Family Brand: Take Back Your Family

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.

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.