We all hit seasons where life feels too big to carry—and often, our relationships take the hit. Stress doesn’t just affect our schedules; it hijacks our emotions, shrinks our capacity, and makes the people we love feel like the problem instead of the support. In this episode, Justin and Abi get personal about what stress has looked like in their relationship—from the chaos of remodeling their house to raising a new puppy. They share how stress brought out their worst patterns, triggered old wounds, and tested their ability to stay connected. Through real-life stories, they explore the impact of nervous system overwhelm and the small (but powerful) tools that helped them repair—again and again. If you’ve ever found yourself more reactive, more distant, or more overwhelmed than you want to be—or if you’re walking through a hard season and trying to stay connected—this episode is for you. You’ll walk away with language for what’s happening, practical steps for navigating stress together, and a reminder that hard seasons don’t have to break you—they can make you stronger. You can WATCH us at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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340: The Courage to Rethink Your Faith Pt. 2
Ever felt like asking hard questions about your faith might cost you everything? Like belonging, respect, or the relationships you once felt safest in? You’re not alone—and you’re not crazy for wrestling with it. In part two of this two part series, Justin and Abi continue their vulnerable conversation on deconstruction, diving into the emotional, relational, and spiritual fallout that often comes with challenging long-held beliefs. They unpack the difference between thoughtful deconstruction and reactionary destruction, how fear-based faith systems distort love, and why agenda-free connection is essential for healing and growth. From shifting value systems to the heartbreak of judgment and rejection, they share the real-life mess and beauty of evolving faith. Whether you’re rethinking your theology, questioning church culture, or navigating spiritual differences in your closest relationships, this episode will remind you: you’re not alone! You can WATCH us at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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339: The Courage to Rethink Your Faith Pt. 1
At some point, many of us reach a moment when our beliefs no longer fit the reality we’re living. In this episode, Justin and Abi open up about their personal journeys through deconstruction—what it looked like, what it cost, and how it ultimately deepened their faith. They unpack why questioning your faith isn’t rebellion—it’s often a necessary part of maturing spiritually. Whether sparked by suffering, disillusionment, or simply the invitation to grow, deconstruction invites us to reassess what we believe and why. But it’s not just about tearing things down—it’s about making space for love, humility, and a more authentic connection with God. This conversation covers everything from the emotional upheaval of spiritual uncertainty to the gift of discovering God is bigger—and kinder—than we imagined. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong in the faith circles you once called home, or like asking questions makes you dangerous, this episode will help you feel seen. Deconstruction doesn’t mean losing faith. Sometimes it’s the most radical act of trust. You can WATCH us at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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338: Hormones: The Relationship Plot Twist
For many couples, navigating hormones can feel like walking through a minefield—unpredictable, emotionally charged, and often misunderstood. In this episode, Justin and Abi get personal about the challenges that come with PMS and shifting hormone cycles, offering a candid look into how it’s impacted their relationship over the years. From the physical discomfort to the emotional whiplash, Abi shares what it feels like to be in a hormone storm, while Justin gives voice to what it’s like to be on the receiving end. Together, they unpack misconceptions and dig into the power of validation, emotional ownership, and learning to communicate clearly—even when your nervous system is screaming. If you've ever felt crazy, dismissed, powerless, or unsure how to support your partner (or be supported), this episode is for you. You can WATCH us at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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337: Boundaries in Romance Pt. 2
Setting boundaries can sound easy in theory. But trying to implement boundaries when your nervous system is fried and you're knee-deep in a conversation that’s going off the rails is a whole different story. At times it can feel impossible, but with the right tools, anyone can become good at it. In part two of this series, Justin and Abi get personal about the real-life messiness of learning to set and hold boundaries in romantic relationships. They talk about how unresolved childhood patterns shaped their earliest conflicts, how compassion without boundaries created chaos, and how learning to communicate needs around capacity, time, and space helped protect their connection. They also open up about the painful trial-and-error of figuring out what respect looks like in practice—not just in intention. If you've ever felt guilty for needing space, afraid to disappoint someone, or confused about how to set boundaries without creating more distance—this episode is for you. You won’t want to miss out. 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.
Listen to The Connected Life, Decoded | Unlock The Secrets of Human Behavior, Emotion and Motivation and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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