

The Connected Life
Justin and Abi Stumvoll
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 23, 2023 • 51min
212: Creating a Lifestyle of Fortitude
For many, it’s easy to find ourselves living through cycles of life where we feel crippled not only by experiences, but also by emotions that are seemingly driving our lives. Navigating some of the most difficult things we face can feel impossible, and along the way we can seem to lose who we once were. But, what if we could fight back and not only restore what had been lost, but be better off than we’ve ever been? In part two of this two-part episode Justin’s friend Jason returns to share about his battle with crippling anxiety. He discusses his process of building mental fortitude through seeing his difficulties through an empowering perspective where he learned that he’s agile, not fragile. He addresses the need for creating an ecosystem of help within our personal environment and how rewiring our lives is possible, and an inevitable outcome if we continue to put in the time, energy, and effort. If you’re looking for inspiration to face even the most difficult circumstances, Jason’s story will remind you that you’re not alone, you can change your experience, and there is light at the end of the tunnel!

Jan 16, 2023 • 1h 9min
211: Life After Loss
Every human has a story of tragedy. Whether it’s the death of a parent, the loss of a best friend, or a divorce that left them devastated, the examples are endless. Though not ideal, these tragedies are unavoidable. Rather than trying to escape them, what if we learned how to face them head on? In part one of this two part episode, Justin is joined by his good friend Jason. In Jason’s return to the podcast he shares candidly about how the phrase “I never loved you.” began the unraveling of his marriage. Jason opens up about being a single father of three and his attempts to find a life after divorce. He breaks down his process for facing his pain and the role forgiveness and justice played in all of it. Whether you’ve been through a tragedy in the past, you’re going through it right now, or you’re simply fearful of what could come, this episode is for you. This episode will remind you that there are solutions to the pain you’ve been through, you’re not alone, and that you’re powerful beyond measure to face whatever might happen.

Jan 9, 2023 • 1h 6min
210: Stories of Fulfilled Dreams
It’s easy to believe that luck or hard work is the reason behind desires becoming a reality. However, the truth is much more complex and nuanced. In the pursuit of wanting something that is meaningful, many of us can find ourselves feeling powerless, exhausted, overwhelmed, and hopeless. Sometimes all we need to keep going is direction on how to continue and inspiring stories from others that have seen fulfillment. In this episode Abi and Justin take a deeper look into the practical journey of creating vision for their lives. They discuss both the amazing fulfillments and the arduous process of surrendering the need to experience specific outcomes in order to be happy. They share stories that will leave you in awe of the goodness and grace that life has to offer, while helping you to adjust your expectations of how everything has to look. If you’re wanting to build momentum towards a life of endless possibilities, this episode will help awaken the dreamer within, or fuel the dreamer already running. Don’t miss out! Also, it’s the FINAL week to sign up for Living Fully Alive 2023. Head to https://justinandabi.com/courses/living-fully-alive/ to get enrolled now!

Jan 2, 2023 • 1h 9min
209: Keys to Get Vision and Live Inspired
As 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 approach what they want to do. They explore the power of following their own intuition, connecting to something bigger than themselves, and learning how to be at peace in the process of not knowing how things will play out. Sometimes peoples can feel defeated or overwhelmed when looking at the future, but getting vision and living inspired IS possible! Stop what you’re doing and start the year off with this MUST listen to episode. Also, it’s the FINAL week to sign up for Living Fully Alive 2023. Head to https://justinandabi.com/courses/living-fully-alive/ to get enrolled now!

Dec 26, 2022 • 1h 8min
208: The Abundant Goodness of Life
The world we live in can easily seem grim. For many of us, perceiving the cup as half empty is called being a realist, while viewing those that see goodness as nothing more than living in denial. But, what if seeing the cup as half full leads to life becoming full, without sacrificing an awareness of the very real pain in the world? In this post Christmas episode, Abi and Justin explore the affects of becoming aware of the goodness life has to offer. They share a key moment in their own journey that changed their outlook and approach forever. Without sacrificing their connection to reality, the two describe how their connection to gratitude has rewired their connection to love and redefined their experience of life. Together they reflect on intimate details of the goodness that has impacted them over the last year as they prepare for another new year. If you’re wanting to experience a better life in the coming year, this episode is the perfect foundation to build from! Get ready to have some laughs and be moved by the possibilities of what your life can truly be! Also Living Fully Alive 2023 enrollment is happening now! Head to https://justinandabi.com/courses/living-fully-alive/ to learn more!

Dec 19, 2022 • 1h 7min
207: Divorce, Disappointments, Desires, and Dreams Fulfilled. Pt 2 of 2
Pursuing 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 first place, Lauren and Jason decide to pursue IVF as an alternative to having a child. Through a long and arduous process the two find themselves getting much more than they bargained for. Feeling relief, yet faced with a new dilemma, the two are shocked by a twist they never could have seen coming. A lesson on faith, hope, and love, this episode will help you build resilience towards everything life throws at you and leave you inspired at the possibilities of what can happen when you don’t give up. You won’t want to miss the epic finale of this two part story! Also Living Fully Alive 2023 enrollment is happening now! Head to https://justinandabi.com/courses/living-fully-alive/ to learn more!

Dec 12, 2022 • 57min
206: Divorce, Disappointments, Desires, and Dreams Fulfilled Pt 1 of 2
Life is filled with unwanted and unforeseen circumstances that can either bury us alive or catapult us into a destiny we never dreamed of. To those that say yes to the process, a life fully lived isn’t the absence of difficulties, but rather the embracing and facing of those difficulties wholeheartedly. In part one of this two part episode Abi and Justin are joined by their long time friends Jason and Lauren. Jason opens up about the impact of his divorce, his struggle as a single father of three, and the vulnerable process of finding love again. Lauren shares about her experience as a younger single woman faced with the challenging decision of becoming a mother of three over night with a desire to have her own birth children that may never happen. Together they share about the tragedy that struck them, but didn’t break them, and a decision that will leave you on edge waiting to hear what happened. Come join us for a laughter filled episode that will move you to tears and leave you believing that there’s life on the other side of even the greatest of tragedies. Also Living Fully Alive 2023 enrollment is happening now! Head to https://justinandabi.com/courses/living-fully-alive/ to learn more!

Dec 5, 2022 • 57min
205: The Journey of Connection as You Grow
Growing up children generally have an intense desire to be close to their parents. Even in some of the most difficult situations children long to be attached to the ones that created them. As children grow older however, an adjustment naturally begins and the attachment looks much different. Without understanding this change can be jarring and painful for parents and kids. But what if the transition could be smooth and create new styles of connection? In this episode Abi and Justin dive into aspects of attachment theory and the affects of attachment between parents and children. They discuss the kinds of adjustments that may be necessary to adapt to the change while repairing the messes that happen along the way. If you want to get a better understanding of your relational development as a human and get insights into the growing journey with your parents or your children, this episode is a must. This week only (12/4/22 to 12/12/22 sign up for our mailing list and get a coupon code for a FREE Father Series Course ($200) when you enroll in Living Fully Alive 2023. Head to https://justinandabi.com/courses/living-fully-alive/ to learn more!

Nov 28, 2022 • 54min
204: Making Sense of People
People can often seem confusing and leave us feeling baffled at many of their decisions. We can find ourselves defensive and angry with behavior that feels radically illogical and painful. But what if every person actually makes sense? In this episode Abi and Justin help to restore compassion to the human condition as they explore why people do what they do. Being in the middle of the holiday season can be especially triggering as we find ourselves and others acting in ways that create messes and are a recipe for disaster. Putting an end to the madness doesn’t necessarily begin with avoidance as much as it does understanding the madness. Getting connected to yours and others’ stories just might be the light you need to illuminate the best way to relate to yourself and the world around you. If you’re wanting to live a more connected lifestyle this holiday season, and in the year to come, this is a MUST listen to episode. Also Living Fully Alive 2023 enrollment is happening now! Head to https://justinandabi.com/courses/living-fully-alive/ to learn more!

Nov 21, 2022 • 1h 28min
203: The Power of Sharing Your Story
Many of us have learned through our experiences that sharing the depth of our stories leads to pain, disconnection, and betrayal. Because of this there are portions of ourselves that we bury deep within, determined to go to the grave with our secrets. But what would happen if we could bare it all without fear of punishment? In this episode Justin is joined by his step-brother, and founding member of Wild Courage, Jeremy Morris. Together they discuss one of the most impactful weekends of their lives. Gathered together with 40+ men over a weekend of sharing the most vulnerable parts of their stories, the two dialogue about the intimate and life altering moments that left them speechless. Through tears, authenticity, and radical risk-taking, a group of the most manly men encountered an unrelenting love, changing their lives forever. If you want to stop running and start living, this episode will give you the courage and perspective needed to let down your walls and be who you were designed to be! Also now through November 28th, 2023 save $100 on Living Fully Alive 2023 enrollment when you use the code: greatfriday2023 at checkout. Can not be combined with other codes. Good only during purchases made during this promotion. Head to https://justinandabi.com/courses/living-fully-alive/ to learn more!