up for one of our cherished family traditions. It's a heartwarming ritual that has deepened our connection to our roots and given us a beautiful way to honor and celebrate our lineage. For our long-time listeners, you might recall us diving into this topic around the same time last year. But if you're just joining our Family Brand journey, you're in for a treat! We're excited to share this tradition with you and hope it sparks joy and lasting memories for your family as it has for ours. Our introduction to this beautiful tradition came through a dear friend in Arizona. We were fortunate to be invited to their celebration, where we not only learned about their family's rich history but also delved deeper into our own. If you've been with us for a while, you know how passionately we believe in the importance of belonging and identity. Research has consistently shown the profound impact of knowing one's ancestors and the strength and resilience we can draw from their stories. In this episode, we'll walk you through how we celebrate our lineage, the joy of uncovering family stories, and the ways we honor our ancestors throughout the year. We'll share our top tips on diving into your family's past and how to host a “Dia De Los Muertos” gathering that will have your kids eagerly exploring their heritage. This tradition has not only connected us to distant relatives but has also brought us closer to the stories of our parents and grandparents, reinforcing our family bonds. We truly hope this episode ignites a curiosity in you to explore your family's history and embrace the pride that comes with knowing your roots. And if you're inspired to start this tradition in your own family, do share your celebrations with us on Instagram @ourfamilybrand. We'd love to join in the festivities with you!   P.S.  Registration is now open for our couples retreat in Hawaii!  Join us and Family Brand for transformational retreats designed to deepen your connection and reignite the spark in your relationship. Sign Up Now: https://familybrand.com/retreats   LINKS: Website: familybrand.com   Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 Introduction to the show and the importance of Dia de los Muertos for our family  03:14 The power of researching and finding your family heritage  04:33 The ancient history of Dia De Los Muertos and how our family celebrates it  06:58 The example of Disney’s movie, CoCo and what we can learn from it  08:41 Why this is more than just another party and inviting your kids into the process  10:53 Party inspiration and tips that you can replicate!  11:50 A few recipes we made and the inspirations behind them  12:46 The importance of sharing photos and memories  14:05 How you can start learning more about your history today 15:09 Closing thoughts and tips for your Dia de los Muertos party! 

Hey Family Brand community, Chris and Melissa here, diving into a topic that's been transformational for us: the power of our thoughts. In today's episode, we're sharing how shifting our thinking has reshaped our experiences and can change your life too. Chris shares a profound nugget of wisdom from his recent support group sessions he was a speaker at, that gets to the root of many challenges. For most of us, it’s not the situations themselves that make us overwhelmed or plague us with negative thoughts…but how we perceive them—maybe we just have a  "thinking problem."  Our thoughts have the ability to change everything. By changing our thoughts, we tap into the power to change our entire outlook and approach to life's challenges.  Learn the practical steps to cultivate healthier thinking patterns, and how you can start to editify which thoughts are yours, when to identify with your thoughts, and most importantly when to stop and reframe your thoughts. These strategies have personally transformed our family dynamics and individual wellbeing!  Curious to learn more about harnessing the power of your thoughts to create a positive change in your life? Press play now and join us for a deep dive into mindset set and how to overcome everything that comes your way. If today's episode sparks any thoughts or if you've experienced changes from shifting your mindset, we’d love to hear your stories! Reach out to us on IG or follow the links below. :)  P.S.  Registration is now open for our couples retreat in Hawaii!  Join us and Family Brand for transformational retreats designed to deepen your connection and reignite the spark in your relationship. Sign Up Now: https://familybrand.com/retreats   LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 - Introduction and overview of the episode's focus on the impact of our thoughts. 01:15 - Chris shares insights on the power of mindset and its influence on daily life. 03:40 - Discussion on specific strategies to harness and shift one's thinking patterns. 07:00 - Exploration of how thoughts can impact relationships and personal growth. 09:20 - Chris and Melissa delve into examples from their personal lives where changing their thoughts significantly altered outcomes. 12:50 - Tips on how listeners can start implementing small changes to improve their thought processes. 15:30 - Reflections on the long-term benefits of maintaining a positive and growth-oriented mindset. 18:00 - Closing thoughts and encouragement for listeners to engage actively with their thoughts to foster change.

Welcome back, Family Brand community! It’s Chris and Melissa, and in today’s episode, we're excited to dive into a powerful resource that's transformed our family life—the Family Systems Playbook. Melissa has crafted this incredible tool, which is now available for free, to help families like ours stay connected, aligned, and moving smoothly through the chaos of daily life. Melissa will walk us through what a family systems playbook is and why it's a game changer for fostering intentional family dynamics. We’ll discuss the benefits of establishing regular family meetings, individual check-ins, and how these systems have brought peace and direction to our family. Ready to transform your family interactions and create a more cohesive home environment? Hit play now to explore the practical steps and insights in the Family Systems Playbook. And if you're inspired to implement these tools, check out the full resource with additional video explanations at http://familybrand.com/meeting We'd love to hear how these strategies work for your family! P.S.  Registration is now open for our couples retreat in Hawaii!  Join us and Family Brand for transformational retreats designed to deepen your connection and reignite the spark in your relationship. Sign Up Now: https://familybrand.com/retreats   LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand   Links For This Episode: Download Now:  http://familybrand.com/meeting    Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 - Introduction: Chris and Melissa introduce the topic and share what’s coming up in the episode. 01:15 - Overview of the Family Systems Playbook: Melissa explains what it is and how it was developed. 03:30 - Benefits of Family Meetings: Discussing how regular family meetings have improved communication. 05:45 - Individual Check-ins: The importance of one-on-one time within the family structure. 09:00 - Real-life Examples: Chris and Melissa share stories of how the playbook has positively impacted their family life.

Hey Family Brand community! Chris and Melissa here. In today’s episode, we're unpacking a simple phrase that has made a huge difference in our conversations: "Tell me more about that." This little question has opened up doors in ways we never expected, both at home and in our work. Chris dives into how using this phrase has helped him understand deeper feelings and perspectives, making conversations richer and more meaningful.  It’s amazing what you can learn when you give someone the space to share more about their thoughts or feelings. Chris discovered the power of this phrase in sales, finding it invaluable for understanding clients better. It’s just as powerful at home, especially with our kids. Asking them to share more can transform a typical conversation into an opportunity to really listen and connect on a deeper level. Curious to learn how you can use these five words to change the dynamic in your own conversations? Press play now and join us as we explore the power of genuine curiosity and active listening. And we’re eager to hear from you! Have you used "Tell me more about that" in your talks? What changes have you noticed? If not, try it this week and let us know how it goes! Follow the links below to connect more.  P.S.  Registration is now open for our couples retreat in Hawaii!  Join us and Family Brand for transformational retreats designed to deepen your connection and reignite the spark in your relationship. Sign Up Now: https://familybrand.com/retreats LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand   Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 - Welcome back! Chris and Melissa here to chat about the simple power of five words. 01:12 - Chris shares how "Tell me more about that" revolutionized his sales approach and everyday chats. 02:19 - We dive into why these words are a game changer in understanding others better. 03:39 - Some real-life stories where this phrase opened up meaningful conversations. 06:15 - Melissa talks about how reflecting on our own reactions helps us communicate better. 08:10 - Let’s talk about how you can use this in your family life or even in your work. 11:06 - We'll break down why digging deeper can help get to the heart of matters and resolve issues. 14:21 - Watch us role-play a scenario to show how effective this can be. 16:12 - Tips on staying open and not defensive when you’re on the receiving end of questions. 18:46 - Wrapping up with some final thoughts and a challenge for you to try it out.

Hey Family Brand community! It's just Chris here today. Melissa is off on an adventure with one of our kids, picking out some exciting new touches for the new home we're building. While they're out, I wanted to share some thoughts from a recent event I spoke at, which really resonated with me and I hope will resonate with you too. At this event in Austin, Texas, I had the privilege to speak to a room full of successful entrepreneurs about "authentic growth"—growing in a way that truly aligns with who you are. The night before my speech, I stumbled upon a story on Instagram about a man in Zimbabwe who teaches beekeeping to his community. This story, filled with passion and purpose, really struck a chord with me, and I decided to share it with the audience. Today, I want to dive deeper into what authentic growth means and why it's important to occasionally pause and reflect on why we pursue growth. Are we chasing goals that truly fulfill us, or are we just ticking boxes? If you’re curious to hear more about finding and following your authentic path, hit play now to join me in this exploration. Let’s open up this conversation and help each other stay true to our paths. If you have thoughts or stories about your own journeys of authentic growth, I'd love to hear them. Connect with me and Melissa via the links below!    LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 - Introduction by Chris, setting the theme of authentic growth. 1:30 - Chris shares insights from his recent speaking event in Austin, Texas. 3:00 - The story from Instagram that inspired Chris’s speech on beekeeping in Zimbabwe. 5:15 - Discussion on aligning personal goals with genuine passions. 8:00 - How to identify whether your growth is authentic. 10:30 - Chris’s personal experiences with growth and staying true to his values. 13:00 - Advice for listeners on how to pursue meaningful growth. 15:30 - Invitation for listener feedback and sharing of personal growth stories. 17:00 - Closing thoughts and encouragement to reflect on one’s growth journey.  

Welcome back to the Family Brand Podcast, everyone! Chris and Melissa here, and we’re super excited to share something special with you all—our upcoming Couples Retreat! Held on the beautiful North Shore of Hawaii, this retreat is not just a getaway but an opportunity to connect, grow, and intentionally grow together.  This year, we are honored to co-host with Dan and Renee Martell. We've all felt the impact of dedicating time to our marriages, and we can't wait to explore this with you. From insightful workshops to fun beach activities, this retreat promises to be an unforgettable blend of learning, love, and tropical adventure. (No weird talks or airing first laundry with strangers haha)  Are you ready to invest in your relationship and create unforgettable memories? Hit play now to hear all about what we have planned for this transformative experience. And remember, spots are filling up fast, so if you’re thinking about joining us, don’t wait! Check out all the details and reserve your spot at familybrand.com/retreats. Let’s make magic happen together in Hawaii! https://familybrand.com/retreats   LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand Links For This Episode: https://familybrand.com/retreats https://familybrand.com/couples-retreat-takeaways-how-to-intentionally-grow-together   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 - Introduction: Melissa welcomes listeners and introduces the theme of the episode. 1:15 - Overview of the Couple's Retreat: Location, goals, and what to expect. 2:30 - Guest introductions: Meet co-hosts Dan and Renee Martell. 3:45 - Key benefits of attending the retreat for couples. 5:00 - Detailed breakdown of activities and workshops planned. 6:30 - Stories from past retreats and testimonials. 8:00 - How to prepare for the retreat and what to bring. 9:15 - Booking information and special offers.    

Hey Family Brand community, it’s Chris and Melissa! Every year, we pick a word that guides our intentions and goals. This year, we chose "growth" and "connection," which we've been weaving into our daily lives, from how we interact as a family to the challenges we navigate together. Halfway through the year, it’s time for an "Honest Assessment" to reflect on how these words have truly shaped our journey. We're amazed at the transformation and want to dive deeper into how these intentional choices are playing out day-to-day. Join us today as we explore the significant changes, the lessons learned, and plan how we can continue to embody these powerful words for the rest of the year.  Hit play now to get into this empowering discussion. Whether you’ve set your own words this year or are just getting started, it’s never too late to join in and live more intentionally! We love sharing this journey with you and would love to hear how your intentions are unfolding too. Reach out, share your story, and let’s keep growing and connecting together! LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 - Welcome: Chris and Melissa kick off the episode with the theme of "Honest Assessment." 1:00 - Discussing the importance of selecting yearly guiding words and how they chose "Growth" and "Connection." 2:30 - Insights into how these words have impacted their family life so far this year. 5:00 - Reflecting on successes and challenges encountered in the first half of the year. 7:30 - Strategies for keeping family goals aligned with their guiding words. 10:00 - Sharing personal stories and lessons learned from implementing their intentions. 13:00 - Encouraging the audience to conduct their own "Honest Assessment" and tips for staying on track

Welcome back, Family Brand community! It’s Melissa here, and today, I’m excited to share an inspiring conversation with Kim Shapira, a renowned dietitian and author passionate about helping families forge a healthy relationship with food. In this episode, we dive deep into how our eating habits impact not just our health, but our family dynamics as well. Kim discusses her Six Simple Rules for eating, which revolutionize the way we think about food—from recognizing emotional triggers to making conscious choices that nourish our bodies and minds. We explore practical strategies for parents looking to nurture a positive food environment at home, touching on everything from managing screen time during meals to understanding and addressing food-related behaviors in children. Curious about transforming your family’s approach to food and wellness? Hit play now to absorb Kim’s invaluable advice and her journey towards making nutrition a joyful part of everyday life! If you’re moved by our discussion or have your own stories to share about navigating family nutrition, we’d love to hear from you. Your insights enrich our community and help us all grow together. LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand   Links For This Episode: Buy The Book: https://www.amazon.com/This-What-Youre-Really-Hungry www.kimshapiramethod.com Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 - Introduction to Kim Shapira and her nutritional philosophy. 3:15 - Kim shares her journey and expertise in family nutrition. 8:00 - Discussion on the Six Simple Rules for a healthy relationship with food. 14:45 - Practical tips for parents to improve mealtime dynamics. 20:30 - How to address emotional eating and food triggers in children. 26:50 - Kim provides advice on integrating nutrition into daily family life. 33:15 - Audience Q&A with Kim, tackling common family nutrition challenges. 40:00 - Final thoughts and where to find more of Kim’s resources.

Welcome back to the Family Brand Podcast, everyone! Chris and Melissa here, sharing a deeply personal and transformative experience from our recent journey into the world of recovery and support. Last week, we attended a significant event: Chris's sister Kristen celebrated six years of sobriety, and we were there to support her at her AA meeting. This wasn't just any gathering; it was a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience found in the community and the powerful impact of familial support. Kristen’s journey through addiction, recovery, and now, her role in helping others, has been nothing short of inspirational. We were moved by the stories shared at the meeting—stories of struggle, hope, forgiveness and profound transformation. During this episode, we'll dive into the importance of open communication about addiction and mental health in our families. We discuss how these honest conversations not only foster understanding and support but also empower our children with knowledge and resilience against life’s challenges. Curious to hear more about Kristen's journey, our takeaways from the meeting, and how you can foster supportive conversations in your own family? Hit play now to join us in this heartfelt episode! If Kristen’s story or our family’s approach resonates with you, or if you have your own experiences to share, please reach out. We’re here to learn from each other and strengthen our community, one story at a time.   LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand Links For This Episode: Hear more about Kristen’s story on episode 165! Link: https://familybrand.com/addiction-to-freedom-how-kristen-johnson-turned-her-prison-time-into-a-mission-of-hope/   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:30 - Introduction and background of attending Kristen’s AA meeting. 1:30 - Reflection on the significance of the six-year sobriety chip and what it represents. 3:00 - Insights from Kristen's journey and her impact on the community. 5:45 - Discussion on the role of family support in recovery. 8:00 - Lessons learned about addiction and recovery from the meeting. 10:15 - How family values shape our approach to discussing addiction and mental health. 12:30 - Tips for fostering open communication in families about challenging topics. 15:00 - Closing thoughts on the power of community and hope in overcoming addiction.  

Welcome back to the Family Brand Podcast! It’s Chris and Melissa here, and today we're diving into a topic that's close to our hearts: the power of creation. Whether it’s building our new home or shaping the lives of our children, we're all about embracing our roles as creators. In today’s episode, we reflect on the process of building our new home in a pecan grove and how it mirrors our approach to life—seeing everything as a creation. We discuss how adopting the mindset of being creators, not just consumers, empowers us and our children to think big and act boldly. Melissa and I explore how recognizing ourselves as creators in partnership with God has transformed our approach to life’s challenges and opportunities. We share insights into how this perspective shifts everything from mundane tasks to major life decisions, reinforcing the belief that we’re capable of shaping our world. Curious about how to instill this powerful mindset in your family? Hit play now to join our conversation and discover how to foster a culture of creativity and possibility in your own home! And if this discussion inspires you, or if you’re already on your own journey of creation, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out with your stories of creation and how you’re making dreams a reality in your family’s life.   LINKS:   All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:30 - Introduction: Chris and Melissa introduce the theme of creation. 2:00 - Discussing the new family home and its significance. 5:00 - How embracing a creator mindset transforms family dynamics. 8:00 - The role of faith and co-creation with God in their lives. 12:00 - Practical examples of applying the creator mindset in daily life. 15:00 - Encouraging creativity in children: stories and strategies. 18:00 - Reflections on personal growth through creative challenges. 21:00 - How listeners can start seeing themselves as creators.

Hey Family Brand community, it’s Chris and Melissa here! We've just wrapped up some truly special family adventures and can't wait to dive into all the details with you. This episode is all about a couple of unique trips we took—Chris with our girls to a "girl dad" camp, and Melissa with our boys exploring the historical city of Boston. These trips were not just vacations; they were intentional bonding experiences tailored to our kids’ interests and needs. The girl dad camp was an incredible opportunity for me, Chris, to connect with our daughters in an environment dedicated to empowering young girls through sports, teamwork, and seeing strong female role models in action. Melissa’s journey with the boys was packed with history, sports, and memorable moments that brought them closer together and allowed each boy to explore his own passions. Join us as we share the highlights and the deep, sometimes surprising lessons we learned from traveling separately and then reuniting. We're excited to share tips on how you can create meaningful experiences with your own family. Hit play now to join in on the fun and insights from our latest family adventures!   LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand Links For This Episode: Dream Gap Video: https://youtu.be/FZ8Sgkq74XA Episode Minute By Minute: 1:15 - Chris dives into the 'Girl Dad Camp' experience, sharing highlights and the impact of female role models. 5:30 - Melissa recounts the boys' adventure in Boston, exploring historical sites and sports. 10:00 - The importance of tailored experiences in strengthening family bonds discussed by both hosts. 15:45 - Key takeaways from the trips and how they brought new insights into parenting styles. 20:30 - Discussion on how these gender-specific activities can empower children. 25:00 - Chris and Melissa share tips for planning your own impactful family trips.

Welcome back, Family Brand community! It’s just Melissa this week, and I’m excited to share some really impactful things we have coming up at Family Brand, as well as a recent experiment we tried with managing our teenagers' screen time. In case you missed the exciting news, I want to let you know about all the resources we have to help strengthen your family available now!  Take Back Your Family's Time Guide: This guide helps you assess and restructure how your family spends time to prioritize what truly matters. Check it out here! Family Brand Digital Academy: We're revamping our program to make it even more effective and efficient for busy families. Learn more about the program! Group Coaching: Starting August 11th, join our group coaching for personalized guidance through the Family Brand framework. Join the group program here! Couples Retreat in Hawaii: We have an upcoming retreat that provides a perfect blend of relaxation and actionable strategies to strengthen your partnership. Sign up for the retreat! Now, about our screen time experiment—it’s been eye-opening! We decided to approach this by not just setting limits but involving our kids in the process, discussing each person's screen time, and making adjustments together. This approach has already sparked some positive changes and conversations within our family. Curious to hear more about our approach to screen time and how you might apply it to your family life? Hit play now to get all the details! And if this episode or any of the resources we talked about today resonate with you, don’t hesitate to reach out. We love hearing from you and are here to support you in building a stronger family brand!    LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand Links For This Episode: https://christophercartersmith.ac-page.com/couplesretreat  https://stan.store/FamilyBrand/p/take-back-your-familys-time https://familybrand.com/program https://familybrand.com/group   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:36 - Welcome back! What’s inside today’s episode!  1:50 - New and Noteworthy: Melissa discusses upcoming Family Brand resources to help build a strong family. 3:30 - Take Back Your Family's Time Guide: Explanation of how this resource can help families manage their time better. 5:00 - Details on the Family Brand Digital Academy and the benefits of the group coaching program. 7:15 - Invitation to the upcoming couples retreat in Hawaii and what families can expect. 9:00 - Transition to screen time management: Melissa shares a personal anecdote about her teenagers' screen time. 11:00 - Discussion on strategies used in Melissa's family to manage and discuss screen time effectively. 13:30 - Benefits of involving teens in setting their screen time limits and the positive impacts observed.