The Connected Life

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 at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don't forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!

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 https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don't forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!

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 https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don't forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!

Explore how childhood influences emotional expression in adult relationships. Discover the chaos caused by nonverbal communication and the pressure to mind-read in couples. Learn the dangers of suppressing feelings and how they can escalate into aggression. The hosts share practical tips for developing emotional vocabulary and fostering safer communication. A discussion on assumptions and the importance of curiosity adds depth to the conversation. This insightful dialogue sets the stage for healthier emotional connections.

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 https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don't forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!

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 https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don't forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!

Following your intuition can feel confusing. Sometimes it sounds like fear, sometimes like desire, and sometimes like silence when you need it most. But when you learn to tune into that deeper voice, it can become one of the most life-giving guides you have. In this episode, Justin and Abi share how a forced pause in their first year of marriage exposed all the fears, survival patterns, and limiting beliefs they had been running from—and how listening to their inner voice slowly transformed their lives. They talk candidly about panic, PTSD, and financial stress, as well as the practices that helped them reconnect to their authentic dreams, from vision boards and declarations to redefining what "productivity" really means. If you've ever felt stuck, disconnected from your desires, or afraid to trust yourself, this conversation will help you clear the noise and start following the voice that knows the way forward. Don't miss out! You can WATCH us at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don't forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE! Also get your hands on The Tree of Life, an allegorical novel by Justin Stumvoll on Amazon now: https://shorturl.at/hl1n4

We've all felt it—the pit in your stomach that says the good can't last, or the ache that whispers the pain will never end. Living braced for impact robs us of the very joy and resilience we're longing for. In this episode, Justin and Abi get personal about financial fears, health crises, PTSD, and the cycles of marriage that tested their ability to trust goodness. They share how childhood pain shaped their anxiety about loss, and what helped them shift from sabotage and foreboding to presence and freedom. From bite-sized safety practices to the science of post-traumatic growth, they unpack how to expand your capacity for joy, let go of false control, and anchor your well-being in something deeper than circumstances. If you've ever feared the other shoe will drop—or felt stuck in a season that won't end—this conversation will remind you: you can make it through, and you will be okay. You can WATCH us at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don't forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE! Also get your hands on The Tree of Life, an allegorical novel by Justin Stumvoll on Amazon now: https://shorturl.at/hl1n4

Chronic sickness can make you feel like you've lost yourself and that you're letting everyone else down too. It impacts more than just your body; it reshapes your identity, your relationships, and your sense of hope. In this episode, Justin and Abi get personal about their journeys with long-term illness, the pressure to push through, and the silent grief of not being who you used to be. They unpack how sickness affects connection, the loneliness of being in survival mode, and the power of regulating your nervous system to support healing. Whether you're the one who's sick or you love someone who is, this conversation will help you feel seen and remind you that your worth isn't tied to your capacity. There is hope, and it might look different than you expected. You can WATCH us at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don't forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE! Also get your hands on The Tree of Life, an allegorical novel by Justin Stumvoll on Amazon now: https://shorturl.at/hl1n4

Shame can silently drive wedges in relationships, often disguised as defensiveness and blame. Justin and Abi share personal stories of how shame affected their marriage. They reveal the crucial difference between shame and guilt, explaining how to recognize and dismantle shame's influence. By identifying shame responses and fostering compassion, they encourage listeners to build resilience. Navigating vulnerability and practicing ownership becomes a pathway to deeper connections, transforming shame from a barrier into a bridge.