

The Unplanned Podcast with Matt & Abby
Matt & Abby
“Unplanned” dives into genuine conversations surrounding relationships & family. The show is hosted by high school sweethearts Matt and Abby Howard, who live in Phoenix, AZ with their two boys.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 10, 2025 • 1h 49min
Growing up Duggar, 19 Kids and Counting, and cutting my dad out of my life w/ Amy Duggar King & Dillon King
Amy Duggar King — known to many from her time on 19 Kids and Counting — joins Matt & Abby for an honest conversation about her childhood, her relationship with the Duggar family, and the personal choices that shaped her adult life. She talks through the contract that pulled her into reality TV, the influence of IBLP, and what it was really like to grow up adjacent to such a household. Amy also reflects on her complicated relationship with her father, the moment she knew things had to change, and the peace she found in setting boundaries. Her new book ties these experiences together, and she shares what she hopes readers take away from it.
This episode is sponsored by Ka'Chava, Zocdoc, Revolve & Aura Frames.
Ka'Chava: Go to https://kachava.com and use code UNPLANNED for 15% off your next order.
Zocdoc: Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to http://Zocdoc.com/UNPLANNED to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.
Revolve: Shop at http://REVOLVE.com/UNPLANNED and use code UNPLANNED for 15% off your first order. #REVOLVEpartner
Aura Frames: Exclusive $35 off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/UNPLANNED . Promo Code UNPLANNED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 3, 2025 • 1h 32min
Harvard Professor: Why marriages fail & the science of happiness w/ Arthur Brooks
Arthur Brooks is is one of the world’s leading experts on the science of human happiness, a Harvard professor, columnist of the popular "How To Build A Life" in The Atlantic, and a #1 New York Times bestselling author of 15 books.
This episode is sponsored by Everyday dose, StoryWorth, BetterHelp & Article.
Everyday dose: Get 61% off your first Coffee+ Starter Kit, a free A2 Probiotic Creamer, with over $100 in free gifts by going to http://everydaydose.com/UNPLANNED or entering UNPLANNED at checkout
StoryWorth: Give your loved ones a unique keepsake you’ll all cherish for years—Storyworth Memoirs! Right now, save $10 or more during their Holiday sale when you go to http://storyworth.com/unplanned!
BetterHelp: Our listeners get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/unplannedpodcast #ad
Article: Article is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more To claim, visit http://ARTICLE.COM/unplanned and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout
Arthur Brooks is is one of the world’s leading experts on the science of human happiness, a Harvard professor, columnist of the popular "How To Build A Life" in The Atlantic, and a #1 New York Times bestselling author of 15 books.
The Meaning of Your Life, out March 31, 2025, pre-order your copy today at the link!Continue the conversation and stay connected with Arthur:
The Happiness Files
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Office Hours with Arthur Brooks Podcast
Join 150,000+ readers of The Art & Science of Happiness newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 26, 2025 • 1h 1min
Getting a puppy
Matt and Abby dive into the whirlwind of bringing a puppy into their family! They share the emotional rollercoaster of deciding to adopt, including worries and unexpected HOA drama. The couple reflects on grief, parenting moments with their toddler, and the complexities of family life amidst holiday preparations. Listeners get insights into their journey back and forth over the decision, the impact of outside opinions, and practical tips for new puppy owners. It's a heartfelt and humorous discussion filled with relatable parenting chaos!

Nov 19, 2025 • 1h 28min
Reece & Will: Newlywed life, 300% pay increase, and accidentally finding fame
Reece Weaver — breakout star of America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders — and her husband Will join Matt & Abby to talk about newlywed life, going viral overnight, and how sudden fame shaped their first year of marriage. Reece shares what it was like becoming the most-followed DCC ever, their honest thoughts on Netflix’s Season 2, and the real story behind the team’s push for higher pay. Will jumps in with their chaotic love story (including getting rejected five times) and why they’re already dreaming about adding both a baby and a dog to the mix.
This episode is sponsored by Article, Aura Frames, Cozy Earth, Everyday Dose & Hiya.
Article: Article is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more. To claim, visit https://ARTICLE.COM/unplanned and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.
Aura Frames: Exclusive $45-off Carver Mat at
https://on.auraframes.com/UNPLANNED . Promo Code UNPLANNED
Cozy Earth: Go to http://cozyearth.com/UNPLANNED for up to 40% off!
Everyday Dose: Get 61% off your first Coffee+ Starter Kit, a free A2 Probiotic Creamer, with over $100 in free gifts by going to
http://everydaydose.com/UNPLANNED or entering UNPLANNED at checkout.
Hiya: Go to http://hiyahealth.com/UNPLANNED to receive 50% off your first order.
Chapters:
00:00 - Reece & Will
01:42 - What it's like to be newlyweds
02:58 - Navigating fame as newlyweds
05:46 - What it's like to be married to Reece Weaver
08:29 - Becoming famous overnight
11:41 - Navigating fame as a newlywed couple
15:47 - Sponsor (Article)
28:33 - Why Reece and Will want to have kids and a dog at the same time
39:16 - Marrying the woman that rejected me 5x
41:25 - Our proposal story
41:57 - Getting married on 4/20
45:20 - Getting chosen as the face of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
47:32 - The most followed NFL cheerleader ever
52:15 - Our disappointment with Netflix's America’s Sweethearts Season 2
53:39 - The truth about what Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders earn
54:50 - Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader on salary increases
57:59 - Why Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders fought for a salary increase
1:01:24 - Why I was conflicted with the salary increase
1:09:08 - Why it's hard to be married as an NFL cheerleader
1:11:04 - What it's like to be Reece Weavers husband
1:17:19 - Moving back to our college town Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 12, 2025 • 1h 5min
Engaged in 2.5 months, having kids, and meeting on a blind date with Preston and Briana
Preston, a YouTube creator known for high-energy videos, and his wife Brianna, a former ER nurse, dive into their whirlwind romance that began with a blind date leading to a quick engagement. They discuss the challenges of balancing marriage with their massive YouTube careers, including the hefty costs behind large productions. The couple shares hilarious tales of extreme content stunts, their evolving family plans, and creative collaborations, all while emphasizing the importance of persistence and connecting with their audience.

17 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 1h 11min
Life update, family planning, and getting a dog Q&A
In a heartfelt discussion, the hosts tackle their journey with family planning and the candid dilemmas of getting a dog. They share tips for travel with toddlers and budget-friendly activities, while reflecting on the support they've received after loss. The conversation touches on their sons' interests, the nostalgia of simpler times, and the emotional complexities of considering another pregnancy. With practical travel strategies and personal anecdotes, they shed light on navigating family life amid change.

Oct 29, 2025 • 1h 14min
Brain Expert: "Don't let your toddler have screen time" w/ Dr. Daniel Amen
Dr. Daniel Amen, a leading psychiatrist and brain imaging expert, explores the deep connection between brain health and emotional well-being. He discusses how Tylenol impacts emotional pain circuits and its potential link to autism risk due to environmental factors. Emphasizing non-pharmacologic treatments for depression, he highlights techniques like meditation and exercise. Dr. Amen also warns about the mental health risks of marijuana and the importance of self-compassion in grief recovery, providing practical tips for enhancing brain health.

Oct 22, 2025 • 1h 18min
Answering our most asked questions
Matt & Abby are answering everything you’ve been asking — from parenting two under two and keeping their relationship strong, to how they’re processing grief after losing their baby girl. They open up about their marriage, family routines, homeschooling, and what life really looks like behind the scenes right now.
This episode is sponsored by Ka'Chava, OLIPOP, Article, Zocdoc & Cozy Earth.
Ka'Chava: Go to https://kachava.com and use code UNPLANNED for 15% off your next order.
OLIPOP: Get $2 off a 4-pack of OLIPOP: Works on any flavor of 4-pack, including Spongebob, any retailer URL: https://drinkolipop.com/UNPLANNED
Article: Article is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more. To claim, visit https://ARTICLE.COM/unplanned and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.
Zocdoc: Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to https://Zocdoc.com/UNPLANNED to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.
Cozy Earth: Go to cozyearth.com/UNPLANNED for up to 20% off!
Chapters:
00:00 - Q&A Questions
01:29 - Family halloween costumes?
04:13 - Was it as stressful as you thought it would be to have 2 under 2?
06:10 - Do you ever experience parental rage?
07:55 - Can you share more about your homeschooling thougts?
11:59 - Do you sit as a family for dinner?
13:45 - How do you manage spending quality time with both of your boys equally?
15:13 - Do griff and Auggie fight or are they little besties?
18:08 - Advice for young couples who really want kids but are not yet financially ready?
20:27 - Best advice for a newly married couple
23:35 - Whats your secret to a good sex life?
25:58 - Abby, how did you know Matt was the one?
29:26 - Pros & cons of your tesla?
32:44 - Dream vacation destination?
36:14 - Favorite youtube video you've made?
38:44 - If you weren't living in Arizona where would you pick?
39:43 - What has been your favorite podcast to record?
41:27 - What is one thing you would like to achieve before the end of the year?
42:08 - How do you stay present in such a busy time in your lives?
55:40 - Why aren't you calling your loss a stillbirth?
56:29 - What has been the most positive experience to come out of this terrible time?
1:01:09 - How will you two as a couple be memorializing your girl?
1:02:47 - Would you recommend grief support groups?
1:05:22 - What do you wish people knew who had a family member going through the loss of an unborn child?
1:06:21 - How are you handling other peoples baby announcements?
1:08:31 - Did the boys know about your loss? How did they react?
1:09:06 - Will you be sharing the genetic condition that baby girl had
1:09:53 - Will you share the name of your sweet angel?
1:10:28 - Are you going to try for another baby? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 15, 2025 • 1h 4min
IVF, Miscarriage, and emergency surgery after egg retrieval w/ Tori Halford
Matt sits down with Tori Halford to talk about her raw and emotional IVF journey — from breaking off her engagement to facing infertility, miscarriage, and an emergency surgery after egg retrieval. Tori opens up about what IVF really costs (emotionally and financially), how she found strength through it all, and the realities of navigating infertility in the public eye.
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp, Wildgrain, Audible, Revolve & Nutrafol
BetterHelp: Our listeners get 10% off their first month at http://BetterHelp.com/unplannedpodcast #ad
Wildgrain: Wildgrain is offering our listeners $30 off the first box - PLUS free Croissants in every box - when you go to http://wildgrain.com/UNPLANNED to start your subscription.
Audible: Your first great love story is free when you sign up for a free 30-day trial at http://audible.com/unplanned
Revolve: Shop at http://revolve.com/unplanned and use code UNPLANNED for 15% off your first order. #REVOLVEpartner
Nutrafol: Find out why Nutrafol is the best-selling hair growth supplement brand at https://Nutrafol.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 8, 2025 • 1h 15min
Having a miscarriage at 17 weeks pregnant
It is with very heavy hearts that we share about the loss of our baby girl born far too soon. At a routine pregnancy appointment, our doctor could not find a heartbeat. Shortly after they sent us in for an ultrasound where the technician said words we will never forget, “I am so sorry I do not have good news.” That is when we got the gender reveal we never hoped for and also the news that our baby had a genetic condition that took her life around 17 weeks gestation. The news felt unimaginable. The grief is absolutely devastating. But we feel so much gratitude for the time that we did get to have with her. And we still have hope. Hope has continued to show up for us in so many ways. For now we will grieve and continue to think of ways to honor her life offline. Thoughts and prayers are more than welcome. Thank you everyone for celebrating this precious life with us for the past 17 weeks.❤️ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


