At a Glance
- Mel Robbins and entrepreneur Chris Robbins have been married since 1996 after meeting at a 1994 New York City party
- Chris founded wilderness retreat Soul Degree in 2016 and co-owns 143 Studios with Mel
- The couple share three children: daughters Sawyer and Kendall, and son Oakley
- Why it matters: Their 30-year partnership blends business, family adventures and mutual support across multiple ventures
Mel Robbins, the Golden Globe-nominated podcaster and motivational speaker, has built both a media empire and a 30-year love story with husband Chris Robbins. The couple met over bourbon at a black-tie party in 1994, married two years later and now balance co-running companies with raising three adventure-seeking kids.
How They Met Over Drinks and a 2 A.M. Phone Call
At a 1994 Manhattan gala, Mel stood at the bar ordering bourbon when Chris echoed her order from behind. Ten minutes of conversation about their shared love for the outdoors led to Mel’s bold move: she left a voicemail at 2 A.M. suggesting a morning run. They ran, dined and confessed marriage plans on the third date at Jean-Claude’s in SoHo.
From Pizza Start-Ups to Wilderness Retreats
Chris’s entrepreneurial path started after earning a history degree from the University of Vermont and an M.B.A. from Babson. His ventures include:
- Stone Hearth Pizza Co. – co-founded in 2005
- Launch – mobile-banking platform launched 2014
- Soul Degree – men’s wilderness retreat founded August 2016
- 143 Studios – production company where he partners with Mel
He previously held executive roles at Lionbridge and Agency.com.
An Intimate 1996 Lakeside Ceremony
On Aug. 24, 1996, the couple wed at Mel’s family home on Bear Lake, Michigan. They skipped a bridal party, instead asking friends to seat guests and mingle during the vows. Over 200 attendees dined under a lakeside tent, and the newlyweds honeymooned fly-fishing in Montana.
Three Kids, Three Different Creative Paths
The Robbins children arrived in rapid succession:
- Sawyer – born March 6, 1999; co-authored The Let Them Theory and toured with Mel
- Kendall – born Aug. 4, 2000; musician
- Oakley – born March 17, 2005; University of Vermont student
Podcast Appearances and Daily Presence
Chris frequently guests on The Mel Robbins Podcast. In an October 2024 episode the couple distilled nearly 30 years of marriage into one habit: ten-second eye contact in the hallway or kitchen. “Being present” in small moments, Mel insists, keeps their bond fresh.
Mountains, Trucks and Bucket-List Climbs
Outdoor adventures anchor the family. In August 2024 they summited 5,200-foot Mount Katahdin in Maine, joking the hardest part was the eight-hour truck ride. They toured Bali in October 2024, and Chris’s Soul Degree programs emphasize nature-based growth for men.
Public Praise and Mutual Ambitions
Social media tributes highlight their support:
- Mel on Chris’s 54-year-old master’s pursuit in psychology: “Watching you become a death doula and integration therapist is awe-inspiring”
- Chris on Mel’s 2019 talk show: “You are a gift to this world”
These posts underscore a shared philosophy: comfort is optional, growth is mandatory.
Key Takeaways
- Met in 1994, married 1996, three kids by 2005
- Co-own 143 Studios; Chris founded Soul Degree
- Known for outdoor adventures and public displays of mutual support
- Emphasize daily presence and lifelong learning in their relationship
