Music and kids go together. In this episode, my guest plays EVERY instrument in the band. He's singer/musician Robert Berry (from "3" with Keith Emerson and Carl Palmer, Ambrosia, The Greg Kihn Band, and countless other shows and projects with the likes of Sammy Hagar, The Tubes, and members of Boston, etc.). Robert helps us understand why thinking beyond just learning ONE instrument is SO IMPORTANT for your family.

Robert is the owner and operator of his own recording studio, Soundtek Studios in  Campbell, CA (www.soundtekstudios.com). To contact Robert and learn more about his music, please see www.RobertBerry.com. 

My second guest is Alan Sarver, Chair of the Bay Area's SchoolForce Save the MusicFestival in Belmont, CA. Alan shares with us how music students learn more than just how to play their instuments. He can be reached at www.schoolforce.org/events/save-the-music/.

 

- Chris Jackson 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we see the sad news about people losing their lives while pursuing their passions, we reflect on the family member(s) we all know take more risks than anyone else.

According to my guest, expressing your concern for their safety need not be as difficult as you think.

My guest, Jay Harnden, has helped make stronger families for years as a teacher, life coach and family coach Northern California. After years of success working with Father Matters, helping men become better fathers, Jay has developed Family Coaching Solutions at FamCoach.com. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we lose a loved one, the last thing we need is stress over memorial arrangements. Unfortunately, most families experience this stress.

My guest, Keith Strachan from Alameda Family Funeral and Cremation in Saratoga, California, explains the easiest way to avoid that stress.

- Chris Jackson

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A huge chunk of our family's income goes to renting or buying, so building stronger families means knowing the most simple way to decide between the two, and if buying, how to take advantage of money saving offers that may fit your situation.

Many buyers choose not to take advantage of these buying opportunities. My guest, Gary Shapiro, Real Estate Broker for Keller Williams Bay Area Estates in Los Gatos, California, explains when to rent, when to buy, and how YOU can decide on the loan that won't WASTE your money.

With this knowledge, you won't have to rely on bankers, agents, and others to bring to your attention all of the options that might fit your family's financial situation. After all, no one cares more about the best interest of your family than you, right?

Gary can be reached at (408) 315-2377 or [email protected].

https://garyshapiro.kw.com

- Chris Jackson

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many families choose not to take advantage of meeting with a school counselor. My guest, Steve Torode, Freshman Guidance Counselor at Valley Christian High School in San Jose, explains why a meeting with a school counselor could very well be a life-changing experience for your student and family, even if you don't see a reason for the meeting right now.

You'll learn a lot from Steve's wisdom and experience in the field of education (where he's also served as a school principal), and from his experience as a parent.

- Chris Jackson

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After you get the FIRST one out of the way - it gets way easier! So here comes help for your first real family talk about feelings of loss, fear, disappointment, and more.

My guest is Ken St. George, LMFT (licensed marriage and family therapist) in the San Jose area. Ken walks us through the easiest way to initiate awkward family talks, how to react to comments by family members within the conversation, and a simple way to end the talk.

Ken St. George has an office in San Jose close to Santana Row, and can be reached at: (408) 261-2481 ext. 1.

- Chris Jackson 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Once you get the FIRST one out of the way - it gets really easy. Talking to family members about feelings of loss, fear, and disappointment gets easier each time you do it.

My guest is Ken St. George, LMFT (licensed marriage and family therapist) in the San Jose area. Ken walks us through the easiest way to initiate awkward family talks, how to react to comments by family members within the conversation, and a simple way to end the talk.

Ken St. George has an office in San Jose close to Santana Row, and can be reached at: (408) 261-2481 ext. 1.

- Chris Jackson 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we saw the video of football star Tom Brady holding his daughter's hand while he led their jump off a cliff into the water below, we wondered, was that worth the risk? Many family members are thought of as too safety conscious and over-protective when it comes to taking risks.

According to my guest, if you take a few minutes to explain your concern to family or friends, you may find that they won't think of you that way.

My guest, Jay Harnden, has helped make stronger families for years as a teacher, life coach and family coach Northern California. After years of success working with Father Matters, helping men become better fathers, Jay has developed Family Coaching Solutions at FamCoach.com. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You'd do anything to save a family member or friend's life, right? Learn how to do what most people won't - get someone to a cancer screening. Including yourself!

My guest is Corrie Bonin, Event Leader for Relay For Life (American Cancer Society) in the Bay Area. Corrie is overseeing a fundraising event to help the fight against breast cancer: Relay For Life of South County, Hecker Pass Winery: Hecker Pass Rd., Gilroy, CA. Dinner, live music, auctions, raffles, and more: 3:00pm-10:00pm, September 8, 2019. $40 per person/$70 per couple.

More information: [email protected]

More on Relay For Life:

https://secure.acsevents.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=relay

- Chris Jackson 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here on Stronger Families, we've been bringing you great tips to keep your family safe in the car with all the drinking & driving that comes with summer. This episode, learn how to navigate awkward conversations about driving safely amidst peer pressure. My guest is Tully Wachtelborn, co-founder of The At Risk Youth Foundation in the Bay Area. She's got first hand experience with the law enforcement side of driving under the influence and distracted driving, and she's served giving notifications to families who've lost a loved one to DUI.

To learn more or contact Tully: http://theatriskyouthfoundation.com.

- Chris Jackson  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.