The Connected Life

In a modern world with more access to therapy than ever before, the increase in emotional health seems to be accompanied by people who are more fragile and incapable than ever before. Which begs the …

In this episode, Justin and Abi explore how emotional health, once rooted in compassion, can begin to mirror the rigid structures of religion. They unpack how judgment, superiority, and performative …

Most relationship conflict isn’t about the issue at hand—it’s about whose anxiety gets cared for. Whether it’s parenting, money, cleaning, or how often you see friends, couples often end up in a tug-…

When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to reach for anything that helps us escape. For some, it’s alcohol or substances. For others, it’s overworking, scrolling, conflict, or control. The ways we co…

Some relationships help you grow—and some slowly pull you away from who you really are. So how do you know when it’s time to walk away?

In this episode, Justin and Abi unpack the key signs that a rel…

Choosing who to commit to isn’t just about attraction or chemistry—it’s about alignment in values, emotional health, and the ability to grow together. But what are the signs that it's time to lock it…

Most of us think we’re being observant when we’re really just making snap judgments. Our brains are designed to make quick assumptions—to keep us safe—but in relationships, those assumptions can quie…

Falling for someone is easy. But building something that actually lasts? That takes a whole different skill set.

In part two of this series, Justin and Abi are joined by Bryant Ellis, the owner and C…

Many of us didn’t grow up learning how to date in a world of endless options and quick rejections, and those of us who have don't know a life without it. So it’s no wonder so many people feel disorie…

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 …

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 wrest…

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 …

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 cha…

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 differen…

For many of us, setting boundaries sounds reasonable outside of a romantic relationship. But what happens once you’re in deep—sharing a life, a home, and a bed? How do you navigate that kind of nearn…

Most of us never learned how to share pain in a way that brings us closer. Instead, we vent, shut down, accuse, or spiral into fear—hoping to feel understood but often creating more disconnection in …

Most of us were never taught how to share pain in a way that brings connection. We were taught to explode, shut down, or stay silent—and those patterns don’t just disappear when we get into relations…

Empathy can be one of the most destructive forces to connection—or one of the most powerful. Without it, relationships become cold and judgmental. But too much of it, without boundaries, and we lose …

We’ve all experienced those people that seem hot one minute and cold the next. Their mixed signals keep us wondering if they want to be besties or secretly planning our demise. The ups and downs of i…

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 i…