The Connected Life

Conflict isn’t fun for most of us. For many of us, we’d rather avoid it altogether. Since many of us haven’t seen it modeled well, it can often lead to further disruptions in relationships and seemingly make things worse. But what if we had a better understanding of its benefits and how to do it well? In this episode Gabby, a good friend of Abi and Justin, joins the conversation. Gabby shares about her journey of avoiding conflict, the impact it had on her life, and the brave tweaks she made in her beliefs and actions that changed the game for her altogether. If you want insight on why you react to conflict the way you do, and could use some inspiration on how to navigate conflict moving forward, this episode is chock full of insight, and entertaining laughs that will help the medicine go down! AND REMEMBER TO CHECK US OUT ON YOUTUBE! You can WATCH us at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!

Whether or not we’re aware of it, we all have emotions we don’t want to feel. Some of those emotions are so intolerable that we’ll do anything we can to avoid them. Unfortunately, avoiding these emotions won’t resolve them. It simply perpetuates them. But don’t fear, there’s hope to face them! In this episode, Justin and Abi are joined by their friend Ruth Outram, who is currently finishing her doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Together, they discuss the intolerable emotions we all have, where they come from, and how we can learn to approach even the most difficult feelings. If you want a better understanding of the feelings and reactions you’re having, this episode is filled with gold! AND REMEMBER TO CHECK US OUT ON YOUTUBE! You can WATCH us at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!  

In today’s culture, masculinity has two predominant expressions on opposite ends of the spectrum. One expression is the dominant protector that views emotional health as weak. On the other end is the nonthreatening connector that avoids challenges at all costs. But what if there was an expression of masculinity that was a healthy blend of protector and connector? In this episode, Justin sits down with special guest Jeremy Morris, founder of Wild Courage. Jeremy shares stories of fostering a tribe of men who have found the courage to face their fears of vulnerability while maintaining their capacity to face adversity head-on. If you’ve been looking for an example of a balanced model of masculinity that is connected to its heart and willing to face any fight on behalf of those it loves, this episode is a MUST! Don’t miss out. AND REMEMBER TO CHECK US OUT ON YOUTUBE! You can WATCH us at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!

Emotions are an inescapable part of the human experience. As kids, these emotions are often judged, shut down, ignored, and stuffed until they can’t be dismissed any longer. We can demonize them and perpetuate a life of feeling alone and unloved, or we can embrace them and come alive. In this episode Justin and Abi discuss the impact of being disconnected from our emotions, the power of identifying and naming them, and how we can nurture ourselves through becoming interested in and understanding them. They also examine how the energy behind every emotion is drives us from moment to moment dictating how we connect to the world around us. If you don’t want your emotions to rule you, this episode will give you insight on how to manage them while creating connection with yourself. Don’t miss out! AND REMEMBER TO CHECK US OUT ON YOUTUBE! You can WATCH us at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!

The hosts explore the concept of reparenting, addressing the emotional gaps left by unmet childhood needs. With humor and personal anecdotes, they emphasize nurturing oneself and embracing creativity as tools for healing. Listeners learn about the importance of self-compassion and positive self-talk. The discussion also includes a whimsical mystery involving lost pool shorts and the joy of reconnecting with childhood wonder through hobbies. Practical tips for personal growth through skill acquisition and emotional development are shared, encouraging each individual to redeem their past.

In an ever growing culture of emotionally fragile people, it’s vital that we have conversations about the human condition in a way that’s educational and empowering. A better understanding of ourselves and others should develop a lifestyle of compassion and emotional resilience to life’s most difficult circumstances. In Part 2 of this two-part series, Justin and Abi continue the conversation around the 4F trauma responses fight, flight, freeze, and fawn. In this episode, they highlight flight and fawn and the impacts of these responses in their own lives. They share how progressively finding healing for these responses has developed confidence and connection in their relationships. If you want to better understand yourself and others this series is a MUST for any relational connection! AND REMEMBER TO CHECK US OUT ON YOUTUBE! You can WATCH us at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!

We’re often quick to believe that messy and destructive actions stem from poor character. Our judgments of ourselves and others usually lack curiosity and understanding. However, as we learn more about the human experience, we discover that many of our actions are trauma responses that, when properly addressed, can be healed. In Part 1 of this two-part series, Abi and Justin explore the four trauma responses: fight, flight, freeze, and fawn. These responses can unknowingly be at the core of some of our most difficult relational interactions. Educating ourselves about these responses not only fosters grace for ourselves and others but also provides a roadmap for healing. If you’re struggling to overcome hurdles in your emotional health journey, this series may offer the clarity needed to start conquering them. AND REMEMBER TO CHECK US OUT ON YOUTUBE! You can WATCH us at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!

Danny Silk, an author and speaker passionate about relationships and leadership, shares insights into modern masculinity’s challenges. He discusses the impact of a fractured childhood and the healing power found in marriage. Silk emphasizes the importance of brotherhood, revealing the seven dragons men face in their journey to authenticity. The conversation shifts to the necessity of vulnerability and honest communication in relationships, providing hope and inspiration for anyone seeking to cultivate deeper connections and courage in life.

An idea etched into the minds of many of us is that finding the right person will make us complete. From a young age, entertainment, religious traditions, and family cultures perpetuate this fantasy. Unfortunately, we often find ourselves years into a relationship feeling deceived. If another person can't fulfill us, what’s the point of a relationship? In this episode, Justin and Abi discuss the fantasy of being fulfilled through marriage, which wreaked havoc on their relationship. They openly share their pain, and in an impromptu turn of events, they process a very complicated conflict in real-time. If you’ve ever wanted to experience what it’s like to be a fly on the wall as a couple faces some of their most difficult marriage hurdles, this episode is a must! AND REMEMBER TO CHECK US OUT ON YOUTUBE! You can WATCH us at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!

Marriage is not for the faint of heart. As two become one, it can feel more like two worlds colliding in unforeseen, catastrophic ways. Without healthy models and a supportive community, marriage can feel like a place where we go to waste away. But what if it was designed to be a place where we learn to come alive and thrive? In this episode, Justin and Abi celebrate their 16-year wedding anniversary. Stepping into another year, they sit down to share about the pitfalls they’ve faced and what they wished they’d known when they first started. They share how facing themselves through the mirror of each other has led them to a fuller life. Lastly, they give tips on how to approach committed relationships that are vital to any thriving connection.  If you want wise insight on relationships, from seasoned veterans who spent years learning how to clean up their messes, this episode is just what you’re looking for! AND REMEMBER TO CHECK US OUT ON YOUTUBE! You can WATCH us at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!