

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 31, 2025 • 1h 7min
Our Emergency Room Visit & the Cost of Miscarriage in America
Matt & Abby share life updates, including bringing home a new puppy and a recent trip to Missouri. They also open up about a family ER visit, revealing their miscarriage care totaled $35,000 and their toddler’s emergency treatment came with a shocking price tag too. The episode reflects on how quickly medical emergencies turn into overwhelming costs in the U.S. healthcare system.
This episode is sponsored by Zocdoc & NOBL.Zocdoc: Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to http://Zocdoc.com/UNPLANNED to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.NOBL: Don’t miss NOBL’s biggest Sale of the Year! Head to http://NOBLTravel.com for up to 62% off your entire order! #NOBL #ad
Chapters:
00:00 - Matt & Abby
08:23 - Weekend trip to Missouri
09:53 - Working together in college
12:21 - Seeing college friends
14:04 - Old stomping grounds
22:26 - Silver Dollar City
24:15 - VIP Experience
30:02 - Haunted cave tour
31:31 - Christmas train
33:33 - First family trip to the ER
44:44 - Emergency room bill
48:34 - The cost of our miscarriage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 19, 2025 • 59sec
Welcome to Always Here
Always Here to share the hope and the hard with heart and humor. Coming January 2nd. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 17, 2025 • 1h 24min
Married Couple plays Agree to Disagree *unhinged*
Matt & Abby bring back Agree to Disagree on The Unplanned Podcast, where they react to relationship, parenting, grief, and marriage statements — and decide whether they agree, disagree, or fall somewhere in between. As the game moves through three levels, the conversation gets more personal.
This episode is sponsored by Aura Frames, Nutrafol, Tovala & StoryWorth.
Aura Frames: Exclusive $35 off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/UNPLANNED Promo Code UNPLANNED
Nutrafol: Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month’s subscription plus free shipping when you go to http://nutrafol.com and use promo code UNPLANNEDPOD.
Tovala: For a limited time, save up to $300 on the Tovala smart oven when you order meals 6+ times, by visiting http://Tovala.com/UNPLANNED and using code UNPLANNED.
StoryWorth: For a limited time, save up to $300 on the Tovala smart oven when you order meals 6+ times, by visiting http://Tovala.com/UNPLANNED and using code UNPLANNED. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

20 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 1h 32min
Harvard Professor: Why marriages fail & the science of happiness w/ Arthur Brooks
Arthur Brooks, a Harvard professor and bestselling author, dives into the intriguing science of happiness and marriage. He shares his journey into studying happiness and defines marriage as a mutual growth experience. Discussing key needs that sustain relationships, he emphasizes the importance of admiration and adoration. Brooks suggests practical tools for maintaining bonding, such as nightly eye contact and touch, and explores how suffering can lead to growth in relationships. He also addresses the role of spirituality and personal resilience in enhancing happiness.

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.


