Shows
The Connected Life338: Hormones: The Relationship Plot TwistFor 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, emotio...2025-06-231h 09The Connected Life312: Love That Never FailsIn this heartfelt episode, Justin and Abi discuss the profound impact grief and suffering have on humanity, exploring how the radical love of God can overcome the despair and hopelessness we all face during overwhelming and painful experiences. Justin shares his personal journey of nearly losing Abi to her illness, revealing how his breaking point became a turning point for hope and freedom. Abi reflects on how her struggles have redefined her understanding of God’s love. Together, they offer a fresh perspective on suffering and fondly recount the goodness of a Creator who has remained tangible an...2024-12-231h 03The Connected Life307: Becoming Your Greatest AdvocateThe secret to creating a fulfilled life often seems like a mystery everyone is searching for. We travel down countless paths, hoping to find something outside ourselves to quench an inner sense of dissatisfaction. But what if the answer we’re seeking is as close as the nearest mirror? In this episode, Justin and Abi dive into the power of personal reconciliation. Justin candidly shares his journey of realizing he was his own greatest enemy—and how becoming his own greatest advocate changed everything. Together, they discuss practical steps to repair this relationship and share stories of how...2024-11-181h 02The Connected Life280: Making Peace with the DeadIt’s easy to bury the past, and the dead, in our hearts, but left unprocessed things can start rotting. The loss of those we loved, reviled, and were indifferent about can leave us with many unspoken and unresolved matters. But, what if it was possible to have much-needed hard conversations even when the person you’re dealing with is dead? In this episode, Justin and Abi discuss unique ways of approaching loss. They explore powerful moments of reconciliation with the dead through healthy reflection and inner dialogues, while also tackling the necessity of forgiveness and the real...2024-05-1357 minThe Connected Life272: Justin’s Near Death Wim Hof ExpeditionIn 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...2024-03-181h 10The Connected Life271: A Vulnerable Conversation About TraumaWhat 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...2024-03-111h 04The Connected Life267: Justin and Abi's FightDisconnections in relationships are normal and to be expected. Yet, for many of us, the disconnections we often saw modeled to us growing up didn’t end well. For so many, the experiences we’ve been exposed to are filled with unresolved pain that ends in further distance or no acknowledgement of the real problems at all. Because of this, being present in other people’s conflict can be anxiety inducing, sending us into fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses. But what if we could sit down in the midst of someone’s messiness and realize that everything can truly be...2024-02-121h 07The Connected Life265: Processing Church ScandalsWe’ve all found ourselves feeling an ache and an anger when we see and hear stories of injustice and violation perpetuated by people in authority, especially when we admire them. There are countless stories of abuse of power throughout all of our human institutions. This messiness can leave us feeling disillusioned and cause us to live reactive. But, what if we could foster a responsive lifestyle that creates healing, while addressing a course correction? In this episode Justin and Abi take a look at a recent clergy abuse scandal that left many feeling rocked to the co...2024-01-291h 06The Connected Life260: Love is Never WastedFor many of us it’s easy to live life from one day to the next getting bogged down by the demands and drama that we believe require our attention. We can get lost in goals and achievements, while finding ourselves missing out on vital moments that are designed to impact us and the world around us. But what happens when we take time to slow down and reflect on the love that we’ve received and given? In this powerful Christmas episode, Justin and Abi reflect on ways that love has been gifted to them through expe...2023-12-251h 09The Connected Life256: Divine Pivots in LifeWe all have certain expectations of what our lives should look like both in the long term and the day to day. These expectations can often get us stuck in ways of living that leave us having an experience that can feel boring and mediocre. Change can be scary and disappointment can feel overwhelmingly painful, but can the unexpected actually be an invitation to pivot into an abundant life that gets fully lived? In this episode Justin and Abi open up about detours that became divine pivots in their lives. They share about unforeseen moments of pain...2023-11-2757 minThe Connected Life250: Creating Clarity in RelationshipsFor many of us, when considering letting people into our lives, they’re either all in or all out. Progressively letting people into our hearts is rare and when we do gradually let them in, we rarely have clarity on the terms governing the relationship. Because of this we can often feel anxious or easily betrayed, but what if the connections we build could be created around more deliberate conditions? In this episode Justin and Abi explore the reasons they let people close to them, how they navigate setting expectations for others and themselves, what they do wh...2023-10-1659 minThe Connected Life249: Creating a Lifestyle of Success Pt2Many of us believe that creating a successful life is centered around outward goals and actions. Though this can yield favorable results, the end product can often feel empty and pointless. But what if deliberately posturing our heart in ways that ignite connection, creativity, and hope were just as vital to actually experiencing a sense of fulfillment? In part two of this two part series Justin and Abi take a look at 8 fundamental qualities that are necessary in the way we approach life if we want to feel and create a life well lived. They share how n...2023-10-0955 minThe Connected Life248: Creating a Lifestyle of Success Pt1Success is often defined in the broader culture by enormous amounts of wealth, power, and notoriety. While this idea of success can feel tempting, it isn’t necessarily fulfilling to most people. At the heart of success is a sense of fulfillment unique to every individual’s life. And although it’s a unique experience, there are components that universally play a part in every person’s creation of it. In this two part series Justin and Abi sit down to discuss key foundations to creating a lifestyle of success. In part one they take a look at pract...2023-10-021h 03The Connected Life247: Rewiring Your Money Foundation-Pt 2In part two of this two part series Justin and Abi’s close friend, fellow Life Consultant, and clinical psychologist Ruth Outram joins the conversation once again. In this episode Ruth takes us deeper into the impact of her belief system on her financial wellbeing. She shares about her battle with shame and the intolerable emotions she fought to avoid like anxiety and worry. She also discusses her practical process of rewiring her beliefs through deliberate actions. Together they tackle the common humanity we all share in our struggles, the difference between avoidance and hyper-fixation, and how ha...2023-09-251h 03The Connected Life246: Understanding Your Money Foundation-Pt 1Money is a tricky topic for many people. Conversations around finances are often taboo and filled with shame and condemnation. If we have too little of it, we feel like a failure, if we have too much of it, we feel guilty. It’s easy to live feeling like a prisoner to our emotions about money, but what if we could feel powerful and at peace with our finances? In this episode Justin and Abi are joined by their good friend and fellow Life Consultant Ruth Outram. Ruth opens up about her childhood and shares how the dy...2023-09-181h 05The Connected Life244: Setting a Foundation for Relational RepairCan you imagine a world where you feel like a champ at fostering repair in conflict? When disconnection hits a relationship it can be really jarring. Without tools to reconnect we can feel overwhelmed, anxious, and out of control. It’s easy to feel like we’re failing, or just getting by. Sometimes, it can even feel hopeless and irreparable. But what if there were a few foundational principles that could set you up to feel like a boss at repair? In this episode Justin and Abi share about the failings and victories they’ve had in confli...2023-09-0454 minThe Connected Life243: The Art of CuriosityWe all desire a life filled with healthy connections. Unfortunately, the way we relate to others stops us from having the fulfillment we hope for. Oftentimes we assume the intent of other’s words, actions, and decisions. These judgements leave massive room for misinterpretation, creating chaos and disconnection. But what if something as simple as curiosity could restore working relationships, friendships, families, and marriages? In this episode Justin and Abi explore reasons as to why we often lean towards assumptions rather than curiosity. They discuss how our interpretation of the emotional energy people emit isn’t always indi...2023-08-281h 03The Connected Life240: Hope for Your FutureWhat if it’s possible to experience and express life in a way that leaves a fulfilling impact on us and the ones we love the most? For many of us, life can feel like a painful and mundane prison sentence that we’re forced to survive. Along the way we lose our spark of innocence and joy. It’s easy to believe that this is just the way life is, but what if it’s meant to be so much more? In this episode Justin and Abi dive into a vision casting conversation about the future of The C...2023-08-0759 minThe Connected Life237: The Price of FreedomMany of us are unknowingly living in resistance to the healing process, and for good reason. Awakening to the reality of our lives feels uncomfortable and scary. Often times we fear experiences and feelings that we hope to avoid. But what if the things we’re scared of having to face are already happening and denial is simply keeping us from getting out of the hell we’re already living in? In this episode Jonny and Pietze join Justin and Abi to discuss the price we have to pay in order to experience an abundant life. They expl...2023-07-171h 01The Connected Life233: Creating an Emotionally Healthy Family - Part 1No family is without its messiness. Most homes have their cycles of intensity, silence, disconnection, and chaos. Emotions are either shut down or dominate the culture. But what if there was hope to rewire even the most difficult situations and establish healthy expressions of emotions and ways to relate? In part 1 of this series, Pietze and Jonny join the show. They talk with Justin and Abi about their process of creating a connected family in the midst of chaotic life circumstances that were beyond their control. They discuss how practical steps can empower parents to make a...2023-06-191h 07The Connected Life231: A Mother and Daughter’s Road to RepairEvery mother and daughter have their own unique story. The desire to have a healthy connection is universal but the reality of that kind of relationship is often different. For mothers and daughters that have a history of messiness it can sometimes feel difficult to navigate the muddy waters, if not impossible all together. But what if there were practical steps and a story that could infuse hope into the possibility of restoration? In this episode Justin and Abi are joined by Melanie and her daughter Amanda. The two open up about their strained relationship that grew...2023-06-051h 08The Connected Life227: Childlikeness vs ChildishnessFor most of us adults it’s easy to find ourselves resentful, disappointed, and cynical. The childlikeness and pleasure that we once had seems to have been stolen through our sufferings. We can find ourselves numb and just getting by. What if, however, there was hope to restore the joy, pleasure, and innocence we’ve seemingly lost? In this episode Justin and Abi highlight how our child self is unconsciously driving our adult lives. They give powerful tips on how to resolve the pain that’s surfacing. They discuss the difference between the childishness we all exhibit and th...2023-05-0853 minThe Connected Life226: Creating a Life of Confidence Through ConnectionAt the core of all humans there is a longing to belong and feel loved. To feel securely attached is to feel secure in love and connection. It’s easy for many of us to feel shaken and insecure in life when our attachments seem threatened. Many of us can feel tossed about by the ebbs and flows of our relationships. But what if there was a promise that we could feel securely connected at all times? In this episode Justin and Abi discuss the radical power of feeling connected to a loving God that is unrelenting in...2023-05-0158 minThe Connected Life220: I'm Sad, It Doesn't Make You BadFor most of us, communicating our emotional experiences with those closest to us can be challenging, for them and for us. Often times when sadness or pain is communicated the message sent or received is that someone is bad. It’s common to find ourselves trying to assign blame, as most of us believe that someone had to be bad in order for pain to have been experienced. But, what if no one has to be bad in order for someone to be sad? In this episode Justin and Abi sit down with their friends Aaron and Je...2023-03-201h 01The Connected Life217: Subconscious Beliefs Keeping Us From Our DesiresWhether it’s friendships, marriage, parenting, business, health goals, finances, or faith, we all have areas where our subconscious beliefs are affecting the way we’re experiencing life. It’s easy to feel like life is happening to us, but what if we’re always getting what we really want? In this episode Justin and Abi are joined by their close friend Ruth who shares about the “ah-ha’s” she had moving back to England to live with her mom during the pandemic. Through a series of meltdowns and repeated attempts to control her mom’s experience she began to real...2023-02-2759 minThe Connected Life209: Keys to Get Vision and Live InspiredAs a New Year begins, reflecting on the past and thinking about our future is normal. For many people, it’s become popular to start the year off with vision boards, detailing many of our hopes and desires. However, vision and inspiration for life often revolve around what we “do” rather than “who” we are. But what if vision began with “who” we are becoming and the rest of the dreams and desires followed? In this first episode of 2023 Justin and Abi take a look at their own process of getting vision for who they’re becoming and how they app...2023-01-021h 08The Connected Life207: Divorce, Disappointments, Desires, and Dreams Fulfilled. Pt 2 of 2Pursuing the desires and dreams we have requires that we’re active participants in our story, while understanding that we’re wildly out of control. The balance necessary to walk this process out leaves many of us tapping out and giving up, often times before we’ve even begun. But what could happen if our greatest losses became an anchor of determination? In part two of this two part episode Justin and Abi are joined once again by their long-time friends Lauren and Jason. After a devastating miscarriage of a miracle that shouldn’t have happened in the firs...2022-12-191h 07The Connected Life200: Becoming a Magnet for LoveIt’s easy to go through life experiencing a sense of loss, disconnection, pain, and loneliness. The narrative we often tell ourselves about our story is one of lack. But, what if it was possible to cultivate a lifestyle of feeling joyful, hopeful, safe, and loved regardless of your past, present, or future? What if it was possible to have a lifestyle that feels abundant and healing in every season? In this landmark 200th episode Justin and Abi reveal one of the most powerful approaches to creating a life of feeling loved while simultaneously healing our pain. To...2022-10-311h 06The Connected Life199: Conquering 9 Common FearsFear is a universal human experience. Not one of us is immune to it. Often times we live in denial and tell ourselves that we don’t have fear while the effects of it are very present in our lives. What if fear wasn’t meant to bind us, but rather a map meant to liberate us into our unique design? In this episode Justin and Abi discuss their journey of facing fear no matter what it’s cost them. They layout the 9 most common fears that keep people stuck In life while highlighting the foundational fear that dr...2022-10-241h 05The Connected Life196: Creating ConnectionConnection isn’t something that just happens by proximity. Over time connection is something this is deliberately fostered through experiences and conversations that create a deeper knowing of one another. Often times the process of building connection can feel difficult and even mysterious. The truth is, connection can be rather easy when we have some sort of map. In this episode Justin and Abi dive into “Connection Cards: Couples Edition” a game designed by The Adventure Challenge to help facilitate a deepening of connection through fun and heartfelt questions. These simple cards instigate a profound sense of connect...2022-10-0358 minThe Connected Life190: Harnessing the Power of InfluenceNot every person has an official position as a leader, but every person is an influencer. Whether we like to admit it or not, we are influencing one another every day through our emotions and actions. The results can often be creative or destructive, depending on the vision we have for who we want to be. In this episode Justin and Abi explore the ways we influence the world around us through our passive or proactive approach to the life right in front of us. Together they tackle practical ways to evolve from being a passive influencer...2022-08-2250 minThe Connected Life189: Secrets to Romantic AttractionRomantic relationships are rooted in attraction. For many couples it’s easy to find themselves slipping in and out of attraction for each other. It’s easy to feel scared of connection if we believe attraction is just an emotion you have or don’t have, but what if it’s much more than that. In this episode Justin and Abi shatter some of the mystery that shrouds romantic attraction. They break down reasons why people fall in and out of attraction and highlight simple, yet powerful solutions to make yourself more attractive to a partner, while igniting...2022-08-151h 07The Connected Life184: Resolving Pain With a Father: A Live Healing ExperienceOne of the most common messages a man can inadvertently take from their father is the belief that we’re only valuable when we perform well. Through even the best intentions this lopsided message can leave a child confused about love even into adulthood. Confronting our pain with a father can feel crippling and paralyzing. But what if the mere acknowledgement of a problem could catapult a willing person into the freedom they always hoped for? In this episode Justin and Abi are joined by Life Consulting Master Class student Dave. Dave opens up about the trials an...2022-07-111h 16The Connected Life170: The Messiness of an AffairAn affair is one of the most sensitive and painful subjects in a committed relationship. The effects of an affair spill over onto children, extended family, and friends. With so much pain connected to the issue, it’s no wonder that very few relationships rebound after such broken trust. But, what if there’s hope in the midst of a mess that hasn’t been fully resolved? In this episode, Justin and Abi sit down with Jess and Justin Beard as they bravely share the details of their difficult journey in the midst of it unfolding. Together they e...2022-04-041h 39The Connected Life169: The Power of Embracing Your MessinessAs humans, we are universally messy. Our actions and reactions are often times in conflict with what we want to do and who we want to be. It can feel much easier to ignore and deny the reality of parts of our lives that don’t seem very flattering or socially acceptable, but what if there’s something powerful about embracing the truth of our messiness? In this episode, Justin and Abi examine some of the reasons we avoid acknowledging the messy parts of our humanity. They talk about the ways we can experience a life of grea...2022-03-2858 minThe Connected Life167: A Road to True HappinessFor most, there’s something surreal about a life of success and wealth. Driving our dreams is the idea that when we arrive at a specific destination we’ll be fulfilled. The details are different for everyone, but the hope of happiness in the distant future seems to stay the same. But what happens when you arrive and you don’t feel satisfied? Bryant Ellis, owner of The Adventure Challenge, joins Justin and Abi to share about his journey to rehab and the inspiration that followed. He opens up about winning Forbes 30 under 30 and the little satisfaction that i...2022-03-141h 04The Connected Life160: How to Prepare for Being ConfrontedGetting confronted is rarely easy. Often times, confrontation can feel like it’s coming out of nowhere. Without the proper tools and understanding of how to respond, conversations that are seemingly low stakes can snowball into disaster. But what if you could be prepared for even the worst and messiest confrontations? In this episode, Justin and Abi tackle the task of helping to equip people who are being confronted. They break down multiple steps that will lower the anxiety for anyone on the receiving end of a difficult conversation, while empowering them with clearly defined actions they ca...2022-01-2457 minThe Connected Life157: The Healing Power of Compassion (Part 1 of 3)Choosing to get honest with ourselves about the reality of our upbringings can often times feel incredibly difficult. The implication that our families are imperfect means that there is a good probability that healing is necessary. But the invitation is always for an opportunity to experience a life fully lived. In part one of this three part series Justin and Abi sit down with Mariah and her father Steve as they share how Mariah’s choice to get honest with herself began the journey of profound healing for the rest of the family. Through tough conversations Steve fo...2022-01-031h 13The Connected Life156: Vital Steps to Dreaming for Your FutureDreaming for life is so often ineffective that most people find themselves hopeless and disappointed, and for good reason. People’s approach to dreaming can be haphazard and lofty. But what if you could deliberately set yourself up for successful dreams that crush disappointment and create long-term affects? In the final episode of 2021, Justin and Abi explore the necessity of reviewing our previous year through the lens of celebration and honesty. Looking back on what worked and what didn’t is the first step to breeding hope for the next year, while creating vision for what you want...2021-12-271h 00The Connected Life155: Christmas NostalgiaFor most people, Christmas is laced with nostalgia. Moments of goodness reminding us of the beauty and joy of being a child. For some it can be a bit more difficult, but goodness is waiting to be found in our history and created in our future. In this episode Justin and Abi reflect on childhood memories that make this season warm and special. They talk about fun moments and traditions that make them smile while challenging listeners to make the most out of the season right in front of them. If you want to start...2021-12-2049 minThe Connected Life154: The Hope of ChristmasIf we’re all honest with ourselves, we’ve all, at some point or another, felt unloveable. In this state of being, it’s easy to feel alone, sad, and even hopeless. Life can seemingly deliver us insurmountable odds that leave us feeling down and out. We can feel misunderstood and unworthy of goodness and opportunities. But what if everything can change? What if a hope filled lifestyle is possible? In this episode Justin and Abi dive into the power of Christmas. They explore why this seasonal tradition is so much more than a holiday and how it’s a...2021-12-1355 minThe Connected Life153: A Fulfilling Approach to ChristmasChristmas, like many holidays comes with a mixture of emotions and experiences. For some it can be a sad and difficult time, while for others it be one of the most exciting times of the year. Regardless of your stance on holidays like this one each of us has the power to make it something filled with joy and connection. In this episode, Justin and Abi talk about the true heart of Christmas and they discuss practical ways to make it a fulfilling holiday for you and others around you. They share their own personal stories of...2021-12-0646 minThe Connected Life152: A Practical Guide to Self-CareSelf-Care is often misinterpreted as a shallow, selfish, narcissistic romp rooted in endless spa days, trips with your friends, buying a ton of needless material junk, and gorging yourself on sugary delights until type 2 diabetes kicks into overdrive. But is all of that really self-care? In this episode, Justin and Abi tackle the false sense of self-care that has been perpetuated by a disconnected culture. They explore practical ways to live a balanced life of self-care that reconnects you to yourself, others, and the life right in front of you. If self-care seems selfish, doesn’t...2021-11-2957 minThe Connected Life150: 10 Signs of WholenessThe emotional health journey can sometimes feel like being trapped on a hamster wheel while the sounds of children chanting, “Are we there yet?!” echo out in the background. But what if emotional health isn’t about a destination, as much as a way of life? In this episode Justin and Abi explore 10 signs that point towards a lifestyle of wholeness. Together they lower the stakes on emotional health and invite listeners to have a more compassionate and understanding approach to their journey of wellness. If you’re looking for a comprehensive checklist to prove that you...2021-11-1549 minThe Connected Life148: Connecting to Your StoryEach of us has a story. This story is the collection of our experiences that shape our beliefs and decisions. Knowing and understanding our story is the first step to compassion and healing. Each of our stories is vital to humanizing ourselves and the world around us. In this episode Justin and Abi talk about the impact of connecting to their stories and explore the difficulties we all face when we’re disconnected from our own stories. Together they shine a light on the hurdles each of has to face in order to get honest with ourselves, wh...2021-11-0146 minThe Connected Life124: Pornography is not the ProblemIn a world culture that has instant access to pornographic material it’s realistic that so many people, both men and women, would use, or have addictions to this type of content. For those that are aware of the destructive nature of this content, there’s a longing to find freedom from it, but often little understanding as to why they engage it in the first place. In this episode Justin and Abi are joined by their good friend and fellow consultant Laura Duncan. Laura shares about her history of helping men and women discover what the real...2021-05-171h 08The Connected Life122: Renovating Your LifeHouse renovations can be daunting. They come with blood, sweat, and tears you didn’t know you had the capacity to shed. They’re expensive and time consuming, and, for anyone doing it for the first time, there’s a learning curve and a lot of unknowns. But in the end, it’s worth it. In this episode Justin and Abi discuss the parallels between renovating a home and renovating your heart. They break down personal transformation in a practical way that helps everyone engaging the process feel supported through a better understanding of what to expect and how...2021-05-0354 minThe Connected Life116: Hearing God for Your Future Pt 1Throughout history people from all walks of life have believed that they could gain insight into their future, as well as others futures through one means or another. Many ancient texts are filled with prophecies regarding mankind. But what happens when we as humans have a direct relationship with an unconditionally loving Creator that wants to talk to us? In this episode Justin and Abi are joined by Pietze, Abi’s best friend. They take a critical look at the role of prophecy in life, dating, and marriage, while exploring freedom of choice. They discuss th...2021-03-221h 01The Connected Life114: Loving Yourself in ReligionThe message often conveyed through religion is one of self-deprecation and unworthiness. A system of principles based on caring for others without regard for oneself leaves many people feeling broken, bitter, and burned out. Without a proper balance, people are bound to find themselves living a lifestyle of codependency and frustration or narcissism and elitism. In this episode Justin and Abi address the lack of self-love within the message of religion. They explore how this lack of love creates a sense of self-abandonment. They discuss ways to live a balanced spiritual life, founded in self-love, that results i...2021-03-0859 minThe Connected Life111: Misconceptions We Learned From ReligionLike anything else, religion is filled with rules and ideologies that we adopt as the truth we should live by. If we spend enough time in any system, we will all eventually be faced with circumstances that invite us to question what we believe. In this episode, Justin and Abi talk about some of the key misconceptions about life that they learned from religion and how it affected them. They challenge systems of hiddenness and level the playing field for all humans. No matter what faith you ascribe to, this episode will cause you to...2021-02-151h 03The Connected Life109: Eradicating Performance in Your FaithSince the beginning of time, religion has been a universal thread throughout humanity. Though varying immensely in its expression from culture to culture, the sad but common bond of performance ties them all together. In this episode Justin and Abi use their Christian faith as the focus of dialogue to explore how all expressions of faith are built on a hierarchal structure. These structures are mankind’s way of attempting to get to God, leaving those ascribing to this system judging themselves and others. If we are ever to find our way back to the ar...2021-02-0156 minThe Connected Life107: A Behind the Scenes Look at Pornography with Benji NolotIn today’s society, the moral compass regarding pornography points in many directions. In a world that has become progressively sexualized, the normalization and acceptance of pornography is at an all time high. With so many varying opinions on the matter, who’s to say what is really right or wrong about pornography? In this sobering episode, Justin and Abi are joined by their close friend and filmmaker, Benji Nolot. Benji shines a light on the real world of pornography as he shares his story of going behind the scenes and documenting firsthand the experiences of those prod...2021-01-181h 35The Connected Life106: Creating a Lifestyle of IntentionalityLife has a way of passing us by if we’ll let it. In the end, many people find themselves feeling regretful for what they didn’t do and what they didn’t say, especially in connection to the relationships they care about the most. In this episode, Justin and Abi are joined once again by their good friend Jenna as they talk about how to get present with life and express it to the fullest. Jenna shares many of the powerful ways she’s chosen to intentionally cultivate experiences and create a culture that leaves a lifelong...2021-01-111h 01The Connected Life104: Hindsight is 20202020 has been a rollercoaster ride for the entire world. It’s been a year that has shaken many to the core. In all the craziness, some times it’s hard to see the light. Often times it’s not until we look back that we can see with clarity the goodness that is sprinkled throughout even the hardest seasons of life. In this episode Justin and Abi share about their Christmas miracle while taking an honest look back at their 2020. They talk about the beauty of the suddenly’s happening that have been years in the making and how...2020-12-281h 05The Connected Life103: A Fundamental Key to Living a Connected LifestyleGranting access to the parts of our lives that feel too painful or messy to look at can be incredibly difficult. It’s easy to feel scared and powerless to what’s hiding behind locked doors within our hearts. However, these hidden rooms hold the keys to creating a lifestyle of hope, joy, peace, and love. In this episode, Justin and Abi discuss how they’ve dissociated from pieces of their own story and the ripple affects of that in their emotional health as well as their relationships. Together they layout a roadmap to taking the steps necess...2020-12-2157 min
The Connected Life102: Busting Down the Barriers Blocking LoveFor many of us, it’s easy to believe we have all the answers and that we have it all together. Behind this barrier we seemingly feel safe. We convince ourselves that we’re aware and in control of our feelings. Logic is often times used to confirm this reality. However, our natural reactions point to a different story. In this episode, Justin and Abi are joined by their dear friend Andrew Liem. Andrew shares about the barrier of his logical reality that kept him dissociated from the truth of his experience. He speaks candidly about his moth...2020-12-141h 11The Connected Life99: A Guide to Political Discussions During the HolidaysHolidays have a way of evoking a lot of emotions for the good and the bad. 2020 has been a unique year like none other in our nation’s history. Some people have spent a large portion of this year separated from the people they care about the most. At the epicenter of this shaky year are political divisions to last a life time. In this episode Justin and Abi explore ideas to help people navigate potentially politically charged holiday hangouts in successful ways. They give tools on how you can be proactively powerful in a way that es...2020-11-2352 minThe Connected Life98: Conquering Life Through a Can-Do AttitudeLife is full of obstacles, and some of them can feel daunting and impossible to overcome. It’s easy to feel powerless to the pursuits set before us. But, even the most outlandish goals can be tackled one step at a time. In this episode, Justin and Abi are joined by their good friend Bryant Ellis, Co-owner of The Adventure Challenge. Bryant shares about the can-do attitude that he developed in his youth and how this empowered approach led to the outcome of a multimillion dollar company. He addresses how prematurely giving up is sign of victimhood st...2020-11-1600 minThe Connected Life96: Two Vital Keys for Every RelationshipWe’ve all had our moments of believing the worst about someone and building a laundry list of complaints about them. These unspoken judgements are often riddled with misunderstandings that, given enough time and offenses, can collapse relationships all together. In this episode, Justin and Abi are joined by their friend, and co-owner of The Adventure Challenge, Ben Day. Ben shares how his company was in jeopardy over a series of misunderstandings. He breaks down his two foundational principles of short accounts and giving the benefit of the doubt, and shares how they are vital to the he...2020-11-021h 11The Connected Life94: Discovering Purpose in the NothingnessThere are times in life that seem like nothing is happening. We lack vision and clarity for our future. We feel as though our hopes and dreams are being dashed to pieces. Here in this place of nothingness is an invitation to discover who we really are. In this episode, Justin and Abi are joined by their dear friend Sammi. Sammi shares about her season of nothingness and how this season led to her cultivating beliefs based on a higher truth that created the abundant life she’s living out of now. Together they offer hope and pu...2020-10-1958 minThe Connected Life92: Creating Victory Over Our Body BattleThe battle with our bodies is often a tumultuous one. A majority of culture would universally acknowledge some form of a personal body battle for women. Men, however, are often shrouded in shame, hiding their battle with this reality. In this episode Spencer, Justin’s former client and close friend joins the conversation. He vulnerably shares his story of having an eating disorder with Justin and Abi, while opening up about his steps to creating a lifestyle of victory over his long time battle with his body. Through candid conversation, Spencer shatters shame for other me...2020-10-051h 16The Connected Life91: Justin’s Surprise Birthday InterviewIt’s Justin’s birthday and what better way to celebrate than for Abi to hijack The Connected Life and spring a series of questions on her lover about his life. Some seriousness, mixed with play, is just what the doctor ordered for this light-hearted interview. Get insight into Justin’s personal life as he shares about the gifts this year granted him through Abi’s sickness. Enjoy learning all about Justin’s dream to have hands for feet and what he hopes this next year will hold for him. Get ready to be delighted as you get...2020-09-2858 minThe Connected Life90: A Surefire Solution to Feel ConnectedFor some of us, it feels safer to live a life so self-sufficient that we don’t ever need anyone. For others, we need people so much we can become a vampire, draining the life out of those we love the most. Either extreme is detrimental to the experience of connection. In this episode, Justin and Abi share about their struggles with self-sufficiency. They tackle the loneliness and abandonment that accompanies this kind of lifestyle, but not without addressing the other end of the pendulum known as being needy! They explore how to practically live a life of...2020-09-2154 minThe Connected Life86: Finding Hope in the PresentHope is a necessary component to experiencing a life fully lived. Looking at what didn’t work out for us, or imagining a future that has yet to happen can often lead to a sense of hopelessness. But what if we could create a lifestyle of hope through learning how to be present in the moment. In this episode Justin and Abi talk about staying connected to our present moment as a way of anchoring ourselves to hope. Through our reflections of what did work out well for us, we can create a history of hope monuments th...2020-08-2447 minThe Connected Life84: Restoring Our Childlike WonderFor most of us adults, we find ourselves struggling to connect with creativity. We lose the ability to dream and create from a place of joy and happiness. The evolution of growing up comes with the loss of our childlike wonder, the foundation for feeling fully alive. In this episode Justin and Abi sit down with their friend Ryan. Ryan shares his story of working himself to death and how his disconnection from emotions left him feeling bankrupt as a businessman, father, and husband. He opens up about his terrifying journey to regain his childlike wonder as...2020-08-101h 24The Connected Life81: Creating an Anti-Affair PlanBuilding trust in a relationship can take years and requires immense vulnerability. When we’ve given our hearts to another human, the cost of betrayal can be so high that few truly bounce back from it. Often times people put a lot of effort trying to clean up the pieces of something that didn’t have to be broken in the first place. In this episode Justin and Abi discuss ways to create an anti-affair plan. Though we can’t control our significant others into making healthy committed decisions, we can co-create a shame-free culture that empowers honest...2020-07-201h 05The Connected Life79: Tub Talk- The Naked Truth About MarriageMarriage is a lot of things to a lot of people. For some, it’s the answer to all our problems or the source of them. To others, it’s just a contract between two roommates until they’re tired of seeing each other’s faces. So what exactly is the purpose of marriage? In this episode Justin and Abi get naked, hop in the tub, yes you read that right, THE TUB, and have a candid conversation about what marriage is and what it isn’t supposed to be. It’s time to break the illusion...2020-07-0653 minThe Connected Life78: The Journey to a Dream FulfilledIn this moment in history so many people are faced with mounting unknowns. As people are suffering the loss of jobs and businesses, many are asking the questions, What do I do now? Where do I go from here? What if the biggest NO life has to offer is actually the open door to a YES you’ve always dreamed of? In this episode Justin and Abi sit down with their two friends, Bryant and Ben, who share their journey of partnership and success through creating and launching their company The Adventure challenge. Th...2020-06-291h 16The Connected Life76: Finding a Firm Foundation in Trying TimesThe world is truly faced with unprecedented trying times. After an outbreak of a global pandemic, filled with uncertainty, we’re now face to face with battles in our streets and unresolved trauma from a tainted past. Finding a firm foundation to stand on can feel almost impossible in the midst of feeling like we’ve been stretched well beyond our capacity. In this episode Justin and Abi take an honest look at the collective pain and suffering the world is feeling in an attempt to acknowledge and find healing for the widespread trauma humanity has to over...2020-06-151h 16The Connected Life73: 12 Green-lights to RelationshipRed flags are all the rave in relationship advice, but what about green lights? What are key signs to look for when choosing a friend or mate? Understanding DOs can be even more critical than understanding DON’Ts! In this episode Justin and Abi lay out 12 fundamental green lights to look for when exploring possibilities for friendships and dating partners. Woven into the fabric of the conversation is an invitation to take an honest, yet compassionate look at your life and explore the pitfalls you’ve been blinded to in becoming a green light yourself! This...2020-05-2553 minThe Connected Life71: What Are All These Feelings?It’s easy to feel out of control and barraged by emotions. Sometimes it’s unclear what we’re feeling, or why we’re feeling it. The truth is, emotions are an energy pulsating in us and through us. We are consistently broadcasting this energy to the world around us. Through intelligent design, we have been made for relationship, and our ability to broadcast is equal to our capacity to be receptors. In this episode, Justin and Abi shine a spotlight on the world of feelings. They discuss the paramount necessity of self-awareness in order to accurately understa...2020-05-1151 minThe Connected Life67: From Falling Apart to Falling TogetherThis week we’re having an unscheduled interruption. Since the world is already topsy-turvy why not? Not to fret though, next week you’ll get part two of our two-part episode, Shattering the Secrets that Shame Us. Hope is one of the most valuable commodities necessary to find life in the midst of watching everything crumble to pieces. We are at a moment in history where we need a fresh reminder of how things can come together after falling apart. In this episode Justin and Abi sit down with special guest Dallas Jenkins. Dallas shares how...2020-04-131h 09The Connected Life62: The Journey To Healing-Justin's Sadness Pt 3 of 4Suffering and sadness are an unavoidable part of the human experience. The gift of suffering is that it illuminates humanity in a unique and special way. Although no one can truly understand the full suffering of another, or the impact of that suffering, they can accept our journey, stand with us, and learn to hold space for our process. In part three of this series we dive into Justin’s perspective and how he learned to stay healthy while loving someone in a rough spot. He shares how he knew Abi would be sick when he met her...2020-03-0959 minThe Connected Life61: The Journey to Healing-Revelations From Pain Pt 2 of 4We have two options when we go through hard things; see the pain as an invitation into wholeness, or get stuck in hopelessness, fear, and heart ache. For part two of this four part series, Justin and Abi discuss the revelations Abi had through the last year of sickness. Abi’s health issues forced her into a world of deeper vulnerability, and gave space for grief to surface that produced healing in places she’s felt orphaned and alone. They share how allowing themselves to grieve the wrongs of the past didn’t mean they wallow...2020-03-021h 03The Connected Life60: The Journey To Healing-Abi's Sickness Pt 1 of 4We’ve all gone through valleys of despair or suffered painful seasons. Those of us who choose to ignore it and push forward are often praised for being strong. Unfortunately, ignored pain, buried deep within, eventually finds a way of erupting until we pay attention and get the necessary healing. In this tremendously vulnerable series, Abi and Justin invite you to be part of a very exposing piece of their lives as they share about Abi’s sickness. In this episode Abi speaks candidly about her suffering and shares openly about her history of emotional pain. Together they...2020-02-2457 minThe Connected Life56: How to Master and Win at Dating Pt 1 of 2The days of arranged marriage and courtship are a thing of the past. If you want to get married in todays world you have to date. With the age of the internet and phone apps, dating has progressively evolved. With that evolution has come a myriad of complications in an area of relational experiences that is already difficult and scary for many people. In this two-part exploration of online dating, Justin and Abi’s close friend Megan joins them to talk about her journey from being terrified to becoming completely comfortable in her own skin. She shares he...2020-01-2758 minThe Connected Life54: Vision- The Key to Relational MomentumIn a world saturated with self-help books, finding strategy on how to cast vision for your dreams is amply easy. And that’s a good thing, because without vision our life gradually wastes away. Often times, however, vision casting is around external achievements; generating wealth, getting married, owning a home, traveling the world, or having an experience. In this episode Justin and Abi talk about the power of casting vision for how we feel, what we believe, and who we can become internally. They dive in to the power of this kind of consistent vision casting in re...2020-01-131h 00The Connected Life52: How to Win in the New YearEvery year is marked by the unexpected. Some years are filled with the celebration of babies, marriages, adventures, and opportunities we’ve never dreamed of. Some years are filled with sickness, tragedy, and loss that we couldn’t plan for. It’s easy to think back on the year and only see the immense victories or the devastatingly low points. For most of us, however, pain is the loudest part of the year, leaving us feeling happy that we survived and ready to move on. But what if it didn’t have to be that way? In thi...2019-12-3040 minThe Connected Life50: Spirituality and Boundaries Pt 2 of 2Leadership is messy! For both those leading and those following. It can be a rough ride on each side of the coin and we’ve all had our fair share of aches, pains, and problems no matter which side you land on. In part two, of this two-part episode, Justin and Abi discuss some things that leaders should definitely NOT do, as well as things we should not be expecting our leaders to be doing for us. They also talk about how to handle both good and bad advice from leadership, why we should value our own vo...2019-12-1658 minThe Connected Life49: Spirituality and Boundaries Pt 1 of 2 We’ve all had people with authority and influence over our lives, whether it’s bosses, pastors, coaches, or leaders in general. As children we learn that we can either submit or rebel to this authority. Unfortunately, this two-mode response system often carries over into adulthood. If we’re hurt by, or disagree with the leaders in our world, we respond with judgment and condescension. On the flip side, if we give them all authority over us, we treat them like a god and we are rendered powerless in our own lives. Both have the capacity to destro...2019-12-0953 minThe Connected Life48: The Power of Living a Life of GenerosityTis the season for generosity! Generosity is contagious and in any book, or teaching, on success and wealth, generosity is foundational and fundamental. Generosity comes in many different forms far beyond financial. In order to truly “feel wealthy,” we have to learn how to express generosity. Understanding multiple expressions helps us find ways of doing just that. Join Justin and Abi as they share about the power of generosity and how it’s profoundly affected their lives, and the lives of those that they love so much. Get ready to be challenged to face your fears of giving...2019-12-0242 minThe Connected Life45: The Lifelong Journey to Great Sex Pt 2 of 2In part one of this two part episode, Justin and Abi took an honest look at the hurdles Joey and Kelley Feste faced in their formative years of marriage. Here, in part two, we jump back in where we left off as Joey and Kelley dive into their sex life and share the details of what makes it work. After 32 years, Joey doesn’t need viagra and Kelley wants sex more than ever before! Things are about to get steamy as Joey and Kelley share the secret ingredients to a healthy sex life that has longevity. ...2019-11-1147 minThe Connected Life44: The Lifelong Journey to Great Sex Pt 1 of 2We all have varying experiences of marriage. For many of us, we didn’t have the best examples growing up. For others, marriage looked like land of the happy people where nothing was ever wrong. No matter what side of the pendulum you’re on, one thing is for certain, today’s society is progressively reluctant to walk down the aisle and say, “I do.” In this two part episode Justin and Abi are joined by their close friends, and seasoned marriage veterans, Joey and Kelley Feste. They take an inside look into the difficulties that had to be face...2019-11-0441 minThe Connected Life42: The Healing Power of Nurture-The Mother Series Pt 5All of humanity have what we call core needs that must to be met. Nurture is one of those needs and one that initially, and primarily, gets met by our mothers. But what if you had a mother that was critical, emotionally unavailable, or depressed? Or maybe, just a mom who was fundamentally good, but didn’t have all the tools to give you what you needed as a child? When core needs are left unmet we can find ourselves coping through overeating, drinking, shopping, sex addictions, working, or “using” other people in an attempt to get the co...2019-10-2155 minThe Connected Life41: Stumbling Blocks to Connection-The Mother Series Pt 4Mom’s are an intricate part of the fabric of our lives. Our bond with them is woven into the interactions with our most intimate connections, whether we’re aware of it or not. Moms are known for creating the road map for nurturing, when left unacknowledged, this relationship with our mother can skew how we experience and treat the people we love the most. In this episode, Justin and Abi share how the relationship with their mothers unknowingly created pain and misunderstandings that drove a wedge in their connection throughout their marriage. After over a decade of b...2019-10-141h 03The Connected Life38: Facing the Reality of Our Childhood: The Mother Series Pt 1For many of us, parents can be a sensitive subject. As children our desire is to be loved and nurtured, but for some, that doesn’t always feel like the reality of what happened. When parents are involved in creating pain, it can sometimes be easier to look at our past through rose-tinted glasses. Getting honest with ourselves can sometimes be the most heartbreaking part of our journey. A mother’s love and care is key to the development of any child. For some, however, that love and care can be absent, or sometimes feel toxic. In a se...2019-09-231h 05The Connected Life35: Justin and Abi's Victory Over SuicideFor many of us, we carry secrets that seem too dark for anyone to understand. We carry this heaviness until is crushes us or we explode. Here in this darkness, crippling lies slowly wear us down, leaving us suffering in isolation. September is Suicide awareness month. Suicide is one of the most difficult and scary subjects for people to openly address. In this episode Justin and Abi vulnerably tackle their own war with suicide. In a world of silence, this episode is meant to be a conversation starter that sheds light on one of the darkest and...2019-09-021h 14The Connected Life32: On the Road to Restoration: Surviving Family VacationsFor most of us, family vacations can be a tricky time to navigate. They’re often chock full of triggers and past pain that hasn’t been resolved. Often times, it can be difficult to let our walls down long enough to feel known and free amidst our siblings, parents, and relatives. So how do we go from surviving family vacations to thriving in them? Join Justin and Abi on their own vacation as they drive through Glacier National Park and discuss Justin’s fresh explosion with his dad. They’ll share important insights as to why h...2019-08-1240 minThe Connected Life23: How Our History Shapes Us Pt 2 of 2 For most people, conversations about how we’ve been hurt and how we’ve hurt others are often terrifying and filled with anxiety. Because of this, we spend our entire lives trying to run from the past and, in doing so, we disconnect from those we love the most. In Part 2 of How Our History Shapes Us, Justin and Abi sit down face to face with Justin’s parents, Bob and Bobbie. Through choosing to face fear head on, Bob talks openly about hearing the live recorded counseling session where Justin vulnerably processed the pain he’s had as a child with...2019-06-101h 38The Connected Life21: Redefining Your WeaknessFor many people the word “weakness” is repulsive. Being “weak” is seen as a flaw in our humanity. Having an area of “weakness” is seen as unacceptable. For the majority of people, our ability to “be strong” and perform is directly connected to our value and lovability. Because of this we try to ignore our weakness, acting as though it doesn’t exist. Or, it’s all we see and we feel deeply disqualified because of it. But what if our “weakness” pointed to our greatness? What if it was the launching pad for our dreams and victories? Wh...2019-05-2759 minThe Connected Life20: Finding Connection Through Clashing CulturesThey often say men are from Mars and women are from Venus, but what if all humans, regardless of gender, came from their own planet, much like a gathering of Star Wars characters. When two worlds come together it can often feel like an explosive collision, especially when it comes to our most intimate relationships. But what if our way isn’t always the only way? What if our way isn’t always the best way? What if coming from different planets creates unnecessary misunderstandings that lead to chasms of disconnection? What if ther...2019-05-201h 04The Connected Life18: Looking Back to Move ForwardHave you ever found yourself trying to move forward in life only to feel like you’re bashing your head into a wall? Have you ever had hurdles in marriage, finances, friendships, or career that you can’t seem to jump over? Are we all “just” who we are, living some life that “just” happens to us? What if all the things that seem so mysterious aren’t really all that mysterious at all. What if the problem we’re having is that we’re trying to move forward without having to look back? In this episode Justi...2019-05-061h 06The Connected Life17: Learning to Have Realistic Expectations of YourselfEvery person is different and because of this we all have a different capacity. Sometimes it seems like everyone is conquering the world, while all we’re doing is dropping the ball. For others it seems like we’re running on a hamster wheel, while everyone else is relaxing and enjoying life. In this episode Justin and Abi talk about the “Do’ers” and the “Be’ers”; those that are hard at work and those that are hard at play. They discuss the value of both personalities and the value for understanding your capacity in every season of life. 2019-04-291h 13The Connected Life16: 6 Keys to Winning a Woman's HeartHow does a man win a woman’s heart? What does a woman really want in a man? Does he have to be the smartest? Maybe the richest? A Zach Efron lookalike? An Alpha Dog? Often times men feel like the answer to this question is an unsolvable mystery. In this episode Justin and Abi are joined by Abi’s lifelong best friend, Pietze, as they demystify the basic desires of a woman’s heart. If you’re a man looking for a road map to win over a love interest, your girlfriend, or your wife, get ready to...2019-04-221h 05The Connected Life15: The Power of Adding Fun to Your Life!Fun is a messy art form meant to be the color in an otherwise gray life. For most people fun doesn’t seem conducive to being a productive adult. In reality, often times the missing spice in friendships, dating relationships, marriages, and families is fun! Join Justin and Abi as they playfully explore the power of adding fun into their lives and their relationship. Discover ways to connect to fun in your own life so you can start living in color! And if you don't want more color, nobody enjoys a grumpy pants, so do the world a...2019-04-151h 02The Connected Life13: Anger- The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.Have you ever "Hulked out"? Have you ever seen someone "Hulk out"? Somewhere inside all of us is a little person with the potential to become a big scary green monster. Anger is one the most commonly expressed human emotions. It is socially seen as both acceptable and shameful. Whether we know it or not we all have strong beliefs about anger that govern how we express ourselves and how we relate to the most intimate relationships in our lives. In this episode Justin and Abi expose the ugliness of uncontrolled anger and it's ramifications in their...2019-04-011h 09The Connected Life12: Abi and Justin's ExplosionCandid talk about an aggressive and angry mini-explosion between Justin and Abi? Sounds like a dose of reality TV drama to me! What do you do when assumptions, judgments, and misunderstandings lead to an all out war? We’ve all thrown grenades and stepped on landmines In our most intimate relationships. Where do the grenades and landmines come from that leave so much pain in lives of those we love? Who is our war really with? How do we clean up the trail of bloody messes we’ve made? In this episode Abi and...2019-03-251h 08The Connected Life7: Facing Our Greatest Fears: Married Life Year One Pt 1 of 2Road Trip!!! Get ready as we begin to explore the first year of Justin and Abi’s marriage! Beginning with the first two stops of a completely unorganized road trip, we learn all about how this was the year of Justin having meltdowns, how a potty stop at a tree farm reignited connection, and how the "don’t go to bed angry" advice was more damaging than helpful. Join us for some real talk about a few of our first fights as a married couple and how we began to learn to navigate expectations, gain courage to face...2019-02-1849 minThe Connected Life5: The Battle with Our Bodies: Winning the War with Weight. Pt: 1 of 2For many of us, one of the biggest battles in our lives is with the person in the mirror. As a culture we are in a never-ending war with our looks and our weight. In this two part series, Justin and Abi start a dialogue with Abi’s long time childhood best friend, Pietze, about the tumultuous body battle they’ve all had to overcome. Justin and Pietze bond over being “fatties”, discuss some of the secrets as to why we are over weight, and they all discuss tangible steps to practically ending this war within ourselves. C...2019-02-041h 07The Connected Life1: The Disconnect in Creating The Connected Life-IntroIn this vision casting Connected Life episode, Justin and Abi openly share about the disconnecting meltdown they experienced while gearing up to record the first episodes of The Connected Life. Come join in to hear about "why" The Connected Life came about and what you can expect from it. Get ready to be inspired, laugh, and relate to the messiness of connecting to the life right in front of you. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to the show!2018-12-2538 min