Show Notes
Episode 89. Marriage & Family from 30,000 Feet
Episode 89. Marriage & Family from 30,000 Feet
“Where there is no vision, the people perish.”
~ Proverbs 29:18
Why do my spouse and I fight over such trivial things?
How can we be more connected in our marriage?
How do we create a vision of hope for our family?
In episode 89 of This Whole Life, hosts Kenna & Pat Millea welcome Mike & Alicia Hernon, founders of the Messy Family Project. Together, they dive deep into the importance of building a shared vision for marriage and family, exploring the transformative power of intentionality in daily life. The Hernons share candid stories from parenting ten children and offer insights into their Family Board Meeting — a practical tool for couples to step back from the daily grind and realign on what truly matters. From handling sibling conflict to fostering lifelong bonds within the family, the conversation balances vulnerability, laughter, and actionable wisdom. Listeners will learn how vision shapes family culture, hear guidance for spouses who bristle against setting a family vision, and find inspiration to move beyond survival mode toward thriving family life. Tune in for heartfelt advice, hope, and encouragement from two couples passionate about faith and family.
Mike & Alicia Hernon are co-founders of the Messy Family Project, a ministry dedicated to empowering moms and dads to embrace their sacred calling. Before launching the ministry, Mike was Vice President of Advancement at Franciscan University and host of Franciscan University Presents on EWTN. He holds both a Bachelor’s degree in Theology and a Master’s in Business Administration. Alicia has a degree in Education and is the founder of Mary Seat of Wisdom Classical Community.
Parents of ten children and grandparents to eight, the Hernons have made their home in Steubenville, OH for the past 30 years.
Show Notes
Check out the Hernons’ full Family Board Meeting course or download their FREE Family Board Meeting Guide
Marriage & family require intentionality - it does not work to simply coast to a joyful & lifelong marriage
Committing to small habits today leads to huge fruits in the future
“Where there is no vision, the people perish.”
Proverbs 29:18
Comparison is the thief of joy. It doesn’t help anything to compare myself to other couples or families and put them on a pedestal.
One of the titles for the evil one is the “Accuser.” Don’t do his job for him!
It’s essential to examine my conscience and confess my sins. But self-condemnation & discouragement is a quick road away from the Lord.
The Family Board Meeting helps us to set a vision for the family: Where are we right now? Where do we want to be in a year, or 10 years? How are we going to get there?
Setting a vision for the family takes us out of the seemingly urgent daily matters to the more important higher priorities, values, and goals.
The structure of something like the Family Board Meeting is for the purpose of allowing the marriage & family to thrive; use a structure like this as much as it serves the marriage. The Family Board Meeting should breathe life into the marriage & family.
It takes effort and vulnerability to set a vision for a family, but it’s the only way to true growth!
What’s the one thing that would make the biggest different in our marriage & children?
Pat & Kenna will join the Messy Family Project as guests for an online Date Night in March 2026, so follow them for updates & registration!
The final installment of C.S. Lewis’s space trilogy with “N.I.C.E.” as Pat’s image of modern insurance companies
Challenge By Choice
Download the free Family Board Meeting guide
If you can’t commit to a full day-long or two-day board meeting, begin by taking the guide on a date night and just begin the conversation about setting a vision
Have a Family Board Meeting!
Reflection Questions
For personal reflection or group discussion
What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
Do you have a vision for your family? Can you and your spouse both articulate that vision to your children & others?
What daily issues are most likely to get you stuck in the urgent instead of the important?
What fruits would your family gain from a Family Board Meeting?
What is one step toward the future you hope for your family?