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

God, Please Change My Spouse! What to Do When Your Marriage Expectations Don’t Match Reality

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 with some real challenges—especially when the quirks and habits that once seemed cute become real irritants. To help you navigate this common struggle in marriage, Steve and Mary Alessi explore how to identify when a quirk is just that—and when a situation may warrant setting up healthy boundaries. If you're looking for practical, faith-based advice to strengthen your relationship, avoid common pitfalls, and find humor in the journey, this episode is for you. Whether you're newly married or decades in, you'll walk away with actionable insights for building a marriage that lasts.Key topics in this episode:Why praying for your spouse to change may be the wrong approachThe "couch dance": How dating evolves into marriageHandling personality differences and minor irritantsWhen to set boundaries for serious issuesDon't forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and share with friends who need encouragement for their marriage journey. Family is everybody's business!Support the showJOIN THE FAMILY BUSINESS WITH OUR NEWSLETTER Sign Up for Our Family Business Newsletter and get more inside news from the Alessis + tips and strategies for a happier family! Get free access to the newsletter TEXT THE FAMILY BUSINESS DIRECTLY You can connect with us via text to ask family questions and get updates on The Family Business! Text FAMILY to 302-524-0800 CONNECT WITH THE FAMILY BUSINESS Follow Us on Instagram and Facebook Subscribe on YouTube Leave a review MORE PODCASTS YOU'LL ENJOY Listen to the Alessi sisters' daily devotional podcast My Morning Devotional Follow Our New Podcast with Mary Alessi and her twin sister Martha Munizzi Watch The Mary and Martha Show

Do Opposites Still Attract? How Celebrating Your Differences Makes Your Marriage Stronger

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 reality of “opposites attract” in marriage, sharing candid stories from their own journey. From awkward first encounters and hilarious miscommunications to learning how to process conflicts and celebrate opposing personality traits, they reveal how their differences have shaped their relationship—and sometimes challenged it.You'll learn practical tips on effective marriage communication, building trust as a couple, and using personality differences as strengths rather than sources of division. Chris and Richelle open up about:Navigating literal vs. general communication stylesDealing with conflict when one spouse needs time to processHow family and sibling dynamics affect early dating and marriage decisionsLearning to trust and support each other’s strengthsUsing differences to enrich the family, especially when raising kidsWhy personality and communication habits change across seasons of marriageIf you want to strengthen your marriage, build mutual respect, and find fun in the unique ways you and your spouse are wired, this episode is for you!Support the showJOIN THE FAMILY BUSINESS WITH OUR NEWSLETTER Sign Up for Our Family Business Newsletter and get more inside news from the Alessis + tips and strategies for a happier family! Get free access to the newsletter TEXT THE FAMILY BUSINESS DIRECTLY You can connect with us via text to ask family questions and get updates on The Family Business! Text FAMILY to 302-524-0800 CONNECT WITH THE FAMILY BUSINESS Follow Us on Instagram and Facebook Subscribe on YouTube Leave a review MORE PODCASTS YOU'LL ENJOY Listen to the Alessi sisters' daily devotional podcast My Morning Devotional Follow Our New Podcast with Mary Alessi and her twin sister Martha Munizzi Watch The Mary and Martha Show

SHE Said: What Wives Wish Their Husbands Understood About Them

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 something, and learn why one small effort (think surprise ice cream or a morning coffee) can transform a wife's day.With real-life stories on teamwork, compromise, respect, and the power of feeling safe, these wives break down how deep connection often comes from small, intentional acts—not perfection.Tune in as they spill behind-the-scenes secrets that could help both husbands and wives crack the code on communication, affection, and building a home where everyone feels truly seen.REMINDER: Make sure you hear the men's "What He Said" episode so you get both sides of this conversation! Tap HERE to hear the men's episodeSupport the showJOIN THE FAMILY BUSINESS WITH OUR NEWSLETTER Sign Up for Our Family Business Newsletter and get more inside news from the Alessis + tips and strategies for a happier family! Get free access to the newsletter TEXT THE FAMILY BUSINESS DIRECTLY You can connect with us via text to ask family questions and get updates on The Family Business! Text FAMILY to 302-524-0800 CONNECT WITH THE FAMILY BUSINESS Follow Us on Instagram and Facebook Subscribe on YouTube Leave a review MORE PODCASTS YOU'LL ENJOY Listen to the Alessi sisters' daily devotional podcast My Morning Devotional Follow Our New Podcast with Mary Alessi and her twin sister Martha Munizzi Watch The Mary and Martha Show

HE Said: 10 Things Men Wish Their Wives Understood

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 have a huge impact on marriage.Steve Alessi, along with his son Chris and sons-in-law Chris Muina and Christian Calatayud, share relatable stories about the pressure to provide and protect, the importance of harmony at home, and how each guy navigates conflict and communicates pride in their spouse.With moments of humor and honest vulnerability, the conversation offers practical wisdom for anyone looking to build stronger relationships. Plus, there’s a twist—the wives will get their chance to respond, promising even more insight to come.Support the showJOIN THE FAMILY BUSINESS WITH OUR NEWSLETTER Sign Up for Our Family Business Newsletter and get more inside news from the Alessis + tips and strategies for a happier family! Get free access to the newsletter TEXT THE FAMILY BUSINESS DIRECTLY You can connect with us via text to ask family questions and get updates on The Family Business! Text FAMILY to 302-524-0800 CONNECT WITH THE FAMILY BUSINESS Follow Us on Instagram and Facebook Subscribe on YouTube Leave a review MORE PODCASTS YOU'LL ENJOY Listen to the Alessi sisters' daily devotional podcast My Morning Devotional Follow Our New Podcast with Mary Alessi and her twin sister Martha Munizzi Watch The Mary and Martha Show

Jokes or Jabs? How To Embrace Humor in your Relationships Without Hurting Feelings

"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 after nearly 40 years of marriage, Steve and Mary Alessi open up about their own approach to humor, how sarcasm shaped their families, and how laughter can create closeness or mask deeper issues. You'll discover why some couples thrive by balancing seriousness and lightheartedness, and how to read the room when humor is (or isn’t) appropriate.Learn how joking can be a sign of trust and intimacy—but also where it may hide unspoken truths, cause pain, or erode safety in marriage, family, or even business teams. If you want stronger connections at home or work, you'll find practical tips for being mindful of your words, knowing when to turn off sarcasm, and embracing moments of seriousness - so you'll know when your partner's feelings are no laughing matter.Support the showJOIN THE FAMILY BUSINESS WITH OUR NEWSLETTER Sign Up for Our Family Business Newsletter and get more inside news from the Alessis + tips and strategies for a happier family! Get free access to the newsletter TEXT THE FAMILY BUSINESS DIRECTLY You can connect with us via text to ask family questions and get updates on The Family Business! Text FAMILY to 302-524-0800 CONNECT WITH THE FAMILY BUSINESS Follow Us on Instagram and Facebook Subscribe on YouTube Leave a review MORE PODCASTS YOU'LL ENJOY Listen to the Alessi sisters' daily devotional podcast My Morning Devotional Follow Our New Podcast with Mary Alessi and her twin sister Martha Munizzi Watch The Mary and Martha Show