The Connected Life
The Connected Life is a thought-provoking conversation about all the beautiful and messy ups and downs of life. Join Life Consultants Justin & Abi Stumvoll as they share vulnerable stories and practical wisdom that will lead you on a journey of connecting with yourself, others, and the world right in front of you. Their authentic, no-BS style will make you laugh, challenge you to dig deep, face your fears, and inspire you to love yourself and others more.
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350: Is Therapy a Scam?
09/15/2025
350: Is Therapy a Scam?
In a modern world with more access to therapy than ever before, the increase in emotional health seems to be accompanied by people who are more fragile and incapable than ever before. Which begs the question: Is therapy a scam? And if not, with so many modalities out there, what is the right path for you? In this episode, Justin and Abi get personal about the moments therapy helped and the moments it missed the mark. They unpack why some counseling models fall short, what actually brings lasting healing, and how to find a therapist who’s a good fit for you. From emotional release to nervous system safety, reparative experiences to real empowerment, they break down the most important things to look for—and what to avoid. Whether you’re new to therapy or wondering if it’s time to find someone else, this conversation will help you trust your gut and advocate for what you need. You can WATCH us at Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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349: Is Emotional Health Your Religion?
09/08/2025
349: Is Emotional Health Your Religion?
In this episode, Justin and Abi explore how emotional health, once rooted in compassion, can begin to mirror the rigid structures of religion. They unpack how judgment, superiority, and performative belonging often hijack tools meant for connection and healing. With honesty and humor, they reflect on how emotional health can lead us toward love and humility, yet sometimes becomes a weapon of shame and exclusion. Through personal stories and cultural insight, they invite listeners to ask: Am I using emotional tools to connect, or to separate? This conversation is a call back to compassion, nuance, and the kind of boundaries that don’t require someone else to be “bad” for us to feel safe. You can WATCH us at Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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348: How to Get What You Want
09/01/2025
348: How to Get What You Want
Most relationship conflict isn’t about the issue at hand—it’s about whose anxiety gets cared for. Whether it’s parenting, money, cleaning, or how often you see friends, couples often end up in a tug-of-war, each fighting for relief. But what if the goal wasn’t winning… but finding a third option where you both get what you need? In this episode, Justin and Abi dive deep into the art of healthy negotiation. They unpack why so many of us default to passivity, demands, or self-abandonment—and how childhood experiences shape the way we advocate for our wants and needs. Through real-life stories and playful banter, they offer practical ways to replace power struggles with curiosity, co-creation, and emotional win-wins. If you’ve ever felt stuck in resentment, misunderstood in your relationship, or unsure how to get your needs met without conflict—this episode will give you language, hope, and a way forward. You can WATCH us at Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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347: Why Success Nearly Broke Me
08/25/2025
347: Why Success Nearly Broke Me
When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to reach for anything that helps us escape. For some, it’s alcohol or substances. For others, it’s overworking, scrolling, conflict, or control. The ways we cope are endless and often keep us from fully living. But what if instead of coping, life was more about what you choose to experience? In this episode, Justin and Abi are joined by their close friend and owner of The Adventure Challenge Bryant Ellis. In this powerful conversation, Bryant candidly shares how his success nearly broke him. He also discusses how his own journey led him from disconnection and destructive coping to a life marked by presence, honesty, and emotional responsibility. Together, they unpack what it means to stop numbing and start engaging with life—especially the parts we’d rather avoid. This episode is for anyone who’s ready to stop running and start returning to themselves. It'll help you recognize your patterns—and offer a hopeful path toward living with more intention, connection, and peace. You can WATCH us at Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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346: When to Walk Away
08/18/2025
346: When to Walk Away
Some relationships help you grow—and some slowly pull you away from who you really are. So how do you know when it’s time to walk away? In this episode, Justin and Abi unpack the key signs that a relationship may not be right for you—from emotional distress and mismatched values to unhealed patterns and behaviors that erode your sense of self. They explore the difference between growth pains and relational red flags, offering honest stories from their own past breakups and the lessons they learned along the way. Whether you tend to stay too long, leave too early, or feel stuck in confusion, this conversation will help you build clarity, self-respect, and the courage to choose relationships that align with your values. You can WATCH us at Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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345: When to Lock it Down
08/11/2025
345: When to Lock it Down
Choosing who to commit to isn’t just about attraction or chemistry—it’s about alignment in values, emotional health, and the ability to grow together. But what are the signs that it's time to lock it down? In this episode, Justin and Abi explore the essential markers of a thriving relationship—like emotional resilience, shared core values, the ability to repair after conflict, and a mutual commitment to growth. They share candid stories from their own relationship, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how they navigated misaligned expectations, shifting values, and the fears that come with commitment. If you’ve ever wondered whether your relationship has what it takes to last—or if you’re already married and want to strengthen your foundation—this conversation offers grounded, practical insight to help you evaluate, grow, and build something that can actually go the distance. You can WATCH us at Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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344: The Cure to Relationship Drama
08/04/2025
344: The Cure to Relationship Drama
Most of us think we’re being observant when we’re really just making snap judgments. Our brains are designed to make quick assumptions—to keep us safe—but in relationships, those assumptions can quietly erode connection. But what if there was a way to promote safety and strengthen the relationship? In this episode, Justin and Abi unpack the power of curiosity as an antidote to relational drama, disconnection, and unspoken resentment. They explore how misunderstandings show up in marriages, friendships, workplaces—even parenting—and how easy it is to misread someone’s actions without ever checking in. Lastly they share how to implement curiosity in ways that are practical and easily doable no matter where you’re at in the process. With humor, honesty, and actionable wisdom, this episode will help you slow down, ask better questions, and create more safety and clarity in your connections. You can WATCH us at Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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343: Become a Badass at Dating Pt. 2
07/28/2025
343: Become a Badass at Dating Pt. 2
Falling for someone is easy. But building something that actually lasts? That takes a whole different skill set. In part two of this series, Justin and Abi are joined by Bryant Ellis, the owner and CEO of The Adventure Challenge to take a plunge into what really matters after the first few dates. They explore the difference between red flags and nervous system triggers, how to recognize someone’s true character over time, and why curiosity is more important than snap judgment. They also unpack why so many people lose attraction in long-term relationships, the key mindset shifts that help relationships stay connected and alive, and how to navigate major differences in beliefs and values. If you’ve ever wondered how to spark love and keep the flame burning bright, this episode is just right for you! You can WATCH us at Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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342: Become a Badass at Dating Pt. 1
07/21/2025
342: Become a Badass at Dating Pt. 1
Many of us didn’t grow up learning how to date in a world of endless options and quick rejections, and those of us who have don't know a life without it. So it’s no wonder so many people feel disoriented, burned out, or discouraged by the dating scene. In this episode, Justin and Abi are joined by Bryant Ellis, owner and CEO of The Adventure Challenge, for a candid conversation about how online dating is changing our brains—and what it takes to stay grounded and authentic in the process. Together, they explore the hidden impact of dating app culture, how to stay human in the middle of it, and what to do with the fear of rejection that stops so many people from putting themselves out there. They also talk about how to approach dating with purpose instead of passivity, how to create a plan for emotional resilience, and how to build genuine connection in a culture of swiping. If you’ve ever wondered how to date with clarity and confidence (without losing your soul in the process), this episode is for you! You can WATCH us at Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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341: Staying Connected When Life Gets Stressful
07/14/2025
341: Staying Connected When Life Gets Stressful
We all hit seasons where life feels too big to carry—and often, our relationships take the hit. Stress doesn’t just affect our schedules; it hijacks our emotions, shrinks our capacity, and makes the people we love feel like the problem instead of the support. In this episode, Justin and Abi get personal about what stress has looked like in their relationship—from the chaos of remodeling their house to raising a new puppy. They share how stress brought out their worst patterns, triggered old wounds, and tested their ability to stay connected. Through real-life stories, they explore the impact of nervous system overwhelm and the small (but powerful) tools that helped them repair—again and again. If you’ve ever found yourself more reactive, more distant, or more overwhelmed than you want to be—or if you’re walking through a hard season and trying to stay connected—this episode is for you. You’ll walk away with language for what’s happening, practical steps for navigating stress together, and a reminder that hard seasons don’t have to break you—they can make you stronger. You can WATCH us at Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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340: The Courage to Rethink Your Faith Pt. 2
07/07/2025
340: The Courage to Rethink Your Faith Pt. 2
Ever felt like asking hard questions about your faith might cost you everything? Like belonging, respect, or the relationships you once felt safest in? You’re not alone—and you’re not crazy for wrestling with it. In part two of this two part series, Justin and Abi continue their vulnerable conversation on deconstruction, diving into the emotional, relational, and spiritual fallout that often comes with challenging long-held beliefs. They unpack the difference between thoughtful deconstruction and reactionary destruction, how fear-based faith systems distort love, and why agenda-free connection is essential for healing and growth. From shifting value systems to the heartbreak of judgment and rejection, they share the real-life mess and beauty of evolving faith. Whether you’re rethinking your theology, questioning church culture, or navigating spiritual differences in your closest relationships, this episode will remind you: you’re not alone! You can WATCH us at Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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339: The Courage to Rethink Your Faith Pt. 1
06/30/2025
339: The Courage to Rethink Your Faith Pt. 1
At some point, many of us reach a moment when our beliefs no longer fit the reality we’re living. In this episode, Justin and Abi open up about their personal journeys through deconstruction—what it looked like, what it cost, and how it ultimately deepened their faith. They unpack why questioning your faith isn’t rebellion—it’s often a necessary part of maturing spiritually. Whether sparked by suffering, disillusionment, or simply the invitation to grow, deconstruction invites us to reassess what we believe and why. But it’s not just about tearing things down—it’s about making space for love, humility, and a more authentic connection with God. This conversation covers everything from the emotional upheaval of spiritual uncertainty to the gift of discovering God is bigger—and kinder—than we imagined. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong in the faith circles you once called home, or like asking questions makes you dangerous, this episode will help you feel seen. Deconstruction doesn’t mean losing faith. Sometimes it’s the most radical act of trust. You can WATCH us at Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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338: Hormones: The Relationship Plot Twist
06/23/2025
338: Hormones: The Relationship Plot Twist
For many couples, navigating hormones can feel like walking through a minefield—unpredictable, emotionally charged, and often misunderstood. In this episode, Justin and Abi get personal about the challenges that come with PMS and shifting hormone cycles, offering a candid look into how it’s impacted their relationship over the years. From the physical discomfort to the emotional whiplash, Abi shares what it feels like to be in a hormone storm, while Justin gives voice to what it’s like to be on the receiving end. Together, they unpack misconceptions and dig into the power of validation, emotional ownership, and learning to communicate clearly—even when your nervous system is screaming. If you've ever felt crazy, dismissed, powerless, or unsure how to support your partner (or be supported), this episode is for you. You can WATCH us at Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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337: Boundaries in Romance Pt. 2
06/16/2025
337: Boundaries in Romance Pt. 2
Setting boundaries can sound easy in theory. But trying to implement boundaries when your nervous system is fried and you're knee-deep in a conversation that’s going off the rails is a whole different story. At times it can feel impossible, but with the right tools, anyone can become good at it. In part two of this series, Justin and Abi get personal about the real-life messiness of learning to set and hold boundaries in romantic relationships. They talk about how unresolved childhood patterns shaped their earliest conflicts, how compassion without boundaries created chaos, and how learning to communicate needs around capacity, time, and space helped protect their connection. They also open up about the painful trial-and-error of figuring out what respect looks like in practice—not just in intention. If you've ever felt guilty for needing space, afraid to disappoint someone, or confused about how to set boundaries without creating more distance—this episode is for you. You won’t want to miss out. You can WATCH us at Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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336: Boundaries in Romance Pt. 1
06/09/2025
336: Boundaries in Romance Pt. 1
For many of us, setting boundaries sounds reasonable outside of a romantic relationship. But what happens once you’re in deep—sharing a life, a home, and a bed? How do you navigate that kind of nearness? In part one of this two part series, Justin and Abi get personal about the power of boundaries inside a romantic relationship. They unpack the painful dance between autonomy and connection and share the chaos of their early years: the unspoken expectations, the fights about leaving parties, and the struggle to find themselves without losing each other. They also discuss how healthy boundaries preserve individuality while also becoming bridges to intimacy. If you want to create a thriving relationship where both parties feel secure to be fully themselves this series is just what you’re looking for. You won’t want to miss out. You can WATCH us at Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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335: Overcoming Emotional Hurdles in a Relationship Pt. 2
06/02/2025
335: Overcoming Emotional Hurdles in a Relationship Pt. 2
Most of us never learned how to share pain in a way that brings us closer. Instead, we vent, shut down, accuse, or spiral into fear—hoping to feel understood but often creating more disconnection in the process. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In part two of this two-part series, Justin and Abi get practical about how to communicate pain in a way that invites connection. They unpack how all-or-nothing language, judgment, and emotional weaponization drive partners further apart. They also share vulnerable stories about the moments they got it wrong, the mindset shifts that changed everything, and the practical tools they now use to stay safe and soft—even in conflict. Lastly, they explore the power of self-awareness, inward communication, emotional nuance, and learning to narrate what’s really happening inside. If you’ve ever wanted to be heard without hurting someone, or feel safer sharing your emotions without shutting your partner down, this episode is a powerful guide for building the kind of trust and closeness you’ve always wanted. Don’t miss out! You can WATCH us at Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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334: Overcoming Emotional Hurdles in a Relationship Pt. 1
05/26/2025
334: Overcoming Emotional Hurdles in a Relationship Pt. 1
Most of us were never taught how to share pain in a way that brings connection. We were taught to explode, shut down, or stay silent—and those patterns don’t just disappear when we get into relationships. In this episode, Justin and Abi explore the messy ways they both used to express pain—and the chaos it created in their marriage. From nonverbal shutdowns to emotional overwhelm and assumptions that turned into judgments, they explain how unspoken pain builds walls and leaves both people feeling powerless. You’ll hear how their childhoods shaped their reactions, how misreading each other’s signals led to bigger disconnects, and what it took to begin rewiring those patterns. If you’ve ever been told you’re “too much” when you try to share your feelings—or you find yourself constantly shutting down instead of opening up—this episode will help you understand why. This is part one of a two-part series—don’t miss it. You can WATCH us at Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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333: Toxic Empathy Vs Healthy Empathy
05/19/2025
333: Toxic Empathy Vs Healthy Empathy
Empathy can be one of the most destructive forces to connection—or one of the most powerful. Without it, relationships become cold and judgmental. But too much of it, without boundaries, and we lose ourselves trying to carry everyone else’s pain. So how do we find that middle ground? In this episode, Justin and Abi unpack what healthy empathy looks like, and what happens when it gets twisted into judgment or codependency. They share raw and personal stories from their own marriage—navigating chronic illness, financial stress, different upbringings, and PTSD—to show how empathy helped them heal long-standing patterns of resentment, disconnection, and pain. You’ll learn the difference between cognitive and affective empathy, how boundaries make empathy safer, and why being “too empathetic” can actually be a sign of unprocessed trauma. If you’ve ever struggled with being too empathetic, not empathetic enough, or confused about what empathy should look like in healthy relationships, this conversation is a game-changer. Don’t miss out! You can WATCH us at Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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332: Why You Push Love Away
05/12/2025
332: Why You Push Love Away
We’ve all experienced those people that seem hot one minute and cold the next. Their mixed signals keep us wondering if they want to be besties or secretly planning our demise. The ups and downs of it can feel like a whiplashing rollercoaster. Solving the mystery can seem impossible, but we might just have your answers! In this episode, Justin and Abi are joined by their long-time friend and fellow Life Consultant, Rachel, to shine a light on disorganized attachment and its impact on relationships. As three people who’ve operated out of it, they unpack the origins of this pattern, the push-pull dynamics it creates, and the internal shame, fear, and powerlessness that come with it. From childhood trauma to emotional incest, they reflect on how early wounds shape our nervous systems—and what it takes for people with disorganized attachment to create stable connections. If you’ve ever felt like you’re too much, too broken, or too confusing to love… this episode is for you. There is a path toward clarity, healing, and secure connection—and it starts with understanding. Don’t miss out. You can WATCH us at Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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331: There's Hope for Your Relationship
05/05/2025
331: There's Hope for Your Relationship
Most of us don’t realize how much of our relationship pain is rooted in old stories—until those stories start playing out with the person we love most. It’s easy to blame our partners for the chaos in a relationship. But what if the truth is that we’re all just scared kids trapped in adult bodies, equally making messes as we search for safety? In this raw and redemptive episode, Justin and Abi share the full arc of their healing journey—from trauma bonding and codependency to finding internal safety, building emotional resilience, and learning to love without self-abandonment. They reflect on the missteps, the meltdowns, the moments that nearly broke them, and the powerful shifts that changed everything. Together, they paint a picture of what it means to stop trying to fix each other and start healing from the inside out. If you’ve ever felt stuck in patterns you don’t understand, judged yourself for how you react, or wondered if your relationship could really change—this episode is for you. Don’t miss out! You can WATCH us at Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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330: A Guide to Expressing Your Emotions
04/28/2025
330: A Guide to Expressing Your Emotions
Most of us were never taught how to feel emotions—let alone how to express them in a way that feels safe for us and the people we love. From family dynamics to gender norms to childhood survival strategies, our emotional patterns were shaped long before we had words to describe them. In this episode, Justin and Abi dive into one of the most common relationship struggles: how we respond to emotions—both our own and others’. They explore the battle between “too emotional” and “not emotional enough,” sharing personal stories that reveal just how often those extremes are shaped by past pain. They also break down what’s really happening in these moments—threat responses, nervous system dysregulation, and internalized judgments—and show what it looks like to feel without becoming consumed. Whether you’ve ever been shut down for having big feelings or felt overwhelmed by someone else’s, this conversation will help you understand where those reactions come from and how to move toward emotional safety—for you and the people you care about. You won’t want to miss this episode—it might just shift how you see emotional connection altogether. You can WATCH us at Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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329: What’s Shaping Your Sex Life?
04/21/2025
329: What’s Shaping Your Sex Life?
Most of us were never taught to explore where our beliefs about sex came from—let alone how those beliefs affect our experience of it. From purity culture to porn culture, from family dynamics to religious messaging, our beliefs are shaped long before we’re ever in the bedroom. In this episode, Justin and Abi have a candid and compassionate conversation about the belief systems that shape our sexuality. They share personal stories—from childhood moments that left lasting impressions to conversations that helped them heal shame and find a new perspective. Together, they unpack the spectrum of sexual messaging—from repression to overexposure—and explore how to find a path toward sexual wholeness. Whether you’ve felt shut down, confused or ashamed, or simply want a deeper connection to your sexuality, this episode will help you identify where your beliefs came from and how to reshape them. You won’t want to this opportunity to make the most out of your sex life! You can WATCH us at Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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328: Fire Up Your Sex Life
04/14/2025
328: Fire Up Your Sex Life
Let’s be real—most of us didn’t get great sex ed growing up, and even fewer of us learned how emotional pain, shame, and past beliefs impact our sex lives. If your sex life has lost its spark or feels more like pressure than connection, you’re not alone. Many couples quietly struggle, unsure how to talk about it without blame or guilt. In this episode, Justin and Abi open up about their own journey with intimacy, from navigating physical illness and shifting hormones to learning how emotional safety, body presence, and communication shape a thriving sex life. They unpack why sex often changes in long-term relationships, how old wounds surface when real intimacy begins, and how building mutual value for sex can reignite passion and deepen connection. Whether you’ve felt distant in your relationship, shut down around sex, or just want to build something more fulfilling—this episode is full of compassionate, honest wisdom. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of how to talk about your sex life without shame and begin cultivating connection that feels life-giving, not performative. This conversation might just be the starting point your relationship needs. You can WATCH us at Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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327: The Magic of "Now"
04/07/2025
327: The Magic of "Now"
So many of us feel like we’re just going through the motions of life—rushing through tasks, ignoring our bodies, and avoiding the feelings that seem too big to face. But the more we disconnect from what’s happening inside, the more life starts to feel flat, disconnected, and exhausting. What if the real magic of life is found in slowing down and being present? In this episode, Justin and Abi explore what it really means to be present. They discuss how daily distractions pull us away from truly living life and how deep internal fears keep us from being with ourselves. Through personal stories of dissociation, grief, and healing, they invite listeners into a powerful conversation about the joy, connection, and love that become available when we stop running and start feeling. If you’ve been caught in constant busyness, numbing out with your phone, or avoiding parts of your story because they feel too big to handle—this episode is a gentle reminder that you don’t have to face it all at once. Presence is a practice. And even the smallest step toward noticing your internal world can bring more connection, clarity, and compassion than you imagined possible. You can WATCH us at Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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326: Opening Your Heart After Loss
03/31/2025
326: Opening Your Heart After Loss
Many of us have experienced moments of life that seem to unravel faster than we can hold them together. The crushing weight of our problems and pain can feel like they will leave us broken forever. But what if love has the power to change everything? In this episode, Justin and Abi sit down with their good friend Kyle as he shares about his journey through profound trauma, grief, and emotional shutdown—and what it looked like to slowly come back to life. From losing his mom to ALS, navigating early marriage while serving as a full-time caregiver, to watching his wife battle an eating disorder—Kyle opens up about the unexpected spiritual encounters that saved him from the self-loathing and despair that almost swallowed him alive. If you’ve ever felt locked in shame, burdened by trauma, or like you’ve lost yourself along the way—this episode is a reminder that there’s more to your story than the pain you’ve lived through and that healing starts with just a baby step towards love. You can WATCH us at Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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325: A Secret to Fueling Attraction
03/24/2025
325: A Secret to Fueling Attraction
Attraction isn’t just physical—it’s deeply emotional. When couples struggle with intimacy, it’s often because unprocessed pain has created invisible walls between them. Many people unknowingly fall out of attraction with their partners due to unresolved hurt, leading to a sense of emotional and physical disconnection. When safety is compromised, self-protection kicks in, and attraction fades. In this episode, Justin and Abi break down how emotional safety directly impacts physical intimacy and why issues in the bedroom are almost always tied to how couples relate to each other outside of it. They explore how resentment, bitterness, and unforgiveness can quietly erode attraction, while kindness, gentleness, and understanding can rebuild it. They also discuss one of the biggest threats to relationships—how partners speak to each other—and how subtle shifts in communication can reignite connection and desire. Most people don’t realize this, but repairing emotional disconnection is one of the most powerful ways to bring passion back to a relationship. If you want to keep attraction alive—or bring it back—this episode is for you. You can WATCH us at Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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324: What to Do When Your Partner Won't Change
03/17/2025
324: What to Do When Your Partner Won't Change
Nothing is more frustrating than feeling stuck in a relationship where your partner refuses to change. Maybe you’ve had the same conversation a hundred times, but nothing ever shifts. Maybe they acknowledge the problem but don’t take action. Or worse—maybe they don’t even see an issue at all. In this episode, Justin and Abi dive into what to do when you’re hitting a wall with your partner. They unpack the emotional toll of waiting for change, the difference between healthy patience and self-abandonment, and how to navigate the tension between acceptance and advocating for your needs. They also explore what true relational growth looks like—and why sometimes, the most powerful change you can make starts with yourself. If you’ve ever felt exhausted from trying to get your partner to evolve, this conversation will give you clarity, empowerment, and a new perspective on what’s actually in your control. You can WATCH us at Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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323: Bouncing Back from Betrayal
03/10/2025
323: Bouncing Back from Betrayal
Betrayal cuts deep—not just because of the actions themselves, but because of what they shake inside of us. We choose to trust, to be vulnerable, to let someone in… only to have that trust disregarded. The pain isn’t just in the betrayal itself—it’s in the shame, the humiliation, and the reality-shattering confusion that follows. In this episode, Justin and Abi unpack the emotional toll of betrayal and why it feels so destabilizing. They explore how gaslighting fuels the madness, why short-term efforts at repair aren’t enough to rebuild trust, and how holding strong boundaries is essential in the aftermath. They also discuss the power of love—not as something that makes us weak in the face of betrayal, but as a force that allows us to rise above it, freeing us from shame and reclaiming our self-worth. Betrayal is a universal experience, but it doesn’t have to define us. If you’ve ever struggled to make sense of betrayal—or want to learn how to rebuild trust without losing yourself—this episode is for you. You can WATCH us on Youtube at Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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322: Church Hurt: Rage, Grace, & Everything in Between
03/03/2025
322: Church Hurt: Rage, Grace, & Everything in Between
For many, the church has been a place of deep wounding rather than healing. Whether you’ve personally experienced pain or watched destructive behavior unfold, it can feel impossible to stay connected to faith when the place meant to embody love feels anything but safe. In this episode, Justin and Abi explore the complexity of church wounds—why they happen, how they impact our sense of self-worth, and what it takes to move forward. They discuss the tension between forgiveness and accountability, the importance of boundaries, and the challenge of not mirroring the same judgment and hurt we’ve experienced. If you’ve ever struggled with disillusionment, frustration, or grief over the church, this conversation offers a space to process, reflect, and consider a path toward healing—on your own terms. You can WATCH us at Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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321: The Silent Killer of a Great Life
02/24/2025
321: The Silent Killer of a Great Life
Denial is one of the biggest roadblocks to living a full and abundant life—but most of us don’t even realize when it’s at play. It’s not always intentional or malicious; often, it’s an unconscious defense against pain, fear, and shame. But what we refuse to see, we can’t heal. In this episode, Justin and Abi explore how denial quietly shapes our lives, keeps us disconnected, and prevents us from receiving the care and compassion we need. They break down why we fall into denial, how it impacts our relationships, and the steps to start facing reality with grace. If you’ve ever felt stuck, disconnected, or overwhelmed by the idea of facing hard truths, this conversation will help you navigate the process piece by piece—with self-compassion and a roadmap for growth. You can WATCH us at Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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