Our Modern Heritage: The Home & Family Culture Podcast

Kathy is the mother of six and the mentor to hundreds of youth.  For the last nine years she has had the opportunity of training parents to be mentors with the Leadership Education Mentoring Institute (LEMI), which specializes in the unique (and sometimes terrifying) teen years. In addition to being a trainer for LEMI, she also travels all over the country doing Unleashing Your Voice! public speaking and debate seminars and offers an online monthly webinar series called Mentoring the One. She provides one-on-one mentoring online for homeschooling success, finding mission, entrepreneurship, writing, public speaking, and life coaching. This post contains affiliate links Find Kathy on Facebook, and at unleashingyourvoice.com A few things we discussed in this episode: How family culture is like a garden The Hero with a Thousand Faces (The Collected Works of Joseph Campbell) (Afflink) We are all heroes Learn what a hero's journey or cycle looks like The difference between tests, trials, and traps in the hero's journey How to be an example of a hero How to cultivate your family vision Why Am I Here? Where to find heroes Unleashingyourvoice.com NYTimes "The Stories That Bind Us" Listen to your favorite books on Audible, click on the banner below to sign up!      

I loved talking with Marlene.  She is such a genuine person.  Her mission to empower mothers has been inspirational to me.  As a homeschooling mom of four young kids, I have often struggled with feeling inadequate.  It can be easy to wonder if I couldn't be more useful outside of the home. Not so.  Marlene has established a haven for mothers who are searching for empowerment and enlightenment.  Heart education is all about mothers nurturing the hearts and spirits of their children to become powerful leaders. I shared this quote from a lesson given from the ministry of Gordon B. Hinckley: "Each day we are made increasingly aware of the fact that life is more than science and mathematics, more than history and literature. There is need for another education, without which the substance of secular learning may lead only to destruction. I refer to the education of the heart, of the conscience, of the character, of the spirit—these indefinable aspects of our personalities which determine so certainly what we are and what we do in our relationships one with another" (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Gordon B. Hinckley, 2016).  I highly recommend reading the rest of this chapter. The education of the heart and the spirit is the education of the whole person and cannot be neglected.  Imagine if more people had such a balanced education and could reason more from their conscience and humanity, than on intellect alone. While this episode is simply an introduction to Marlene's work, I hope you will take the time to check out the resources she has created over the course of her work. Where to find Marlene: Motherofinfluence.org - the Delphian Course LibrariesofHope.com WellEducatedHeart.com Well-Educated Heart Facebook Group momsmarchusa.com On Pinterest   Marlene's episode on heart education Marlene's episode on Delphian Course Mentioned in this episode: Sharon Eubank's Talk Sally Clarkson (Afflink)

I really enjoyed talking with my friend, Emma.  She was so patient with me!  I learned a lot about endurance and resilience from her experiences. So many lovely gems in this episode about how trials and oppositions shape our character and mission in life; that endurance and resilience is work and they take grit.  We talked about Emma's childhood growing up in a home of child actors but that they adopted twins from Romania while she was young and the trials they endured having two special needs children to raise together. Emma is a strong woman and a beautiful example for her daughters. I'm so grateful to know her, and I'm grateful she took the time to share her thoughts with me. You can learn more about Emma and follow her career at http://emmajacobsbriggs.com FYI: The links below are affiliate links, and I hope you find them useful.

This episode was a little different! My husband, Michael, volunteered to interview me about my family culture, and what I hope to get out of doing this podcast.  Our hope is that you will be able to get to know me a little better in spite of my vulnerability and weakness! Below are a list of resources we mention in this episode. They are indeed affiliate links (except Elder Bednar's talk).  Affiliate links make it possible for The Home & Family Culture Podcast to operate (or will eventually), and I only endorse products of value to me or my audience! Elder Bednar Talk about Now Moments Photo credit for this post goes to Kat Foley Photo

Ashley is the host and creator of the Mama Says Namaste. Ashley takes families from surviving to thriving by helping them uncover how "the uniqueness in each of us strengthens all of us". She guides parents through identifying their strengths - and also their triggers - to live with intention and not simply reaction to the chaos of an ever-growing family. Ashley, her husband, three unschooling daughters and dog are RVing the States full-time. They focus on authenticity, awareness, and embracing love in the present moment. Download Ashley's free worksheet for understanding personality styles here:  http://www.mamasaysnamaste.com/culture/ 10+ take-aways from this episode: 1. Living in intention and not just reaction, living your life based on what your need are, not just reacting to the demands placed on you by outside standards. 2. What is the goal? What is the feeling behind the goal? 3. How can you add that feeling into your daily lives? How can you intentionally add that feeling to your lives? Set intentions for how you want your family to look. 4. Namaste: The peace, the calm, the kindness with my soul recognizes appreciates and adores the peace, the calm within your soul." 5. Corporate culture translates to family culture. 6. John Maxwell: If you don't believe you can invest in yourself, you have a scarcity problem, not a resource problem. 7. Personality styles is like a portrait highlighting your strengths and the way you compliment one another. 8. Mind, body, and soul approach rather than a "band-aid" solution. 9. Personality profiling helps you see members of your family as individuals with dynamic character and needs, communicating and connecting effectively to develop your relationships. 10. Creating a family vision with small children with pictures and simple words or phrases. 11. Shift your perspective of what your children have the potential to become, being humble, teachable. A few sources mentioned or referenced in this episode (note: links below do include affiliate links. I only promote products I can get behind, and by clicking on these links, you may support The Home & Family Culture Podcast and the work that goes into creating it!)  

Dear Friends, Thank you for your support on my journey of discovering my purpose for doing this podcast! I am so excited to get back on the saddle again! I have had my doubts about what I am capable of doing going forward.  I started this podcast with no expectation, and with the attitude that I would not hold on to any outcome because of fear of success.  You thought I was going to say failure!  No. I am sure I will fail a hundred times.  But if I expect to succeed and then don't, then that is the real tragedy. Ultimately, I don't know what will become of this little podcast I feel called to do, but I do hope that it will make an impact in somebody's life.  If one thing I say makes a difference to one person, than it was all worth it.  I hope that what I have to say today will resonate with someone and that it will help that someone make a different choice. Resources mentioned in this episode: (Note these are affiliate links.  By clicking on the links and making a purchase you are supporting me to create this podcast!) Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert The Millionaire Fastlane by MJ DeMarco The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families by Stephen R. Covey The Hands-Off Manager by Steve Chandler Spiderman Disney's Moana Also check out Chatbooks and start creating your family memories and stories! Stories that cultivate our identity create resilient kids. Subscribe, share, comment, and rate! Thank you!  

Today's episode is my conversation with Paul Schulte, a wheelchair basketball player.  He has played in five world championships, and three paralympics throughout his career, and also happens to be a childhood friend of mine.  Paul and I grew up in the same little town in Michigan, and our families were/are very close. I remember the day that he talks about when he and his mom and brother had their accident.  I was very young, but it is one of the only times I ever witnessed my big brother cry.  Yet, looking back over the years, I don't think I have ever felt like Paul let his wheelchair limit him, or make it an excuse.  His story is inspiring, to say the least.  One fond memory I have is the year our church had a pioneer trek for the youth in our area.  We hiked over twenty miles over two days in sweltering heat, up and down hills, across plains with no shade, and through forests.  A lot of people struggled with the heat, and blisters, and even a giant storm that blew around our camp one night.  Paul never missed a beat and trekked along with the strongest of us. A few nuggets I got out of this discussion: Paul's parent's support matched his excitement for a sport. Paul was fueled by his excitement when he saw himself getting better at a sport. He liked challenge. Mentors were in front of him, living life in an active way that inspired him to follow. Life is a product of your own decisions.  Your life is what you make of it, and is a reflection of your daily decision and habits. Everyone's passion has value. When looking to see what a child's passion is, wait, watch, and see what they gravitate towards. Visualize the future. Today's patterns shape your tomorrows. Paul's dad was his mentor, he got Paul excited about his goals, and fostered a vision for Paul rather than create one for him. The one thing that inspires athletes when it comes to family... Listen and find out.   Resources mentioned in this post: Paul's "Real Life" video: Affiliate Links - Books Mentioned in this episode:  

I had the honor of talking with Brad Wilcox about the importance of family culture.  He is incredibly insightful, and it was a real privilege to talk with him. I'll be honest, I have been pretty overwhelmed with my roles lately, and I was starting to question where I wanted to take this podcast. I had this interview scheduled and I knew I didn't want to miss this opportunity.  Talking with Brad helped me remember why I wanted to start this podcast in the first place.  He was great to talk to, and I was inspired again to keep doing this even if it is just for a handful of listeners who may need some inspiration too. Brad is the author of the book The Continuous Atonement, and he deliver the BYU address His Grace is Sufficient.  I just picked up his book at Christmas time and I'm looking forward to reading it.  His talk is one that I read over and over, and I highly recommend it. I hope you enjoy this discussion as much as I did. Below is a video I found of an interview about his book. Mentions in this discussion: The Continuous Atonement His Grace is Sufficient Brigham Young University The Book of Mormon The New Testament Time Out for Women Especially for Youth Education Week Gordon Neufeld The Read Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease Save

Donna Goff, owner of mentoringourown.com discusses how she went from a factory-type home management style to a Shepherding-style home culture through family work, and mirroring The Good Shepherd style of parenting. Donna's Site: MentoringOurOwn.com Affiliate Links - Books mentioned in this episode:

Rachel DeMille of TJEd.org discussing how we can prioritize our family culture and realign with our values.  This is really just a preview of the information that Rachel has available on her website.  She is adding value daily helping families shape their family culture. I would also appreciate if you would look into the DeMille's content on liberty.  Rachel touches on this topic only for a moment, and I didn't have the time or presence of mind to dive into it deeper.  But, more and more our family culture needs to center around liberty, self-government, educating ourselves on current events.  I believe this is a topic very important to the DeMilles. Find Rachel DeMille's work at TJEd.org I also mentioned Leadership Education - The Phases of Learning, and excellent guide by Oliver and Rachel DeMille. Affiliate Links: Listen to your favorite books on Audible, click on the banner below to sign up! #mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; } /* Add your own MailChimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. */ Subscribe to our mailing list * indicates required First Name Email Address * (function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[1]='FNAME';ftypes[1]='text';fnames[0]='EMAIL';ftypes[0]='email';}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true); Book your next cruise now! Great for couple and family retreats! Start your own blog. Sign up for web hosting at Sitground.     

The more I learn about family culture, the more I know it is so important to our development and happiness.  All families have a culture, whether intentional or not, whether good or not.  Our family cultures will lead our children to flourish, or flounder.  When we intentionally cultivate the language and activities of our family culture through the books we read, the activities that foster learning and character building, and through conversations that teach correct principles. Greg has an amazing story, and his work is helping youth develop into balanced individuals by helping them cultivate their spiritual, social, emotional, intellectual, and physical attributes. Thank you for listening. You can find Greg at gregdenning.com and worldschoolacademy.com Instagram Facebook  

Emily Dyke, creator of math curriculum Math Inspirations, the discovery method of math. Emily and I explore how to cultivate curiosity by taking interest in the process of learning truths rather than just being satisfied with the ends, giving kids the power of learning how to learn, empowering them with confidence and trust, and a passion for learning. Find Emily https://mathinspirations.com Facebook Instagram Resources discussed in the episode: Affiliate links -

"When it comes to parenting, Nicholeen Peck is a worldwide phenomenon and leader — and for good reason! Her proven system based on Four Simple Skills transforms even the most out-of-control teenagers and homes from chaos to calm within days. Though she’s an international speaker, author, mentor, former foster parent of many difficult and troubled teens, and even President of the Worldwide Organization for Women (an approved consultant for the United Nations), Nicholeen spends most of her time at home with her husband and four children, which she knows will be her greatest impact and legacy. The fact that she has such an international influence while still being a stay-at-home mom is evidence of the effectiveness of her teachings. Learn more about her mission and methods at www.teachingselfgovernment.com." This Post Contains Affiliate Links: Nicholeen's Work https://teachingselfgovernment.com A House United: Changing Children's Hearts and Behaviors by Teaching Self Government Roles: The Secret to Family, Business, and Social Success BBC World's Strictest Parents Nicholeen Peck Amazon Page Londyn Larae Says Okay (Four Basic Skills Series, Volume 1) Porter Earns a Quarter (Four Basic Skills Series, Volume 2) Big Win for Quin Paije Takes the Stage, Character Building Picture Book, Teaching Manners     Listen to your favorite books on Audible, click on the banner below to sign up! #mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; } /* Add your own MailChimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. */ Subscribe to our mailing list * indicates required First Name Email Address * (function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[1]='FNAME';ftypes[1]='text';fnames[0]='EMAIL';ftypes[0]='email';}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true); Book your next cruise now! Great for couple and family retreats! Start your own blog. Sign up for web hosting at Sitground.     

Stephen Covey also said: "When parents see their children's problems as opportunities to build the relationship instead of as negative, burdensome irritations, it totally changes the nature of parent-child interaction. Parents become more willing, even excited, about deeply understanding and helping their children. . ."   This is not easy.  Being a parent is hard!  Sometimes I just need a little "me" time, amiright?!   There is definitely a place for proper self-care as a parent, but I think we are also asked to make a lot of sacrifices that require putting our kids before ourselves sometimes.  But it is so important to remember that our children are NOT a distraction, they are the purpose.  It's important to establish a family culture where our kids feel like we are available to them, to listen, and to teach.  I once heard about this mom whose kids knew they were loved because they always felt as though she "delighted" in them.  She took notice of what they were doing and she delighted in them.    In one of my favorite stories about being available to our kids, Mary Ann Johnson talked about when her little daughter kept coming to her and interrupting a project she was working on.  She kept coming in, and Mary Ann kept appeasing her superficially and sending her on her way.  Finally, she had done this so many times that she decided that if it happened again this little daughter was going to get a scolding.  But then, just as she heard her coming back, she felt a thought come into her mind that she should give her little daughter a hug and tell her that she loved her.  So she did.  She held that little daughter for just a moment, looked into her eyes and said, I love you.  That was the last time the daughter interrupted her project that day because all she really needed was to know that her mom was available to her and that she loved her.  That was all she needed.   How often to we really see our kids, and just love them for who they are?  They are sons and daughters of God, and they have been entrusted to our care.  What a privilege.  What an honor. 

As I am preparing to launch my podcast soon, I am learning more about the importance of family culture.  I think, so often, our society tries to get us to question who we are, where we come from, and where we are going.  I am learning that, in many ways, our family culture can help us find and create those answers because we establish an understanding of where we come from by creating memories, telling stories about our lives and our histories, establishing roles and traditions, and expectations.  Resilient kids know who they are, where they have come from, and an idea for where they are going.  Here are a couple of sources to look into about this subject:   The Stories that Bind Us -NYTimes The Stories that Bind Us - LDS.org Family Search