Love is Blind, Baby #2 & Postpartum Depression w/ Zack & Bliss

This episode is sponsored by: Unreal Snacks, Square, Good Wipes, and Cash App Unreal Snacks: Visit https://unrealsnacks.com/unplanned o get $4 off a bag of Unreal—terms and conditions apply. Square: Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/unplanned ! #squarepod Good Wipes: Head to https://goodwipes.com/UNPLANNED to learn how to snag a free pack of goodwipes! Cash App: Download Cash App at https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/kssum24w and use code FAMILY10 at signup to earn $10 when you send $5 to a friend within 14 days. Terms apply. Today on Unplanned, we sit down with Matthew and Paul — an interabled married couple loved by millions for their honest conversations around disability, identity, and life online. Paul opens up about being diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease that will eventually leave him completely blind, while Matthew shares his experience growing up in a strict religious cult and the journey that led him to finally leave. We also talk about internet trolls, misconceptions about blindness, their dream of becoming parents, retiring a guide dog, and how they’ve built a life centered around creativity, advocacy, and finding joy in the face of adversity. Matthew & Paul's IG: @matthewandpaul Paul's Children's Books IG: @paulcastlestudio Find Paul's books here: https://paulcastlestudio.com/ Find Matthew's music here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/31WEJvJ77B3sv45clvu889/discography/all Guide dog resource mentioned in this episode: https://www.guidedogs.com/ Follow The Unplanned Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/unplanned__podcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@unplanned_podcast Listen to the pod on Spotify/ Apple Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/1ToDA4ufQuWuEgMq07zN6t https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-unplanned-podcast/id1669604504 Follow Matt & Abby: Abby's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/abbyelizabethoward/ Matt's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/_matt_howard_/ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@matt_and_abby Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/mattandabb YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@MattandAbby Chapters: 01:02 - Traveling with a guide dog 07:15 - Retinitis Pigmentosa 11:15 - How we met 15:09 - Breaking up 17:35 - Growing up in the IBLP 30:00 - Escaping the IBLP 33:30 - Dealing with the internet trolls 42:40 - Family planning 46:00 - Coping with grief 53:00 - Getting married 01:00:00 - Retiring our service dog 01:11:30 - Running a marathon as a blind person 01:13:00 - Applying for a new guide dog 01:20:00 - When my guide dog saved my life 01:30:00 - Authoring children's books Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's episode is sponsored by Kiwi Co, ASPCA Pet Insurance, Rocket Money, and Zoc Doc. Kiwi Co: Build the best summer ever with KiwiCo—get $10 off your Summer Adventure Series at https://kiwico.com/SUMMER with promo code UNPLANNED. ASPCA Pet Insurance: Explore coverage at https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/UNPLANNED. Rocket Money: Let Rocket Money help you find and cancel unwanted subscriptions, monitor your spending, and lower your bills—join at https://RocketMoney.com/UNPLANNEDZoc Doc: Stop putting off those doctor appointments—go to https://zocdoc.com/UNPLANNED to find and instantly book a doctor you love today. Today on Unplanned, we sit down with everyone’s favorite Love Is Blind redemption story — Zack Goytowski and Bliss Poureetezadi. They open up about second chances, getting married in secret, life after reality TV, growing their family, and what really happened after the pods. We also talk postpartum depression, internet backlash, Zack’s difficult childhood, and how all of it shaped the marriage and family they’re building today. Bliss' IG: @blisspoureetezadi Zack's IG: @zackgoytowski Follow The Unplanned Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/unplanned__podcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@unplanned_podcast Listen to the pod on Spotify/ Apple Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/1ToDA4ufQuWuEgMq07zN6t https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-unplanned-podcast/id1669604504 Follow Matt & Abby: Abby's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/abbyelizabethoward/ Matt's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/_matt_howard_/ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@matt_and_abby Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/mattandabb YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@MattandAbby Chapters: 01:00 - Love is Blind casting process + How we met 10:00 - Singing in the pods 15:23 - Redemption arc 22:26 - Ad break 24:50 - Love is Blind Divorces 30:13 - Childhood trauma 39:56 - Ad Break 44:49 - First birth story 48:47 - Postpartum Depression 52:41 - Having a boy! 55:39 - Ad Break 01:00:07 - Authenticity online 01:08:43 - Questions from audience 01:11:44 - Ad Break Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode is sponsored by Better Help, Ladder, Wayfair, & Kindred Bravely Better Help: Find support and get 10% off therapy at https://betterhelp.com/UNPLANNEDPODCAST . #ad Ladder: If you have an iPhone, go to https://ladder.fit/UNPLANNED to take a quick quiz and get a free 7-day trial with no credit card required, plus $10 off your first month if you join. Wayfair: Get prepped for patio season for way less at https://wayfair.com Kindred Bravely: Get 20% off your first order at https://KindredBravely.com/UNPLANNED On this episode of Unplanned, Matt & Abby sit down with Abby’s mom, Lori, for one of their most honest family conversations yet. They finally unpack why the family was so against them getting married young, why the move to Hawaii caused so much tension, what Abby was really like growing up, and the parenting debates they still disagree on today. Check out Lori's Travel Book! : https://www.amazon.com/Lets-Travel-Hawaii-Guide-Kids/dp/B0GX7BFTGJ/ Follow her insta: @whatasmartcookiepublishing Follow The Unplanned Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/unplanned__podcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@unplanned_podcast Listen to the pod on Spotify/ Apple Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/1ToDA4ufQuWuEgMq07zN6t https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-unplanned-podcast/id1669604504 Follow Matt & Abby: Abby's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/abbyelizabethoward/ Matt's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/_matt_howard_/ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@matt_and_abby Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/mattandabb YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@MattandAbby Chapters: 02:10 - Dad's camera phobia 03:45 - Abby's childhood 10:45 - Matt and Abby meet cute 13:13 - Ad Break 16:37 - Mom is an author! 22:50 - Getting married in college 29:09 - Ad Break 32:54 - Asking for Abby's hand in marriage 38:35 - Social Media career 40:42 - Moving to Hawaii 48:57 - Being a teacher and a mom 50:13 - Ad Break 01:06:30 - Living in Arizona 01:08:16 - Questions from our audience 1:15:40 - Ad break #unplannedpodcast #mattandabby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode is sponsored by Goodwipes, Hiya Health, Shopify, and Tumble Living. Goodwipes: Grab the new Peaches & Cream or any other goodwipes item at Walmart or Walmart.com, buy any two packs, text your receipt, and get reimbursed for one of them—details at https://goodwipes.com/UNPLANNED. Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order of Hiya's best selling children's vitamin at https://hiyahealth.com/UNPLANNED . This deal is not available on their regular website. Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at https://shopify.com/unplanned Tumble Living Inc: Get 10% off plus free shipping on machine washable rugs at https://tumbleliving.com/UNPLANNED #Tumble #ad This week on Unplanned, we sit down with Madison and Kyler Fisher from the Fish Fam to talk about joining The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, the pressure of raising 5 kids online, and what scares them most about entering the reality TV world. Madison's IG: @madisonbontempo Kyler's IG: @kylerstevenfisher Follow The Unplanned Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/unplanned__podcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@unplanned_podcast Listen to the pod on Spotify/ Apple Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/1ToDA4ufQuWuEgMq07zN6t https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-unplanned-podcast/id1669604504 Follow Matt & Abby: Abby's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/abbyelizabethoward/ Matt's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/_matt_howard_/ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@matt_and_abby Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/mattandabb YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@MattandAbby Chapters: 01:28 - Secret Lives of Mormon Wives OC 06:09 - LDS 14:36 - Baby blessings 20:20 - ad break 21:31 - filming a reality tv show in your home 26:21 - swinging scandal 32:32 - How does your family feel? 34:44 - $$ 37:20 - ad break 38:49 - Raising 5 kids 43:57 - Living in Utah 46:44 - Finding purpose 55:20 - ad break 01:01:16 - Who's more likely 01:09:50 - ad break #unplannedpodcast #mattandabby Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's episode is sponsored by Cash App, Blissy, Square, & Ladder Cash App: Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/kssum24w #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Direct deposit and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. Blissy: Wake up with clearer skin, smoother hair, and cooler sleep—use code UNPLANNED for an extra 30% off at https://blissy.com/UNPLANNED Square: Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/unplanned ! #squarepod Ladder: If you have an iPhone, go to https://ladder.fit/UNPLANNED to take a quick quiz and get a free 7-day trial with no credit card required, plus $10 off your first month if you join. Matt and Abby put their relationship to the test in a chaotic game of Who Knows Who Better, and nothing is off limits. From pet peeves and favorite meals to biggest regrets and proudest moments, things get real (and really funny) fast. Play with your significant other, and let us know the biggest surprises! Follow The Unplanned Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/unplanned__podcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@unplanned_podcast Listen to the pod on Spotify / Apple Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/1ToDA4ufQuWuEgMq07zN6t https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-unplanned-podcast/id1669604504 Follow Matt & Abby: Abby's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/abbyelizabethoward/ Matt's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/_matt_howard_/ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@matt_and_abby Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/mattandabb YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@MattandAbby Chapters: 02:23 - Life Update 14:39 - Who Knows Who Better? 14:39 - Round 1 28:22 - Round 2 36:13 - Round 3 46:19 - Round 4 58:36 - Round 5 01:09:16 - Final Round Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode is sponsored by Wayfair, Rocket Money, Blissy, and Good Wipes Wayfair: Find furniture, decor, and essentials that fit your unique style and budget at ⁠https://wayfair.com⁠ Rocket Money: Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster—join at ⁠https://RocketMoney.com/UNPLANNED⁠ with promo code UNPLANNED. Blissy: Wake up with clearer skin, smoother hair, and cooler sleep—use code UNPLANNED for an extra 30% off at ⁠https://blissy.com/UNPLANNED⁠ Good Wipes: Grab the new Peaches & Cream or any other goodwipes item at Walmart or ⁠Walmart.com⁠, buy any two packs, text your receipt, and get reimbursed for one of them—details at ⁠https://goodwipes.com/UNPLANNED⁠. Trying to pick a baby name isn’t as easy as it sounds… 😅 In this episode, Matt and Abby share the baby names they almost used, answer your 2nd trimester questions, and get real about postpartum rage, mood swings, and life leading up to the due date. Follow The Unplanned Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/unplanned__podcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@unplanned_podcast Listen to the pod on Spotify / Apple Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/1ToDA4ufQuWuEgMq07zN6t https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-unplanned-podcast/id1669604504 Follow Matt & Abby: Abby's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/abbyelizabethoward/ Matt's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/_matt_howard_/ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@matt_and_abby Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/mattandabb YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@MattandAbby Chapters: 02:34 - Grief and gender disappointment 10:21 - Most exciting part of this pregnancy? 10:48 - How do maintain energy? 11:45 - Registry must haves? 15:50 - Ad 17:22 - What are you going to do differently? 20:10 - Due date? 20:37 - pregnancy craving? 21:48 - how is matt handling mood swings? 27:47 - what personality trait do you hope the baby gets 29:38 - Ad 31:06 - Halloween costumes? 33:50 - stretch marks 35:33 - does Matt put the right amt of ice cubes in your drinks now 36:48 - honest thoughts one being one of three boys 38:24 - Post partum rage? 41:43 - processing the miscarriage 44:30 - How many weeks are you 45:04 - Ad 46:30 - Name we like but aren't using 51:20 - When will you announce his name? 52:11 - How do you talk to your kids about death 55:11 - are you doing alright? 1:00:05 - Ad 1:01:30 - How did you get pregnant after an IUD 1:03:00 - Do you still have s*x during pregnancy? 1:03:50 - How to get on the same page with my husband 1:04:47 - What is a name that matt likes but abby hates 1:05:29 - Baby moon? 1:06:04 - plans for PPD? 1:07:35 - Funny pregnancy moments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode is sponsored by Ladder, Cash App, Zoc Doc, and Better Help Ladder: If you have an iPhone, go to https://ladder.fit/UNPLANNED to take a quick quiz and get a free 7-day trial with no credit card required, plus $10 off your first month if you join. Cash App: Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/kssum24w #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Cash App Green, overdraft coverage, borrow, cash back offers and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. Zoc Doc: Stop putting off those doctor appointments—go to https://zocdoc.com/UNPLANNED to find and instantly book a doctor you love today. Better Help: Sign up and get 10% off at https://betterhelp.com/unplannedpodcast #ad In this episode, Matt and Abby talk all things gender reveals, telling family, and the very real emotions that can come with gender disappointment—especially after experiencing loss. Most of all, they’re celebrating a healthy baby boy and getting so excited to welcome another little guy to the family. Follow The Unplanned Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/unplanned__podcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@unplanned_podcast Listen to the pod on Spotify / Apple Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/1ToDA4ufQuWuEgMq07zN6t https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-unplanned-podcast/id1669604504 Follow Matt & Abby: Abby's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/abbyelizabethoward/ Matt's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/_matt_howard_/ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@matt_and_abby Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/mattandabb YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@MattandAbby Chapters: 06:04 - Life pdate 13:54 - Pelvic rest 19:57 - Disney 24:59 - Empty Nesters 28:50 - Are we RV people? 34:46 - Gender Reveal 35:34 - Finding out the gender 37:40 - Gender disappointment 50:48 - Your gender reveal hot takes 55:10 - Our gender reveal party 01:03:05 - VBAC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode was sponsored by ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, Kindred Bravely, Omaha Steaks, and Hiya Health. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance: Explore coverage at https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/UNPLANNED Kindred Bravely: Get 20% off your first order at https://KindredBravely.com/UNPLANNED with promo code UNPLANNED Omaha Steaks: Go to https://OmahaSteaks.com and use promo code UNPLANNED at checkout for $35 off. Minimum purchase may apply. Hiya Health: Receive 50% off your first order of Hiya's best selling children's vitamin at https://hiyahealth.com/UNPLANNED this deal is not available on their regular website. Maddie Henderson and Matt Scharff join us for a fun, honest conversation about their whirlwind love story—from meeting online to moving in fast and now preparing for their first baby. Matt opens up about his adoption from Russia, we answer your audience questions, and wrap it all up with a chaotic round of Who’s More Likely. 💛 Maddies IG: @maddiehen.scharff Matt's IG: @mattscharff Follow The Unplanned Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/unplanned__podcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@unplanned_podcast Listen to the pod on Spotify / Apple Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/1ToDA4ufQuWuEgMq07zN6t https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-unplanned-podcast/id1669604504 Follow Matt & Abby: Abby's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/abbyelizabethoward/ Matt's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/_matt_howard_/ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@matt_and_abby Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/mattandabb YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@MattandAbby Chapters: 01:01 - Love Story 10:27 - Archives of TikTok 15:51 - Leaving Utah 20:17 - Divorce in the LDS church  23:05 - Future planning  25:24 - Good Good  36:45 - Baby girl! 46:30 - Adopted from Russia  01:05:53 - Questions from audience  01:22:07 - Who's More Likely? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt and Abby sit down with entrepreneur and New York Times bestselling author Dean Graziosi and his wife Lisa to talk about family, ambition, and building a life with intention. Dean shares how the pain of divorce became a turning point that pushed him toward deeper personal growth, while he and Lisa open up about blending families, waiting a year before introducing their relationship to his kids, and the values shaping their homeschooling journey. They also talk about work-life integration vs. balance, and how tools like AI can help create more time for what matters most at home. Chapters: 00:00 - Dean & Lisa 01:04 - Finding balance 03:42 - Love story 09:27 - Our age gap 11:35 - The balance of business and family 16:39 - Moms and Al 20:45 - Context for Al 25:21 - Divorce 28:43 - Crafting a vision 40:20 - Keeping the family bond 46:18 - Work/life integration 57:46 - How rich is Dean Graziosi 01:03:34 - How do most millionaire's make their money? 01:04:11 - What are the 3 C's? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

TRIGGER WARNING This episode contains detailed discussions/depictions of sexual assault and rape involving minors. We understand this material is deeply disturbing and can be triggering for survivors. Please prioritize your well-being. This episode is sponsored by Shopify, Ladder, and Cash App. Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at https://shopify.com/unplanned Ladder: If you have an iPhone, go to https://ladder.fit/unplanned to take a quick quiz and get a free 7-day trial with no credit card required, plus $10 off your first month if you join. Cash App: Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/kssum24w #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Cash App Green, overdraft coverage, borrow, cash back offers and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. In today’s episode, we’re joined by Elizabeth Smart — and her story is one of both unimaginable hardship and incredible hope. After being kidnapped at 14 and held captive for nine months, Elizabeth has gone on to build a beautiful life — as a wife, a mother, and a powerful advocate for survivors. We talk about what healing has looked like for her, how she learned to move forward after trauma, and what it’s been like to find love and create a family of her own. We also dive into what fuels her advocacy, the impact she hopes to make, and her perspective on forgiveness. Elizabeth's IG: Elizabeth_Smart_Official https://www.elizabethsmartfoundation.org/ If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, support is available and healing is possible. You can reach the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or connect online at rainn.org. Or call 911. Reporting can save a life. Follow The Unplanned Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/unplanned__podcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@unplanned_podcast Listen to the pod on Spotify / Apple Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/1ToDA4ufQuWuEgMq07zN6t https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-unplanned-podcast/id1669604504 Follow Matt & Abby: Abby's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/abbyelizabethoward/ Matt's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/_matt_howard_/ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@matt_and_abby Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/mattandabb YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@MattandAbby Chapters: 00:36 - Choosing to share my story 04:51 - The night of the kidnapping 09:20 - what kept me going 12:17 - changing mentality around victims 20:06 - How to talk to your kids 26:31 - Accusing my family 28:22 - Victims and the justice system 37:53 - Forgiveness 40:28 - Finding out my captor was released 45:35 - Why I didn't run 51:51 - Trauma responses 55:02 - What the documentary left out 59:06 - Counting the days 01:02:02 - Concern of pregnancy 01:04:01 - Telling my story to my children 01:09:41 - Intimacy after sexual trauma 01:16:53 - Clinging to my childhood 01:20:57 - Supporting survivors through my foundation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices