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!
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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!
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52:32
326: Opening Your Heart After Loss
Many of us have experienced moments of life that seem to unravel faster than we can hold them together. The crushing weight of our problems and pain can feel like they will leave us broken forever. But what if love has the power to change everything? In this episode, Justin and Abi sit down with their good friend Kyle as he shares about his journey through profound trauma, grief, and emotional shutdown—and what it looked like to slowly come back to life. From losing his mom to ALS, navigating early marriage while serving as a full-time caregiver, to watching his wife battle an eating disorder—Kyle opens up about the unexpected spiritual encounters that saved him from the self-loathing and despair that almost swallowed him alive. If you’ve ever felt locked in shame, burdened by trauma, or like you’ve lost yourself along the way—this episode is a reminder that there’s more to your story than the pain you’ve lived through and that healing starts with just a baby step towards love. You can WATCH us at https://www.justinandabi.com/theconnectedlife Don’t forget to RATE, REVIEW, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE!
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1:13:49
325: A Secret to Fueling Attraction
Attraction isn’t just physical—it’s deeply emotional. When couples struggle with intimacy, it’s often because unprocessed pain has created invisible walls between them. Many people unknowingly fall out of attraction with their partners due to unresolved hurt, leading to a sense of emotional and physical disconnection. When safety is compromised, self-protection kicks in, and attraction fades. In this episode, Justin and Abi break down how emotional safety directly impacts physical intimacy and why issues in the bedroom are almost always tied to how couples relate to each other outside of it. They explore how resentment, bitterness, and unforgiveness can quietly erode attraction, while kindness, gentleness, and understanding can rebuild it. They also discuss one of the biggest threats to relationships—how partners speak to each other—and how subtle shifts in communication can reignite connection and desire. Most people don’t realize this, but repairing emotional disconnection is one of the most powerful ways to bring passion back to a relationship. If you want to keep attraction alive—or bring it back—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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59:19
324: What to Do When Your Partner Won't Change
Nothing is more frustrating than feeling stuck in a relationship where your partner refuses to change. Maybe you’ve had the same conversation a hundred times, but nothing ever shifts. Maybe they acknowledge the problem but don’t take action. Or worse—maybe they don’t even see an issue at all. In this episode, Justin and Abi dive into what to do when you’re hitting a wall with your partner. They unpack the emotional toll of waiting for change, the difference between healthy patience and self-abandonment, and how to navigate the tension between acceptance and advocating for your needs. They also explore what true relational growth looks like—and why sometimes, the most powerful change you can make starts with yourself. If you’ve ever felt exhausted from trying to get your partner to evolve, this conversation will give you clarity, empowerment, and a new perspective on what’s actually in your control. 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.
South Africa