The Unplanned Podcast with Matt & Abby

Episode: Addressing Your Assumptions About Us
Date: February 4, 2026

Episode Overview

In this candid and lighthearted episode, Matt and Abby Howard, high school sweethearts and parents of two, react to and discuss assumptions their audience has about them. With characteristic humor and honesty, they tackle topics ranging from their relationship dynamics and parenting styles to finances, social media boundaries, and personal quirks. The episode showcases their natural, open banter, with both playful teasing and deeper moments of vulnerability, as they aim to “promote positive, healthy relationships and families” while revealing the reality behind their online personas.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Relationship & Intimacy

• Did They Wait for Marriage?
  Both confirm they waited for marriage to have sex, but admit, with a laugh, “we did other things because we were so into each other. What is happening right now?” (B: 07:00). They emphasize they “weren’t perfect angels” but were mostly true to their commitment.
• Cussing On and Off-Air
  Contrary to one assumption, Abby says, “Wait, I just said ass, though. And you know what our grandma says? It’s in the Bible.” (A: 07:40) They try not to swear, especially around their kids.
• Do They Have Sex Every Day?
  After dancing around the topic, Matt chuckles, “Yes, we do. Is that bad?” (B: 60:33) Abby adds, “No, it’s not bad… We love each other.”

2. Personalities and Partnership

• Who’s the More Obsessed Partner?
  Abby jokes, “He’s obsessed with me.” (A: 09:16) Matt agrees, likening his love to “waves of energy… puppy dog crackhead spurts.” Abby describes hers as “bedrock… foundation.” (A: 09:40)
• Disciplinarian vs. Fun Parent
  Abby is “more the disciplinarian,” Matt the “fun one, who feels guilty when disciplining.” (A: 20:16, B: 20:40)
• Are They Soulmates?
  Matt responds quickly, “I just don’t believe in soulmates, honestly.” (B: 57:25) Abby doesn’t, either, and they both laugh about not believing in previous lives.

3. Parenting, Family Life & Help

• Do They Have a Lot of Help?
  Yes, they have professional cleaners every other week and part-time childcare (B: 39:07, A: 39:59). Abby is clear, “I also don’t want people to compare themselves… We do have help, so… that’s an unhealthy comparison if we’re not honest.” (A: 40:28)
• Do They Miss Life Before Kids?
  They admit they did at first but not anymore. Abby reflects, “You have to grieve that change,” and Matt recently felt moved to want more children (A: 41:32).
• Abby’s Parents Living with Them?
  They clarify Abby’s parents no longer live with them but are still closely involved (A: 47:43).

4. Finances & Fame

• Are They Billionaires?
  Both laugh this off: “No. We have a lot of money... but we are not billionaires.” (A: 11:42) They detail their financial journey from low-income housing to present comfort, crediting hard work and their audience.
• Who’s the Saver and Who Spends?
  Abby: “If we were to sway one direction, that would probably be [Matt spends more].” (A: 49:34) Matt enjoys buying “assets” and sometimes splurges on things for their kids.

5. Social Media: Boundaries and Experiences

• Do They Hate Social Media?
  Matt: “Actually love this. I really, really do.” (B: 27:32) Both agree it’s a blessing but admit they’re now more cautious about what they share since gaining a wider audience.
• Do They Share Too Much?
  Both agree they’re aligned: “If I don’t want to share it, then there’s no pushback from you.” (A: 28:04)
• Handling Negative Comments & Blocking
  They only block persistent hate commenters, never anyone they know personally (B: 32:57).

6. Assumptions and Fun Facts

• Abby Gets Her Way?
  Abby admits, “I do get what I want, but I also pick my battles.” (A: 19:23)
• Pedicures?
  Abby doesn't make Matt get pedicures, though “you probably could stand to get them,” she teases (A: 15:24).
• Reading Habits
  Abby loves books, Matt prefers audiobooks or “reads reels.” (B: 17:30)
• Alcohol Consumption
  “We do on occasion. Not that often.” (B: 52:53)
• Superstitious?
  Not at all; their internet precautions for their kids are about safety, not superstition (A: 48:45).

7. Impact of the Spotlight

• Public Encounters
  They both love when fans say hi in public—except in hospital/medical circumstances, which feels invasive (A: 55:19, B: 56:02).
• Handling Fame & Privacy
  Matt notes they’re at a comfortable level of fame—recognized, but can still “enjoy Disney with our kids” without being mobbed (B: 35:59).

8. Personal Growth & Philosophy

• Overthinking & Comparison
  Matt struggles with overthinking and comparison: “That’s something I’ve always struggled with my entire life… I really care.” (B: 22:41, 23:14)
• Imposter Syndrome
  Abby “just fully believes a person is a person,” helping her avoid imposter feelings even in high-profile interviews (A: 24:10).

9. Mission & Authenticity

• Podcast Mission
  They want the show’s mission to be “promoting positive, healthy relationships and families,” with Abby adding they cherish the “unplanned” nature of their experiences (B: 37:10, A: 37:48).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “He’s obsessed with me.” – Abby (09:16)
• “My love for you is like bedrock… and you are like a puppy dog, in love.” – Abby (09:40)
• “We did not do it till marriage, but we did other things because we were so into each other. What is happening right now?” – Matt (07:00)
• “We weren’t perfect angels… but we really did, actually, technically. Wait.” – Abby (07:18, 07:36)
• “I can walk around naked in my own house now.” – Matt, on his in-laws moving out (48:07)
• “I do think I pick my battles wisely.” – Abby (19:23)
• “I just don’t believe in soulmates, honestly.” – Matt (57:25)
• “You have to grieve that change [life before kids]…but I don’t miss it.” – Abby (41:56)
• “Honestly, I do want to see a world where sex isn’t as taboo.” – Matt (61:22)
• “If you don’t want kids, gosh, don’t have them.” – Abby (46:38)
• "We're a power couple. I love you. Couldn't do it without you, baby." – Matt (35:02)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [06:40] Assumption 1: Did they wait for marriage?
• [07:54] Assumption 2: Do they cuss?
• [09:14] Assumption 3: Who’s more obsessed/loving?
• [10:33] Assumption 4: Sex every day?
• [11:01] Assumption 5: Pooping with the door open?
• [11:42] Assumption 6: Billionaires?
• [15:06] Assumption 7: Pedicures
• [17:30] Assumption 8: Books vs. Reels
• [19:06] Assumption 9: Abby always gets her way
• [20:16] Assumption 10: Parenting styles
• [21:36] Assumption 11: Social bandwidth and anxiety
• [22:39] Assumption 12: Overthinking
• [23:33] Imposter syndrome & comparison
• [27:32] Assumption: Hate social media or struggle with boundaries?
• [28:10] Handling family/children online
• [32:54] Handling negative commenters
• [35:59] Navigating fame & privacy
• [37:02] Being good examples vs. being yourself
• [39:07] Level of help: cleaners and childcare
• [41:08] Missing pre-kid life
• [43:45] Regret marrying young?
• [44:07] Advice for young marriages
• [49:31] Who saves? Who spends?
• [52:51] Do they drink?
• [53:36] Abby’s singing/acting talents
• [55:19] Handling fan encounters in public
• [57:25] Soulmates?
• [60:33] Sex every day (answered candidly)
• [61:22] Discussing taboos & inviting a sex expert

Conclusion

Matt & Abby use this episode to pull back the curtain on their real lives. They answer awkward, invasive, and silly assumptions with honesty, warmth, and humor—demonstrating the true dynamic of their marriage and family. For listeners, it’s a refreshing look into the joys and complexities of young parenthood, partnership, and life in the social media spotlight, seasoned with lots of laughter and genuine moments.

To check out Abby’s “Always Here” podcast, search for it on any major podcast platform.

Note: This summary omits sponsor reads and repetitive podcast promos, focusing exclusively on the core content and discussion.