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Welcome back to another episode! Chris and Melissa here with Familybrand.com. After living in Hawaii last year, it has fundamentally changed some ways in which we do life. In Hawaii, where we lived, nearly everyone drove old cars, and the only thing that mattered was if it would get you to the beach (and Costco!) dependably or not.  Now that we're back on the 'mainland,' we are asking ourselves and really looking closely at what kind of cars we want to drive. Does the car you drive matter? It's really much deeper than just what car you want to drive- it's looking at decisions you make and asking yourself why you make them. If you want to own a nice car (or watch/boat/house/horse, etc.), for example, is it because that's something you really want and is important to you? Or is it more deeply motivated by what you want other people to think about you?  Interestingly, we have had people comment to us lately in Arizona that they wonder if we're successful based on the cars we're currently driving. It's so interesting! Do we hold judgment and form opinions of people based on their vehicle? Whether it's a 150k+ car or a clunker, do you form opinions of the car owner based on what they drive? Is it important to signal to yourself and others success by what car you drive? These are the types of questions that we have been asking ourselves for the past six months, and it’s led to really thought-provoking conversations. We knew we had to bring this topic to the podcast! Honestly, we don’t have a black and white opinion on the matter because we are still deciding for ourselves and processing in real-time. We know this isn’t a traditional episode and may not leave you with an actionable tip you can apply in your family. However, if you stick around to the end, we think these questions could lead you to a greater level of self-awareness and maybe open up a few thought-provoking rabbit holes for you and your spouse to chat about.  Once you’ve listened, this is definitely not a one-sided conversation! Do you have thoughts on this topic? We would love to hear from you! Follow the links below to reach out to us and submit any topic ideas you’d love to hear our thoughts on.  More Of What’s Inside: Hawaii vs. the Mainland What we have learned since living in AZ  Our crazy story with car rentals The cars we have driven through our marriage What it means when someone says “business opportunity”  Common misconceptions about cars Should a car motivate you? And much more! Episode Links: Alchemy Book: https://www.amazon.com/Alchemy-Curious-Science-Creating-Business-ebook/dp/B071DCWRG3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=Z6ZYRU6LS267&keywords=alchemy+rory+sutherland&qid=1655909536&s=books&sprefix=akchemy+rory+%2Cstripbooks%2C117&sr=1-1 Website: familybrand.com Social:  Facebook: www.facebook.com/FamilyBrandOfficial Instagram: www.instagram.com/ourfamilybrand YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCGu-7odB6gkPbyXpUIQLkrg Twitter: https://twitter.com/OurFamilyBrand  Free course: familybrand.com/10steps Episode Minute By Minute: 0:56 The thought-provoking conversation we had to share 1:45 The car culture in Hawaii  4:30 When we got confronted by “the stuff” 6:46 Funny reactions people have had to our cars 8:22 What does your car say to you? 13:33 Why it’s fun to keep people guessing 17:57 What are your thoughts on this?  19:30 A simple and profound question

Welcome back to another episode of the Family Brand Podcast! Chris and Melissa here, and for the most part, we love the Summer. For us, it's more carefree, there's less schedule, you don't usually have to be places at certain times in the morning, the list goes on. We thought we would record a check-in episode to let you know how our Summer is going, and what our weeks with the kids look like!  One of the reasons we take Summers seriously is because, for us, we don’t have a ton of memories of growing up on family vacations or big trips. The things we remember from our childhood are the small moments. We think sometimes we put this unnecessary pressure on ourselves as parents. Some preach the season as if it has to be fun, over-the-top amazing, and every second of the day should be focused on entertaining our kids. However, we have found the same feelings we had as kids are still true today. Little fun things around your town and creating experiences and memories is what they'll remember the most about their Summers growing up.  You may be thinking, but what if I don’t have a lot of extra time or money? Don’t worry we got you covered! Hit play to hear how we design every day during the Summer around a quick, simple, and FREE activity for our kids that is fun for every age. The best part? These ideas are also overwhelmingly free. We know how fast things can start to stack up and all of a sudden your day is run by your kid's schedule and activities. That’s why we also want to let you in on why let our kids get “bored” and why we think it’s one of the best Summer gifts you can give them.  It’s the sad truth we only have 18 Summers with our kids. As our oldest gets ready to start high school this fall, this reality is hitting us harder than ever. We hope you take the ideas in the episode and make them your own! Even if none of them work for this season for your family, we hope that you take the time to dream up intentional ways to make your Summer a lasting memory for you and your kids. For more free resources and tips, check out the list below!  More Of What’s Inside: Why you should create a go-to activity list The power of letting your kids entertain themselves The 5 activities we do together as a family Why Summers feel so special  What we want our kids to get out of Summer How to make all 18 Summers great  And much more! Website: familybrand.com Social:  Facebook: www.facebook.com/FamilyBrandOfficial Instagram: www.instagram.com/ourfamilybrand YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCGu-7odB6gkPbyXpUIQLkrg Twitter: https://twitter.com/OurFamilyBrand  Free course: familybrand.com/10steps Episode Minute By Minute: 0:52 It’s Summer check-in time! 1:42 Why it’s okay for your kids to be bored 3:30 Creating a list of things to do 6:27 What our Summer weeks look like 9:39 How to still have freedom with structure 11:14 You only have 18 Summers to make memories

Every marriage and every season of marriage is going to be different for everyone. For some, you and your spouse could be doing great, and everything from the bedroom to communication is fine. Others may find themselves in a season of feeling hopeless and ready to throw in the towel on the whole relationship. We have experienced both ends of the spectrum!  If you have been listening to the show for a while, you know that we went through a season where our marriage wasn’t just rocky, it was terrible for both of us. Fast forward to today, and we are happier than we have ever been. This transformational journey was crazy, healing, hard, and full of lessons. After coming out the other side of our darkest days, people often ask us how we did it.  We sat down and put some thought into it and came up with a few things that moved the needle forward the most during this journey. We probably could take many episodes about this topic, but we think these tips are the best for any couple who wants to level up their marriage! (Even if it’s already going awesome) Here is a little peek into this episode! What you focus on is what grows: It’s a hard pill to swallow, but it’s the truth! If all you focus on is how bad your marriage sucks…it’s going to keep sucking. We used to only focus on the negative stuff in our relationship and never tried to talk to each other about what we did want and how we could change things. You are responsible for your own happiness: When we first got married, we tried to rely on each other to make one another happy. This was a bad plan. We believe at the Family Brand that powerful families are made of powerful individuals. That takes each person taking responsibility for their own health and happiness.  Talk to each other in uplifting ways: They say the power of life and death is in the tongue. You can see this principle play out firsthand in your own marriage! If you think talking down to each other and constantly focusing on the negative is going to up-level your marriage, you are setting yourself up for failure. Hit play to hear how to start bringing life back to your relationship!  These are just a few examples of what we cover today. We hope that you finish the episode to hear more! More importantly, we hope you take these ideas and start applying them to your own marriage. For more free resources and things that can help you level up your whole family, check the links below!  More Of What’s Inside: Mistakes we made in marriage What led us to the brink of divorce What we want every couple to know You have to make the decision to be married Steps you can take today to upgrade your marriage What “listenings” are and why they matter What it takes to become a healthy individual  And much more! Links: The “Go-Giver” by Bob Burg: https://www.amazon.com/Go-Giver-Expanded-Little-Powerful-Business-ebook/dp/B00YBBKLKS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=367WD30X1P55J&keywords=the+go+giver+book&qid=1655300244&s=books&sprefix=the+go+%2Cstripbooks%2C143&sr=1-1 Website: familybrand.com Social:  Facebook: www.facebook.com/FamilyBrandOfficial Instagram: www.instagram.com/ourfamilybrand YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCGu-7odB6gkPbyXpUIQLkrg Twitter: https://twitter.com/OurFamilyBrand  Free course: familybrand.com/10steps Episode Minute By Minute: 0:54 How we turned our marriage around 4:48 The definition of a whole family 7:35 Identifying your “listenings” 12:19 The importance of not keeping score 14:36 Have you decided to be married? 16:43 How do you talk about/to your spouse? 19:58 You have to be committed and never give up 

What do you really want in life? You may be like, woah Chris and Melissa…that’s a heavy way to start a conversation? You may be right, but it’s an important question to ask yourself. If you remember the movie Alice in Wonderland, there's a scene that sums up the importance of this question perfectly. The scene opens, and Alice stumbles upon the Cheshire Cat sitting at a fork in the road. Alice says, “what road do I take?” And the Cat asks, “well, where do you want to go?” Alice responds with a confused “I don’t know…”  So the cat ends the conversation with something simple yet profound.  “Then it doesn't really matter.” The truth is, if you don’t know where you want to go and what you want to do with your life, you will end up anywhere and somehow nowhere at the same time. Running in circles but never really making progress. Sound familiar? We have been there too!  Welcome back to another episode of the Family Brand Podcast! Recently, we were listening to a recording by Jordan Peterson (link below) where he talks about how to stop wasting your time. The conversation is really powerful because he shares how most people don't get what they want in life because they never decide what it is they do want. That’s why we asked you that question at the beginning of the show notes. The sooner you get clear on that question, the better! Your life is too valuable to waste another second in the grey areas.  Dreaming big and designing a life you love doesn’t have to be overwhelming or full of shame. In this episode, we are going to share our favorite wisdom and lessons we have personally learned around this topic, along with what we have learned from a few mentors. By the end of this show, you will have the exact steps you can take to start improving every area of your life. You’ll also hear how we used these mindset shifts and practical steps to start rebuilding our own life and marriage.  More Of What’s Inside: How to get what you want out of life Lessons from Jordan Peterson Why fun is a key ingredient in success The importance of clarity How to keep going even when it gets tough And much more! Links: Jordan Peterson Motivational Speech: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7jnmuFaDEJ3cAGLGkIqkt8?si=NWM87ZSMTHafjaF3-6kdZw Book: Essentialism by Greg McKeown Website: familybrand.com Social:  Facebook: www.facebook.com/FamilyBrandOfficial Instagram: www.instagram.com/ourfamilybrand YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCGu-7odB6gkPbyXpUIQLkrg Twitter: https://twitter.com/OurFamilyBrand  Free course: familybrand.com/10steps Episode Minute By Minute: 0:54 Why most people never get what they want 3:47 A lot of what you want may be right in front of you 6:07 What does a great life look like for you? 6:45 Do you feel like you’re winning at life? 10:41 What it takes to see real change  13:45 How to set realistic goals 17:00 Take action, schedule in your fun!

“Being a Mother Is Learning About Strengths You Didn’t Know You Had.” - Linda Wooten Welcome back to another episode of The Family Brand Podcast! Melissa here, today is an episode dedicated to the ladies. Dads and men, Chris is sitting this one out but you are welcome to stick around! We are going to take a deep dive into the joyful (and sometimes chaotic) side of motherhood.  Joining me for this conversation are two of the most incredible moms you will ever meet. My guests today are Bonnie and Audrey from The Outnumbered Podcast! I first met Bonnie while attending an event for female podcasters and content creators. Within minutes of our first conversation, I knew that she and her co-host Audrey were women we had to have on the show. Their hearts and values for how raising strong families are very similar to how we feel here at Family Brand so we know you are going to love this conversation.  However, I have to admit. When I first heard the title of their show, “The Outnumbered Podcast” I thought to myself they probably have 3-5 kids. Let’s just say that was a serious understatement. Between the two families, they have a combined total of 19 children. Bonnie is the proud mother of 10 children and Audrey is the proud mother of 9. It’s safe to say they know what they are talking about when it comes to motherhood! At this point, they are total motherhood pros but even they would admit it didn’t start that way.  During our conversation, Bonnie and Audrey share a few of their best tips and life lessons they have learned along the way. You’ll also hear how they have mastered the art of self-care and how they both find time to prioritize themselves even with a busy family schedule.  These tips and tricks will help even the most overwhelmed of moms start to fall in love with being a mom again. Listen to the end to hear how they practically find time for themselves, tips for homeschooling, and making your kid's schedules, how to avoid burnout, how you can delegate household chores and so much more! Whatever stage of motherhood you are in, we hope this conversation leaves you feeling empowered and encouraged that you are on the right path. You got this Momma! Just take it one day at a time. To connect with us to find more free resources, check out the links below. More Of What’s Inside: The perks of being a mom  A day in the life of having a 10+ member family The importance of self-care in motherhood How to redefine self-care for you How Bonnie and Audrey met  The story behind The Outnumbered Podcast How every mom can upgrade their self-care today Why your personal health matters  And much more! Links: Outnumbered Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/outnumbered-the-podcast/id1450317711 Outnumbered Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outnumberedthepodcast/ Website: familybrand.com Social:  Facebook: www.facebook.com/FamilyBrandOfficial Instagram: www.instagram.com/ourfamilybrand YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCGu-7odB6gkPbyXpUIQLkrg Twitter: https://twitter.com/OurFamilyBrand  Free course: familybrand.com/10steps Episode Minute By Minute: 0:53 What to expect today 2:00 Welcome and get to know Audrey and Bonnie 4:22 How your parenting will evolve as you grow  5:20 What Audrey and Bonnie’s daily schedule looks like  7:07 How to find time to invest in yourself  10:30 How to know you need some time to yourself 15:44 A sanity savor every mom can easily start to do  17:29 How every mom can upgrade their self-care 19:35 A look into the Outnumbered Podcast 22:18 Final thoughts and advice from Audrey and Bonnie

Almost every couple has had an argument that starts and then next thing you know, it’s three hours later and you're like…what are we even arguing about? How did we get here? You hit the point where you have talked yourself silly. Moments like that are exactly what this episode will help you avoid!  Welcome back to another episode of the Family Brand Podcast! Recently, we were at our top 20 most downloaded episodes of the show since we began. One episode that made the list was our second episode, “Your Words Create the Culture in Your Home.”  We get feedback on that show often, so many of you guys have reached out with requests like “Hey, can you go even deeper on that topic? Maybe with examples of how it applies in other relationships?” if you were one of those people, this episode for you! Today we revisited the conversation of language and how you create a culture in your home through words. This time we are going to focus in specifically on how you speak with your spouse or significant other!  Think about it this way, every time we speak it creates something. But WHAT are we creating? Join us as we discuss several examples of how you can start creating the relationship of your dreams just by changing the way you speak to each other. This is one of those episodes that can come with a serious guarantee! If you apply any of these ideas and mindset shifts we cover into today’s show, you will literally start to see your life-changing for the better. (And fast!)   However, that guarantee comes with a challenge. Or maybe a condition would be a better word. As parents and leaders of our families, it’s our responsibility to set the mood and the energy for our home. If we want to see a change, we have to take action and be the ones to change it. Why? Because learning alone isn’t enough to take back your family. It’s going to take you maybe doing something differently or using new langues.  If you finish this episode, we want to see you take action! (including us)  Let’s spend this week talking about the things we want in our marriage vs what we hate about our marriage. Let's spend more time talking about the things that we're committed to rather than the things you “need to do one day.” Let's spend more time building each other up with words and not wrecking each other down. Hit play to start upgrading your relationship in 25 minutes or less!  If you would like us to take another angle on this topic or how it applies to other relationships in your life, reach out to us! We want to cover as many topics as you need. Connect with us and find more free resources below in the “link” section.    More Of What’s Inside: Why kindness really is key Why the “D” word shouldn't be in your vocab One thing that could be hindering your relationship How to use words that build and not destroy  What it takes to lead your family better Keeping the gloves on None of us are going to be perfect at this How to create the relationship you want What words/phrases to never use again Examples of better words to use with your spouse   And much more!     Links:  Winning The War In Your Mind Book: https://www.amazon.com/Winning-War-Your-Mind-Thinking/dp/0310362725/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1653485113&sr=1-1 Poem Melissa Shares: https://bible.org/illustration/builder-or-wrecker Website:   familybrand.com   Social:   Facebook: www.facebook.com/FamilyBrandOfficial Instagram: www.instagram.com/ourfamilybrand YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCGu-7odB6gkPbyXpUIQLkrg Twitter: https://twitter.com/OurFamilyBrand     Free course:   familybrand.com/10steps   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:54 Welcome back! Here is what we cover today 2:22 How to up-level your marriage with language 2:40 The best book Chris has read in a while  4:11 How to create the relationships we want 6:30 The common phrases that are more hurtful than you think 10:00 The benefits of being future-focused 12:40 Are you a builder of your language?  15:35 What Chris has learned about negative self-talk 17:07 How to have difficult conversations with your loved ones

Hey guys, Chris and Melissa here! Summer is officially here, so we wanted to reshare one of our most loved episodes. Every year around this time, we start to talk and plan about what we want our Summer to look like. Last year we recorded an episode that lets you in on our exact process! As we start preparing for Summer in the Smith house, we had to invite you on the journey! Whether it’s your first or next time listening to this content, we hope you enjoy it and start taking action on these ideas today.  Recap: Summer is the perfect time to try something new. We’ve recently been working on how we can get the most out of our summer vacation. Whether it's a new skill, hobby, or road trip, we’re going to lean into adventure.  If you could have any skill by the end of summer what would it be?  In today’s episode, we talk about using the months of summer vacation to intentionally create fun not just for your kids but for you too! To me, 2-3 months is the perfect time to learn a new skill, whether it's baking, reading, or learning to throw with your left hand, it can be whatever you’re interested in either learning or getting better at. We go over our list for the summer and give some practical tips on how you can get the most out of your bucket list, whether you’re staying at home or going on vacation.  You’ll learn how you can create more adventure with road trips and extending vacations to add just a little more excitement to your summer. We talk about how simple tradition can be and how you can easily begin new summer traditions that your kids will love, as well as the connection we have during the summer when we all go towards our own goals together. This episode is full of ideas on how you can upgrade your summer and ultimately learn something you could use for the rest of your life. So take your time, think about what you want to learn this summer, and then go for it! For resources or to follow us on social media, check out the links below!  More Of What’s Inside: Creating more intentional fun during the summer Practical ways to turn your summer into an adventure Why you should try a new skill during summer break Real-life examples of what we’ve learned over the years Our list of goals for this summer The ease that tradition slides into our lives Why you need to road trip this summer Upgrading your vacation time Finding adventure close to home Having a theme for your summer And much more! Website: familybrand.com Social: Facebook: www.facebook.com/FamilyBrandOfficial Instagram: www.instagram.com/ourfamilybrand YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCGu-7odB6gkPbyXpUIQLkrg Twitter: https://twitter.com/OurFamilyBrand Free course: familybrand.com/10steps Episode Minute By Minute: 0:47 It’s Summertime! Here’s how to make it epic 2:34 What we do every Summer as a family 2:42 It’s the perfect time for new traditions  5:24 Leading your family in learning 7:03 Why being active and flexible matters  7:17 Our personal family goals this Summer 9:97 Get even more out of your vacation 12:37 Take your time and take back your family

Do you know what your kids are interested in? Maybe a better question would be, can you have an informed conversation with your kids about their interests? If the answer is no, we have a challenge for you! Welcome back to another episode of the Family Brand Podcast! Today we wanted to talk about taking an interest in what your kids are interested in. This is a powerful and practical thing any parent can do to create a family culture where every kid feels seen and ultimately feels “belonging.” The best part? You’re just one question away from making this happen! It can be easy to pick up on things like what your kids are interested in when they are young and cry out for their favorite stuffed animal or tv show. Listen in to hear our tips on how you can remain “curious” about your kid's interests and how to ask questions that allow you into their world. Interest can be anything from books, sports, hobbies, songs, telling jokes, their friend group, or anything in-between. When you start to be more intentional about paying attention, you’ll start to notice where their interests are quick! After you have identified them, that’s when you can really create some magic! You’ll also hear how to start engaging with them around their interest and how you can not just use their interest to create more connection between you, but how you can motivate your kid to “lean in” to their interest even more and spark their God-given passion for things. By the end of the show, you’ll know the exact steps to take and how you can start applying these tips today. If you start to take more interest in your kids' interests this week, we would love to hear how it goes and cheer you on! Follow us and reach out on Instagram @ourfamilybrand. Links and more free resources are below! More Of What’s Inside: Your kids leave clues to their destiny How to unlock better conversations with your kids How to start showing more interest without being annoying Fun ways to bring out your kid's passions How your actions can help your kids feel seen Nurturing your kid's interest Learn a new skill as a family And much more! Website: familybrand.com Social: Facebook: www.facebook.com/FamilyBrandOfficial Instagram: www.instagram.com/ourfamilybrand YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCGu-7odB6gkPbyXpUIQLkrg Twitter: https://twitter.com/OurFamilyBrand Free course: familybrand.com/10steps Episode Minute By Minute: 0:53 Huge shout out to this listener 2:00 Let’s talk about showing interest in your kid's interest 3:55 Chris’ story of how showing interest can be so impactful  7:25 Remember to remain curious about your kid's life 9:24 What creates a sense of belonging 11:37 Host a “toastmasters” style night with your family 15:25 How to practically start showing more interest this week

Welcome back to another Family Brand Podcast! Today we are excited to share a topic that has been on our hearts since our very first show. This episode is for anyone who is serious about leveling up their family and being proactive about creating a better family culture. By the end, you will have your first action steps towards creating your “family brand” along with how to get the blueprint on how to start investing in your family and get positive results. Hit play now or scroll for more!  “How Much Have You Invested in Building Your Business’ Brand?” If most people were, to be honest when answering the question above, they would say hundreds and sometimes millions of dollars are spent on courses, books, mentors, stock managers, virtual assistance, ad agencies, graphic designers, conference tickets, and everything in between. The list is endless when it comes to ways you can spend money and change your brand or business for the better. For most entrepreneurs and high-performing parents, it comes naturally to be intentional about investing in ways to reach goals quicker. “How Much Have You Invested In Building Your Family’s Brand?” The honest answer to this question would be staggeringly less than the prior answer for most families. The fact is, most parents that invest in their business often lose their families along the way…The greatest inheritance you can ever give your children is a last name they’re proud to share. That’s more powerful than real estate, money, or any other asset. We saw the difference firsthand in our own family. It’s why we did the hard work to invest in building a strong family. The payoff? We’re more in love than ever before, have incredible relationships with each of our kids, and have a stronger, healthier relationship as a family.  You Deserve To Be As Intentional With Your Family as You Are With Your Business  Everyone in your family deserves to experience what it’s like to be a part of a strong healthy family! Listen in to hear more about our Strength Your Family Program, along with more resources for your family to achieve new heights. (links below) You’ll also hear a little bit of our journey and how almost losing everything made us passionate about being proactive instead of preventive when it comes to your family relationships.  More Of What’s Inside: An exciting opportunity we have for your family  What it takes to build a Family brand  The ROI of investing in your family  What it looks like to be a proactive parent  Investing in your family doesn’t have to be expensive  The thing you could be missing in life Why relationships are your best investment The motivation we have before Family Brand Good intentions will only get you so far And much more! LINKS: Our Programs: https://familybrand.com/program Mentioned Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/73-winning-at-business-and-at-home-applying-the/id1536495798?i=1000556496792 Website: familybrand.com Social: Facebook: www.facebook.com/FamilyBrandOfficial Instagram: www.instagram.com/ourfamilybrand YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCGu-7odB6gkPbyXpUIQLkrg Twitter: https://twitter.com/OurFamilyBrand Free course: familybrand.com/10steps Episode Minute By Minute: 0:53 Why this episode has been a long time coming 1:35 How to start creating your family values 2:36 The goal of today’s conversation is to help level up your family  3:37 Leading your family proactively not reactively 6:21 Vacations can be an investment 8:04 How to know if your family is getting weaker 11:00 A great place to start when you don’t know where to start 14:10 You deserve to invest in your family 15:15 Building a family is a marathon, not a sprint. 16:29 Need your spouse to get on board? We can help!

What comes to your mind when you hear the word “confidence”? Maybe you think of someone who is opinionated and well-spoken. Maybe you think of your favorite athlete or superstar. Or maybe, this word has always been a mystery to you…either way, today we are going to talk about how to build unstoppable confidence in yourself. (Even if that feels scary now.) Welcome back to another episode of the Family Brand Podcast. Melissa here, for a solo episode! Confidence and growing in confidence has been a big theme for me over the last several years. Even doing this podcast in the beginning was a big stretch for me. If you would have told me 3 years ago that I would be not just hosting my own show, but being interviewed as a guest on other shows I would have been terrified at just the thought.  Fast forward to today and what used to be a huge fear is now one of my favorite things! If we had all day together I could tell you countless stories about how myself and our entire family have grown in confidence but I thought I would leave this topic to the real professionals.  Recently I was listening to an episode by one of my favorite podcasters, Mel Robbins! Mel perfectly summed up the topic of confidence in a way I had never heard before. I honestly was so mindblown by the conversation I knew I had to share it here with you.  After Mel felt like she was failing at life for 40 years, she says she finally figured out how to change her habits and she has become a happier, more confident, and more fulfilled person. Now she is on a mission to teach others how to do the same in their life in every aspect. Her show “Here’s Exactly What To Do” covers her journey and what she has learned along the way.  Listen in to today’s episode as I share her 6-practical tips and tricks on how to Build Unstoppable Confidence. You’ll also hear my personal take on confidence and how I am living out these tips and taking action today.  I hope this conversation impacts you and gives you the inspiration you need to take action toward your dreams! To learn more about Mel or to connect with Chris and me, check out the links below! More Of What’s Inside: A look into Melissa’s journey What it looks like to face your fears How your nerves can mess with your emotions Why permission isn’t something you ask for The 6 steps to building more confidence Why you haven’t “missed” anything One way to upgrade your happiness Be willing to try and not have all the answers Why taking the risk always pays off What confidence looks like for Melissa And much more! Episode Related Links:  Podcast: Build Unstoppable Confidence with Mel Robbins Website: familybrand.com  Social: Facebook: www.facebook.com/FamilyBrandOfficial Instagram: www.instagram.com/ourfamilybrand YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCGu-7odB6gkPbyXpUIQLkrg Twitter: https://twitter.com/OurFamilyBrand Free course: familybrand.com/10steps Episode Minute By Minute: 0:52 Welcome back!  1:31 How Mel Robbins inspired this episode 2:03 Melissa’s journey with confidence 3:50 Pushing past the fear and nerves in any situation 6:37 The truth about self-doubt 7:41 Loud doesn’t necessarily mean confidence 10:15 What’s on the other side of taking action 14:00 Melissa’s moment of bravery 18:45 The power of saying “I don’t know” 20:38 The good things in life won’t pass you by  22:18 How Melissa is committed to growing this week

Having a “morning routine ” has been a hot topic over the last few years as people have continued to update their schedules and adapt to a pre and post-pandemic world. For us, having a morning routine isn’t just about getting more done or finding peace. It’s about being the best version of ourselves.  This may sound like an overdramatic analogy, but hear us out. You know when you are on a plane waiting for your flight to take off, and the flight attendants come down the aisle and they start the uniformed safety protocol overview? You can always bet on them highlighting the oxygen masks and how to use them in case of an emergency. Why? Because parents need to put on their oxygen masks first to ensure their ability to help their kids…for us, being more intentional with our morning routine has been like a metaphorical oxygen mask! Hey guys! Chris and Melissa here with another Family Brand Podcast. We believe the best way to show up powerfully (and consistently) for your family starts by bettering yourself. In today’s episode, you’ll learn in just a few steps how to upgrade your mornings, and how to create a powerful and successful future for yourself and your whole family.  Before you let that feeling of overwhelm start to take over, this isn’t an all-or-nothing type of habit. We’ve been experimenting with this for a little while in our own lives and have found that even the littlest steps have a huge impact.  Did you know that waking up just thirty minutes earlier than you usually do would give you an extra seven and half days every year? That’s a full seven and a half days you can use for uninterrupted time to reach for your personal goals! From our experience, this time has not only made us healthier and more fulfilled, but it has also made us better spouses and parents!  Join the conversation as we lay out our step-by-step process of making a routine that works for you. You’ll get our best tips and tricks to get you out of bed in the morning and ready for the rest of the day. We discuss the power of your thoughts and how disciplining yourself now will give you energy, productivity, confidence, and so much more in the long run. You’ll even see the benefits start to trickle down into the rest of your family!  We weren’t always good at this, it took time and baby steps, but we’ve found that this small sacrifice was well worth it. It’s more than just creating a morning routine, it's about taking the time you deserve and using it to create your best life. Hit play to learn how you can make a difference starting today.  We hope this episode encourages you to take back your time and start living for your future! For more resources or to connect with us, check out the links below!  More Of What’s Inside: How a morning routine can help you take on every day with confidence Starting your day as a winner The best practical tips to get your morning right Introducing one new habit at a time to avoid the overwhelm Winning the battle against your own will How you speak to yourself determines your success The connection between working out and confidence Thinking of time as currency to buy your dream life What are you hitting snooze on in your life?  Getting rid of distractions by taking your phone out of the equation And much more! Episode Related Links:  Podcast: Build Unstoppable Confidence with Mel Robbins Website: familybrand.com  Social: Facebook: www.facebook.com/FamilyBrandOfficial Instagram: www.instagram.com/ourfamilybrand YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCGu-7odB6gkPbyXpUIQLkrg Twitter: https://twitter.com/OurFamilyBrand Free course: familybrand.com/10steps Episode Minute By Minute: 0:52 - What we cover today!  2:53 - How to create more time for YOU 4:48 - Practical steps that will make your morning more productive 8:48 - Taking it one habit at a time 11:00 - It’s not just about having a morning routine 14:25 - Breaking past your limiting beliefs  16:20 - The secret to a successful life 20:08 - Your family will follow your lead 22:11 - What life are you building toward? 24:37 - Pro-tips for those wanting to learn more 26:20 - How to get started with your new morning routine today 28:27 - Closing thoughts

Over the past 17 years of marriage, we have gradually collected a stack of business cards.  Each one represents a job or business opportunity that Chris has been a part of. When we look through them now, we laugh because many of them ended up not working out for one reason or another.  However, that doesn’t matter to us now because we can see how the failures and lessons along the way are actually what led us to our dreams. We believe that everyone deserves to have their dreams fulfilled but sometimes the hardest part is just getting started. If you have a dream that is waiting to be released into the world, our question for you is…why not today? Hey guys, welcome back to another Family Brand Podcast! Today we talk about the pivotal step to making all your dreams come true. That’s right, it’s just taking the first step! Now, we know that is easier said than done, so we’ve recorded this episode specifically for you. Hit play to hear our best tips and tricks on how you can overcome the doubt and start living your dreams today.  Most of us get so caught up on “the how” of our dreams we psych ourselves out but when it comes to starting, “the how” doesn’t even matter. Join us as we talk about the dreams we dared to step into and why we don’t regret one single second of it even when its challenging. The biggest companies in the world had to start somewhere and your dreams are no different. We talk about the risk you take when you don’t pursue your dreams, why failure doesn’t mean you’re done, and allowing the pieces to fall into place wherever they need to. You may not be able to guess the end but we bet that it’s better than you even imagined.  At the end of the day, we believe that people are waiting for the solution your dream brings. So, why not start today? If you enjoyed this episode make sure to share with someone who needs some encouragement to go after their own dreams. For more resources or to connect with us on Instagram, check out the links below!  More Of What’s Inside: The stack of business cards that inspired this episode What dreams have you not started yet? Why “the how” never matters Using failure as a learning experience Your dreams don’t belong to the grave Leaning into the things that are calling you Committing to process The power of believing in yourself (and others!) Drawing inspiration from your past The impact our dreams have had  And much more! Episode Related Links:  Book: Essentialism by Greg McKeown Family Brand Episode 14: How to Start Building Your Legacy with Real Estate Expert Deb Cleveland Podcast: How I built this podcast with Guy Raz Website: familybrand.com  Social: Facebook: www.facebook.com/FamilyBrandOfficial Instagram: www.instagram.com/ourfamilybrand YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCGu-7odB6gkPbyXpUIQLkrg Twitter: https://twitter.com/OurFamilyBrand Free course: familybrand.com/10steps Episode Minute By Minute: 0:53 - Welcome! We’re glad you’re here 1:57 - What we want you to know today 4:14 - The biggest obstacle to starting 8:16 - How Melissa overcame her hesitation with real estate investing 12:41 - Southwest airlines started on a napkin 15:37 - Why you should never regret just starting 19:22 - Ok, you’ve started, now what? 21:43 -  It’s challenging but worth it! 25:56 - Your personal formula for success 27:00 - Closing thoughts: They are waiting for you

Over the past few years there have been a lot of conversations about work and life balance and how to achieve success in both. For most families, If you’re winning in business unfortunately that may mean the other important areas of your life like family and health can be suffering. On the other hand, you may be winning with your personal goals and relationships but the bottom line in your business is taking a hit. We believe that raising a strong family requires us as parents to show up powerfully and consistently in all areas of your life. Do you agree? If so, you’re going to love this episode! Hey guys, Melissa here! Welcome back to another episode of the Family Brand Podcast. Today I’m joined by family friend and best-selling author, Skye Fagrell! Join us as we talk about the winning business principles you can apply to strengthen your family and live life with intention in every area.  Listen in as Skye talks about the “aha!” moment that led to his bestseller “More Fit 4 The Kingdom” and the four fitness principles he uses in business, his family, and even his spirituality to win more in life. Whether your kids are young or off to college, you’ll learn practical tips on how to make sure your family is getting everything they need to feel supported and successful. The power of these principles is deeper than just creating beneficial habits, though. Skye talks about how instilling these principles can help you measure and foster the intangible in your kids. Like how much they’ve grown in their spiritual walk or if they feel fulfilled and satisfied with life. Plus! You’ll get tips on how to get your whole family to collaborate, fun ways to make intentional family vacations without blowing your budget, and even real-life examples of how Skye uses these principles in his own family. Of course, just like anything with parenting, this isn’t foolproof. You’ll need lots of patience, flexibility, and grace for yourself, but if you take it one step at a time, you’ll find that the benefits outweigh the cons.  I left this conversation with tons of ideas on how to upgrade our family and work life! Was there a specific principle that resonated with you? We’d love to hear from you! You can follow us on Instagram @ourfamilybrand or check out the links below for more resources! More Of What’s Inside: How Skye became a bestselling author Applying successful principles in unsuccessful areas How to get your family more engaged Tips to make a compelling family mission statement Creating memorable moments without breaking the bank How daily huddles can keep your family connected Learning to be flexible with your goals Reminding your kids, you got their back The importance of creating an intentional structure Why you don’t need to be perfect, just consistent And much more! Connect with Skye:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skyefagrell/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morefit4life/?hl=en Book: More Fit 4 The Kingdom Website: familybrand.com  Social: Facebook: www.facebook.com/FamilyBrandOfficial Instagram: www.instagram.com/ourfamilybrand YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCGu-7odB6gkPbyXpUIQLkrg Twitter: https://twitter.com/OurFamilyBrand Free course: familybrand.com/10steps   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:53 - Welcome to episode 73! Get to know our amazing guest 2:37 - Skye’s journey to success and what he learned along the way 5:49 - How to measure the immeasurable 8:03 - How Skye translated fitness principles to his family 12:49 - The #1 thing every family needs to succeed 18:55 - How to instill your family’s motto in your kids daily 25:02 - The process won’t be perfect, but that doesn’t mean stop! 29:25 - Helping your kids set personal goals 34:10 - Planning fun and intentional family events 42:40 - Skye’s advice every parent needs to hear 45:31 - Closing thoughts and recap

Growing up did you ever hang out at the “cool house”? Maybe it had the newest games, or a pool to swim in, or maybe you just felt like you could be more yourself. How can we as parents foster that fun, safe space, and memorable place for our kids. (And all their friends too!) Melissa here for another Family Brand podcast! Today on the show I welcome Collin and Harmony Bryce. We’ve known Collin and Harmony for a while now, we first met back when we all lived in the same neighborhood after Chris and I first got married. Recently, they’ve been telling us about this thing they call the “game night culture”. The more I heard about it the more I knew we had to share it on the podcast! Join us as Collin and Harmony talk about how you can become the house that all your kids and their friends want to be at. Don’t worry about the details, we’ve got you covered. You don’t need endless amounts of food, a big house, or even a yard to create intentional fun. The Bryces have the playbook on how to have the best game night ever. Hit play to hear their best tips and tricks for things like planning for big groups, game ideas for different ages, how to use these nights to develop life skills along the way, and more.  You’ll love how their approach to game night isn’t all “fun and games”. During our conversation, Collin and Harmony open up about how taking the time to learn these skills as parents has led to their kids having more genuine connections and the ability to create real childhood memories that will last a lifetime. In the year 2022, these may be some of the best gifts we could give our children. I left this episode with tons of ideas and notes of how to spend our next Smith game night If these tips help you as well, we’d love to hear how your game night goes! You can reach us @ourfamilybrand on Instagram! Or if you’d like to connect with Harmony and Collin, check out the links below!  More Of What’s Inside: The importance of making genuine connections  Learning how to have fun again  Why your game night doesn’t need to last hours The solution to getting kids off their phones When to transition to a new game How to have the perfect amount of snacks The power of your kitchen table How to support your kid's strengths Making memories that last years Being able to bless others And much more!   Guest Links:  Instagram: @weplayballinthehouse Email: weplayballinthehouse@gmail.com Episode Links:  Podcast: Family Brand Ep 68. High Challenge High Support  Podcast: Have More Fun with Mel Robbins Website: familybrand.com  Social: Facebook: www.facebook.com/FamilyBrandOfficial Instagram: www.instagram.com/ourfamilybrand YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCGu-7odB6gkPbyXpUIQLkrg Twitter: https://twitter.com/OurFamilyBrand Free course: familybrand.com/10steps   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:02 - What we cover today! 1:17 - Welcome Collin and Harmony Bryce 2:54 - The purpose of game nights 7:07 - Using the resources you have on hand 9:00 - Creating a space where kids belong 14:40 - Commitment, timing, and who to invite 20:08 - The BEST games for your game night 25:01 - How to keep everyone involved 28:18 - Pulling the best out of your kids 32:12 - The one thing you need before people leave 34:19 - Details you don’t want to miss 38:47 - How your kids can form diverse friendships 43:42 - Where to connect with the Bryces 45:14 - Closing thoughts

Agreements and expectations. For many families, these two terms can be interchangeable. However, for parents who want to build their family by design, and not by default need to understand the difference. The results can lead to less fighting, more peace in your home, and not to mention the life lessons and character-building your kids learn along the way. Welcome back to another episode of the Family Brand Podcast! Chris here and today I am flying solo for an episode. Melissa asked me to take the microphone on this topic because I am so passionate about it after seeing the power of this play out first hand in the Smith household.  The power of coming into agreement as a family isn’t just a nice saying or about “getting along with each other better.” If you have listened to the show before, you know that we like to treat our family as a team. Of course, Melissa and I are the captains but just like in any great team, it takes commitment from every player.  It can be frustrating for the entire family when little chores fall through the cracks like dirty dishes, taking out the trash, walking the dog, etc. Understanding agreements vs expectations could be helpful in situations like this, but this conversation can go a lot deeper than to-dos and housework.  Understanding everyone's expectations and agreements around family time, self-care, time with friends, hobbies, sports and more can lead to overall more peace and fulfillment for every member of your family.  Hit play if you want to start saving time, energy, and frustration in your family with this simple and practical concept. Within minutes you’ll understand what an agreement actually is and how to effectively communicate it to your family. You’ll also learn how to find opportunities to instill family values, what happens when an agreement is broken, and more. We hope this episode gives you another tool that will help you build the family and culture you want for your #FamilyBrand! Scroll down to find more free resources or ways to connect with us! More Of What’s Inside: The key to upgrading any family culture What an agreement means (and why it matters) Co-creating with your family How agreements save everyone time Never fight with your kids about chores again Clarifying expectations and how to communicate them Building a foundation of values Valuing and meetings other’s needs And much more! Website: familybrand.com  Social: Facebook: www.facebook.com/FamilyBrandOfficial Instagram: www.instagram.com/ourfamilybrand YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCGu-7odB6gkPbyXpUIQLkrg Twitter: https://twitter.com/OurFamilyBrand Free course: familybrand.com/10steps Episode Minute By Minute: 0:53 - Welcome to episode 71! 2:36 - Expectations and their implications 5:33 - What it really means to be in agreement 8:56 - Instilling the concept of value 12:34 - The importance of clarity with expectations 13:43 - Using agreements as a parenting tool 14:47 - What co-creation looks like with your spouse 16:56 - Showing up when agreements are tested 18:21 - What to do if the agreement isn’t kept 18:52 - Closing thoughts

You know when your family starts to feel less like family and more like enemies in war? That can sound dramatic, but when contention is high in your house, you know exactly what feeling we are talking about.  Welcome back to another episode of the Family Brand Podcast! Chris and Melissa here, and this week we want to invite you into an honest conversation about what to do when no one in your family is getting along.  When we first moved to Hawaii in the winter of 2020, there was a season where the kids didn’t have many friends and neither did we. We spent a lot of time together, but with the stress of moving and being away from our normal lives and duties, we all started to feel out of sync.  We started to notice the kids fighting more, trash-talking during games was at an all-time high, and tension was becoming the norm.  When we moved back to the mainland we were ready to get ahead of the emotional rollercoaster but even with a plan in place, we found the contention and emotions that come with moving and readjusting start to set in again.  Like we always say, it takes long term vision, courage, and commitment to create a family culture where everyone is empowered to thrive. Seasons such as this are where you put the pedal to the medal, and start living out (or fighting for) the culture you really want in your home.   Hit play to hear how we are navigating this in our own family, along with three incredible tips we got recently from our church on this very topic. We hope this episode leaves you empowered and motivated to be the “peacekeeper” in your family along with the practical tools you need to start today! PS: Did you know one of our goals this year is to help equip more families like yours? For more resources and to follow our journey, follow us on Instagram! Scroll down to see more of our content.  More Of What’s Inside: When to call a family meeting Culture is a feeling more than anything Helping your kids identify emotions Troubleshooting with your family When trash talk goes too far Taking away the “fuel” to fights Responding vs. reacting Taking responsibility is key Perfection is never the goal And much more!   LINKS: Three Tips for Less Contention in Your Family Article: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ftsoy/2022/03/04_three-tips-for-less-contention-in-your-family?lang=eng Website: familybrand.com  Social: Facebook: www.facebook.com/FamilyBrandOfficial Instagram: www.instagram.com/ourfamilybrand YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCGu-7odB6gkPbyXpUIQLkrg Twitter: https://twitter.com/OurFamilyBrand Free course: familybrand.com/10steps   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:53 Welcome back!  1:24 What life has been like in the Smith home lately 2:10 Sometimes moving your family isn’t all fun and games 6:37 Disgusting phases from culture 7:22 What to do when you know things have to change 8:42 Not all “hard talks” have to be serious 12:50 How to use your Family Vision statement to bring peace 15:06 Refusing to argue 17:14 How prayer can change the atmosphere in your family 18:58 A fun game that will help your family learn emotional control 21:30  What is the feeling you want to have in your home?

Hey Guys! Chris and Melissa here with another Family Brand Podcast! Lately, it seems like we wake up to a new crisis every day. It’s hard to watch what’s happening in the world and not know how to help, it’s also challenging when you’re raising kids. Today we talk about the best way you can help change the world for the better.  If you’ve been listening to us for a while we may sound like a broken record, because when it comes to creating positive change in the world the best thing you can do as a parent is to raise strong kids. That may seem like a cop-out answer but it’s really true! Strong nations are made of strong cities, which are made of strong communities, which are made of strong individuals and families. When you look at it that way… Join us as we talk about practical ways you can help those in times of crisis as well as our tips for raising impact makers and leaders in your family. You don’t have to be perfect by any means, and someone can be a leader in so many unique ways. Listen in as we talk about acknowledging the greatness in your kids and how you can help them become a confident, courageous, and unique leader no matter what they do.  We hope this episode empowers you to see where you can help change the world in your own family. To find the episode we mentioned or connect with us on Instagram, check out the links below! More Of What’s Inside: How you can help during a crisis Raising world changers Starting with your family  You don’t need to be perfect The ripple of a strong individual What it means to be a leader in your home Why you can’t outsource raising your family Learning the unique gifts you bring to the world Helping your kid find their voice Finding the courage to accept your gifts And much more!   LINKS: Episode 25 mentioned Website: familybrand.com  Social: Facebook: www.facebook.com/FamilyBrandOfficial Instagram: www.instagram.com/ourfamilybrand YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCGu-7odB6gkPbyXpUIQLkrg Twitter: https://twitter.com/OurFamilyBrand Free course: familybrand.com/10steps   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:02 - What we cover today 0:53 - Waking up to new a crisis every day 2:40 - Support we’ve provided in the past 4:00 - How strong families strengthen the world 7:20 - Raising individuals who create impact 9:50 - Committing to being a leader 12:54 - Being a leader in your own way 14:23 - Helping your kids find their strengths 15:44 - Acknowledging the greatness in yourself and family 20:51 - Closing thoughts

As parents, it can be hard to tell when we should challenge our kids to grow or give them more support. If you challenge them too much, they could distance themselves, but if you give too much support, they may never have taken the chance to do something they love.  So, how do we find that balance? Welcome back to another Family Brand podcast, today we talk about finding that challenge and support balance with your family. Join us as we talk about the tool that helps businesses create a culture of high challenge and high support within their companies. We’ve found that this matrix isn’t just for businesses wanting to up their game, it’s actually an amazing tool that can help you propel your kids to be the best version of themselves.  Listen in as we talk about what it looks like to create a culture of high challenge and high support within your own family. Learn how you can assess yourself right now and the opportunities we’ve used to upgrade our own understanding of challenge and support. You’ll hear stories of when high challenge and high support created lasting memories for our kids, the importance of committing to not just challenging but supporting others in the way they need, and the most powerful tool you have to challenge and support your family.  It’s not always going to be easy but we’ve found that it’s amazing to see what our kids are capable of! To find more on the high challenge and high support matrix or to connect with us on Instagram, check out the links below! More Of What’s Inside: How to create a culture of opportunity Being committed to challenge and support Using the matrix to empower your family  Finding the balance between challenge and support How your family values are your most powerful tool More challenging vs. more supportive The question we ask our kids during a challenge How your differences complement each other The power of observation Overcoming limiting beliefs And much more!   LINKS: Support and Challenge Matrix: https://aaronlee.co/support-or-challenge/    Website: familybrand.com   Social: Facebook: www.facebook.com/FamilyBrandOfficial Instagram: www.instagram.com/ourfamilybrand YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCGu-7odB6gkPbyXpUIQLkrg Twitter: https://twitter.com/OurFamilyBrand   Free course: familybrand.com/10steps   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:02 - What we cover today! 0:53 - Challenge and support 3:55 - The quadrants of the support challenge matrix 9:02 - Meeting them where they’re at 12:50 - An example of high challenge and high support 17:46 - Knowing when to push 19:43 - Using this model in business 23:30 - Asking to challenge someone 25:21 - Supporting with your family values 27:45 - Closing thoughts

Hey guys! Chris and Melissa here with another Family Brand Podcast. Recently, Chris asked a question at our dinner table that would make any parent pause to hear the answer. “What makes a good dad?” after some clarifying and thinking it all came down to this: Time.  This may come as a surprise to you (or it may not) but the biggest factor in what our children want from us is just to spend time with them. That’s always easier said than done with jobs, responsibilities, and all the little things that make up our lives always competing for our attention, especially when all that we do is usually for our family. Join us as we discuss what making time for our family looks like and the areas we are thinking about improving on. We talk about the portrayal of families in the media and how success and money aren’t always a recipe for a strong family. In fact, we’ve noticed that not keeping a healthy balance can actually tear some families apart. Listen in as we share our thoughts on finding your fulfillment in both your work and family life, as well as remembering your motivations, and even what you can do if you actually need less time with your kids.  Balancing growth and family is not an easy thing to do but we’ve found that bringing our kids into the conversation has helped us know where we stand. We encourage you to have the same conversation with your kids, it may change how you do life!  For more resources or to connect with us on Instagram, check out the links below! More Of What’s Inside: What makes a good parent? Our kid’s definition Why spending time is the best thing you can do Why money isn’t necessarily a factor in good parenting Staying intentional with your family Why media is not a good reference for happy families Putting food on the table and what you need What is this all for? Doing things that are important to your kids Stop comparing yourself to other families And Much More! Website: familybrand.com   Social: Facebook: www.facebook.com/FamilyBrandOfficial Instagram: www.instagram.com/ourfamilybrand YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCGu-7odB6gkPbyXpUIQLkrg Twitter: https://twitter.com/OurFamilyBrand   Free course: familybrand.com/10steps   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:02 - What we cover today! 0:53 - The question that inspired today 3:39 - Why the most important thing is time 8:12 - The struggle of balancing success and family 10:00 - Knowing when to step back from work 14:05 - To those with little time 17:12 - Remembering your motivation 20:15 - What will your children remember? 22:24 - Finding your “me” time 23:24 - Closing thoughts

Welcome back to another Family Brand Podcast! Melissa here, I wanted to do a solo episode this week with my good friend and licensed therapist Niki Bennett. When Chris and I were piecing our marriage back together, therapy was one of our saving graces, but it's hard to know how or when to even start. Today we dig into the big questions about therapy and all its benefits.  Join us as Niki shares her journey of becoming a therapist and the passion she found for helping others sort through the difficult times in life. Oftentimes hard relationships are defined as such because someone is “bad at communication” but Niki has a different point of view. Learn how 75% of communication is non-verbal and how the little ways we react to each other can come off with a completely different message than we mean.  Listen in as we talk about the top reasons couples get marriage counseling, good signs to find in a therapist, finding the blind spots in your life, and even how therapy can affect your whole family. Niki gives practical advice on communicating more effectively, being open to feedback, the words you don’t want to say when talking something out and so much more! You’ll find nothing but encouragement and accountability in this episode because when it comes down to it, you aren’t alone in your marriage struggles, but you CAN choose to work on them and fix them. For more resources or to connect with Niki, check out the links below!   More Of What’s Inside: Finding purpose in the Himalayas Dispelling the myth of “bad at communication” The signs of a good therapist What it means to be congruent in your marriage Therapy isn’t just for broken people Practical tips for the crises in your marriage Setting expectations for your kids Why it is ok to ask for help  Connecting with those who will empathize Finding the blind spots in your life The words you DON’T say when communicating effectively And much more!   Connect with Niki: Website: http://www.ascentcoachingandtherapy.com/ Instagram: @backseatdriverpodcast Instagram: @blessed.mess.therapist Email: http://niki@ascentcoachingandtherapy.com/   Website: familybrand.com Social: Facebook: www.facebook.com/FamilyBrandOfficial Instagram: www.instagram.com/ourfamilybrand YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCGu-7odB6gkPbyXpUIQLkrg Twitter: https://twitter.com/OurFamilyBrand Free course: familybrand.com/10steps   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:02 - What we cover today! 0:53 - Welcome Niki Bennett 3:30 - How Niki became a licensed therapist 7:16 - The top reasons couples start therapy 11:50 - For those who are nervous to get help 16:13 - Practical advice for a marriage crisis 22:08 - Niki’s fertility journey 24:18 - Niki’s advice for YOU 27:19 - What communicating effectively looks like 33:52 - Where to connect with Niki 34:17 - Closing thoughts