Best Miami | Authors | Ministry Family Mentors Podcasts (2025)

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7 Ways Couples Can Support Each Other When Life Gets Tough (Top 10 Episode) 34:11

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6d ago34:11

34:11

Ever felt helpless when your spouse is struggling with a major issue? How can you be there for them when things are just not working out? In this top ten episode from Season 5, Steve and Mary Alessi dove into the heart of marriage by unpacking seven powerful ways couples can support each other when life turns upside down. As they discuss the events…

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Beyond Hot Flashes? The Hidden Impact of Hormones on Women's Health and Relationships 43:10

14d ago43:10

43:10

Some call it "The Change." Others refer to "Private Summers", or "The Big M'. No matter what you call it, there's a major, unavoidable physical shift that every woman has to face - and how you handle it could have long-lasting effects on your emotions, your health, or even your family. In this enlightening episode, Steve and Mary Alessi dive deep i…

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Faith or Foolishness? What to Think About When Making Big Decisions 47:44

21d ago47:44

47:44

Ever feel torn between pursuing big dreams and being responsible—especially when life doesn’t fit neatly into your plans? In this episode, Stephanie and Christopher Muiña get real about navigating the tension between faithfulness and wisdom as they search for a new home in Miami—a journey full of uncertainty, stretching, and lots of prayer. From wr…

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Team Us! How To Handle the Identity Changes of Marriage 1:02:47

28d ago1:02:47

1:02:47

True or false? Marriage means more than just changing a last name - it means changing EVERYTHING. Whether it's the bride and groom moving out for the first time, or the parents and siblings letting go of the past - everyone has to readjust to a new reality. In this special conversation, Mary Alessi is joined by her youngest daughter, Gaby, for an h…

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Why Trusting Influencers with Your Faith is So Dangerous 57:09

1M ago57:09

57:09

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 sav…

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Fallen Pastors: Should We Respond with Rejection or Restoration? 1:06:49

1M ago1:06:49

1:06:49

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 a…

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From Crisis to Champion! Hockey, Heart Attacks, and Turning Trauma into Triumph 1:08:19

2M ago1:08:19

1:08:19

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 …

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Worship Leaders Gone Wild? Our Response to Michael Tait, Kirk Franklin, and Brandon Lake's "Bubba" 1:08:17

2M ago1:08:17

1:08:17

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 g…

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Is Celebrity Christianity Real? + Fashion Fails (Summer Road Trip Series) 1:02:54

2M ago1:02:54

1:02:54

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 po…

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How To Help Kids Handle Humiliation and Get Mentally Stronger | S7 E38 35:25

2M ago35:25

35:25

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 —f…

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She Said Yes! How to Set The Right Expectations from Dating to Engagement | S7 E37 32:07

3M ago32:07

32:07

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-mar…

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Birth Rate Breakdown? Why It's Better for Society (and Couples) to Have Children | S7 E36 31:00

3M ago31:00

31:00

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 famil…

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Why Your Kids Need Outdoor Activities in an Inside World | S7 E35 36:06

3M ago36:06

36:06

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…

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Tariffs, Trade Wars and Trouble? How to Stay Calm in an Uncertain Economy | S7 E34 33:14

3M ago33:14

33:14

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,…

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"Confessions of a Control Freak" (TFB Top 10 Episode) 34:14

3M ago34:14

34:14

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 o…

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Are Selfish Habits Silently Killing Your Marriage? (How to Identify Them) | S7 E33 32:57

4M ago32:57

32:57

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, …

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How to Steer Your Child Toward Healthy Phone Habits | S7 E32 32:52

4M ago32:52

32:52

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-sh…

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Win-Win Marriage! How to Get On the Same Page with Your Spouse | S7 E31 33:30

4M ago33:30

33:30

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, t…

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Just Married, Now What? How to Set Healthy Expectations for Your First Year of Marriage | S7 E30 40:09

4M ago40:09

40:09

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…

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The Family Peacekeeper: Are You Solving or Enabling Family Conflicts? | S7 E29 36:57

5M ago36:57

36:57

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…

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Ideal Kids or Idol Kids? How To Keep the Right Priorities in Your Parenting | S7 E28 36:25

5M ago36:25

36:25

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…

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The Struggle to Leave and Cleave: Responding to Your Questions on Marriage and In-Laws | S7 E27 39:35

5M ago39:35

39:35

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 struggl…

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Why Every Married Couple Should Leave and Cleave [TFB Top 10 Highlight] 15:50

5M ago15:50

15:50

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! T…

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A Fight for Life and Love: How the War in Israel Defined a Marriage | S7 E26 45:40

6M ago45:40

45:40

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 t…

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How to Build a Strong Marriage by Growing and Adapting Together | S7 E25 33:32

6M ago33:32

33:32

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 pers…

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Immigration Fear or Fact? Raids, Rights and What Your Family Needs to Know | S7 E24 41:32

6M ago41:32

41:32

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 mis…

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No-Go Zones! How to Confidently Approach Sensitive Issues In Your Marriage | S7 E23 42:01

6M ago42:01

42:01

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 p…

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How to Kill Your Marriage: Avoiding Traps So Your Relationship Stays Strong and Happy | S7 E22 34:20

7M ago34:20

34:20

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 t…

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Grandparent with Grace! How to Manage Discipline Issues with Your Grandkids | S7 E21 31:46

7M ago31:46

31:46

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 delic…

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When Truth Hurts: How to Handle Family Conflicts with Healthy Communication | S7 E20 34:56

7M ago34:56

34:56

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 dis…

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"Did They Really Say That?" More Favorite Family Business Moments (2024 Rewind) 30:57

7M ago30:57

30:57

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 e…

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3 Key New Years Resolutions to Start 2025 Right (Best of TFB) 32:16

7M ago32:16

32:16

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 …

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Festive or Frugal? How to Work with Your Family to Make Christmas Magical | S7 E16 31:42

8M ago31:42

31:42

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, …

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Tension at the Table? How to Steer Clear of Politics at Family Celebrations | S7 E15 32:09

8M ago32:09

32:09

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…

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Sleigh the Holidays! How to Plan a Joyful Christmas in Your Twenties | S7 EP14 33:00

8M ago33:00

33:00

Being a twenty-something isn't easy - and during the Christmas season life can get really interesting. How can you make sure your holidays are joyful when you're in a season of constant transition? In this episode sisters Gaby, Lauren and Stephanie examine the joys and challenges of celebrating the holidays, especially in your twenties. From balanc…

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Holiday Getaway! Why Family Vacations Are Even More Important Than You Think |S7 E13 35:47

9M ago35:47

35:47

Are your family vacations are more stressful than restful? Do you cringe at the thought of the time and expense of taking your family out-of-town? Maybe it's time to re-prioritize your holiday getaways. In this special episode, recorded both from the Alessi farmhouse and the podcast studio in Miami, Steve and Chris Alessi dive into the transformati…

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From Heart Attack to Hope: Lessons from a Death Defying Experience with The Community Voice | S7 E12 28:00

9M ago28:00

28:00

Do you need help turning life's crushing moments into stepping stones? If so, the inspiring story of Steve Alessi's near-fatal heart attack and his journey from survival to strength will help you find hope. Speaking to Fara Sax on The Community Voice podcast, Steve delves into the gripping details of his harrowing experience and the transformative …

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Standards of Excellence: How to Empower Your Family with Principles that Last | S7 E11 33:56

9M ago33:56

33:56

Are you setting the standards for your family - or are you letting other people set them for you? In this episode, Steve and Mary Alessi dive deep into why adhering to healthy principles and moral standards is essential for a balanced and fulfilling life for you and your family. You’ll hear about the importance of maintaining consistent standards, …

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Women's Wisdom: Intimacy, Dating and What Men Actually Think with Daniele Hage | S7 E10 46:42

9M ago46:42

46:42

Do women really understand how men think? According to our guest, it's not only possible, it's a woman's secret weapon. But women rarely get clarity on this key part of their lives in the ocean of messages from culture and unhealthy past experiences. In this fun and informative episode, Mary Alessi sits down with her lifelong friend Daniele Hage, h…

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Your King Era! Why We Need Men to Step Forward and Lead Their Families | S7 E9 37:46

10M ago37:46

37:46

Have men been exiled from their place as kings of their castles in the home? And if so, how can strong, Godly men retake their place as responsible leaders in their families? In this episode, we reveal why our society needs strong men to take their leadership role in the family with courage and confidence. Steve and Mary Alessi dive into the evolvi…

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Safety First: What All Parents Need to Know to Protect Kids from Human Trafficking | S7 E8 32:48

10M ago32:48

32:48

*Warning* Sensitive and graphic information on the topic of sex trafficking is shared in this podcast episode. Parents are advised to use discretion in sharing this with children. In this episode, we share important facts about the dark and dangerous world of human trafficking. You'll learn how parents can protect their kids from criminals and pred…

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Allowance or No Allowance? How to Confidently Raise Cash Smart Kids | S7 E7 34:06

10M ago34:06

34:06

What does it take to show your children the RIGHT way to handle money - before they get the chance to waste it? In this enlightening episode, Steve Alessi sits down with his son Chris Alessi to discuss how they are approaching the eternal question of giving kids allowance or making them work / do chores for money in the family budget. You'll see ho…

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Diet Beware: The Hidden Risks of Eating Disorders and Body Image Obsession | S7 E6 45:40

10M ago45:40

45:40

In a culture obsessed with looks and image, how do we protect our families from developing dangerous, unhealthy habits with food? Join us as we unpack the complexities of eating disorders and trauma, debunk common misconceptions about self-diagnosing mental health issues, and explore the impact of social media on body image. Lauren Alessi, a licens…

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DNA of Business Success: How to Start Your Own Business The Right Way | S7 E5 35:43

10M ago35:43

35:43

Ever dreamed of starting your own business? It's a huge decision that could either become an incredible blessing - or a major disappointment. To help all of our Podience members who want to one day have a family business that brings them success and fulfillment, Steve Alessi sits down with his good friend Roger Quesada and shares the keys they've l…

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Say Goodbye to Mom Guilt! How To Break Free of the Mother Comparison Trap | S7 E4 42:22

11M ago42:22

42:22

Moms: Are you constantly second-guessing your choices as a parent? Do you feel a heavy weight of anxiety and concern when it comes to your kids...especially when you see other moms making different decisions? In this honest and practical episode, Stephanie Muiña and her sister-in-law Richelle Alessi share their experiences as young moms and describ…

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Buy vs. Rent: How to Find a Home in Today's Market for Your Family | S7 E3 33:03

11M ago33:03

33:03

Does the dream of home ownership feel out of reach for your family? In this extremely informative episode, Chris Muiña sits down with his father-in-law Steve Alessi to tackle the big question: should you buy a home or rent in today's tough economy? You'll get generational support, financial prep, and biblical insights as you hear shares personal ex…

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Honest Responses to Your Toughest Family Questions | Ask The Alessis Q&A | S7 E2 35:25

11M ago35:25

35:25

Are you facing family issues that are keeping you up at night? We asked our Podience about the family challenges they were facing, and you responded with some really tough questions and situations. We did our best to give you honest answers that would help you deal with these real-life family challenges, including bringing in more help from other m…

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Perils of Permissive Parenting: How to Raise Your Kids on a Solid Foundation | S7 E1 35:07

11M ago35:07

35:07

Is trying to be the 'nice parent' turning you into the wrong kind of parent? In this engaging start to Season 7, Steve and Mary Alessi dive into the perils of permissive parenting and show you how to lay a solid foundation for your children. You'll discover the lessons they've learned on their own parenting journey, why they chose their parenting s…

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Confessions, Mixups and More Unexpected TFB Moments! (Summer Shorts 3) 22:00

12M ago22:00

22:00

We're keeping the summer of 2024 going (for as long as we can) with more favorite moments from the Family Business! From unfiltered marriage advice to yawn attacks, medication mixups and more, there have been a lot of unpredictable moments that lead to learning and laughter - and you'll enjoy this look back at our favorite moments! If you've got a …

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Mothers and Sons, Modesty and Other Family Matters (More TFB Shorts) 25:11

1y ago25:11

25:11

What's better than a summer memory? A bunch of them! As we make memories with our family in this mid-season, we're also looking back at the wise words and hilarious situations we've encountered throughout our six current seasons. Thankfully, you've shared some of your favorites and we're telling them in our TFB Summer Shorts series! If you've got a…