Family Brand: Take Back Your Family

The Family Brand New Year's Kickoff: A Tradition That Builds Culture Every year, right after Christmas — during those quiet, in-between days when no one quite knows what day it is — our family slows down and does something that has become one of our most meaningful traditions. We reflect. We celebrate. And we intentionally step into the new year together. In this solo episode, Melissa walks you through the Family Brand New Year's Kickoff, a simple, free activity that hundreds of families download every year — and come back to again and again. This year's version has been fully updated, and families continue to share how impactful it's been, from sparking meaningful conversations to even becoming the moment they announced a new baby to their kids. Melissa explains why reflection matters just as much as goal-setting, and how looking back before looking forward helps families build clarity, gratitude, and momentum. She shares how to use the reflection questions with kids of all ages (even toddlers), how to keep the process light and pressure-free, and why there's no "right" way to do this — just a way that works for your family. She also breaks down two of the most loved parts of the kickoff: Choosing a family word (or phrase) for the year — a shared language that shapes how your family shows up The annual Family Award Ceremony — a powerful moment where each child (and spouse!) is recognized not for achievements, but for who they are and how they showed up Melissa shares a deeply touching story about a family friend whose son, now leaving on a two-year mission, named this New Year's award ceremony as one of his favorite family memories — a reminder that these small traditions often leave the biggest impact. Finally, she walks through how they create vision boards as a family, why perfection isn't the goal, and shares a beautiful personal story about a vision board image that unexpectedly showed up for her on a bridge in Spain — a moment that felt like a quiet wink from God. This episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and start the year with intention — not pressure. You don't need a perfect plan. You just need a moment to pause and ask: Who do we want to be this year, together? LINKS: All Links Family Brand!  stan.store/familybrand familybrand.com/quiz familybrand.com/retreats.  Links For This Episode: https://familybrand.com/kickoff Episode Minute By Minute: 01:20 – Introducing the Family Brand New Year's Kickoff 02:30 – Why reflection is often skipped (and why it matters) 03:30 – How the reflection questions work 04:30 – Keeping it light and pressure-free for kids 05:30 – Adapting the activity for younger children 06:30 – Using everyday moments (car rides, walks) for reflection 07:30 – Choosing a family word or phrase for the year 08:45 – Shared language and building family culture 10:00 – The Family Award Ceremony explained 11:15 – Why awards are about who they are, not what they did 12:15 – A powerful story about a son leaving on a mission 13:30 – Vision boards: why they matter 14:45 – How to make vision boards simple and fun 16:00 – Encouraging kids without forcing perfection 17:00 – Melissa's vision board story from Spain 19:30 – Feeling seen, aligned, and intentional 20:45 – Don't forget to honor your spouse 21:45 – Where to download the kickoff + how to share 22:45 – Final encouragement for the new year

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