

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

Mar 18, 2024 • 1h 10min
272: Justin’s Near Death Wim Hof Expedition
In this story of life, death, and rebirth Abi sits down with Justin to discuss his week-long expedition with breath and cold plunge master Wim Hof. Justin candidly shares about his process of being pushed to the brink of his body's capacity, the fear of death he faced, and the healing from trauma he found in the arms of an unlikely person. In the afterglow of his journey, Justin fondly reflects on a community of strangers that fostered radical love that paved the way for a restorative healing experience. If you want to hear an inspiring story that reminds you how good humanity can really be, this is a MUST listen to episode! AND NOW WE’RE ON YOUTUBE! Come WATCH US at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!

Mar 11, 2024 • 1h 5min
271: A Vulnerable Conversation About Trauma
What if a vulnerable conversation could be enough to foster the comfort needed to relieve panic and anxiety? Many of us have history’s littered with painful and traumatic moments that impact our everyday lives. On difficult days, sometimes a loving presence and caring questions are just enough to free us from our funk, while bringing repair to parts of our past. In this episode Justin sits down with a grumpy gal named Abi, who isn’t in the mood to do a podcast. Through thoughtful questions, Justin navigates Abi’s swirl of emotions until they’re able to shine a light on moments of trauma needing love and attention. Through a vulnerable recap of her history, Abi slowly softens until tender tears can be expressed. In this vulnerable and live healing experience, Justin and Abi discuss the impact of trauma on a person’s life and model the simple, yet profound ways we can support someone we love in the midst of their messiness. If you’ve ever wanted to see a practical example of loving someone in a painful moment, without having to fix them, this episode is an informative roadmap filled with truth, transparency, and tenderness. Watch it now, your loved ones will thank you later. Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE! Also come join us for our once a year life transforming course, Living Fully Alive. Enroll now for Living Fully Alive 2024. Class starts March 13th: https://justinandabi.com/courses/living-fully-alive/

Mar 4, 2024 • 1h 1min
270: The Secret Sauce to Connection
In 2011 Brene Brown launched a cultural shifting TED Talk called The Power of Vulnerability. Now, with over 20 million views, her clinical research has validated what an entire emotional health industry had been spending years trying to help the world understand, that vulnerability is a vital key to connection and happiness. The question is, if it’s so vital, how do we practically express vulnerability? In this episode Abi and Justin share about misperceptions of what people believe is vulnerability, while shining a light on practical ways to live vulnerably and build deeper connections. They open up about the fears they’ve had to face in order to live vulnerably while highlighting the incredible ways vulnerability has changed their lives. Lastly, they discuss the powerful role that boundaries play in creating a balanced life of vulnerability and how anyone can grow this impactful emotional muscle. Whether you’re new to this concept, or a seasoned vet, this episode has thought-provoking ideas that are an invitation to create a life full of hope, healing, and goodness! Don’t miss out. Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE! Also come join us for our once a year life transforming course, Living Fully Alive. Enroll now for Living Fully Alive 2024. Class starts March 13th: https://justinandabi.com/courses/living-fully-alive/

Feb 26, 2024 • 59min
269: Connecting to Your Intuition
We’ve all had times where we followed our intuition and it didn’t work out the way we hoped it would. For many of us these kinds of disappointments can lead to not trusting ourselves. This breakdown in trust can feel like a safer route, but more often than not the consequences of not following our intuition can be a mundane life filled with regrets. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode Justin and Abi talk about he impact of following your intuition. They share hopeful stories of how their intuition paid off and stories where they got it wrong, yet found beauty in the midst of mistakes. They discuss the reasons people don’t follow their intuition, the price you’ll pay in order to do so, and what you’ll gain by connecting in. If you’re wanting to learn how live a life of experience, adventure, and fulfillment, this episode is full of thought provoking ideas to help guide you in that direction! Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE! Sign-ups for Living Fully Alive 2024 are happening NOW! https://justinandabi.com/courses/living-fully-alive/

Feb 19, 2024 • 58min
268: The Power of Childlikeness
At a young age many of us find ourselves losing our innocence through situations that leave us feeling unsafe. In order to protect ourselves, slowly over time, we unconsciously fortify our hearts. In the process we disconnect from a source of joy and wonder that is at the epicenter of creativity and life, in hopes of avoiding pain. In doing so we find ourselves living a mediocre existence. But what if it doesn’t have to be that way? In this episode Justin and Abi shine a light on the child within. They discuss the reasons we find ourselves shut down to the goodness life has to offer, the ways we can reconnect, and beautiful aspects of what life can look like when safety is restored to our hearts. If you’ve ever felt like you’re missing the ability to express your joy well and process your pain healthily, this episode will give you fantastic tips on how to begin coming alive through the child within! Don’t miss out. Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE! Sign-ups for Living Fully Alive 2024 are happening NOW! https://justinandabi.com/courses/living-fully-alive/

Feb 12, 2024 • 1h 8min
267: Justin and Abi's Fight
In this intense podcast, Abi and Justin open up about their disagreement while recording, showing raw emotions and growth in conflict. They explore handling triggers, attachment styles, vulnerability, and restoring connections. The couple shares personal experiences and therapeutic conversations, focusing on growth through conflict resolution and acceptance. A candid look at navigating relationship challenges with honesty and compassion.

Feb 5, 2024 • 1h 4min
266: A Life Well Lived
Our time on earth is limited and facing the reality of our mortality can feel scary or morbid. We can easily place our deaths in the back of our minds where we imagine them far off in some distant future and forget how precious each moment truly is. In the end of another person’s life it’s realistic to reflect not only on how they spent it, but also how we’re spending the incredible gift we’ve been given. In this episode Abi and Justin sit down to discuss the recent loss of Abi’s Uncle Johnny. Abi vulnerably shares about the sad, yet beautiful and redemptive ending to John’s story that left her facing grief while finding healing. Together they celebrate how Johnny lived his life and reflect on the simple yet powerful ways his love left an impact on this world. Lastly, they reminisce about individual moments they had with him while exploring the what a life well lived can look like. If you’re wanting to feel what it’s like to experience beauty and redemption in the midst of tragedy, this episode will melt your heart and bring you comfort. Don’t miss out! Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE! Sign-ups for Living Fully Alive 2024 are happening NOW! https://justinandabi.com/courses/living-fully-alive/

Jan 29, 2024 • 1h 7min
265: Processing Church Scandals
We’ve all found ourselves feeling an ache and an anger when we see and hear stories of injustice and violation perpetuated by people in authority, especially when we admire them. There are countless stories of abuse of power throughout all of our human institutions. This messiness can leave us feeling disillusioned and cause us to live reactive. But, what if we could foster a responsive lifestyle that creates healing, while addressing a course correction? In this episode Justin and Abi take a look at a recent clergy abuse scandal that left many feeling rocked to the core. Justin shares how this scandal has shined a fresh spotlight on the abuse he suffered and buried years ago. He discusses his response to seeking justice while addressing the check engine lights that could help avert these kind of disasters in every system. Together they examine the effects of power differentials in any institution, what unconventional justice can look like, and how healthy expressions of having a voice can bring repair to our suffering. If you’ve been impacted by the moral failings of others or participated in a moral failure that hurt others, this episode will be a fresh and empowering conversation that has the power to begin to restore hope in humanity. Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE! Sign-ups for Living Fully Alive 2024 are happening NOW! https://justinandabi.com/courses/living-fully-alive/ As promised: Here’s the link to that video referenced in the episode: https://youtu.be/-w7EgLqA2Mc?si=27EIZk7AsHqXikE5

Jan 22, 2024 • 1h 7min
264: A Fundamental Step to Healing and Repair
We all have histories laced with difficulties that leave an impact on us. Often times the people that play a role in perpetuating pain are the ones that matter most to us. In our formative years these experiences have a tendency to leave an imprint that lasts a lifetime. It’s reasonable to want to pass judgment on those people and events, while swearing to never be or do them, but in doing so we often find ourselves replicating a cycle we’re not so proud of. But what if letting go of our judgements and accepting we’re equally messy is a vital step to healing and repair? In this episode Justin is joined by friend and fellow Life Consultant Rachel Hughes. Rachel shares about the repercussions of growing up in home with a bi-polar parent. She discusses her mental breakdown in her youth, the vows she’s made to never be like her parent, the ways she mirrored her childhood in her marriage, and the road paved with humility, forgiveness, and compassion that was necessary to find resolve within herself. In a world filled with trauma, tragedy, and messiness, this episode holds keys to restoring dignity and innocence to our humanity and to those around us. If you’re wanting love to triumph in the midst of darkness, this episode is just what you’re looking for! Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE! Sign-ups for Living Fully Alive 2024 are happening NOW! https://justinandabi.com/courses/living-fully-alive/

Jan 15, 2024 • 54min
263: One of the Greatest Communication Hacks Pt. 2
Learn practical techniques for effective communication and conflict resolution. Understand the power of narration and how it can deepen connections. Discover the benefits of expressing emotions and fears instead of criticism. Emphasize the importance of communication in building stronger relationships. Get insights from personal anecdotes and testimonials from program participants.