Are Instagram preachers and TikTok theologians taking the place of pastors and slowly eroding what Christians believe? In this episode, we pull back the curtain on influencer culture and its growing influence on faith communities—revealing how social media popularity often replaces substance and discernment in our spiritual lives. From recently saved celebrities trying to teach Biblical concepts to the latest Christian influencer telling you how to live, today’s faith landscape is being shaped b...
Jul 09, 2025•57 min•Season 7Ep. 43
In this honest and insightful episode, Steve and Mary Alessi continue the conversation on the challenges faced by churches, Christians, and families when influential pastors and worship leaders fall into scandal or public failure. This time, we get even more personal as we evaluate the pastors and spiritual leaaders that share our same profession and faith - and then betrayed the trust of their followers. You'll hear practical advice and biblical wisdom on processing disappointment, using discer...
Jul 02, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 7Ep. 42
Is it possible that your worst day can become your greatest testimony? And if so, how do you endure long enough to flip the script? In this heart-felt "long-play" summer road-trip episode, Steve and Mary Alessi sit down with their son Chris Alessi to open up about the life-changing moment when Steve survived a near-fatal heart attack, and how they transformed a dark day of trauma into an annual celebration of life. Through honest reflections and a dash of humor, they dive into how unexpected set...
Jun 25, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 7Ep. 41
How do you respond when the people you trust step out of line? In the Family Business, much of our work revolves around ministry, and several issues involving prominent worship leaders have become front page news in recent weeks. We're taking part of our summer road trip series to share our thoughts on these highly controversial topics so you can guide your family to respond the right way. Whether it's the devastating confessions from former Newsboys lead singer Michael Tait, the debate over wor...
Jun 18, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 7Ep. 40
Summer's the time to buckle the family in for the classic road trip...and we've got all the hot topics you'll need to keep everyone happy! Join Mary and Steve Alessi as they take you along for a candid car ride full of laughs, real opinions, and honest reflections. The Alessis riff on everything from the evolution of dress codes and the peculiar power of fashion trends to how public figures like the Kardashians and Joe Rogan navigate Christianity under the spotlight. They don’t shy away from tou...
Jun 11, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 7Ep. 39
Are your kids worried about being embarrassed publicly- and could that be a good thing? In this conversation, Steve Alessi and his daughter Lauren dig into the reality of public humiliation and why facing mean words, awkward moments, and even a little embarrassment can actually build resilience in kids. You'll hear some not-so-flattering stories —from cringey PE memories to viral Snapchat moments—and get honest tips on teaching mental toughness, healthy self-talk, and why a “marathon mindset” ma...
Jun 04, 2025•35 min•Season 7Ep. 38
There's nothing like the journey from dating - to love - to a marriage proposal - but there's a lot of stuff to handle before and after that pivotal "yes". To sort out this very real struggle, Gaby Alessi, who is newly engaged to her fiance Christian, and her sister-in-law Richelle Alessi sit down for a candid conversation that every soon-to-be-married couple (and those who love them) needs to hear. Drawing from real-life stories and proven lessons from their own experiences in dating and prepar...
May 28, 2025•32 min•Season 7Ep. 37
Does starting a family means giving up your dreams—or does it actually unlock a richer, more fulfilling life? Chris and Richelle Alessi open up about their own leap into parenthood, tackling the fears, cultural pressures, and surprising joys that come with having children. Using real-life stories—like trading dream vacations for unforgettable family moments—they weigh in on America’s declining birth rate and how embracing family can actually boost your career, happiness, and even your finances. ...
May 21, 2025•31 min•Season 7Ep. 36
Wishing that your kids spent less time glued to screens? There's an easy antidote - and it's as close as your backyard. Step into a lively, all-guys conversation with Steve Alessi, his son Chris Alessi, and son-in-law Christopher Muiña as they swap stories about fatherhood, raising sons, and the pure chaos (and joy) that comes from letting kids get dirty, daring, and hands-on with nature. You’ll discover why getting your family outside—gardening, washing cars, building sandboxes, or just chasing...
May 14, 2025•36 min•Season 7Ep. 35
It seems every news story you hear in the spring of 2025 starts with the terrible T word in it... "tariff." The scary economic news might be hitting more than just your wallet - it's also possibly causing you stress and anxiety at home and work. In this empowering episode, Steve Alessi sits down with a friend of the Family Business - Roger Quesada, CEO of DNA At Work. These two leaders will give you a fresh and practical perspective on how families and small business owners can rise above fear a...
May 07, 2025•33 min•Season 7Ep. 34
In this "Best of TFB" flashback, we're going back in time to revisit one of our most memorable episodes: “Confessions of a Control Freak.” This was one of our most honest, light-hearted, and revealing discussions about what it really means to be labeled a “control freak”—both at home and in business. And since we've welcomed so many new listeners over the years, you may have never gotten the chance to hear it. You'll hear Steve and Mary Alessi dive into the ways control can show up in our daily ...
Apr 30, 2025•34 min
If there was a test that measured your selfishness ...what would your score be? Most people don't detect their own selfish actions until it's too late - and in a marriage, that can be a death sentence leading to pain and heartbreak. To help you build a healthier relationship, Steve and Mary Alessi get brutally honest about attraction, selfishness, and those hidden habits that quietly sabotage marriages. You’ll discover how small, self-focused choices build up walls between couples—and how intent...
Apr 23, 2025•33 min•Season 7Ep. 33
Tired of trying to get your kids off their phones and back into reality? Maybe the answer isn't just taking away our children's devices. Are our children's obsessions with their devices actually a sign of dysfunction or lackluster engagement at home? In this powerful episode, Steve and Mary Alessi share some interesting perspectives on how to re-shape your approach toward technology and your kids' social environment. Discover how to guide your children toward healthier interactions, both with th...
Apr 16, 2025•33 min•Season 7Ep. 32
Struggling with miscommunication in your marriage? Wishing that you could work more closely with your spouse and create harmony in your home? In this honest and insightful episode, Chris and Richelle Alessi dive into building a stronger, more aligned relationship by focusing on teamwork and communication. By embracing the concept of being a team, they discuss the power of meeting on the "same page" rather than forcing the other to align with their view. Through entertaining anecdotes and real-li...
Apr 09, 2025•34 min•Season 7Ep. 31
Is the first year of marriage really the hardest? And if so, what can a couple do to avoid letting a beautiful newlywed season turn into a rollercoaster of disappointments and unmet expectations? Join Steve and Mary Alessi as they dive into the realities newlyweds face when managing expectations post-wedding. Through personal and relatable examples the Alessis share throughout this episode, you'll discover how navigating these early hurdles can lead to a stronger bond. Whether it’s reconciling d...
Apr 02, 2025•40 min•Season 7Ep. 30
Do you always find yourself in the middle of family conflicts, trying to keep the peace? If so, you might be filling a role that no one asked you to fill - and it might be causing more harm than good. In this super transparent episode, Steve and Mary Alessi get real about the role of the peacemaker in the family, and discuss whether its a role that comes with it's own set of problems. You'll discover healthy ways to approach the conflicts that occur in every family, and see how setting boundarie...
Mar 26, 2025•37 min•Season 7Ep. 29
Is it possible to be TOO focused on your kids? Navigating the journey of parenthood can be challenging, especially when your instinct is to make your children the center of your universe. In this episode, Christopher and Stephanie Muiña dive into this thought-provoking topic, so you can find balance by placing faith and values at the center of your family life. You'll hear the Muiñas share their personal stories and lessons learned as parents of two young children, offering practical wisdom on a...
Mar 19, 2025•36 min•Season 7Ep. 28
There's one thing we all know about family and marriage - it can get complicated. The response to our Season 3 "Leave and Cleave" episode ( S3 E19 ) has been incredible. We noticed that many of our listeners left comments and shared their real-life issues and concerns about their marriages, dealing with parents and in-laws, and navigating the struggles that come with leaving and cleaving. In this episode, Steve and Mary respond and share their honest feedback on some of the comments and question...
Mar 12, 2025•40 min•Season 7Ep. 27
Are you and your spouse struggling to break unhealthy attachments to your parents? Is your marriage feeling the strain because someone is not respecting boundaries? If so, you're not alone. Our episode from Season 3 on leaving and cleaving as married couples has been one of our most popular ever - it's gotten nearly 10,000 views on YouTube alone! That's why we wanted to bring it back so we can help more couples and parents who need to establish healthy boundaries in their families. Stay tuned fo...
Mar 05, 2025•16 min
What would you do if you had to fight for your life and your country, while you were starting your life with your spouse? This isn't a movie plot. It's the real story of a marriage forged in the middle of a war. Hilla and Arik Nehamkin are a Miami couple who started their relationship just before the attack on Israel on October 7th, 2023. Both of them have spent years living in Israel. Arik has served in the Israeli Defense Forces and voluntarily returned to duty in Israel when the war broke out...
Feb 26, 2025•46 min•Season 7Ep. 26
Are you struggling to keep your marriage relationship fresh and healthy despite life's constant challenges? In this powerful episode, Steve and Mary Alessi share a conversation with long-time friends David and Mory Martinez. Drawing on over 70 years of combined experience as married couples, they tackle subjects like embracing change, aligning personal goals, and the delicate balance between career ambition and family unity. You'll gain insights into the power of covenant relationships and the i...
Feb 19, 2025•34 min•Season 7Ep. 25
Are you concerned about immigration challenges facing your loved ones? In this powerful and timely episode, we welcome Abe Cardenas, from the Cardenas Law Firm, as we dig into the realities and misconceptions about the raging debate over immigration laws and undocumented immigrants. By shedding light on the rules and procedures often clouded by misinformation and fear-mongering, Abe demystifies the immigration process with insider insights. Listen as they unravel the complexities of asylum, work...
Feb 12, 2025•42 min•Season 7Ep. 24
Are there certain topics in your marriage that you're scared to discuss? Does it feel like you're risking a potential blow-up if you even bring it up? In this episode, Steve and Mary Alessi share insights into these "No-Go Zones," offering strategies to approach sensitive issues confidently. They discuss the importance of honest communication and personal responsibility in strengthening relationships. By focusing on self-improvement rather than projecting issues onto your partner, you can cultiv...
Feb 05, 2025•42 min•Season 7Ep. 23
Note to parents: this podcast contains frank and candid discussions about marriage and intimacy. Please listen and consider whether this material is age appropriate for your young children before sharing. Are you currently doing things that could cause your marriage to be DOA? Unfortunately, marriages end every day because of habits and behaviors that led to an untimely death of the relationship. But it doesn't have to be that way. In this episode you'll learn about dangerous relationship killer...
Jan 29, 2025•34 min•Season 7Ep. 22
Being a grandparent can be joyous and fulfilling - but it's not always simple. Especially when grandkids are being, well, kids. How do well-meaning grandparents maintain the right posture when it comes to setting standards, without overstepping parental boundaries? Dive into a candid conversation with Mary and Steve Alessi as they explore the delicate balance of being supportive grandparents without stepping on parental toes. They unveil the nuances of defining your role, respecting boundaries, ...
Jan 22, 2025•32 min•Season 7Ep. 21
Does speaking the truth in your home feel like lighting a fuse? When your family has to face the inevitable disagreements that happen in every home, you have two choices - you can embrace uncomfortable but healthy conversations, or you can allow unhealthy responses that lead to more pain later on. In this powerful episode, Steve and Mary Alessi discuss the nuances of effective family communication, emphasizing the need for truth-telling and constructive conflict resolution. You'll learn the impo...
Jan 15, 2025•35 min•Season 7Ep. 20
2024 was a GREAT year for TFB... ..but did you REALLY catch all the best highlights and insights from last year's episodes? If not, this is your chance to catch up on some powerful and funny moments from 2024. This special flashback episodes brings together some of our favorite moments, offering a deeper glimpse into our family dynamics, personal experiences, and the wisdom we share every week! These moments include the Alessis talking about the pressure on today's youth, the dangers of informat...
Jan 08, 2025•31 min
To kick off 2025, here's a "Best Of" episode of the Family Business from Season 3! Do you want to enjoy a better, healthier, and more fulfilling new year? These areas - your faith, your family and your fitness - form the foundation of a healthy lifestyle that will help you enjoy a better life, no matter what your current situation is. But it takes practical steps, a solid plan, and commitment to a schedule in order to turn New Year’s Resolutions into real accomplishments by next year this time. ...
Jan 01, 2025•32 min
When it comes to Christmas, are you Buddy the Elf in your family - or the Grinch? Every family has a variety of personalities, and it's no different when it comes to celebrating the holidays. Some people love to spend and dive into the gift giving, while others are more reserved and concerned about the budget. In this fun and enlightening episode, you'll discover how to blend the two sides of your family's holiday approach without losing the fun and magic of the season! Support the show Join our...
Dec 18, 2024•32 min•Season 7Ep. 16
Afraid that your family gatherings will turn into political battles instead of a joyful reunions? In our latest episode, we dive into preserving family unity while political tensions are still running high following the 2024 election. You'll discover why it's crucial to prioritize faith over politics, and how a simple act of grace can mend even the most fractured relationships. Want to know the surprising step Steve almost took because of a political disagreement? You'll have to listen to see wh...
Dec 11, 2024•32 min•Season 7Ep. 15
