279: Believing in a Good God in Trying Times Pt. 2 of 2
The Connected Life
In the messiness of humanity there is a world of pain and suffering all around us that we can’t deny. For some of us, reconciling that there’s a good God that could have created a world filled with tragedy and trauma, feels nearly impossible. For many others the greatest hurdle isn’t the world around us, it’s the pain that strikes our personal lives that leaves us confused and questioning our faith. In part 2 of this mini-series, Justin’s best friend Marcus returns to discuss ways to stay anchored to the idea of a good God when circumstances seem to differ. Justin shares openly...
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278: The Healing Impact of Reflecting on a Loving God Pt. 1 of 2
The Connected Life
In part one of this deeply emotional and impactful two-part series, Justin and his best friend Marcus share stories of a radically loving God. Reflecting on their own experiences, they shine a light on how the intimate knowledge of a good and present God has far-reaching emotional and physical impacts. Through miraculous stories of God’s faithfulness and intervention, they remind the world that we’re not alone, left to figure it all out on our own. If you enjoy a dose of hope and a giant injection of goodness, this episode is just what you’re looking for! AND REMEMBER TO CHECK US...
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277: Steps to Conquering Codependency
The Connected Life
Creating connected relationships where we feel like we’re authentic and thriving can seem difficult for many of us. Underlying issues that we don’t understand within ourselves can get in the way of having the experiences we desire. At the center of these difficulties are often codependent behavior patterns that affect an estimated 90 percent of the American population. In this episode, Abi and her best friend Pietze explore codependency and its impact. They discuss two of its main forms, how it’s an adaptive behavior we learn to survive, and ways it limits our authenticity. They...
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276: Navigating Relational Losses
The Connected Life
We’ve all lost relationships at some point in our lives. Whether we created the disconnection, they did, or we both played a role, those losses can be difficult and messy. Sadly, these losses can seemingly leave us worse off than if we never knew the person, but what if it doesn’t have to be that way? In this episode Abi and Justin shine a light on powerful approaches to relational loss. They take a look at having gratitude for what was, how our grief matters, ways to have compassion for others, and surrendering what we think relationships need to be. Justin shares how you can make the...
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275: Identifying and Overcoming Spiritual OCD
The Connected Life
For many of us, our beliefs around spirituality and faith can lead us to heightened levels of anxiety and mental torment, without even realizing it. Our thoughts on God can induce looping mental gymnastics that keep us feeling unlovable and fearful of impending doom. Obsessive-compulsive thoughts of needing to be perfect, in order to please God, can rob us of peace and a life filled with goodness. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode friend and fellow Life Consultant Rachel Hughes joins Abi and Justin to address spiritual OCD and paranoia that comes from having a broken view...
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274: Attachment - A Guide to Human Connection Pt. 2
The Connected Life
Connection is tricky. For some, distance in a relationship seems terrifying, leaving us feeling abandoned and alone. For others, a consistent sense of being close can feel overwhelming, resulting in feeling pulled on and suffocated. Either way, it can lead to unnecessary relational breakdowns when we lack the proper education. Understanding secure attachments can be a game changer! In part two of this two-parter, Abi is joined again by her lifelong best friend Pietze as they continue to create clarity around attachments. They take a deep dive into secure attachments, how a balance of closeness...
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273: Attachment - A Guide to Human Connection Pt. 1
The Connected Life
Creating functional and healthy relationships can feel like a mystery. It’s easy to believe we’re broken and don’t do connection well. But what if understanding our attachment system could redefine how we relate, create compassion for others, and improve our relationships? In part one of this two-part episode, Abi sits down with her lifelong best friend Pietze to discuss attachment styles. They explore attachment theory, how attachment styles develop, and how these styles can wreak havoc on relationships. Together they vulnerably share about the messes they’ve made through not...
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272: Justin’s Near Death Wim Hof Expedition
The Connected Life
In this story of life, death, and rebirth Abi sits down with Justin to discuss his week-long expedition with breath and cold plunge master Wim Hof. Justin candidly shares about his process of being pushed to the brink of his body's capacity, the fear of death he faced, and the healing from trauma he found in the arms of an unlikely person. In the afterglow of his journey, Justin fondly reflects on a community of strangers that fostered radical love that paved the way for a restorative healing experience. If you want to hear an inspiring story that reminds you how good humanity can really be,...
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271: A Vulnerable Conversation About Trauma
The Connected Life
What if a vulnerable conversation could be enough to foster the comfort needed to relieve panic and anxiety? Many of us have history’s littered with painful and traumatic moments that impact our everyday lives. On difficult days, sometimes a loving presence and caring questions are just enough to free us from our funk, while bringing repair to parts of our past. In this episode Justin sits down with a grumpy gal named Abi, who isn’t in the mood to do a podcast. Through thoughtful questions, Justin navigates Abi’s swirl of emotions until they’re able to shine a light on moments of...
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270: The Secret Sauce to Connection
The Connected Life
In 2011 Brene Brown launched a cultural shifting TED Talk called The Power of Vulnerability. Now, with over 20 million views, her clinical research has validated what an entire emotional health industry had been spending years trying to help the world understand, that vulnerability is a vital key to connection and happiness. The question is, if it’s so vital, how do we practically express vulnerability? In this episode Abi and Justin share about misperceptions of what people believe is vulnerability, while shining a light on practical ways to live vulnerably and build deeper...
info_outlineOur time on earth is limited and facing the reality of our mortality can feel scary or morbid. We can easily place our deaths in the back of our minds where we imagine them far off in some distant future and forget how precious each moment truly is. In the end of another person’s life it’s realistic to reflect not only on how they spent it, but also how we’re spending the incredible gift we’ve been given.
In this episode Abi and Justin sit down to discuss the recent loss of Abi’s Uncle Johnny. Abi vulnerably shares about the sad, yet beautiful and redemptive ending to John’s story that left her facing grief while finding healing. Together they celebrate how Johnny lived his life and reflect on the simple yet powerful ways his love left an impact on this world. Lastly, they reminisce about individual moments they had with him while exploring the what a life well lived can look like.
If you’re wanting to feel what it’s like to experience beauty and redemption in the midst of tragedy, this episode will melt your heart and bring you comfort. Don’t miss out!
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