The Connected Life

The institution of the church has a history of feeling unsafe and judgmental for many people. Like any system, it has humanity's thumbprint of messiness all over it. But sometimes the systems that hurt us, have a gift within to heal us. In this episode, Pietze joins Abi and Justin once again to discuss her return to the institution of the church. They process how Pietze found resolution and examine together what it is to follow a redeeming God we can trust. Through a humble acknowledgment of their own messiness, they invite people to let go of the hierarchy they have that keeps them believing they're better than others. If you need resolution with any kind of institution, this episode is a massive step to getting there.

There comes a time for all of us when everything we know is challenged. Our world is shaken and the foundation that we've stood on for a lifetime begins to crumble below us. In this episode, Pietze joins the crew once again to dive deeper into her story. She opens up about her life shattering season that redefined her relationship with God. Together they investigate the ways she explored her connection to her creator outside of the religious institution and the lasting impact of this vital experience. If you could use a dose of authenticity surrounding faith and self discovery, this episode is just what the doctor ordered!

Religion has a way of stripping individuals of their humanity and demanding perfection through performance. This behavior is detrimental to everyone involved. In this episode Abi's lifelong friend, Pietze, joins Abi and Justin. Pietze shares about her upbringing as a Pastor's kid and the painful affects institutionalized religion had on her family. Together they take a gracious look at the driving force behind people's destructive actions, while humanizing everyone involved. If you've ever felt like you've had to throw out your personality, desires, and voice to become acceptable in the sight of any group, this episode is for you.

Being single is great when you want in to be that way, but when you're looking for a long term commitment, it can start feeling difficult real quick. Though there can be many reasons for long term singleness, not all of it has to be inexplicable. In this episode, Abi and Justin shine a light on some of the mysteries surrounding undesired singleness. Through reflecting on years of investigative work with single clients, they share some of the repetitive reasons they see people inadvertently staying single. Through humor and a non-judgmental approach they give nuggets of wisdom to reflect on and apply to your own unique scenario. If you're wanting to understand yourself or your single friends better, this compassionate conversation is just the thing to bridge the gap!

Fear can be debilitating for anyone, but it's nothing more than the barrier between us and the destiny of who we were created to be. Having it is not the problem but being unwilling to face it is. Unaddressed fears have a way of squelching our creativity and ultimate our vision. But it doesn't have to be that way. In part two of this two-part episode, Justin is joined by business partners and brothers-in-law Robby and Daniel. Justin investigates the fears they've been required to face as young entrepreneurs, husbands, and fathers. They share their journey of developing vision for every facet of life and the sense of exposure that comes with boldly choosing to take control of the helm of their own ship. Through boldness and bravery, these two model what it is to face your fears, cast your net, and trust in a higher power to bring in the catch. If you're wanting to be part of a relatable conversation that will help you feel supported in your process of becoming who you were created to be, this episode won't disappoint!

It's easy for any of us to go through some of life's biggest storms and to feel like it's the beginning of the end, or that there's no way we'll ever recover. However, every great story of adventure has seemingly insurmountable odds set before the sojourner. To the one who refuses to give up, a chest filled with unforeseen treasure awaits. In this episode Justin sits down with long time clients Daniel and Robby to explore their business partnership and the difficulties, including an actual shipwreck, that set the tone and direction for their future. They share how embracing their story, and who they are, has created a multimillion-dollar business out of a string of misfortunes and failures. Through refusing to give up in the face of adversity, these brother in-laws have developed the grit, gratitude, and grace to be successful business leaders, husbands, friends, and fathers. If you want to get inspired, learn how to stay connected to the moment in front of you, and have vision for your future, part one of this two part episode is just for you.

Developing camaraderie amongst men can be as simple as creating a common goal that requires a collective group to band together in order to achieve it. Be it building a house, playing sports, going to war, or taking down the Death Star, a goal is often all that's needed. But building intimate connection is a much grandeur task. In this episode Justin and his close friend Marcus open up about their friendship and share about the foundational building blocks necessary to create a lasting bond. They explore varying phases of vulnerability and the obstacles men often face when attempting to create this essential human experience. Whether you're a man or a woman, this conversation is vital to understanding the human condition and to establishing connection that is heartfelt and full of depth. You won't want to miss it!

Whether we understand it or not, family plays a vital role in experiencing a life of stability and confidence. For many of us, our family of origin can be messy, painful, and sometimes evoke instability. The beauty of life is that family isn't limited to blood relatives. Through graciously unique circumstances we can experience the love and connection we were all designed for. In this episode Justin sits down with his dear friend Katrina to have a conversation six years in the making. They discuss the shockingly abnormal event that would forever bond their lives together. Through care, and brave vulnerability, they forged a family connection that would last a lifetime and redeem circumstances that had yet to happen. If you're wanting vision and inspiration to to help you imagine the unlikely ways your dreams and desires can be fulfilled, this heartwarming story of radical trust is just for you!

It can be easy to find ourselves consumed with regret and paralyzed with pain when we contemplate the dreams and desires that never panned out the way we dreamed they would. Without proper acceptance, we can't properly grieve and move forward. In this second part of a two part episode, Abi further discusses her grief process that gone on as she has accepted she will never birth her own children. She shares about the power of acceptance and how this has led to building momentum towards what her unique story is meant to look like. If you've experienced not having the dreams for your life come into fulfillment the way you expected and are needing a dose of hope and inspiration, this episode is a must!

Most of us have an idea of what we think our life should look like. Our education, job, friends, family, and marriage are just a few aspects that we think have to turn out a certain way. But then they don't, and reality sinks in leaving us to grieve what wasn't or didn't happen. In this episode Abi bares it all in her most vulnerable time of sharing on the podcast as she talks candidly with Justin about her pain of not having children. Together they open up about their decision around children and the grief that followed. If you're looking for a genuine story of humanity that will challenge you to accept what is and leave you feeling like you're not alone in your experience, this episode is for you.