Family Book Club

Playful Humans by Mike Montague

What does it mean to take play seriously? In the joyful season finale of Family Book Club, hosts Alex Kirby and Emily Blue sit down with Mike Montague—author of Playful Humans—to explore why fun isn’t just a childhood phase but a lifelong necessity. With a career spanning entertainment, content creation, and coaching, Mike brings a fresh and energizing lens to what it means to live fully, avoid burnout, and reconnect with joy. Together, they reflect on how play evolves with age, why adults often forget its value, and how we can bring more intentional lightness into our homes, relationships, and work. From redefining success to deepening communication with loved ones, this episode is an invitation to laugh more, stress less, and keep the game going. Whether you're craving more fun in your daily life or just curious about what’s possible when we prioritize play, this conversation is the permission slip you didn’t know you needed.  Episode 6 Highlights: Playful Humans with Mike Montague "Kids know how to have fun. Adults have forgotten." (8:01) Mike introduces one of the episode’s core insights: play comes naturally to kids—but somewhere along the way, adults are taught to suppress it. "Everyone's got their thing. You do you!" (11:04) Rather than chase trends or fit in, Mike encourages listeners to find joy in their kind of play—whatever that may look like. "It depends on what your goals are..." (17:09) Not all play is created equal. Mike unpacks how different games serve different purposes—connection, competition, creativity—and why intention matters. "As parents, we have been conditioned..." (27:17) Mike reflects on how grown-ups often expect kids to play their way—and why letting go of rules can open the door to real, meaningful fun. "Fighting through the initial reaction..." (46:28) The resistance adults feel toward play—and how just a few minutes of saying “yes” can shift the entire mood of a group. For more from Mike Montague, visit playfulhumans.com [https://playfulhumans.com] or check out the Playful Humans Podcast [https://podcast.playfulhumans.com/?_gl=1*nhrb2c*_ga*MjAzOTA2OTUwNi4xNzUzNDkxNDE4*_ga_DZPZN5MVER*czE3NTM0OTE0MTgkbzEkZzEkdDE3NTM0OTE2NTEkajE1JGwwJGgw] for weekly inspiration on finding fun, fighting burnout, and rediscovering your spark. Thank you for listening to Family Book Club. If this episode brought a smile, a shift, or a new perspective, please subscribe, share it with someone you love, and remember: Read more. Scroll less. Stay connected. * Download the discussion guides and other free resources at totalfamily.io/family-book-club [https://www.totalfamily.io/family-book-club]. * Learn more about how Hue Partners helps advisors with their mergers and acquisitions at HuePartners.com [https://huepartners.com/]. * Discover the power of family coaching at TotalFamily.io [https://www.totalfamily.io/].  * Check out the Playful Humans Podcast [https://podcast.playfulhumans.com/] to rediscover the power of play as an adult!

Wealth 3.0 by James Grubman, Dennis Jaffe & Kristin Keffeler

What does it mean to guide wealth in the modern world? In this episode of Family Book Club, hosts Alex Kirby and Emily Blue sit down with Dr. Jim Grubman, internationally respected psychologist, family advisor, and co-author of Wealth 3.0: The Future of Family Wealth Advising, for a deep and refreshingly human conversation about how wealth—and the way we talk about it—is changing. Many don’t realize it, but wealth advising as we know it is still in its infancy—just 40 years old. And today, it’s undergoing a quiet but radical transformation. Dr. Grubman helps us understand why the old paradigms of “protect the money at all costs” are giving way to something far more meaningful: a vision of wealth grounded in purpose, empowerment, and inclusive legacy-building. Together, they explore how families can move from fear-based mindsets to open, values-aligned conversations—whether they’re planning their estate, raising children in affluence, or navigating generational change. With warmth and clarity, Jim shares how the most successful families are those who integrate—not just manage—their wealth across every part of life. Whether you’re an advisor, a parent, or a member of the rising generation, this episode offers a new lens through which to see your story—and your future. Episode 5 Highlights: Wealth 3.0 with Jim Grubman “Seeing wealth more positively and with more possibility.” (6:00) Jim introduces the central ethos of Wealth 3.0: reframing affluence from anxiety and fear to opportunity and growth. “What do we keep, let go, and learn?” (7:00) A set of questions every family and advisor can use to evolve across generations—without losing their center. "From trusted advisor to trusted team." (9:00) Why single-expert models are no longer enough—and how collaboration builds stronger outcomes for families. "Wealth is a new culture." (24:00) Jim compares wealth to a culture—with creators as immigrants and inheritors as natives—unlocking empathy across generational lines. "The 10 Domains of Family Wealth." (28:00) A groundbreaking model that maps the real-life needs of families—from legal and financial to emotional, relational, and educational. "You're not entitled to their loyalty." (40:30) Jim delivers a wake-up call to advisors: if you haven’t earned trust from the next generation, don’t expect their retention.  "Wealth is a curriculum." (47:00) Rather than “the money talk,” Jim advocates for a lifelong learning model—where financial literacy grows alongside self-awareness. Find the referenced material covering the 10 Domains of Family Wealth, here [https://www.uhnwinstitute.org/pdfs/UHNW10domains.pdf]. For more insights from Dr. Jim Grubman, visit jamesgrubman.com [https://www.jamesgrubman.com] or explore his latest book Wealth 3.0, co-authored with Dennis Jaffe and Kristin Keffeler. Thank you for listening to Family Book Club. If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, share it with a friend, and remember: Read more. Scroll less. Stay connected. * Download the discussion guides and other free resources at totalfamily.io/family-book-club [https://www.totalfamily.io/family-book-club]. * Learn more about how Hue Partners helps advisors with their mergers and acquisitions at HuePartners.com [https://huepartners.com/]. * Discover the power of family coaching at TotalFamily.io [https://www.totalfamily.io/].  * Check out the Playful Humans Podcast [https://podcast.playfulhumans.com/] to rediscover the power of play as an adult!

The Soul of Wealth: Daniel Crosby on Money, Meaning, and the Art of Living Well

What does it mean to be truly wealthy? Is wealth just about what’s in your bank account—or does it have more to do with the relationships, purpose, and meaning we cultivate along the way? In this episode of Family Book Club, hosts Alex Kirby and Emily Blue sit down with behavioral finance expert and bestselling author Daniel Crosby for a heartfelt conversation about his latest work, The Soul of Wealth: 50 Reflections on Money and Meaning. Together, they explore the surprising ways our money habits shape not only our financial lives but also our families, friendships, and personal fulfillment. From navigating the classic tension of spending for today vs. saving for tomorrow, to learning how small moments of gratitude can shift your entire outlook, this episode is full of insights to help you think differently—and more intentionally—about the role of money in your life. Whether you’re seeking ways to foster healthier conversations about money at home, looking to align your financial life with your values, or simply curious about how small mindset shifts can lead to big life changes, this episode offers both inspiration and practical takeaways. Episode 4 Highlights: The Soul of Wealth "Money meets meaning." (3:40) Daniel explains the core message of his book: how our abundant material wealth today must be paired with purpose and connection to truly satisfy. "We swim in our own water." (9:45) The group discusses how family upbringing shapes our money mindset—and how understanding those invisible influences can heal generational conflict around spending vs. saving. "The ‘I’ll be happy when’ trap." (11:10) Emily shares how this powerful reflection in Daniel’s book resonated with her experience coaching clients and navigating personal goals. "Five minutes of gratitude is a game-changer." (14:45) Daniel reveals research showing that a simple daily gratitude practice can boost happiness as much as common medications—with zero side effects. "Believing, belonging, and becoming." (29:05) A preview of Daniel’s next project, outlining a framework for finding life purpose through values, relationships, and growth. For more insights from Daniel Crosby, visit his Standard Deviations Podcast [https://www.standarddeviationspod.com/] or follow him on LinkedIn at Daniel Crosby, PhD. Thank you for listening! * Download the discussion guides and other free resources at totalfamily.io/family-book-club [https://www.totalfamily.io/family-book-club]. * Learn more about how Hue Partners helps advisors with their mergers and acquisitions at HuePartners.com [https://huepartners.com/]. * Discover the power of family coaching at TotalFamily.io [https://www.totalfamily.io/].  * Check out the Playful Humans Podcast [https://podcast.playfulhumans.com/] to rediscover the power of play as an adult!

American Boy: The Opioid Crisis and the Sister Left Behind by S.C. Megale

How do we support the people we love—and speak openly about the struggles so many face in silence? In this powerful episode of Family Book Club, hosts Alex Kirby and Emily Blue sit down with sisters S.C. Megale and Kelley Megale to discuss American Boy: The Opioid Crisis and the Sister Left Behind. Told through S.C.’s perspective as the youngest sibling, the book captures the life and loss of her brother Matt—who died of an overdose in 2017—and the enduring love that continues in his name. Recorded on the anniversary of Matt’s passing, this conversation is a moving tribute to his life and a candid look at the realities of addiction. With courage and grace, the Megale sisters share their story—offering hope, honesty, and a reminder that we are never as alone as we feel. Together, we explore how families can show up for one another, why telling hard truths can be a form of healing, and how compassion—not shame—can change lives. We’re deeply grateful to S.C. and Kelley for inviting us into such an intimate and generous conversation. Episode 3 Highlights: American Boy “You matter.” (~11:00) A simple truth S.C. writes in every signed copy—and one we all need to hear and say more often. “Is it more important to be right—or to save lives?” (~14:00) A bold question that challenges how we think, talk, and act around addiction—at home and in society. “How can I best support you when you're struggling?” (~26:00) A powerful invitation to create deeper understanding, trust, and connection within our families. To support others or learn more about the Megale family’s work, visit AmericanBoy.org [http://americanboy.org] and scmegale.com [http://scmegale.com]. Thank you for listening—and for being part of a community that believes in learning, growing, and showing up for one another. * Download the discussion guides and other free resources at totalfamily.io/family-book-club [https://www.totalfamily.io/family-book-club]. * Learn more about how Hue Partners helps advisors with their mergers and acquisitions at HuePartners.com [https://huepartners.com/]. * Discover the power of family coaching at TotalFamily.io [https://www.totalfamily.io/].  * Check out the Playful Humans Podcast [https://podcast.playfulhumans.com/] to rediscover the power of play as an adult!

Right Place, Right Time by Ryan Frederick

How can we embrace change—and in what ways can it enrich both our lives and our family's lives? The choices we make about where we live profoundly shape our health, relationships, and overall well-being—especially as we move through different seasons of life. In this episode of Family Book Club, hosts Alex Kirby and Emily Blue sit down with Ryan Frederick—author of Right Place, Right Time: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Home for the Second Half of Life. Together, they explore how intentional decisions about place can help us adapt to life’s changes, support our evolving needs, and foster greater connection, purpose, and longevity. Whether you're planning for the future or rethinking your current space, this conversation offers fresh insights into how the right place can help you thrive at the right time. Episode 2 Highlights: Right Place, Right Time "Home is where your health is." (6:45)  Ryan underscores how our surroundings influence well-being on every level—physical, emotional, social, and even financial. "In what ways is our place nudging us to be the best version of ourselves?" (28:23)  A powerful prompt to reflect on whether your environment supports the life you want—or subtly steers you off course. Do you know your neighbors? (36:00)  This moment dives into the role of community in a fulfilling life and how taking small steps to connect can lead to big impacts. For more from Ryan, head to the Home of Place Planning - Here.Life [https://www.here.life/] Thank you for listening! * Download the discussion guides and other free resources at totalfamily.io/family-book-club [https://www.totalfamily.io/family-book-club]. * Learn more about how Hue Partners helps advisors with their mergers and acquisitions at HuePartners.com [https://huepartners.com/]. * Discover the power of family coaching at TotalFamily.io [https://www.totalfamily.io/].  * Check out the Playful Humans Podcast [https://podcast.playfulhumans.com/] to rediscover the power of play as an adult!