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

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

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

Forget red flags; it's time to spotlight green flags! Discover the seven key traits that signal a healthy connection, whether it's romantic or platonic. The hosts dive into the importance of self-love and emotional intelligence as foundations for deeper relationships. They emphasize blame-free communication and the value of recognizing emotional nuance in others. Learn how to attract quality connections and cultivate these traits within yourself, paving the way for incredible relationships that truly thrive!

Many have experienced a version of faith that prioritizes performance over authenticity, often leaving little room for emotional honesty or personal healing. In part 2 of this two part series, Justin and Abi continue their deep dive into the intersection of faith and emotional health, tackling the ways in which toxic forgiveness and spiritual bypassing prevent genuine healing. They explore how religious communities sometimes use forgiveness as a way to silence pain rather than restore relationships, and how the misuse of spirituality can dismiss real emotional struggles. They also discuss the urgent need for accountability in faith communities, challenging the harmful patterns that enable toxic behavior to go unchecked. If you've ever felt pressured to "just forgive and move on" without real resolution, or if you’ve wrestled with the tension between faith and emotional health, this conversation 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 had something we’ve wanted and found ourselves so desperate to obtain it, that we find ourselves compromising out of FOMO. In our anxiety, this ravenous hunger causes us to abandon our values and miss out on what we really want. The regret is real, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. In this episode Justin and Abi dig into the desperation trap and the impact of that on experiencing the life you really want. They discuss how desperation causes us to compromise our core values, ignore our intuition, and make destructive decisions out of fear. They also share insights on how to establish peace that will set you up for creating success in the areas that matter most. This episode will help you change the way you think, and liberate you from the FOMO trap! You can WATCH us at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!

For many, institutionalized faith and emotional health often feel like two opposing worlds. This separation between spirituality and emotional intelligence has been a longstanding issue, preventing many from experiencing life to its fullest. But does it have to stay this way? In this episode, Justin and Abi dive into the essential partnership between faith and emotional health. They explore the lack of free thought in organized religion, the broken theology that hinders emotional healing for many Christians, and the critical role personal autonomy plays in becoming a healthy, empowered individual. They also share how their spiritual journeys led to profound insights into the human condition. If you’re looking to cultivate a balanced, whole life grounded in emotional health and a faith source greater than yourself—or if you’re seeking healing from wounds caused by organized religion—this episode is for you! 🎙️✨ You can WATCH us at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!

Life can often feel like it’s happening to us. We can feel powerless to partners, children, friends, employers, and endless circumstances. We can choose to live like a pinball in a game we have no control over, or we can step out of the chaos and start playing the game with intention. In this episode, Justin and Abi dive into the impact of building a healthy lifestyle rooted in self-management. They cover everything from managing your emotions to shaping the vision you have for your life. They also explore ways to feel like you’re in the driver’s seat—without steamrolling the people you love. If you’re ready to reset how you experience life and take ownership of your story, this episode is for you! 🎙️✨ You can WATCH us at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife You can listen to us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!

In this engaging conversation, Mariah Hardy, a life consultant known for her expertise in personal growth and healing, joins Justin and Abi to tackle the transformative power of feedback. They discuss how learning to receive feedback can shift personal growth trajectories and enhance relationships. The trio shares personal stories about overcoming shame and the complexities of emotional dynamics. By emphasizing self-awareness and effective communication, they reveal how feedback can unlock deeper connections and foster healing in everyday interactions.

In this discussion, Mariah Hardy, a life consultant and actress, guides listeners on the journey of reclaiming personal power after trauma. She shares insights on embracing authenticity and the role of shame resilience in building healthier relationships. The conversation highlights transforming from a victim mentality to empowerment through accountability. Listeners learn about navigating emotional triggers in relationships and the importance of self-awareness, all while fostering emotional growth and connection. It's a motivating call to take charge of your story!