As we head into a new year, Chris and Melissa wanted to revisit a conversation that has quietly shaped their family more than almost anything else: the power of language.

This idea — that language creates — was one of the very first topics ever discussed on The Family Brand Podcast, and it's still one of the most talked-about episodes to this day. Because once you see it, you can't unsee it.

In this episode, Chris explains why language is never neutral. The words we use are either rooted in possibility or anchored in limitation — and over time, they shape our beliefs, our behaviors, our marriages, our kids, and even what we believe is possible for our lives.

Melissa shares real-life moments where she's seen language create identity — including a powerful story about how a single sentence labeled one of their children as "shy," and how quickly that label became part of his self-story. Together, they unpack how easily we talk ourselves out of what we want by using phrases like "I should," "I need to," or "that could never work."

They also explore how we often spend far more energy talking about what we don't want, don't like, don't have, or what isn't working — and how simply shifting our language can begin to change how life occurs for us. From an Uber conversation about health, to a heartbreaking post about a mother who hadn't seen her daughter in 14 years, this episode brings the concept of language into everyday life.

This isn't about toxic positivity or pretending things are perfect. It's about awareness. It's about noticing the words you use — with yourself, with your spouse, and with your kids — and asking whether they're creating freedom or reinforcing fear.

As Chris says, "If you upgrade your language, you upgrade your life."
And as a family, that's a powerful place to start.

LINKS:

All Links Family Brand!

• stan.store/familybrand
• familybrand.com/quiz
• familybrand.com/retreats.
  

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:00 – Holiday season, basketball season, and family life right now
• 01:45 – Why this conversation matters heading into a new year
• 02:30 – Revisiting one of the most impactful Family Brand episodes ever
• 03:10 – "Language creates" — what that actually means
• 04:10 – Words create either possibility or limitation
• 05:10 – How language shapes the culture of your home
• 06:00 – The Uber story: "I should go to the gym"
• 07:40 – Anchored in limitation vs. rooted in possibility
• 08:40 – Why guilt and shame don't create change
• 10:10 – The four language traps: don't want, don't have, don't like, isn't working
• 11:30 – Shifting energy toward what does work
• 13:10 – A heartbreaking story about language and impossibility
• 15:00 – Declaring what you want — then ripping the seed out
• 16:30 – Why staying limited feels safer than change
• 18:20 – Language creates identity (the "shy" story)
• 20:00 – How parents unintentionally label their kids
• 21:45 – Upgrading language without guilt or pressure
• 23:10 – Social media, negativity, and reinforcing limitation
• 24:30 – A simple experiment: change your language for one week
• 25:45 – Helping your kids shift language without correcting them
• 26:45 – Final takeaway: talk about what works
• 27:20 – Family Brand Quiz + free PDF invitation

Chief Reminding Officer: The Power of Repetition in Your Family

If you've ever felt like a broken record as a parent — constantly reminding your kids (or yourself) of the same things over and over — this episode will make you feel a whole lot better.

This week, Chris and Melissa talk about something they've been feeling in both their home and business lately: that quiet drift that happens when you stop doing the simple things that actually work. The routines that keep your house running. The systems that make your marriage stronger. The habits that help your family thrive.

And the truth they came back to?
Most families don't need a brand-new plan… they just need to remember the one they already have.

Chris shares a conversation that pushed him to revisit Excellence Wins by Horst Schulze, the cofounder of the Ritz-Carlton. One line jumped off the page:

"Great leaders are really just Chief Reminding Officers."

At the Ritz, they review the same guiding principles every 21 days — not because people don't know them, but because repetition is what keeps a culture alive.

As Chris and Melissa talk through examples from their own home, you'll hear how easy it is to slip into "sloppy" seasons — dishes piling up, routines disappearing, date nights pushed aside. Not because something is wrong… but because we forget what works.

Melissa shares why repetition used to feel boring to her — and how she learned to see it as one of the most loving, grounding things you can do for your family. When you remind your kids who they are, remind your spouse what your marriage is about, or remind yourself what your family values… you're strengthening your culture every single time.

This episode will make you feel encouraged, not overwhelmed. You'll walk away remembering that you don't need to reinvent your life — you probably already have the tools, rhythms, and values that work. You just need to return to them, repeat them, and keep reminding the people you love most.

LINKS:

All Links Family Brand!

• stan.store/familybrand
• familybrand.com/quiz
• familybrand.com/retreats.
  

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:00 – Recap: Family Brand Blitz and 20th anniversary reflections
• 01:30 – Introducing today's topic: becoming the Chief Reminding Officer
• 02:00 – Why repetition and reinforcement are underrated leadership traits
• 03:00 – The "authentic conversation" that sparked this episode
• 04:00 – Lessons from Excellence Wins and the Ritz Carlton's 21 rules
• 05:30 – "Ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen" — defining culture
• 06:30 – Why repetition sustains identity better than constant reinvention
• 08:00 – Applying business lessons to family life
• 09:00 – How Family Brand uses corporate exercises to shape home culture
• 10:00 – Responding to the "we need something new" mindset
• 11:30 – The real fix for "sloppiness" in teams and families
• 12:30 – Why date nights and routines matter more than new ideas
• 13:30 – How small sacrifices lead to peace and structure
• 14:30 – The "Family Works When…" and "Marriage Works When…" exercise
• 15:30 – Writing down what makes your family thrive
• 16:30 – Reinforcing vs. reinventing: the real job of leadership
• 17:00 – Melissa's insight: learning to love the act of reminding
• 18:00 – Final takeaway: stop fighting repetition — embrace it as the path to peace

Have you ever caught yourself saying "no" to your kids' adventures out of pure instinct — only to wonder later if maybe the risk was worth it? In this episode, Chris and Melissa talk about how they're learning to raise kids who are more confident, capable, and adventurous by saying yes a little more often.

The idea started after Melissa read The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt — a powerful book that explores how modern parenting and constant digital connection have created more anxious, less independent kids. Together, they reflect on how the shift from outdoor play to screens has changed childhood, and what parents can do to reclaim freedom and resilience for their kids.

They share personal stories from their own family — like letting their teenage son navigate New York City solo, their kids exploring Paris and Croatia by themselves, and their 10-year-old's first bike ride to school (which included a coyote sighting and a dog chase). Each story carries the same theme: that a little bit of risk, independence, and real-world adventure is not just okay — it's essential.

Chris and Melissa also discuss how media consumption has shaped our fears, why the world may not actually be more dangerous than it used to be, and how giving kids appropriate autonomy builds courage and confidence. They tackle the smartphone dilemma too — why they're rethinking when their kids get phones, and what it means to trade "connection" for constant anxiety.

This episode will inspire you to loosen the reins just a bit, trust your kids more, and rediscover the joy of letting them learn through life — not just lectures. As Chris puts it, "Adventure builds confidence. Confidence builds courage. And courage builds character."

LINKS:

All Links Family Brand!

• stan.store/familybrand
• familybrand.com/quiz
• familybrand.com/retreats.

Links For This Episode:

• https://www.anxiousgeneration.com

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:00 – The inspiration behind today's topic: The Anxious Generation
• 01:00 – Introducing the Family Brand Croatia Cruise (June 20–27!)
• 03:00 – Letting their 17-year-old explore New York City alone
• 05:00 – How independence builds confidence and perspective
• 06:00 – Kids navigating Paris, Croatia, and new cities on their own
• 08:00 – The 10-year-old's first solo bike ride (and wild encounters)
• 10:00 – How small risks create big growth and resilience
• 11:00 – Is the world really more dangerous than it used to be?
• 12:00 – The role media plays in fueling parental anxiety
• 13:00 – What The Anxious Generation teaches about freedom vs. fear
• 15:00 – Revisiting your family's smartphone rules
• 16:00 – Chris's powerful analogy: "Would you pay for your child's destruction?"
• 17:00 – The Harvard study on boredom and why it's good for kids
• 18:00 – Rediscovering stillness and creative thought
• 19:00 – Building community around shared parenting values
• 20:00 – Changing the narrative: why "different" is good
• 21:00 – Rewriting your family's agreements — it's never too late
• 22:00 – Holiday reflections: gifts that inspire adventure, not anxiety

Making Jesus Famous One Song at a Time with Angie Killian

This week, Melissa sits down with award-winning songwriter and composer Angie Killian, whose music has touched millions of hearts around the world. Angie's songs — like her viral hit "My Own Sacred Grove" — have been streamed over 30 million times and translated into dozens of languages, inspiring faith, joy, and connection in homes everywhere.

But Angie's story didn't start with fame or recognition. It began in the quiet moments of motherhood — rocking a newborn in the middle of the night, wrestling with exhaustion and postpartum depression, and hearing a simple melody that became her lifeline. That small spark of light led Angie to write songs for her children about Jesus, love, and hope — songs that would eventually bless families all over the world.

Melissa and Angie dive deep into the power of music — especially for children. Angie shares how melodies and lyrics can plant truth deep in a child's heart and why music is one of the most powerful tools parents can use to teach faith. She offers practical ideas for families who want to bring more music into their homes — from listening in the car to singing together at bedtime or joining a local children's choir.

They also explore what it looks like to balance motherhood and creative callings. Angie opens up about the guilt she once felt spending time on her music instead of chores or endless to-do lists — and how she came to realize that pursuing her God-given gifts made her a more joyful, grounded mom.

From writing songs during nap times to her new preschool project Tiny Disciple Songs, Angie's story is a powerful reminder that light often breaks through in unexpected places — and that creativity, faith, and motherhood can coexist beautifully.

LINKS:

All Links Family Brand!

• stan.store/familybrand

• familybrand.com/quiz

• familybrand.com/retreats.

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:00 – Introduction: Melissa shares how she discovered Angie's music
• 02:00 – The piano over countertops story: a mom's early sacrifice for music
• 04:00 – How a sleepless night sparked Angie's songwriting journey
• 06:00 – Writing songs for her children through postpartum depression
• 08:00 – Learning the craft of songwriting and sharing vulnerable work
• 10:00 – How music shaped her family life — and how her kids now sing with her
• 13:00 – The joy of raising musical children and creating together
• 14:30 – Why children's songs hold unique power for faith and memory
• 16:00 – Practical ways to use music as a spiritual teaching tool in your home
• 18:00 – Finding balance between sports, choir, and faith-based activities
• 20:00 – The rise of Christian music in the mainstream (and why it matters)
• 23:00 – CCM vs. Worship: understanding modern Christian music
• 24:00 – Angie's favorite songs and how "I Am Thankful" came to life
• 25:00 – "Making Jesus Famous" — her mission behind the music
• 27:00 – The miracle behind My Own Sacred Grove and trusting God's timing
• 30:00 – Navigating creativity, family, and guilt as a mom
• 32:00 – Why pursuing your calling makes you a better parent
• 33:00 – What's next: Holy Road, Wonderfully Made, and Tiny Disciple Songs
• 35:00 – Final thoughts and Melissa's reflections on using music to teach faith
  
  

Living with Intention: The Daily Habits That Build a Life You Love

This week, Melissa continues the conversation from Episode 239 — The #1 Thing Standing Between You and the Life You Want — where she shared the importance of getting clear on what you want. Now, in Part Two, she goes deeper into what to do once you've found that clarity, and how to live with intention even in the middle of life's stress, chaos, and constant demands.

Click here to listen to part one on Apple!

Click here to listen and read on our website!

In this episode, Melissa shares insights from a workshop she recently gave to women at her church about living intentionally and managing the mental load that comes with modern life. She explains what "intentional living" really means — making choices based on your values and goals instead of defaulting to busyness or comparison — and walks through a practical exercise you can do right now: asking yourself, What do I really want?

She guides listeners through a journaling activity that reveals recurring themes, hidden desires, and areas where you might need more clarity. Then, she moves into the second half of the conversation — managing stress in real life. From a day spent painting with her kids that turned chaotic to simple strategies for lowering stress hormones like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, Melissa shows that living intentionally doesn't mean living perfectly — it means noticing what's working and making small, conscious adjustments.

She also highlights one of the most underused yet powerful tools for reducing anxiety and increasing self-awareness: journaling. Melissa shares research showing its benefits and how writing down what's in your head — no matter how messy — can be both healing and clarifying.

This episode is a gentle, encouraging reminder that you don't have to overhaul your life to live more intentionally. Sometimes it's as simple as pausing, reflecting, and asking: What's one thing I can do today to move closer to the life I truly want?

LINKS:

All Links Family Brand!

• stan.store/familybrand
• familybrand.com/quiz
• familybrand.com/retreats.

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:00 – Welcome to Part Two of the Living with Intention series
• 01:00 – Why this episode stands alone but connects to clarity (Part One)
• 02:00 – What intentional living actually means — and what it doesn't
• 03:30 – Knowing what you want and living in alignment with it
• 05:00 – Why this question — "What do I want?" — keeps showing up
• 06:30 – The writing exercise: ask yourself the question seven times
• 08:00 – Identifying patterns and themes in your answers
• 09:00 – How clarity leads to alignment and purpose
• 10:00 – Transition: managing the mental load of daily life
• 11:00 – The painting story — and how "small stress" still adds up
• 12:30 – The four happiness chemicals and how to activate them
• 13:30 – Dopamine: reward yourself and celebrate small wins
• 14:00 – Oxytocin: connection through touch, kindness, and service
• 14:30 – Serotonin: stability through sun, nature, and mindfulness
• 15:00 – Endorphins: joy through laughter, movement, and music
• 16:00 – The surprising science behind journaling and stress relief
• 17:30 – Why journaling is powerful — and why we often avoid it
• 19:00 – How confronting your thoughts can lead to healing
• 20:00 – Creating your personal plan of action
• 21:00 – One small step toward more peace and less stress
• 22:00 – Closing encouragement: be still, do what brings you joy, and live with intention

You Are What You Consume: How Media Shapes Your Family

What we watch, listen to, and read matters more than we realize. In this episode, Chris and Melissa open a conversation that every family needs to have: how the media we consume — from music and books to shows and social media — shapes who we become.

It all started with a walk and a conversation about Taylor Swift's latest album, but the discussion quickly turned into something much deeper: how to discern light from darkness in a world full of noise, artificial positivity, and subtle influence. Chris shares the idea of hidden darkness — how things that appear good on the surface can sometimes carry messages that slowly erode our values. Melissa adds practical examples from their own family, from karaoke songs that sounded fun until the lyrics popped up on the screen, to noticing mood and behavior shifts in their kids after certain music or books.

They discuss everything from letting kids read Harry Potter too early, to streaming algorithms that quietly shape what we watch, to the way humor and sarcasm in "innocent" family sitcoms can normalize disrespect and contention. Chris and Melissa don't pretend to have it all figured out — in fact, they share openly how they're still navigating this as parents. But they emphasize one thing: the goal isn't perfection, it's vigilance.

The takeaway? Be intentional and stay vigilant. Pay attention to what you — and your kids — are consuming. Ask whether it elevates and inspires, or subtly dulls your light. Because as Melissa reminds us, "That's who we become."

LINKS:

All Links Family Brand!

• stan.store/familybrand
• familybrand.com/quiz
• familybrand.com/retreats.

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:00 – Family Brand Blitz retreat reminder
• 02:00 – The Taylor Swift album conversation that sparked this episode
• 04:00 – "Light or darkness?" — Chris on hidden darkness and artificial light
• 06:00 – How small influences add up: the justification trap
• 08:00 – The Pink Pony Club karaoke story (and what it revealed)
• 10:00 – Joy vs. artificial light — how to discern the difference
• 11:30 – What happens when your child falls asleep to the wrong playlist
• 13:00 – How books, music, and media can shift behavior
• 15:00 – The Harry Potter moment: knowing when your kids are ready
• 17:00 – Recognizing subtle influences in "family" shows
• 18:30 – Modeling behavior and what kids learn from on-screen families
• 20:00 – The danger of "it's not that bad"
• 21:00 – The justification test: if you're defending it, it's worth questioning
• 22:00 – Artists who choose light over fame — Forest Frank's example
• 23:30 – Using your family values as a filter for what you consume
• 24:00 – The Family Brand lens: "Does this elevate and inspire?"

How to Celebrate Dia De Los Muertos as a Family (and Why You Should)

Every year around this time, Chris and Melissa share one of their favorite family traditions — celebrating Dia De Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. What started years ago as an invitation to a friend's backyard gathering has turned into a cherished Family Brand tradition that connects their kids to their heritage in the most fun and meaningful way.

In this episode, Chris and Melissa unpack why Dia De Los Muertos is so powerful, how it has evolved in their home, and why they believe every family can benefit from celebrating it — no matter your background. Far beyond face paint or costumes, this holiday is about remembering those who came before us, honoring their legacy, and helping our children understand where they come from.

Melissa shares research from the article "The Stories That Bind Us," which reveals that kids who know about their family history are more resilient, grounded, and confident. Chris adds that Dia De Los Muertos has become their built-in reminder each year to tell those stories, building both identity and belonging for their children.

They walk through practical ways to celebrate — from hosting a full neighborhood party with a food potluck and an ofrenda (altar) to something as simple as sharing popcorn and stories about a grandparent at home. Whether you want to go all-out or keep it small, this episode will leave you inspired to make it your own and create a tradition that helps your family feel more connected, seen, and rooted.

LINKS:

All Links Family Brand!

• stan.store/familybrand
• familybrand.com/quiz
• familybrand.com/retreats.

Links For This Episode:

• Movie- Disney's 'Coco': https://movies.disney.com/coco

• Article - "The Stories that Bind Us" by Bruce Feiler: https://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/17/fashion/the-family-stories-that-bind-us-this-life.html

• Dia De Los Muertos Invitation: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFQjqjuXGo/N4wG0U-JXTTSBCdohrtjUw/edit?utm_content=DAFQjqjuXGo&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:00 – Intro: Why Dia De Los Muertos matters to the Family Brand
• 01:00 – What is Dia De Los Muertos and how the Pages started celebrating
• 02:00 – The meaning behind the holiday: honoring heritage and ancestors
• 03:00 – The science of family history: "The Stories That Bind Us" study
• 04:00 – Why knowing family stories builds resilience and identity in kids
• 05:00 – How Chris and Melissa adapted the tradition for their own family
• 06:00 – Hosting your first Dia De Los Muertos gathering
• 07:00 – Setting up an ofrenda like in the movie Coco
• 08:00 – Bringing food that represents your family's heritage
• 09:00 – Inviting kids to share stories about relatives and ancestors
• 10:00 – Why storytelling and tradition make this night unforgettable
• 11:00 – Making it simple: popcorn, photos, and one meaningful story
• 12:00 – Turning small moments into powerful family connections
• 13:00 – Creative ideas: Canva invites, neighborhood gatherings, or movie nights

Creating Unity in a Divided World

In this powerful and emotional episode, Chris and Melissa explore one of the most timely and important topics of our day — unity. The world feels more divided than ever, and yet, as Chris and Melissa remind us, the healing of that division starts at home.

Drawing inspiration from past guests like Connor Boyack and Bubba Page, and from recent events in their faith community, Chris and Melissa discuss what it means to "save America at the dinner table." They share how strong, connected, unified families raise strong, confident kids who bring peace and leadership into the world — and how that ripple of unity begins with the way we talk to each other at home.

They also reflect on the late President Russell M. Nelson's message, "Peacemakers Needed," and how we can apply it in our homes. From resisting anger and contention to learning the art of response over reaction, the episode dives deep into what real peace looks like in practice — even when it's hard.

Chris and Melissa open up about their own marriage and parenting journey, from moments of frustration to raising kids who make their own decisions. They discuss what it means to love your children — and one another — through disagreement and imperfection, reminding listeners that there's no such thing as a perfect family, only families committed to growing together.

With stories ranging from spiritual reflection to a fun nod to Bob Marley's "One Love," this conversation is both sobering and hopeful. It's an invitation to look inward, lead your family with compassion, and become a peacemaker — one conversation, one dinner table, and one act of love at a time.

LINKS:

All Links Family Brand!

• stan.store/familybrand
• familybrand.com/quiz
• familybrand.com/retreats.

Links For This Episode:

• Article- "Peacemakers Needed" by Russell M. Nelson: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/04/47nelson?lang=eng

• Thomas McConkie on the Family Brand Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/51-finding-identity-through-navigating-a-faith/id1536495798?i=1000540847056

Episode Minute By Minute:

00:00 – Introduction: Why unity matters more than ever
01:00 – "Saving America at the dinner table" — what that really means
02:00 – Division in the world and how it mirrors our homes
04:00 – Honoring President Russell M. Nelson and his message "Peacemakers Needed"
06:00 – "Anger never persuades, hostility builds no one" — lessons from faith
08:00 – How to respond instead of react: the braided whip story
10:00 – Social media, contention, and how to model peace
12:00 – The Michigan tragedy and practicing compassion online
14:00 – Raising kids who make their own choices — and loving them through it
16:00 – When children disappoint us and how to respond with unity
18:00 – The dangers of polarization and division inside families
20:00 – How to foster unity when your kids feel pressure to "look perfect"
21:00 – Creating stillness and listening for divine inspiration in your parenting
22:00 – The power of asking guiding questions like "Will this create more peace?"
24:00 – Modeling respectful disagreement for your kids
25:00 – Leadership lessons from President Nelson and his counselors
26:00 – Why true courage looks like peacemaking, not fighting
27:00 – Bob Marley, "One Love," and finding examples of real-world unity
28:00 – Closing thoughts: how to be a unifier in your home and beyond