The Connected Life

Humans are naturally messy. The healing process is no different. For parents, It can be difficult to take an honest look at how their pain and actions have affected their children. Coming to terms with hurting the ones we love is never easy, but the first step to repairing a broken relationship is to find healing for oneself. In this episode Abi and Justin interview Nina and Francois about their steps to finding wholeness and the impact it's having on their family. They share an intimate healing moment surrounding multiple miscarriages and how community has been a vital component to the success of their experience. Get prepared to laugh, cry, and receive a fresh injection of hope no matter where you are in your process!

Life has a way of throwing us curve balls. For most of us, it's a rarity to be prepared for these unforeseen circumstances when they hit our lives. Many of us can find ourselves devastated with little hope of bouncing back. But, what if it was possible to have even an inkling of incite before bombs detonated? In this final episode of the faith series, Abi and Justin are joined once again by their dear friend Pietze. Pietze shares about the spiritual insight she received that gave her the necessary strength and courage she needed to face the enormous bomb that dropped on her life. Together the three explore how the power of a few simple phrases, from a source greater than our humanity, can be the lifeline in our greatest trials. If you or someone you care about is in need of hope, this is a must listen to episode.

Throughout history people from all walks of life have believed that they could gain insight into their future, as well as others futures through one means or another. Many ancient texts are filled with prophecies regarding mankind. But what happens when we as humans have a direct relationship with an unconditionally loving Creator that wants to talk to us? In this episode Justin and Abi are joined by Pietze, Abi's best friend. They take a critical look at the role of prophecy in life, dating, and marriage, while exploring freedom of choice. They discuss the messiness of learning how to hear God's voice and how they posture themselves after years of trial and error. If it seems fascinating to hear about your life and your future from the one that created you, or you're trying to weed through past confusion in this area, this episode is a must.

For every bit of deconstruction of one's faith, there must be a reconstruction of something, otherwise the end result will only be demolition. In this episode Abi talks to Justin about the foundational tenants of his faith that guide his life after reconstructing what he spent years deconstructing. He shares the truths he now holds dear and why they're so valuable to him. Together they invite you to discover what your foundation will be when everything has been torn apart and put back together. If you're looking to build a life of faith that won't easily be shaken, this episode is a must!

The message often conveyed through religion is one of self-deprecation and unworthiness. A system of principles based on caring for others without regard for oneself leaves many people feeling broken, bitter, and burned out. Without a proper balance, people are bound to find themselves living a lifestyle of codependency and frustration or narcissism and elitism. In this episode Justin and Abi address the lack of self-love within the message of religion. They explore how this lack of love creates a sense of self-abandonment. They discuss ways to live a balanced spiritual life, founded in self-love, that results in other-centered, servant-hearted love. If you're needing a good detox from a belief system that minimizes the value of your life, this episode will help you find a healthy balance!

The journey to deconstruct one's faith can be filled with beauty and pitfalls. Some will find themselves reconstructing what was torn down, while others will leave their lives demolished and in disarray. In this episode, Abi and Justin explore their own seasons of deconstruction. They discuss the ways their personal experience with the process liberated them and the ways they made messes in the midst of it all. They highlight the vital importance of grace and humility necessary to healthily walk through this kind of passage, while looking candidly at the potential outcome of walking away bitter and resentful. If you're going through a hard season of faith, or you know someone who is, this episode is filled with hope, inspiration, and a roadmap to clarity!

As humans we were designed to be progressively growing, evolving, and maturing. The process for this to happen can often look messy and feel very disrupting, especially in relation to faith. In order to express a life of mature love, however, this journey is a must. In this episode Abi and Justin explore the six phases of faith with Australian author and poet, David Tensen. Together they begin tackling a cultural faith term that can have either scary or liberating connotations known as "deconstruction". They examine the necessity of questioning your beliefs and how the unavoidable life breakdowns are a natural phase of life meant to bring freedom, if we'll humble ourselves and embrace the invitation. If you've ever had a faith crisis, or been concerned about someone who has, this is a must listen to and share episode!

Like anything else, religion is filled with rules and ideologies that we adopt as the truth we should live by. If we spend enough time in any system, we will all eventually be faced with circumstances that invite us to question what we believe. In this episode, Justin and Abi talk about some of the key misconceptions about life that they learned from religion and how it affected them. They challenge systems of hiddenness and level the playing field for all humans. No matter what faith you ascribe to, this episode will cause you to question what you've been taught and invite you to discover what you really believe to be true about faith, life, and love.

For many, faith and mental health simply don't mix. People either have strong spiritual practices that lack practical understanding of the human condition or they lack any type of spirituality and their tools for self-help are their religion. In this episode Abi and Justin bridge the gap between faith and emotional health as they discuss the need for spiritual and practical answers to the human condition. Through a lens of compassion, they discuss the detrimental problems that arise when leaders of faith deny the much needed practical tools presented by the mental health community while addressing the need and power of a spiritual encounter. If you're looking to create a life that's full and well rounded this balanced conversation might just be the answer you're looking for.

Since the beginning of time, religion has been a universal thread throughout humanity. Though varying immensely in its expression from culture to culture, the sad but common bond of performance ties them all together. In this episode Justin and Abi use their Christian faith as the focus of dialogue to explore how all expressions of faith are built on a hierarchal structure. These structures are mankind's way of attempting to get to God, leaving those ascribing to this system judging themselves and others. If we are ever to find our way back to the arms of love that we came from, performance MUST be eradicated from our faith. If you've been burnt or burned out by religion, or you're looking for a more authentic way to express your faith, this episode is a must.

Faith can be a touchy subject for many people. For some, faith is what miraculously saved them from their deepest darkness. For others, it's the source of some of their greatest pain. Faith is an undeniable part of the general human experience, which is all the more reason to explore it. In this conversation starting episode Abi and Justin dive into their personal histories with faith as the foundation to a larger dialogue they'll be exploring in the coming months. They share how they came to have a relationship with their Creator and how that journey was, and is, filled with confusion and mystery. If you've ever had a battle with faith, disappointment, humanity, and God, this on-going conversation might just heal something inside of you, or fuel the fire for even greater faith experiences in your journey.

In today's society, the moral compass regarding pornography points in many directions. In a world that has become progressively sexualized, the normalization and acceptance of pornography is at an all time high. With so many varying opinions on the matter, who's to say what is really right or wrong about pornography? In this sobering episode, Justin and Abi are joined by their close friend and filmmaker, Benji Nolot. Benji shines a light on the real world of pornography as he shares his story of going behind the scenes and documenting firsthand the experiences of those producing and performing. He breaks down the devastating affects to those involved in the creation of it as well as the viewing of it. This may be one of the most powerful episodes The Connected Life has ever recorded and no matter what your stance, or experience with porn, this is a must listen to and SHARE episode. Listen now and join the revolution to help liberate an enslaved world and restore innocence to humanity.

Life has a way of passing us by if we'll let it. In the end, many people find themselves feeling regretful for what they didn't do and what they didn't say, especially in connection to the relationships they care about the most. In this episode, Justin and Abi are joined once again by their good friend Jenna as they talk about how to get present with life and express it to the fullest. Jenna shares many of the powerful ways she's chosen to intentionally cultivate experiences and create a culture that leaves a lifelong impact on her and all the people she loves. If you're tired of sitting on the sidelines of your life, get in the game and start making decisions that leave you with stories worth telling. You won't regret it!

New Year's resolutions are often about making a change, but rarely are they about simply desiring more freedom. Our need for change can often be rooted in shame and only further exacerbate the problems we're experiencing. A desire for freedom, however, can inspire a shame-free exploration of our lives, where we can get honest about the reality of our humanity. In this Episode Abi and Justin explore how getting honest with the messy things in life is the first step to self-acceptance. This opens up a world of possibilities. Through a lifestyle of acceptance, compassion, and ownership each of us have the opportunity to experience greater measures of love and healing, without all the pressure to perform. If you're looking to create a vibrant and healthy life, it's time to reflect on your circumstances through a patient and gentle understanding of how you got here, while compassionately taking ownership for your role in creating your experience. Get ready for a giant dose of freedom inducing truth as this episode hands you baby steps into a 2021 filled with hope and endless possibilities!

2020 has been a rollercoaster ride for the entire world. It's been a year that has shaken many to the core. In all the craziness, some times it's hard to see the light. Often times it's not until we look back that we can see with clarity the goodness that is sprinkled throughout even the hardest seasons of life. In this episode Justin and Abi share about their Christmas miracle while taking an honest look back at their 2020. They talk about the beauty of the suddenly's happening that have been years in the making and how our hardest seasons hold hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. If you're needing a dose of hope and clarity moving into 2021 this FINAL episode of 2020 is just what the doctor ordered.

Granting access to the parts of our lives that feel too painful or messy to look at can be incredibly difficult. It's easy to feel scared and powerless to what's hiding behind locked doors within our hearts. However, these hidden rooms hold the keys to creating a lifestyle of hope, joy, peace, and love. In this episode, Justin and Abi discuss how they've dissociated from pieces of their own story and the ripple affects of that in their emotional health as well as their relationships. Together they layout a roadmap to taking the steps necessary to experience a vibrant and healthy life. If you're wanting to shake off the heavy weights bogging you down, this is a MUST listen to episode. The FINAL DAYS for our Living Fully Alive 2021 Course are here. Head to www.justinandabi.com/livingfullyalive to sign up NOW before enrollment closes on December 31st, 2020.

Sexuality is often a subject shrouded in shame or minimized into absolute irrelevance. As a formative part of the human condition our views and expressions of sexuality have a deep impact on our relational connection to ourselves, others, and God. Because of this, open conversations about our sexuality are a vital component to creating a fulfilling, healthy life. In this episode Abi and Justin dive into a deep conversation with their dear friend Paul Young, author of The Shack, about his childhood laced with shattered sexuality. He vulnerably shares about the long term repercussions of his painful beginnings and how the exposure of his affair as an adult led to the restoration, and redemption, of his battered soul. Truth, love, and redemption diligently stand at the door of our hearts knocking and waiting for us to open. If you're wanting understanding, hope, healing, or so much more around the issue of sexuality, this episode can't be missed! Looking for a pathway to freedom in your sexuality? Head to justinandabi.com to sign up for Living Fully Alive to get the help you need before sign ups end!

It's time to celebrate. The Connected Life is 100 episodes old! We're like an expensive fine wine, aged to perfection. We're here to answer questions live as we dive into a discussion directly about connecting to ourselves, others, and God. In this episode we're joined by an enormous number of our Connected Life family as we chose to record this episode, in it's entirety, live. Join us as we laugh, reminisce, and explore deeper aspects of connection. And if you want to celebrate our efforts over the last 100 episodes, please rate, review, subscribe and share! And be sure to head to justinandabi.com/livingfullyalive to join us in for our 2021 transformational class!

Holidays have a way of evoking a lot of emotions for the good and the bad. 2020 has been a unique year like none other in our nation's history. Some people have spent a large portion of this year separated from the people they care about the most. At the epicenter of this shaky year are political divisions to last a life time. In this episode Justin and Abi explore ideas to help people navigate potentially politically charged holiday hangouts in successful ways. They give tools on how you can be proactively powerful in a way that establishes peace and joy, regardless of how your loved ones express themselves during this season of celebration. After a tumultuous year, the highest priority for the holidays is love and connection. If you're wanting to have the best holiday experience possible, this is a MUST listen to episode!

Life is full of obstacles, and some of them can feel daunting and impossible to overcome. It's easy to feel powerless to the pursuits set before us. But, even the most outlandish goals can be tackled one step at a time. In this episode, Justin and Abi are joined by their good friend Bryant Ellis, Co-owner of The Adventure Challenge. Bryant shares about the can-do attitude that he developed in his youth and how this empowered approach led to the outcome of a multimillion dollar company. He addresses how prematurely giving up is sign of victimhood standing in the way of your destiny. Together they highlight how the answers you need aren't available until you're willing to become powerful and ask the relevant questions to the problems set before you. If you're ready to shatter the glass ceiling limiting your life, this episode is a must!

For many people, hopes and dreams can feel more like a fantasy than a reality. Often times, the things we long to do and experience can feel lofty and unrealistic. If we do pursue goals that have significance to us, it's easy to get defeated when they don't look the way we want them to in the time we want them. In this episode Justin sits down with his good friend Topher, the DJ known as King Arthur. Topher shares about the dreams that became a reality, only to have them fall flat. He explores what life had to offer on the other side of being signed to one of the biggest record labels in the world as he accepted this new trajectory and all the gifts it had to offer. With persistence, perseverance, and hope, Topher is making the most out of the one life he's been given and so can you. Get ready to be inspired as Topher challenges everyone to dream like royalty!

We've all had our moments of believing the worst about someone and building a laundry list of complaints about them. These unspoken judgements are often riddled with misunderstandings that, given enough time and offenses, can collapse relationships all together. In this episode, Justin and Abi are joined by their friend, and co-owner of The Adventure Challenge, Ben Day. Ben shares how his company was in jeopardy over a series of misunderstandings. He breaks down his two foundational principles of short accounts and giving the benefit of the doubt, and shares how they are vital to the health and success of every relationship. If you're tired of having fall outs and break ups, this episode may just hold the principles you've been lacking to maintain the connection you desire. And head two justinandabi.com now to enroll in on our once a year, life-changing program, Living Fully Alive

The idea of fun has been commercialized and monetized into extravagant, costly getaways and material possessions. People spend years saving up so they can have fun only to pay for expensive mediocre experiences that leave them disappointed and unfulfilled. In this episode, Abi and Justin are joined by their fun and fabulous friend Jenna. As a wife, mother of three, and a business owner, Jenna has cultivated a lifestyle of fun on a budget, embracing a philosophy of powerful decision making and not needing perfection. Through some sacrifice, planning, and ingenuity she's learned how create the ultimate fun experiences to keep her life enjoyable and exciting. If you've ever let life, or economics, dictate your ability to create a life of fun and adventure, this episode is a MUST! And don't forget to head to justinandabi.com to sign up for our once a year enrollment into our life altering course, Living Fully Alive. 2021 is your year to learn how to come fully alive!

There are times in life that seem like nothing is happening. We lack vision and clarity for our future. We feel as though our hopes and dreams are being dashed to pieces. Here in this place of nothingness is an invitation to discover who we really are. In this episode, Justin and Abi are joined by their dear friend Sammi. Sammi shares about her season of nothingness and how this season led to her cultivating beliefs based on a higher truth that created the abundant life she's living out of now. Together they offer hope and purpose for anyone who's life feels unclear and on pause. If 2020 has been a rough year, this episode will give you a higher perspective and lighten the load as you find purpose in the nothingness. And remember to check out justinandabi.com to get in on our 14-week life transformation class Living Fully Alive. Sign ups end soon!

Let's all face it, life can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster. For some it's a series of high highs, and low lows. Others live in low lows and rarely see the light of day. Then there are those that live with their heads in the clouds wearing permanent smiles on their faces never looking down long enough to catch a glimpse of reality. In this episode Abi and Justin dive playfully into the essence of true happiness. They highlight the major blockers of happiness while highlighting ways to cultivate a happier life. Together they navigate how a beautiful blend of the present joy and pain is the balance to creating the happiness we were all made to experience. If 2020 has been a swift kick in pants and you're looking to create a lifestyle of happiness, this episode is for you and your loved ones! And don't forget to check out justinandabi.com to get your hands on our free eBook From Crappy to Happy in 7 Steps available now!

The battle with our bodies is often a tumultuous one. A majority of culture would universally acknowledge some form of a personal body battle for women. Men, however, are often shrouded in shame, hiding their battle with this reality. In this episode Spencer, Justin's former client and close friend joins the conversation. He vulnerably shares his story of having an eating disorder with Justin and Abi, while opening up about his steps to creating a lifestyle of victory over his long time battle with his body. Through candid conversation, Spencer shatters shame for other men trapped by this monster, while equipping everyone with clarity, direction, and hope to overcome the battles with their bodies. If you've ever had a battle with your body this is a MUST listen to episode! And don't forget to head to justinandabi.com to get your hands on our new eBook From Crappy to Happy in 7 Steps for FREE!

It's Justin's birthday and what better way to celebrate than for Abi to hijack The Connected Life and spring a series of questions on her lover about his life. Some seriousness, mixed with play, is just what the doctor ordered for this light-hearted interview. Get insight into Justin's personal life as he shares about the gifts this year granted him through Abi's sickness. Enjoy learning all about Justin's dream to have hands for feet and what he hopes this next year will hold for him. Get ready to be delighted as you get to know more about this birthday boy!

For some of us, it feels safer to live a life so self-sufficient that we don't ever need anyone. For others, we need people so much we can become a vampire, draining the life out of those we love the most. Either extreme is detrimental to the experience of connection. In this episode, Justin and Abi share about their struggles with self-sufficiency. They tackle the loneliness and abandonment that accompanies this kind of lifestyle, but not without addressing the other end of the pendulum known as being needy! They explore how to practically live a life of intimacy and vulnerability, while giving tips on how to break up with self-sufficiency and neediness. If you're wanting to feel more loved and connected to the world around you, this is a must listen to episode! And don't forget to head to stumvollconsulting.com to check out our life changing program Living Fully Alive!

Hidden in the recesses of our programming is a haunting voice driving our lives. Whether we acknowledge and understand it or not, this voice is very real and universal to all of humanity. Ignoring it won't make it magically disappear. Equipping and empowering ourselves is the only solution to shattering the affects of this monster in our lives. In this episode, Abi and Justin deep dive into the topic of shame as they chat it up with their close friend Ruth. Ruth shares about the subtle ways shame has permeated her life. Together they explore what shame is, how it affects all of us, and what we can do about it. If you're wanting to experience a more connected and fulfilled life, having clarity and tools to combat shame's influences on your existence is essential!

True power has a source. In our humanity, disconnected from this source, we are limited to a dimly lit life. We struggle to get by, mostly just surviving. We live normal and uninspired lives hoping for enough material comfort to ease the torment of our pain and sufferings. We eke by in an unspoken, undiagnosed, and undefined hell, keeping us trapped and limited from a life fully lived. But what if there was more? In this special episode Justin sits down alone and takes a look at his life through an eternal perspective. He shares his inspired, impromptu thoughts about unique aspects of his spiritual journey and dives into the intimate expressions of his faith while exploring the grander experiences of the miraculous that has defined his adulthood. The Connected Life is about to go places it's never gone before, so if you're ready for a wild ride, buckle up, because this is going to be one for sure!

The subject of injustice is a fiery one. We've all experienced forms of injustice in our lives. Justice being served is a necessary part of righting wrongs. But when asked to define what actual justice is, there are uncountable numbers of responses. In order to find true healing both personally, and as a culture, we are in desperate need of redefining what justice looks like. In this episode Abi and Justin sit down with Sean Smith as he opens up about the racially motivated tragedy that sent his world into a tailspin. Sean shares the miraculous event that inspired him to forgive, liberating him and the ones that forever changed his life. If you've ever battled overcoming an injustice you've experienced, this episode is for you. And don't forget to checkout The Compassion Project at www.stumvollconsulting.com/courses/thecompassionproject

Hope is a necessary component to experiencing a life fully lived. Looking at what didn't work out for us, or imagining a future that has yet to happen can often lead to a sense of hopelessness. But what if we could create a lifestyle of hope through learning how to be present in the moment. In this episode Justin and Abi talk about staying connected to our present moment as a way of anchoring ourselves to hope. Through our reflections of what did work out well for us, we can create a history of hope monuments that remind us that we're going to be okay, no matter what suffering we may be currently facing. If you're needing a dose of hope in this season of life, it's time to get present and get connected to a higher truth that transcends your circumstances. And if you're in need a life transformation, don't forget to check out The Compassion Project at www.stumvollconsulting.com.

Some people believe that celebrating yourself can lead to arrogance and pride. Often times people feel awkward and out of place when the spotlight shines on them, especially if they're shining the light. A false sense of humility often replaces a healthy expression of necessary celebration. In this episode Abi and Justin explore the need to celebrate yourself. Justin opens up about the painful loss of his brother that led to an inability to celebrate himself. Together they discuss the powerful affects of celebration and how that overflows into creating a world of gratitude and joy. If you want to see your life become the best it can be, celebration has to be at its core! And don't forget to head to Amazon August 17th through the 21st to be the first to order The Tree of Life AUDIOBOOK!

For most of us adults, we find ourselves struggling to connect with creativity. We lose the ability to dream and create from a place of joy and happiness. The evolution of growing up comes with the loss of our childlike wonder, the foundation for feeling fully alive. In this episode Justin and Abi sit down with their friend Ryan. Ryan shares his story of working himself to death and how his disconnection from emotions left him feeling bankrupt as a businessman, father, and husband. He opens up about his terrifying journey to regain his childlike wonder as he let go of control and let love in. Together, Justin and Ryan talk about their miraculous connection and how their separate goals became the common ground for a much greater purpose. If you're in need of inspiration and want to experience a more joyous life, this episode is a MUST! And don't forget to head over to Amazon and get your copy of the audiobook THE TREE OF LIFE!

For many, an end goal is the engine driving our lives and has a way of becoming our sole purpose. Along the way we can find ourselves being willing to do some pretty uncaring and unloving things, believing the end justifies the means. But, what if the end goal is nothing more than an opportunity for the real purpose? In this Episode Justin is joined by his good friend Noah Elias. Together they explore how Noah's talent of being a Disney Fine Artist is really a vehicle for creating relationships and how Justin's book, The Tree of Life, was an on-ramp for connection. The two shine a light on people being our highest purpose through vulnerably sharing how their lives have impacted one another. They also discuss how being faithful with what's right in front of us is the first step to seeing our greatest dreams come true. If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. If you want to create a purpose worth living for, listen to this episode now! Don't forget to head to Amazon to get your copy of The Tree of Life Audiobook!

Learning how to trust our inner voice, especially when it comes to the dreams and desires of our heart, can sometimes be difficult. Often times we are met with unforeseen delays, obstacles, and naysayers. Very rarely is the road to fulfillment straight and paved smoothly. In a world of uncertainty, bringing your dreams to life can sometimes feel like an unclimbable mountain. But with the right approach it can be a tale of adventure and redemption. In this episode Abi interviews Justin about the journey of creating his book The Tree of Life. Justin shares about the wildly miraculous moments and the wisdom he learned along the way as he surrendered his expectations and learned how to come alive in the process. If you're in need of hope and inspiration, this episode is a must! Don't forget to head to Amazon to get your copy of The Tree of Life Audiobook!

Building trust in a relationship can take years and requires immense vulnerability. When we've given our hearts to another human, the cost of betrayal can be so high that few truly bounce back from it. Often times people put a lot of effort trying to clean up the pieces of something that didn't have to be broken in the first place. In this episode Justin and Abi discuss ways to create an anti-affair plan. Though we can't control our significant others into making healthy committed decisions, we can co-create a shame-free culture that empowers honesty, health, and healing. If you've already played a role in creating a train wreck through betrayal, moving forward isn't hopeless, because once we know better, we do better. So whether you're wanting to protect your relationship from an affair, or wanting to right the wrongs of the past moving forward, this episode is for you! And don't forget to check out www.stumvollconsulting.com/courses/thecompassionproject to get your hands on The Compassion Project.

With so many unknowns, life can feel great one moment, and in the next, our world can feel like it's crumbling all around us. Sometimes the chaos and mayhem happens to us, and sometimes it's self-inflicted. When mishaps, meltdowns, or tragedy happen, we can find ourselves broken and at a loss for what to do. In this episode Paul Young, author of The Shack, joins Abi and Justin as they discuss the dismantling that happened when he was forced to face the reality of his affair with his wife's best friend. Together they take a look at the losses and explore the redemption waiting on the other side of facing our greatest fears no matter what it costs us. In a world drowning in an ocean of difficulties, this episode is a lifeline of hope for every listener. And don't forget to check out www.stumvollconsulting.com/courses/thecompassionproject to get your hands on The Compassion Project.

Marriage is a lot of things to a lot of people. For some, it's the answer to all our problems or the source of them. To others, it's just a contract between two roommates until they're tired of seeing each other's faces. So what exactly is the purpose of marriage? In this episode Justin and Abi get naked, hop in the tub, yes you read that right, THE TUB, and have a candid conversation about what marriage is and what it isn't supposed to be. It's time to break the illusions about marriage and embrace the reality that there's no such thing as masters of marriage. If you truly want to live a connected life in marriage, it's time to learn how to love well, be powerful, and embrace becoming a master at being messy. And don't forget to check out www.stumvollconsulting.com/courses/thecompassionproject to get your hands on The Compassion Project.

In this moment in history so many people are faced with mounting unknowns. As people are suffering the loss of jobs and businesses, many are asking the questions, What do I do now? Where do I go from here? What if the biggest NO life has to offer is actually the open door to a YES you've always dreamed of? In this episode Justin and Abi sit down with their two friends, Bryant and Ben, who share their journey of partnership and success through creating and launching their company The Adventure challenge. These risk-taking dreamers talk candidly about overcoming the challenges they faced when following their hearts and leave a deposit of hope for a better tomorrow. If you're ready to laugh, have fun, and be inspired, this episode is for you! And don't forget to check out www.stumvollconsulting.com/courses/thecompassionproject to get your hands on The Compassion Project.

The current conversation around race can be confusing and seems to have many pitfalls. Politics and ideologies often muddy a much needed, and necessary, conversation. Hidden behind the eruption of protests are real people with real experiences. In this episode Abi and Justin are given the unique opportunity to sit down with and hear from their friend Jon Miller. Jon shares vulnerably about his experience with pain and trauma as a black man, while opening up about the broader experience of trauma in the black community. This is a time in our nation in desperate need of non-combative, compassionate conversations where we lay down our swords, stop our talking, and start our listening. Regardless of your political views, or race and ethnicity, this episode is an invitation to understand and heal. And don't forget to check out www.stumvollconsulting.com/courses/thecompassionproject to get your hands on The Compassion Project.

The world is truly faced with unprecedented trying times. After an outbreak of a global pandemic, filled with uncertainty, we're now face to face with battles in our streets and unresolved trauma from a tainted past. Finding a firm foundation to stand on can feel almost impossible in the midst of feeling like we've been stretched well beyond our capacity. In this episode Justin and Abi take an honest look at the collective pain and suffering the world is feeling in an attempt to acknowledge and find healing for the widespread trauma humanity has to overcome. When all of our human efforts to find resolutions for our suffering are exhausted, looking to something greater than ourselves might just be the hope and solution needed to heal. If you're ready for relief and restoration this is a must listen to episode! And don't forget to check out www.stumvollconsulting.com/courses/thecompassionproject to get your hands on The Compassion Project.

The world is stricken with grief and seemingly more divided than ever before. Injustices caught on camera strike our humanity to the core. With the instability of Corona, the painful conversation of racism, and an up and coming election in the United States, how will the world survive 2020? In this episode Abi and Justin address the real pain, as well as the division being expressed across social media. They take an honest look at the ever growing divide and explore powerful concepts like compassion as a much needed solution to move us from reaction to response. If you've felt overwhelmed at trying to navigate a world that seems to be on fire, this episode is an invitation to dig deep and search for answers on how you can be part of the healing and restoration process. And don't forget to check out www.stumvollconsulting.com/courses/thecompassionproject to get your hands on The Compassion Project.

We all play a role in relationships. This role we play evolves in our childhoods as we take on very specific identities within our families. Some of us were the "responsible kid", others were the "screw up", "goof off", "black sheep", "hyperactive", or "timid" kid. The list of roles are endless, and when thought about for a moment, very apparent, especially at family gatherings. In this episode Abi and Justin explore the roles we play in our family systems and highlight critical postures we have to take in order to pivot out of an identity that was never supposed to be ours in the first place. Though the price to get out can be great, the cost to stay in the system could bankrupt a person. If you're ready to redefine your identity in your family and to the world at large, this is a MUST listen to episode! And don't forget to check out www.stumvollconsulting.com/courses/thecompassionproject to get your hands on The Compassion Project!

Red flags are all the rave in relationship advice, but what about green lights? What are key signs to look for when choosing a friend or mate? Understanding DOs can be even more critical than understanding DON'Ts! In this episode Justin and Abi lay out 12 fundamental green lights to look for when exploring possibilities for friendships and dating partners. Woven into the fabric of the conversation is an invitation to take an honest, yet compassionate look at your life and explore the pitfalls you've been blinded to in becoming a green light yourself! This episode is meant to be guide, not a rule book, so don't become a stickler just because you listened! And DO checkout The Compassion Project at www.stumvollconsulting.com

As humans, we have a tendency to make mistakes and be messy. If we spend any depth of time in relationship with one another, we're bound to create painful moments for the ones we love the most. Knowing that problems are inevitable, repairing relationships is an art form worth learning. At the foundation of all relational repairs are apologies. In this episode Abi and Justin explore the power of apologies, why we need them, why we don't give them, and what a quality apology could sound like. If you've been needing an apology or can't quite figure out why the world should get one from you, this episode might just be for you! And don't forget to check out www.stumvollconsulting.com/courses/thecompassionproject to get your hands on The Compassion Project!

It's easy to feel out of control and barraged by emotions. Sometimes it's unclear what we're feeling, or why we're feeling it. The truth is, emotions are an energy pulsating in us and through us. We are consistently broadcasting this energy to the world around us. Through intelligent design, we have been made for relationship, and our ability to broadcast is equal to our capacity to be receptors. In this episode, Justin and Abi shine a spotlight on the world of feelings. They discuss the paramount necessity of self-awareness in order to accurately understand what feelings are yours and what feelings are other's. Without this kind of clarity we can live our entire lives believing we're an emotional mess, when in reality, our receptors are simply sensitive the world around us. Get ready for some eye opening ah-ha's as you tune into this episode and take back the power you didn't know you lost! And don't forget to check out www.stumvollconsulting.com/courses/thecompassionproject to get your hands on The Compassion Project!

It's easy to find ourselves having complete meltdowns over seemingly trivial things. Without proper investigation, we can end up shaming ourselves, or turn against the ones we love the most. These "trivial things", that turn us upside down, are meant to be the starting point of a road map to understanding our heart and finding healing for our past. In this episode, Justin and Ab are joined by their good friends, Brianna and Marcus. They dive into their story and share how a puppy was the initiator for some of the most illogical and stressful emotions they've had thus far in their marriage. Through all the absurdity they discover some painful life-long beliefs driving their lives. If you've experienced enormous emotions over trivial things, this episode is for you!

For many of us, the villain in our story is very clear and if they would change, we would be just fine. Relationships often find themselves in never-ending cycles of finger pointing and blame. Unfortunately, this only leads to further problems and pain. In this episode, Abi and Justin sit down with their dear friends Marcus and Brianna. Marcus and Bri open up about the recent conflict in their marriage surrounding her health issues and pull back the curtain to reveal the real emotions hiding behind the symptoms. It's time for a fresh perspective on how to navigate problems in your friendships and relationships. No matter what conflict you're facing in life, if you're wanting to find tangible solutions to deeper connection, this episode is just what the doctor ordered!

We all play games in relationships, whether or not we're aware of it. These games can keep us in limiting cycles that affect our ability to live a life of intimacy and connection. In this episode Abi and Justin talk abut a popular reality dating show and investigate the dynamics of the couples relationships. They address the games being played in matters of the heart and reveal common pitfalls we're all susceptible to when we're not living in self-awareness. If you're wanting deeper connections and intimacy, it's time to STOP playing games and START getting real. Remember to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!