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 and scmegale.com.

Thank you for listening—and for being part of a community that believes in learning, growing, and showing up for one another.

Send us a book suggestion :)

• Download the discussion guides and other free resources at totalfamily.io/family-book-club.
• Learn more about how Hue Partners helps advisors with their mergers and acquisitions at HuePartners.com.
• Discover the power of family coaching at TotalFamily.io.
• Check out the Playful Humans Podcast to rediscover the power of play as an adult!

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

Thank you for listening!

Send us a book suggestion :)

• Download the discussion guides and other free resources at totalfamily.io/family-book-club.
• Learn more about how Hue Partners helps advisors with their mergers and acquisitions at HuePartners.com.
• Discover the power of family coaching at TotalFamily.io.
• Check out the Playful Humans Podcast to rediscover the power of play as an adult!

Send us a book suggestion :)

Are you ready to break free from autopilot and discover what truly makes life worthwhile? In this episode of Family Book Club, hosts Alex Kirby and Emily Blue sit down with Matthew Croasmun—co-author of Life Worth Living: A Guide to What Matters Most, and the creative force behind Yale’s Life Worth Living Program. This transformative book challenges us to reexamine our everyday habits and align our actions with our deepest values, offering practical frameworks for intentional living and inviting you to embark on a journey toward lasting fulfillment and meaningful connections.

Episode Highlights

(1:55) Asking the Big Questions:
Matthew draws on his experience teaching curious undergrads. Sharing how students learn to shift from routine survival to intentional, value-driven living.

(13:15) Family and Listening:
Family is where we learn to truly listen to the people we love, and that practice helps us embrace different viewpoints with genuine compassion.

(46:30) Vision in Action:
When you share your vision with your spouse or family—whether it's mapping out your perfect day or planning an ideal event—it works wonders for aligning expectations and creating a shared roadmap for success.

(51:44) A Call to Live Well
Matthew shares a standout affirmation: "Your life is worth living well. Your life is too valuable to be guided by anything less than what matters most."

This is a call to action—a gentle wake-up call urging us to pause, reflect, and ensure that every choice we make aligns with our deepest values.

Thank you for listening!

• Download the discussion guides and other free resources at totalfamily.io/family-book-club.
• Learn more about how Hue Partners helps advisors with their mergers and acquisitions at HuePartners.com.
• Discover the power of family coaching at TotalFamily.io.
• Check out the Playful Humans Podcast to rediscover the power of play as an adult!