The Family Business with The Alessis: A Christian Parenting and Marriage Podcast

It's time to celebrate...America is turning 250, and so is our podcast!  In our final episode of season 8, Steve and Mary Alessi mark our 250th episode by sharing how faithfulness and consistency lead to success, whether you're starting a podcast or raising a family.  From wrangling toddlers and tackling teens’ screen time battles to managing mistakes and arguments with grace (even after...

Ever wonder what first-time moms truly wish someone would tell them about pregnancy, birth, and becoming a mom? In this transparent and often heartfelt episode, sisters Stephanie Alessi Muiña and Gaby Alessi Calatayud, who are both expecting, get real about the unspoken struggles, surprises, and joys of motherhood. You'll learn why comparing yourself to Instagram-perfect moms can set up unrea...

When every other headline claims that the truth is being hidden from you...who can you REALLY trust?  In this fascinating and timely conversation, Lauren Alessi Burgos and and her long-time friend Dania Montejo dive headfirst into the world of conspiracies—from the French presidency and Michael Jackson’s controversies to UFOs and cloud-manipulating chemtrails.  Together, they unpack how curiosity,...

Good things come to those who wait - and sometimes, to those who wait at the YMCA!  In this incredible episode, you'll be introduced to the final son-in-law in the Alessi family, Daniel Burgos. His journey to meeting and eventually marrying Steve and Mary Alessi's daughter, Lauren, is as surprising and miraculous as you can imagine - a winding road that started in his native Columbia and...

What happens when a young couple has to shift from talking about dream dates, honeymoons and wedding bells, to discussing bills and bank accounts?  In this transparent and real-life talk, Gaby Alessi Calatayud and her husband Christian share their experience of learning to manage their finances together—without losing their unity or peace of mind. They share why they are doing their best to learn...

Are your kids talking back to you? Ignoring your directions? Giving you attitude?  Every child has a way of making their parents feel rejected and disrespected. But how do you know when it's getting out of hand? What are the signs that a child's behavior is crossing the line from misbehavior to a total rejection of your parental authority? In this episode, Steve and Mary Alessi unpack wh...

Can moms love their sons too much ?  No mother wants to hinder their son from becoming a man, but the mother-son dynamic can create major headaches for the entire family if not handled properly.  In this flashback episode from Season 6, we delve into the intricate dynamics of the mother-son relationship and the valuable roles both parents fill in their young man's life.  From discussing the d...

Are you at your wit's end with a child who just won't listen ? Does it mean that you're a bad parent - or are disobedience and emotional meltdowns just a natural part of a child's development?  In this episode, Stephanie Alessi Muina and her husband Chris sit down with their mom, Mary Alessi,  to get some advice and help on the chaotic journey of raising young kids—giving you v...

Who really comes first in a man’s life—his wife, his mother, or his daughter? Step into the heart of family life with Steve and Mary Alessi as they pull back the curtain on the “priority puzzle” every husband and father faces. They share honest, sometimes emotional reflections on balancing love and loyalty between these key women, drawing from personal stories of raising daughters, caring for agin...

How can today's young women handle the pressure to conform to the world's standards of beauty and self-worth? In this episode, sisters Gaby and Stephanie dive deep into how Instagram, TikTok, and influencer culture impact confidence, modesty, and purity—especially for girls and young women. You'll discover why the pursuit of "being pretty” can lead to insecurity, how social med...

Ever feel stuck in life’s waiting room, wondering when your "next" will finally arrive? In this flashback to Season 3, Lauren Alessi and Mary Alessi dive into real talk about the messy, in-between seasons—whether you’re waiting for a new relationship, career move, or just something to change. Drawing from their own journeys, they break down why it’s normal to feel agitated in these pause...

What's it REALLY like to grow up with an identical twin?  In today’s special cross-over episode, we have some exciting news: our podcast family is growing, and you are getting a first look!  Not only has the Alessi family now branched into three different podcasts — including the lively “The Mary and Martha Show” with Mary Alessi and her twin sister, Martha Munizzi—but this episode features a...

Feeling unsure about how to respond to the headlines about Israel, Iran, and the Middle East conflict?  In this episode, the Alessis take a pastoral perspective and break down the real story behind the chaos—examining not just politics, but the spiritual and humanitarian battles at play. They pull back the curtain on how Israel is surrounded by enemies and outnumbered by billions, yet persists aga...

Should preachers address political issues from the pulpit? In this episode, Steve and Mary Alessi pull back the curtain on the tension pastors face when faith, politics, and cultural issues collide as they answer this controversial question. You'll learn how political pressure has ramped up since COVID, and what it really means to preach truth without dividing a congregation. Sharing their ow...

Is it possible that your greatest blessings - your spouse and your children - could also drain your spirit and prevent you from pursuing the hobbies and interests that give you joy?  Parents often find themselves struggling to grow as individuals when their family responsibilities take over their lives - but finding the balance between personal growth and focusing on your marriage and parenting ca...

Ever wonder if God’s still in your corner when your dreams seem stalled? In this transparent episode, Stephanie Alessi Muiña and her husband Christopher Muiña dig into what it really means to trust God during slow seasons of growth—whether you’re wrestling with closed doors, struggling with burnout, or navigating tricky family relationships. You'll hear firsthand experiences from marriage, pa...

Marriage is definitely worth the wait - but do you know what to focus on while you're preparing to marry the love of your life?  In this episode, hosts Gaby Alessi Calatayud and her husband Christian make their debut as a couple on The Family Business and give you an honest, behind-the-scenes view on the first few weeks of newlywed life.  Sharing their journey from childhood friends to marria...

In this episode, you'll discover why your child’s future spouse is more than just a relationship choice—they’re an investment in your family’s future... and how wisdom, clear expectations, and intentional love can help you build strong relationships with your in-laws from the very beginning. Parenting adult children through dating, engagement, and marriage can be both beautiful and complicate...

Are you praying that the person you married becomes more like the person you THOUGHT you married?  In this episode, you'll discover why praying "God, please change my wife / husband" may not be the right kind of prayer... and how you can build a thriving marriage by focusing on personal growth, realistic expectations, and true understanding. Marriage can be beautiful, but it comes w...

Can the things that attracted you to your spouse when you were dating become annoyances when you're married?  Perhaps, but if you make the effort, your differences can become the glue that keeps your marriage strong - even when those differences are like night and day.  In this episode, recorded just before their 5th wedding anniversary, Chris and Richelle Alessi dive deep into the myth and r...

The men had their turn - now the ladies respond.  Mary Alessi and her daughters Stephanie Alessi Muiña, Gaby Alessi Calatayud, and daughter-in-law Richelle Alessi dive into the heart of what women really want men to know. Hint: it’s not about solving every problem, but being heard, valued, and understood.  You'll hear candid laughs about double standards, quiet moments that actually mean some...

Ever wondered what husbands REALLY think about their wives?  Get inside the minds of the men of the Family Business as they candidly unpack what’s going on beneath the surface in their relationships, from why men sometimes go quiet, to what makes them feel truly respected and appreciated. You'll discover how encouragement, shared decision-making, and even small acts of physical affection can...

"It's only a joke..." but is it really?  Humor and sarcasm can be tricky in relationships—sometimes it’s playful, and other times it cuts deeper than intended. In this episode, you'll discover how joking, sarcasm, and humor play vital roles in healthy relationships—and what happens when jokes cross the line and reveal serious communication issues. Drawing from wisdom gained aft...

In this episode, we cover our best strategies for improving communication in marriage -  so that even your arguments can be turned into opportunities to build a stronger relationship with your spouse.  Communication challenges are at the heart of most relationship struggles, whether it's disagreements over chores, different ways of processing conflict, or mismatched expectations. Couples ofte...

Ever feel overwhelmed by the endless decisions you have to make as a parent - not to mention the barrage of advice from experts with ever-changing opinions?  In this episode, we get the treat of having two of the next generation Alessi couples in the podcast booth -  Chris Muina and Stephanie Alessi Muina, and Richelle and Christopher Alessi.  Together, they are jumping into the raw realities of r...