Family Brand: Take Back Your Family

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.

Welcome back, Family Brand community! Melissa here, and I’m thrilled to share this conversation with you featuring my amazing guest, Monica Swanson. Monica is the incredible creator behind the "Monica Swanson Blog" and the "Monica Swanson Podcast." With her deep wisdom in homeschooling and intentional parenting, I'm so excited to introduce her to you. Whether you've thought about homeschooling or are currently navigating it, there's something in this episode for everyone. In our chat, we delve into FAQs like balancing homeschooling with work, incorporating faith into education, and managing the social needs of homeschooled kids, plus so much more. We also cover practical tips for getting started, the benefits of homeschooling for family bonding, and how to handle the challenging days. If you’re curious about the real-life ups and downs of homeschooling and looking for encouragement or just want to hear from someone who’s been in the trenches, this episode is for you. Monica shares not only her experiences but also her strategies for success, making this a must-listen for any parent considering this path. Hit play now to hear the full episode and dive into our enriching discussion! Don’t miss out on this insightful conversation packed with practical advice and heartfelt stories from a veteran homeschooling mom. Hit play to hear the full episode! LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand Links For This Episode: Website: https://monicaswanson.com/becominghomeschoolers Get Your Copy Of The Book Now: https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Homeschoolers-Education-Strong-Family   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 - Introduction and welcome Monica Swanson. 2:50 - How Monica started her homeschooling journey. 7:45 - Discussing the integration of faith and education. 12:30 - Addressing socialization for homeschooled children. 18:00 - Tips for parents new to homeschooling. 23:30 - Monica's insights on the rewards and challenges of homeschooling. 29:15 - Final thoughts and advice for intentional parenting.    

Hey Family Brand community! Chris and Melissa here, and we're excited to share something we’ve been reflecting on since our amazing 4th of July weekend. This week, we dive into the "cool aunt and uncle effect," where we noticed our kids absorbing wisdom from adults other than us--maybe even more effectively!  It's about recognizing that sometimes, the best lessons aren't taught by us but by the cool people we choose to surround our kids with. During our time in Utah with the Alexander family, we saw firsthand how other adults could positively impact our children. Their approach to interacting with our kids wasn't just welcoming; it was genuinely impactful, shaping conversations that mattered. Want to hear more about our experiences and insights on this topic? Hit play now to join the conversation! If this episode inspires you, or if you’ve experienced something similar, don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re eager to hear how you navigate parenting and the influential people you bring into your children's lives. Join us as we explore how meaningful interactions with trusted adults can enrich our children's lives and offer new perspectives. Let’s make every interaction count! PS: Don’t forget! Join us live or catch the recording! Register to attend or Get the Replay of Virtual Date Night On July 12th at 6p Pacific. CLICK HERE   LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand Links For This Episode:  https://christophercartersmith.activehosted.com/f/15   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 - Welcome and the importance of influential figures in your kids' lives. 2:15 - The cool aunt and uncle effect and how it played out with the Alexanders. 8:00 - Observations from our stay in Utah and how it affected our parenting views. 12:30 - Reflecting on the importance of who your children spend time with. 18:00 - Practical tips for integrating this approach into your family life.    

Hey Mama! Have you ever felt like you've kind of lost yourself in the whirlwind of motherhood? We’ve all been there, and that's exactly why I brought my friend Liz Norton onto our podcast. Liz has been right where you are, feeling like she's just 'Mom' and forgetting about the woman behind that title. Together, we dive into what it means to rediscover yourself while fully embracing the joys and challenges of being a mom. Liz shares her journey of balancing personal growth with parenting and how it’s okay to reclaim parts of yourself that you've set aside. This isn't just about finding yourself—it's about realizing you can be a great mom and still pursue the things that light you up. Liz gives us some real, practical tips that have worked for her, and I think they can help you too. So if you're ready for some real talk that hits right at the heart of motherhood and personal identity, hit play now! Let’s walk this path together. And hey, if this conversation strikes a chord with you, or if you’ve got your own story to share about balancing 'you' with 'Mom', reach out! Drop us a message or leave a comment. We’d love to hear how you're navigating this journey and how we can support you every step of the way!  LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand     Episode Minute By Minute: 0:30 - Warm welcome and introduction to Liz Norton. 3:50 - Liz shares her personal experience of feeling lost in motherhood. 8:30 - How Liz began reclaiming her identity and what that journey looks like. 15:00 - Liz’s actionable advice for moms feeling overshadowed by their role. 22:30 - The positive ripple effects of moms embracing their whole selves. 30:00 - Listener Q&A: Liz responds to questions from our community. 37:45 - How you can connect with us and share your stories.

Trigger Warning: Towards the end of this conversation, we talk openly about the loss of Liz and her husband's newborn baby. While the content is not graphic, we depict the raw moments and hospital visits that led up to the tragic event. If you are walking through a similar experience and are still in the healing process, we encourage you to enjoy our feed of 180+ other episodes if this content hits too content too close to home, or hit play now to hear this incredible story!  Hey Family Brand community, Melissa here! Today, I’m super excited to bring you a conversation that’s both uplifting and deeply insightful. We're chatting with Liz Hartke, an extraordinary leader who seamlessly integrates deep family values into her bustling entrepreneurial life. Liz, the founder of Luminary Leadership Co., has built a career advising top entrepreneurs while also prioritizing her family, even through her personal hardships. In our chat, she opens up about how her roles as a business leader and a homeschooling mom intertwine, offering us a glimpse into her life of meaningful balance. We dive into how Liz uses her entrepreneurial spirit not only to lead in business but also to teach and connect with her children. She shares practical tips for other entrepreneurial parents on how to ensure their business enhances their family life rather than detracts from it. So, if you’re juggling family and business and wondering how to make it all work without compromising on either front, you’ll want to hear what Liz has to say. Hit play now to listen to the full episode! LINKS:   All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand Links For This Episode:   https://www.instagram.com/elizhartke https://luminaryleadershipco.com   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:30 - Introduction: Get to know the amazing Liz Hartke! 4:00 - Liz shares her journey into leadership and the founding of Luminary Leadership Co. 12:30 - Exploring how family and business blend seamlessly in Liz's life. 21:45 - A pivotal moment: Liz discusses a life-changing personal event. 30:00 - Liz offers wisdom on managing family dynamics with entrepreneurial goals. 38:50 - Impactful strategies: How Liz's personal philosophies influence her professional practices. 47:10 - Liz talks about the role of leadership in personal growth. 55:00 - Closing thoughts and how you can connect with Liz to deepen your own leadership journey.

Hey Family Brand community, Chris and Melissa here! We're so excited to reconnect with all of you and share what’s been happening in our world this so far this summer! We kicked off with an unforgettable trip across Europe, soaking in history and culture, which was a fantastic way for us all to grow and bond as a family. Back in Arizona, summer is in full swing with its fair share of sun and fun, but we’re also working hard to keep a balance between relaxation and structure. Our kids are really stepping up this year, tackling everything from sports to unique summer jobs, learning the value of hard work and entrepreneurship along the way. They've been selling everything from pecans to T-shirts, and it's a joy to see their creativity and perseverance in action. We also rely on our family vision board more than ever during these months. It’s a simple yet powerful tool that helps us align our daily activities with our broader goals for the summer. Whether it's learning new skills, saving up for a concert, or just making sure we have enough family downtime, that board keeps us all on track. Join us in this episode as we dive deeper into how we manage these dynamic summer days. We’ll share the successes, the learning moments, and how we're all growing together. So hit play now and let’s explore how to make the most of this fun season together! LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:20 - Introduction to summer themes and recent family travels. 1:00 - Reflecting on the benefits and lessons from our European travels. 3:00 - Balancing sports, travel, and other summer activities. 5:00 - Encouraging entrepreneurial spirit in our kids through summer jobs. 7:00 - The strategic use of our family vision board this summer. 9:00 - How we implement daily routines to maintain a good balance of structure and freedom. 11:00 - Sharing strategies and tips for other families to manage their summers. 13:00 - Discussing the importance of creating memorable summer experiences. 15:00 - Insights into how our planning affects family dynamics and individual growth. 17:00 - Thoughts on making the most of the summer. 19:00 - Closing remarks and encouragement for families to find their own summer rhythm.

Hey, Family Brand community! Melissa here, excited to introduce you to Tal Eyre, an extraordinary guest with a profound passion for fatherhood. As a senior captain of the Weber State University basketball team and a global business leader, Tal has combined his athletic, humanitarian, and business insights into a powerful approach to parenting. Living in the Swiss Alps with his wife Anita and daughter Annina, Tal has transformed his rich life experiences into a heartfelt mission to enhance family relationships. His book, "Dad Mode," explores these themes, aiming to equip fathers everywhere with the tools to deepen their connections with their children. During our podcast, Tal shared how his background as a father, athlete, and positive psychology expert influenced his parenting philosophy. He emphasized the importance of active engagement in children's lives, offering practical advice and personal anecdotes to inspire and guide other dads. We delved deep into the essence of "Dad Mode," discussing how fathers can use Tal's strategies to foster meaningful relationships within their families. His approach isn't just theoretical; it's a collection of actionable steps backed by his academic work and personal journey. To hear more about Tal's transformative parenting insights and how you can apply them in your own life, hit play now! Discover how to turn everyday challenges into opportunities for growth and connection. LINKS:   All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand Links For This Episode: https://www.taleyre.com Book Link: https://amzn.to/3z3Smia Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 - Welcome and introduction to Tal Eyre. 1:30 - Tal discusses his athletic and academic background. 3:00 - Overview of "Dad Mode" and its impact on parenting. 5:00 - Tal's insights on the importance of father-child relationships. 10:00 - Discussion on integrating positive psychology into daily parenting. 15:00 - Tal shares personal anecdotes from his journey in fatherhood. 20:00 - Q&A with Tal on overcoming parenting challenges. 25:00 - Closing thoughts and how to access Tal's book!  

Hey, Family Brand community! Chris and Melissa here. Today, we're thrilled to introduce you to an extraordinary guest, Ashley Borromeo, the vibrant force behind TapFitFam, who's transforming how families engage with dance and each other. Ashley, a homeschooling mom and seasoned dance instructor, believes passionately in the power of movement. With over 30 years of dancing experience, she's developed a unique approach that combines dance, fitness, and family time into a harmonious blend that enriches lives and fosters deep connections. In our conversation, Ashley shared her journey from professional dancer to creating TapFitFam, where she encourages families to "DANCE Through Life." Her philosophy isn't just about physical movement but embracing life with joy, purpose, and a bit of rhythm. TapFitFam is more than dance lessons; it's about integrating dance into everyday family life to enhance health, happiness, and togetherness. We dove deep into how integrating dance into daily routines can significantly benefit both the body and mind. Ashley highlighted the cognitive benefits of dance, like improving memory and coordination, which are particularly impactful for children as they develop. But it's not just for kids; adults too can rediscover their groove and perhaps even tap into their youthfulness. Hit play now to hear the full episode and learn how you can bring dance into your family's daily life for better health and more joyful moments together!   LINKS:  Links To This Episode: https://www.tapfitfam.com/ashley-borromeo-speaker-page   Website: familybrand.com   Social: Instagram: www.instagram.com/ourfamilybrand Facebook: www.facebook.com/FamilyBrandOfficial YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCGu-7odB6gkPbyXpUIQLkrg Twitter: https://twitter.com/OurFamilyBrand   NEW: What Culture are You Creating In Your Family? Take the Quiz Now! https://familybrand.com/quiz   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 - Welcome and get to know to Ashley Borromeo and her brand, TapFitFam! 1:30 - Ashley discusses her dance background and the creation of TapFitFam. 3:00 - The importance of integrating dance into family routines. 4:45 - Cognitive and developmental benefits of dance for all ages. 6:00 - How families can incorporate dance for better health and bonding. 7:15 - Closing thoughts and the invitation to listen to the full conversation.

Hello, Family Brand community! Chris and Melissa here, bringing you some timely insights as we dive into the sunny season. Today, we're exploring how setting "Summer Agreements" can transform the often daunting, unstructured weeks of summer into a period of growth and enjoyment for the whole family. Summertime brings a mix of freedom and challenge, especially when it comes to managing time without the school year's structure. A few years ago, Melissa introduced a fantastic concept to our summer planning that has significantly benefited our family life. Each summer, we encourage everyone in the family to pick something they want to improve on or achieve during these months. Whether it’s learning new skills, like Chris trying to throw left-handed, or setting personal fitness goals, these summer projects bring a sense of purpose and fun. We also love integrating ideas from inspiring reads into our summer plans. For instance, after reading "Way of the Warrior Kid" by Jocko Willink, our family discussions about summer goals have deepened. The book's themes about personal discipline and growth resonate with our aim to encourage both physical and mental development over the summer. However, it's not just about personal achievements. Setting clear agreements on how the summer will unfold is crucial. These agreements strike a balance between maintaining enough structure to prevent chaos and allowing enough freedom for spontaneous summer fun. For example, discussing and agreeing on curfews, daily routines, and family activities helps manage expectations and keeps everyone on the same page. This summer, we challenge each of you to think about what agreements would work best for your family. What do you want to achieve? How do you want to feel by the end of the summer? Engage your children in this conversation, let them set their goals, and discuss as a family how you can support each other in achieving these objectives. As we set these intentions and agreements, we also remember to model these behaviors ourselves. It's important for kids to see their parents embracing challenges and stepping out of their comfort zones. This summer, let's all strive to 'get that dog in us'—putting in the effort and showing up for ourselves and our family. Wishing you all a summer filled with growth, joy, and meaningful family moments. Go out there and make it amazing!   LINKS: Website: familybrand.com Social: Instagram: www.instagram.com/ourfamilybrand Facebook: www.facebook.com/FamilyBrandOfficial YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCGu-7odB6gkPbyXpUIQLkrg Twitter: https://twitter.com/OurFamilyBrand   NEW: What Culture are You Creating In Your Family? Take the Quiz Now! https://familybrand.com/quiz   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:32 - The challenge of summer without school structure. 1:06 - Introduction of "Summer Agreements" and how they've benefited our family. 1:39 - Chris shares his experience of learning to throw left-handed. 2:20 - Discussion of brain health benefits from learning new skills. 2:32 - Smith family book club and the impact of reading "Way of the Warrior Kid." 3:00 - How to choose personal goals and skills to develop each summer. 3:56 - Importance of balancing freedom and structure through clear summer agreements. 4:18 - Catalyst for revisiting summer curfew agreements due to an incident with their son. 5:08 - Conversations about expectations and agreements for the summer. 6:03 - Discussion on setting productive patterns and how it impacts summer goals. 6:59 - Expanding the conversation to how you want to feel at the end of the summer. 8:22 - Encouraging families to involve kids in setting summer goals and discussing agreements. 9:35 - Final thoughts on creating a magical summer with both freedom and structure.  

Hey, Chris and Melissa here! Today’s podcast episode is packed with insights and inspiring stories from the recent "Ignite Possibility Experience." This was Chris's first event since launching our new venture, www.psblty.co and what an incredible two days it was! We explored the transformative power of embracing our abilities with confidence and how this can unlock doors not just for ourselves but for people around us. The conference was a powerful mix of personal stories, practical advice, and powerful affirmations that left everyone, including us, energized and ready to tackle their own challenges with a renewed sense of possibility. That’s why we had to share with our podcast fam!  You may be thinking, why focus on confidence? It’s simple. Because true confidence is more than just feeling good about yourself—it's about stepping into your role as a leader in your own life and inspiring others to do the same. During the event, we discussed how changing our narrative from doubt to belief has the power to transform our actions and, subsequently, our results. In this episode, we break down some of the key topics covered at the conference, such as the importance of making and keeping commitments to yourself, the impact of positive self-talk, and how to live boldly without fear of judgement. We also share actionable tips on how you can start applying these principles in your day-to-day life. Remember, every step you take in building your own confidence is also a step toward teaching your kids to be leaders who can make a real difference. Let's make this a week to remember by stepping boldly into our potential and lighting up the world with our newfound confidence. If we want to raise confident children who can change the world, it starts at home with our family "brand." Let’s lead by example and create a legacy of strength and possibility for our kids. LINKS: Website: familybrand.com Social: Instagram: www.instagram.com/ourfamilybrand Facebook: www.facebook.com/FamilyBrandOfficial YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCGu-7odB6gkPbyXpUIQLkrg Twitter: https://twitter.com/OurFamilyBrand   NEW: What Culture are You Creating In Your Family? Take the Quiz Now! https://familybrand.com/quiz   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:30 - Welcome! A look inside today's episode and the "Ignite Possibility Experience” 2:30 - Discussion on the importance of self-belief and its transformative power. 5:15 - Key highlights from the conference and actionable insights. 8:00 - The role of self-commitment in personal growth. 12:00 - Tips on shifting from doubt to confidence through positive self-talk. 15:45 - Encouragement to embrace bold living and overcome fear of judgment. 18:30 - Closing thoughts and a challenge to light up your world this week.

Hey Family Brand folks! This week we’re super excited because Hailey Reidhead, the voice behind the "She’s a Lady Podcast," is here with us. Hailey isn't just a podcast host; she’s a hairstylist, a mom of two wonderful girls, and a huge advocate for empowering women through the thick and thin of life's journey. Today, we’re diving into a topic that hits close to home for many of us: finding our identity in motherhood. It’s a journey that can feel like a rollercoaster at times, with its ups, downs, and unexpected turns. Hailey opens up about her personal experiences, sharing the real talk on how she navigates the shifting sands of identity that come with being a mom and a professional. We get into the nitty-gritty of what it means to balance personal aspirations with the demands of motherhood. Hailey shares her path to maintaining her individuality while embracing the roles of wife and mother. It’s not just about finding balance but also about thriving in each aspect of life and remembering who you are beyond your roles. Join us as we unpack these themes, offering insights and perhaps a bit of guidance for those of you wrestling with similar challenges. This conversation is for anyone looking to feel understood, inspired, or just a bit less alone in their journey. So grab a comfy seat, hit play, and let’s get into it together. LINKS: Link to the 'She's a Lady' Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/43TaLiQZz4T6biCuvLqfJq?si=8276867726c241d0 Website: familybrand.com Social: Instagram: www.instagram.com/ourfamilybrand Facebook: www.facebook.com/FamilyBrandOfficial YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCGu-7odB6gkPbyXpUIQLkrg Twitter: https://twitter.com/OurFamilyBrand   NEW: What Culture are You Creating In Your Family? Take the Quiz Now! https://familybrand.com/quiz   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:02 - Introduction and a warm welcome to Hailey Reidhead. 0:52 - How Melissa and Hailey connected through mutual friends and previous podcast collaborations. 2:07 - Hailey introduces herself, sharing her background and the essence of her podcast. 3:59 - The heart of the discussion: exploring identity in motherhood and the challenges it brings. 6:13 - Hailey recounts personal anecdotes about early marriage and motherhood expectations. 10:06 - Discussion on career choices and their alignment with being a mom. 15:00 - How Hailey balanced her professional ambitions with her family life. 18:00 - The supportive role of Hailey’s husband in her journey. 20:19 - Moving back to Arizona and deciding on community college as a next step. 22:40 - Reflections on identity, personal growth, and the ongoing journey of self-discovery. 25:01 - Hailey talks about starting her podcast during pregnancy and the motivations behind it. 30:02 - The importance of community and support for mothers feeling isolated or overwhelmed.

Hey Family Brand folks! Today, we're super excited to chat with Katie Kimball, who’s all about empowering kids through cooking and life skills. Katie, a mom of four and a wizard in the kitchen, has something really special lined up for us this summer—a Free Virtual Kids Summer Camp! Katie’s journey started with her passion for teaching her own kids to cook, which blossomed into helping other families do the same. This summer, she’s taking it up a notch by offering a camp that’s packed with fun and useful activities, from cooking to gardening to tech skills. The camp is not just about learning; it’s about growing confidence. Katie shares how gaining skills in one area can really boost a kid's confidence across the board. And let’s be real, who doesn’t want their kids to feel like they can take on the world? So, what’s in store at the camp? It’s a mix of everything! Whether your kids are into crafting delicious dishes, fixing cars, or even managing their screen time, there’s something for everyone. The best part? It’s all online, so your family can join from anywhere. Ready to sign up and make this summer a blast for your kids? Head over to the Kids Cook Real Food site and check out all the details. (Links Below!)  Let’s make this a summer to remember by giving our kids the gift of learning and confidence! Remember, this isn’t just another activity to keep them busy—it’s about building skills that will last a lifetime. Join us and let's empower our kids together this summer! LINKS: Website: familybrand.com Social: Instagram: www.instagram.com/ourfamilybrand Facebook: www.facebook.com/FamilyBrandOfficial YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCGu-7odB6gkPbyXpUIQLkrg Twitter: https://twitter.com/OurFamilyBrand   NEW: What Culture are You Creating In Your Family? Take the Quiz Now! https://familybrand.com/quiz   Links For This Episode:  Sign Up For The Free Summer Camp With Katie:  https://kidscookrealfood.com/lifeskillsnow-season-three-online-summer-camp-registration/?cookieUUID=bbcafeb3-cfca-43b7-a926-1ce26cb74b39   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:50 Get to know Katie and how we met her family! 1:59 A look into the journey to creating Kids Cook Real Food. 3:00 Why life skills are important for kids and a look into the Summer Camp! 5:13 How we start teaching kids to cook and key skills they learn. 8:24 The real importance of cooking on confidence and life skills. 12:24 A look inside the free virtual Summer camp: activities, dates, and what to expect. 18:48 The impact of learning from different sources and the "fun aunt and uncle effect." 19:54 How to sign up for the camp and the benefits for your family.

Hey Family Brand community, Chris and Melissa here! Today’s not just any day—it’s Tripp’s ninth birthday, and while we're celebrating, we’ve got a topic that’s been pressing on our hearts. We’re talking about something that could change our kids’ lives: understanding and believing in their inherent worth.  In our chat today, we dive deep into why kids today face more challenges than ever before—comparing themselves to a whole world online, not just their classmates. It’s tough, and it's why we think there's a real need to regularly affirm how much they matter. We explore the "cool aunt and uncle effect," which shows that sometimes, these important messages can be heard better from someone other than mom and dad. It's one of the reasons we created our Family Brand Academy, to help families communicate the crucial messages of self-worth and identity effectively.  So, what can we do as families? It’s about more than just telling our kids they’re great; it’s about showing them they’re valued every single day. It's about being intentional in our conversations and actions, making sure our kids know they’re not just enough—they’re more than enough. Join us by hitting play now, as we dive deep into these ideas and share practical tips on nurturing a positive, strong sense of self in our kids. Let's empower them together to face anything with confidence.   Ps, we would love to connect with you! Share how you’re reinforcing these values at home with us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/ourfamilybrand! Let’s keep this conversation going and build a community that lifts each other up. Here’s to a week of empowerment and celebrating the amazing potential of our families! LINKS: Website: familybrand.com Social: Instagram: www.instagram.com/ourfamilybrand Facebook: www.facebook.com/FamilyBrandOfficial YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCGu-7odB6gkPbyXpUIQLkrg Twitter: https://twitter.com/OurFamilyBrand   NEW: What Culture are You Creating In Your Family? Take the Quiz Now! https://familybrand.com/quiz   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:35 Happy Birthday Tripp’s! And what’s on our hearts today? 2:15 The challenges our kids are facing with their identities. 5:30 How does social media really affect our kids’ sense of worth? 8:20 What’s the 'Cool Aunt and Uncle Effect'? We’ll tell you all about it. 12:40 Simple, everyday ways to remind our kids how much they matter. 17:00 Why we started the Family Brand Academy and how it helps. 21:45 Your questions answered: How can we affirm our kids every day? 26:10 Wrapping up and how you can keep this conversation going with us on Instagram.

Hey there, Family Brand community! Chris and Melissa here, and we’re excited to bring you a topic that really hits home—commitment, particularly around managing and reclaiming our family time. In this episode, we share some personal stories and insights, like the saga of our matching white Toyotas and what they symbolize about our values and choices. We talk about the challenges and joys of balancing family life, work, and personal ambitions. We also introduce an incredible resource that Melissa has been pouring her heart into—our new guide, "Take Back Your Family’s Time." This guide is all about identifying where your time goes, categorizing its use, and learning to say no to the non-essentials so you can say yes to what truly matters. It’s designed to help families create more intentional, connected, and enjoyable time together. If you’ve ever felt like your family is being pulled in too many directions, this episode, and especially the guide, is for you. Ready to transform how your family spends time? Hit play now, and let’s explore together how we can reclaim and enrich our family time. Remember, it's about designing our time rather than letting it design us. Check out the guide in the show notes linked below or on our social media pages. Let's make the most out of every moment with our loved ones! LINKS: Take Back Your Family's Time with this Guide! Download Now: https://stan.store/FamilyBrand/p/take-back-your-familys-time   Website: familybrand.com Social: Instagram: www.instagram.com/ourfamilybrand Facebook: www.facebook.com/FamilyBrandOfficial YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCGu-7odB6gkPbyXpUIQLkrg Twitter: https://twitter.com/OurFamilyBrand   NEW: What Culture are You Creating In Your Family? Take the Quiz Now! https://familybrand.com/quiz   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:01 The story behind our new matching white Toyotas and what they mean to us! 0:53 Melissa’s surprise Christmas gift to Chris—a truck! The tale of gratitude and generosity. 3:18 Why we created the Family Brand Academy and how it can help you take back your family’s time! 4:01 Introducing our new guide: "Take Back Your Family’s Time" and why it’s a game-changer for your schedule. 5:00 Tackling the chaos: Why so many families feel overwhelmed by their schedules. 6:34 Creating more than just 'time together'—making every moment with family truly count. 7:29 The importance of reassessing and realigning our family time to stay true to our values. 9:18 A powerful quote from Stephen R. Covey on choosing the best over the good. 10:53 The ongoing journey of saying 'no' to free up time for what really matters in family life.  

Hey, Family Brand crew! It's just me today, Melissa, and I want to share an adventure that truly embodied our family's spirit of fun and spontaneity. Recently, I whisked away three of our kids on an impromptu road trip to catch the eclipse—a decision fueled by our family's motto of preferring experiences over things and embracing adventure. This escapade wasn't just about chasing the shadow of the moon; it was a testament to living out our values and showing that fun, in its most unbridled form, is at the heart of family life. Our journey, filled with last-minute plans, lost sleep, and a desperate hunt for eclipse glasses (which we triumphantly found), was a wild ride of making memories. Despite the challenges, it reminded us of the joy found in spontaneity and the shared experiences that bring us closer. Our mission with Family Brand is to inspire families to inject more fun, more play, and more connection into every day. Or whatever fits into their own “family brand” This trip, with its ups and downs, was a perfect example of seizing the moment to create joy and laughter, proving that the best family times often come from the simplest acts of playing together. So, let's take this as a nudge to find those moments of fun in our lives. Whether it's a spontaneous adventure or finding joy in the little things like a new family club, remember: family life is meant to be fun. Dive into this episode to hear all about our eclipse adventure and how we're finding fun in every corner of our lives. Hit play now and let's spread the joy of living adventurously together! P.S. We're excited to hear about your fun family adventures! Share with us your stories and how you're bringing more play into your life. Connect with us via the links below!  LINKS: Website: familybrand.com Social: Instagram: www.instagram.com/ourfamilybrand Facebook: www.facebook.com/FamilyBrandOfficial YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCGu-7odB6gkPbyXpUIQLkrg Twitter: https://twitter.com/OurFamilyBrand   NEW: What Culture are You Creating In Your Family? Take the Quiz Now! https://familybrand.com/quiz   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:14 Inside our adventure chasing the eclipse with the kids. 0:53 Why sprinkling fun into our family life is so vital and what sparked by our spontaneous road trip. 1:24 Choosing experiences over things, echoing our family's yearly motto. 2:10 How our family values, like embracing adventure, nudged us to say "yes" to chasing the eclipse across states. 3:07 The epic drive to Texas unfolds: Filled with anticipation, giggles, and a bit of chaos in search of eclipse glasses. 4:13 The adventure gets real: Turning every moment into a mini-adventure. 10:00 A nudge to all families: inject more fun, more play, and more laughter into every day.

Hey, Family Brand listeners! Chris and Melissa here, and guess what? We're coming at you live from our car, from the excitement of date night. Haha Today's episode is all about date nights and their incredible power to strengthen our marriage, especially during times when it felt like we were drifting apart. We dive deep into how committing to a weekly date night became the cornerstone of rebuilding our connection. It’s a journey that began with awkward silences and has evolved into the most anticipated evenings of the week, filled with laughter, love, and everything in between. In this episode, we discuss how prioritizing our relationship through regular date nights has helped us navigate both good times and challenges. It's a simple yet powerful way we show our love and commitment, reminding us that keeping the spark alive needs a little effort and creativity. Ready to bring the spark back in your relationship or keep that flame burning even stronger? Hit play now and join us in the car! You’ll discover how dedicating time to your partner can transform your marriage, setting the foundation for a legacy of love and commitment.  Make every moment count…together!    P.S. Inspired to plan your own date night but need some creative ideas? Dive into this episode for our tips and share your stories with us on Instagram. Let's spread the love and keep the conversation going! (Links below!    LINKS:   Website: familybrand.com Social: Instagram: www.instagram.com/ourfamilybrand Facebook: www.facebook.com/FamilyBrandOfficial YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCGu-7odB6gkPbyXpUIQLkrg Twitter: https://twitter.com/OurFamilyBrand NEW: What Culture are You Creating In Your Family? Take the Quiz Now! https://familybrand.com/quiz   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:00 Chris & Melissa kick things off from their car - surprise date night edition! 0:53 Why we're chatting in the car: Waiting on dinner turns into an impromptu podcast about the power of date nights. 1:24 Date nights saved our marriage? Chris shares the big difference these nights made. 2:10 Remembering our first few date nights - awkward but crucial in getting us back on track. 3:07 From awkward to awesome: How sticking with date nights showed us we really liked each other. 3:41 Chris drops some stats: Couples who date, stay happy. It's science! 4:13 Digging deeper: Why date nights mean so much to us beyond just stats. 10:00 How to get started dating at any stage in your life! 

Hey, there! Chris and Melissa here, and we’ve just returned from an unforgettable weekend in Cabo, where we co-hosted a couples retreat. It was our first time doing something like this, alongside our dear friends Dan Martell and Renee Warren. We dove deep into the power of intentional growth in marriages and came back with some incredible insights we're eager to share with you! One of the most inspiring takeaways was witnessing couples proactively investing in their relationships. It’s a stark reminder that to avoid drifting apart, we must grow together intentionally. In today's world, making proactive investments in our marriages and families is more crucial than ever. During the retreat, we also discussed the importance of surrounding ourselves with couples who inspire us and planning our lives with intentionality. From sharing an authentic conversations framework to adopting an "anchor word" for the year, these strategies can profoundly impact our relationships and personal growth. If you're intrigued by the idea of making intentional efforts to strengthen your marriage and family bonds, this episode is for you. Hit play now, and let's explore these transformative concepts together. Remember, it's about intentionally growing together and turning every opportunity into a step towards a stronger, more connected family. P.S. We're thrilled by the feedback and are planning the next couples retreat. If you're interested, reach out to us on Instagram to join the waitlist. Let’s continue to invest in our families, creating a legacy of love and commitment. LINKS: More episodes you’ll love!  FINDING OUR WAY: THE EIGHT STEPS TO A BEAUTIFUL MARRIAGE: https://familybrand.com/finding-our-way-the-eight-steps-to-a-beautiful-marriage Website: familybrand.com Social: Instagram: www.instagram.com/ourfamilybrand Facebook: www.facebook.com/FamilyBrandOfficial YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCGu-7odB6gkPbyXpUIQLkrg Twitter: https://twitter.com/OurFamilyBrand NEW: What Culture are You Creating In Your Family? Take the Quiz Now! https://familybrand.com/quiz   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:26 A look inside the transformative weekend at a couples retreat in Cabo. 1:05 Special thanks and shout-out to Dan Martell and Renee Warren. 2:07 The impact of proactively investing in relationships. 3:18 The importance of intentional growth in relationships to avoid drifting apart. 4:00 Shifting the narrative on the societal trend of reactive versus proactive investments in relationships. 5:10 The concept of intentionally growing together versus accidentally drifting apart. 6:09 The value of spending time with inspiring couples and families. 7:22 How to plan the year with intention and identifying inspiring couples to surround yourself with. 11:33 Introduction of the authentic conversations framework and its significance in enhancing relationships. 14:19 Addressing the barriers to having meaningful conversations and introducing the concept of authentic conversations. 17:07 Practical tips of the authentic conversations framework in marriage and parenting. 18:29 Encouraging a culture of openness and the effort to be unoffendable in conversations. 21:03 The concept of an anchor word for the year and its role in guiding family and relationship goals. 24:19 Reflecting on the retreat's success and planning for future events. 25:02 The significance of creating space for deeper conversations and connections outside daily routines.