The Connected Life

Creating connected relationships where we feel like we’re authentic and thriving can seem difficult for many of us. Underlying issues that we don’t understand within ourselves can get in the way of having the experiences we desire. At the center of these difficulties are often codependent behavior patterns that affect an estimated 90 percent of the American population.  In this episode, Abi and her best friend Pietze explore codependency and its impact. They discuss two of its main forms, how it’s an adaptive behavior we learn to survive, and ways it limits our authenticity. They also share powerful insights on breaking free from these unhelpful patterns that can redefine how you experience relationships altogether! If you want to be more authentic and get a better understanding of yourself, while getting some killer tips on how to create ideal connections, this is a MUST listen to episode! 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’ve all lost relationships at some point in our lives. Whether we created the disconnection, they did, or we both played a role, those losses can be difficult and messy. Sadly, these losses can seemingly leave us worse off than if we never knew the person, but what if it doesn’t have to be that way? In this episode Abi and Justin shine a light on powerful approaches to relational loss. They take a look at having gratitude for what was, how our grief matters, ways to have compassion for others, and surrendering what we think relationships need to be. Justin shares how you can make the most out of the love that existed in even the messiest relational endings. Abi discusses the ways some of us simply have incompatible triggers. Together they explore what relationships might look like through an eternal perspective. If you want to learn how to get better at dealing with loss, this episode is chock full of golden nuggets. Don’t miss out! AND NOW WE’RE ON YOUTUBE! Come WATCH US at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!

For many of us, our beliefs around spirituality and faith can lead us to heightened levels of anxiety and mental torment, without even realizing it. Our thoughts on God can induce looping mental gymnastics that keep us feeling unlovable and fearful of impending doom. Obsessive-compulsive thoughts of needing to be perfect, in order to please God, can rob us of peace and a life filled with goodness. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode friend and fellow Life Consultant Rachel Hughes joins Abi and Justin to address spiritual OCD and paranoia that comes from having a broken view of God. They look at ways trauma and attachment play a role in our approach to faith, the impact of ideas about God that oppose goodness, and the role looming punishment plays in robbing us of peace. Lastly, they discuss how an understanding of a God that has unrelenting love grounds us in peace, while restoring a sense of connection that is vital to having a sound mind. If you’ve ever battled with finding peace in your expression of faith, this episode might shine a light on some of the reasons that keep you from feeling settled and confident in your spiritual journey. 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!

Connection is tricky. For some, distance in a relationship seems terrifying, leaving us feeling abandoned and alone. For others, a consistent sense of being close can feel overwhelming, resulting in feeling pulled on and suffocated. Either way, it can lead to unnecessary relational breakdowns when we lack the proper education. Understanding secure attachments can be a game changer! In part two of this two-parter, Abi is joined again by her lifelong best friend Pietze as they continue to create clarity around attachments. They take a deep dive into secure attachments, how a balance of closeness and independence is extremely healthy, and steps to people can take to foster a feeling of safety in any relationship! This two-part episode has the potential to change your relationship dynamics forever. 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!

Creating functional and healthy relationships can feel like a mystery. It’s easy to believe we’re broken and don’t do connection well. But what if understanding our attachment system could redefine how we relate, create compassion for others, and improve our relationships?  In part one of this two-part episode, Abi sits down with her lifelong best friend Pietze to discuss attachment styles. They explore attachment theory, how attachment styles develop, and how these styles can wreak havoc on relationships. Together they vulnerably share about the messes they’ve made through not understanding this in their own world. Lastly, they highlight the impact of attachment styles on our connection to God, how we can feel closer to Him, and how healthy attachments can repair the most broken parts of our stories. If you want more clarity on relationships and hope to develop healthy connections, this two-part series will rock your world! AND NOW WE’RE ON YOUTUBE! Come WATCH US at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!

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!

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/

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/

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/

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/

Disconnections in relationships are normal and to be expected. Yet, for many of us, the disconnections we often saw modeled to us growing up didn’t end well. For so many, the experiences we’ve been exposed to are filled with unresolved pain that ends in further distance or no acknowledgement of the real problems at all. Because of this, being present in other people’s conflict can be anxiety inducing, sending us into fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses. But what if we could sit down in the midst of someone’s messiness and realize that everything can truly be okay? In this very candid episode Abi and Justin have taken their gloves off and they’re ready to brawl. While sitting down to record a new podcast episode they find themselves disagreeing about the content, sending them into a triggered meltdown, and an adult time out. After sending their producer home, they bravely return to the studio to discuss their disconnect in real time in front of the cameras. In a moment that could be utter disaster, they share their unfiltered feelings as they pursue reconnection and discuss the ways they’ve grown in conflict. If you’ve ever had trouble reconnecting in a relationship you’ll find this episode deeply relatable and freeing. Come take a listen and let the high stakes in conflict melt away! 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/

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/

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  

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/

Often times we find ourselves in unnecessary conflict all because of miscommunications. This can leave us feeling misunderstood, judged, and defeated. As humans we all have the ability to talk, but rarely are we trained in how to successfully communicate. It’s easy to feel like we’re the only ones having a tough time. But we’re not alone, and honing one simple technique can easily leave us feeling like relational rockstars! In part two of this incredible two part series Abi and Justin take a deep dive into practical ways to implement narration into your communication style. They share tangible examples that make it easy to apply narration at home, with friends, in the work place, and in most circumstances you might find yourself in. If you want to become a master at navigating  relationships successfully, this two part series will help make you BOSS SAUCE! You won’t want to miss a second of it! 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/

Experiencing connection or conflict in most relationships usually comes down to one foundational issue, communication. Communication is at the epicenter of all human relationships, making it one of the most vital topics necessary to understand if we hope to be successful in our exchanges with one another. Unfortunately, most of us rarely consider the ways our communication style is affecting us getting the results we so desperately desires. But what if there were a few simple tweaks to the way we communicate that could dramatically altar the experiences we were having while getting us what we so deeply desired way more often? In this episode Justin and Abi dive into one the greatest communication hacks they’ve ever experienced. They discuss the ways their communication style has been disastrous, how their words have been detrimental towards one another, and practical steps they’ve taken to change the way they share and show up with each other. Lastly they give tips on how to implement this phenomenal communication hack into your own life so you can start building bridges, instead of burning them to the ground. If you’re wanting to have successful conversations that lead to deeper connections where you feel heard and understood, while better hearing and understanding others, this episode is a GAME CHANGER! 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/

It’s easy for many of us to find ourselves surviving seasons of life. As we pass through difficulties we can often find ourselves looking toward what the future brings without taking time to examine what was. But what if a healthy reflection of what we’ve been through is vital to framing the way we approach our future? In this episode Justin and Abi review their last season of life. They discuss how eliminating black and white thinking helps them to extract the beauty out of their circumstances, while creating room to properly grieve the difficulties. They share how judgements they’ve held towards their experiences have hindered the way they encounter love, while also examining the ways embracing their difficulties has been a gift that has grown them in the best of ways. Lastly, they share how healthy reflection can create an empowering narrative that forms the grit and resilience necessary to step into some of their deepest desires and dreams. If you’re wanting to develop a hopeful lifestyle that will create sustainable peace regardless of the situations you face, this episode is monumental in doing so! 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/

For many of us it’s easy to live life from one day to the next getting bogged down by the demands and drama that we believe require our attention. We can get lost in goals and achievements, while finding ourselves missing out on vital moments that are designed to impact us and the world around us. But what happens when we take time to slow down and reflect on the love that we’ve received and given? In this powerful Christmas episode, Justin and Abi reflect on ways that love has been gifted to them through experiences with other people as well as the ways they’ve participated in loving others. They share how love is never wasted, even when relationships get messy or they’re only momentary. Through answering 7 simple questions they model how you can connect to the beauty this life has to offer while making the most out of the love the exists all around you! If you’re wanting to have a beautiful experience that inspires you as you step into the coming New Year, this episode is a fantastic way to make that happen!   Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!

When we look at the difficulties in our lives, and see the suffering in the world, it’s easy to feel like we’ve been abandoned and left all alone to survive. But what if in the midst of all the messiness there’s a God that’s always with us and deeply cares about us? In this episode Abi and Justin discuss the ways a good and radically loving God found His way into our humanity, starting by tangibly stepping into the human condition, and then further extending Himself into our individual experiences. They reflect on beautiful moments in their own journey where God connected to them through people, nature, circumstances, and miracles. Lastly, they discuss how our pain and suffering can blind us to God’s involvement and how looking back on our story, with curious wonder, can often reveal the places He was especially close when we couldn’t understand or see it. If you need encouragement and a friendly reminder that your life matters, this episode will give you confidence that you’re not alone while shining a light on goodness in the most difficult circumstances. Don’t miss out! Enrollment for Living Fully Alive 2024 is happening now! Check out https://justinandabi.com/courses/living-fully-alive/ to get enrolled. Class starts March 13th, 2024.

For most of us the idea of failure is filled with a sense of dread. It’s often associated with shame, punishment, and disconnection. It often feels like is says something negative about who we are. But what if failure wasn’t an abusive bully, but rather a friendly mentor rooting for us to succeed? In this episode Abi and Justin are joined by their good friend and owner of The Adventure Challenge, Bryant Ellis. Bryant discusses the toxic relationship many of us have with failure, the misconceptions that people have about it, and how failure became an intimate friend that has been foundational to his success. Together they share ways they’ve all grown through their failures and how a few simple changes in your perspective can forever alter the way you experience life. If you want to gain confidence and create momentum, this episode will help you adjust the way you see your messiest moments while giving you the courage to try things you’ve only dreamed of. Don’t miss out! Applications for our Life Consulting Master Class 2024 are coming to a close! The deadline to apply is December 15th. Apply here ASAP: https://justinandabi.com/courses/life-consulting-masterclass/ Also, don’t forget to download your FREE Life Consulting MasterClass Validation Session: CLICK HERE TO WATCH NOW