Most of us don’t realize how much of our relationship pain is rooted in old stories—until those stories start playing out with the person we love most. It’s easy to blame our partners for the chaos in a relationship. But what if the truth is that we’re all just scared kids trapped in adult bodies, equally making messes as we search for safety? In this raw and redemptive episode, Justin and Abi share the full arc of their healing journey—from trauma bonding and codependency to finding internal safety, building emotional resilience, and learning to love without self-abandonment. They reflect on the missteps, the meltdowns, the moments that nearly broke them, and the powerful shifts that changed everything. Together, they paint a picture of what it means to stop trying to fix each other and start healing from the inside out. If you’ve ever felt stuck in patterns you don’t understand, judged yourself for how you react, or wondered if your relationship could really change—this episode is for you. Don’t miss out! You can WATCH us at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
--------
1:09:10
330: A Guide to Expressing Your Emotions
Most of us were never taught how to feel emotions—let alone how to express them in a way that feels safe for us and the people we love. From family dynamics to gender norms to childhood survival strategies, our emotional patterns were shaped long before we had words to describe them. In this episode, Justin and Abi dive into one of the most common relationship struggles: how we respond to emotions—both our own and others’. They explore the battle between “too emotional” and “not emotional enough,” sharing personal stories that reveal just how often those extremes are shaped by past pain. They also break down what’s really happening in these moments—threat responses, nervous system dysregulation, and internalized judgments—and show what it looks like to feel without becoming consumed. Whether you’ve ever been shut down for having big feelings or felt overwhelmed by someone else’s, this conversation will help you understand where those reactions come from and how to move toward emotional safety—for you and the people you care about. You won’t want to miss this episode—it might just shift how you see emotional connection altogether. You can WATCH us at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
--------
1:02:40
329: What’s Shaping Your Sex Life?
Most of us were never taught to explore where our beliefs about sex came from—let alone how those beliefs affect our experience of it. From purity culture to porn culture, from family dynamics to religious messaging, our beliefs are shaped long before we’re ever in the bedroom. In this episode, Justin and Abi have a candid and compassionate conversation about the belief systems that shape our sexuality. They share personal stories—from childhood moments that left lasting impressions to conversations that helped them heal shame and find a new perspective. Together, they unpack the spectrum of sexual messaging—from repression to overexposure—and explore how to find a path toward sexual wholeness. Whether you’ve felt shut down, confused or ashamed, or simply want a deeper connection to your sexuality, this episode will help you identify where your beliefs came from and how to reshape them. You won’t want to this opportunity to make the most out of your sex life! You can WATCH us at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
--------
1:02:43
328: Fire Up Your Sex Life
Let’s be real—most of us didn’t get great sex ed growing up, and even fewer of us learned how emotional pain, shame, and past beliefs impact our sex lives. If your sex life has lost its spark or feels more like pressure than connection, you’re not alone. Many couples quietly struggle, unsure how to talk about it without blame or guilt. In this episode, Justin and Abi open up about their own journey with intimacy, from navigating physical illness and shifting hormones to learning how emotional safety, body presence, and communication shape a thriving sex life. They unpack why sex often changes in long-term relationships, how old wounds surface when real intimacy begins, and how building mutual value for sex can reignite passion and deepen connection. Whether you’ve felt distant in your relationship, shut down around sex, or just want to build something more fulfilling—this episode is full of compassionate, honest wisdom. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of how to talk about your sex life without shame and begin cultivating connection that feels life-giving, not performative. This conversation might just be the starting point your relationship needs. You can WATCH us at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
--------
1:00:45
327: The Magic of "Now"
So many of us feel like we’re just going through the motions of life—rushing through tasks, ignoring our bodies, and avoiding the feelings that seem too big to face. But the more we disconnect from what’s happening inside, the more life starts to feel flat, disconnected, and exhausting. What if the real magic of life is found in slowing down and being present? In this episode, Justin and Abi explore what it really means to be present. They discuss how daily distractions pull us away from truly living life and how deep internal fears keep us from being with ourselves. Through personal stories of dissociation, grief, and healing, they invite listeners into a powerful conversation about the joy, connection, and love that become available when we stop running and start feeling. If you’ve been caught in constant busyness, numbing out with your phone, or avoiding parts of your story because they feel too big to handle—this episode is a gentle reminder that you don’t have to face it all at once. Presence is a practice. And even the smallest step toward noticing your internal world can bring more connection, clarity, and compassion than you imagined possible. You can WATCH us at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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.
Australia