Discover the Dykstra Family Journey
Welcome to Matthew's Life
Join us as we explore the adventures and stories of Matthew Dykstra and his family, capturing moments that inspire and connect.
Matthew Dykstra & Family
Matthew Dykstra, along with his family, hails from the Regional Municiality of Durham where community and nature are deeply valued. Growing up surrounded by the beauty of the Cityof Oshawa Matthew developed a passion for storytelling and adventure. The Dykstra Family, known for their warmth, hospitality and civi pride, has always embraced life’s journey with open arms. Their collective experiences, from family gatherings to spontaneous road trips, have shaped their unique perspective on life. Matthew’s love for capturing these moments on video led to the creation of their Lifecast, where they share their adventures and connect with viewers around the world.
Our History
This collection of videos has come a long way since Matthew’s Life (aka MJSiebolt) was established in August 2010. Over the years, we’ve changed our name four times, each reflecting a new chapter in my journey.
The first change came in June 2018. I was tired of people confusing “MJSiebolt” — which stands for my full name, Matthew John Siebolt — as just a nickname. So, I rebranded as Matthew’s Life. Around this time, YouTube updated one of my older channels to /MatthewDykstra (signed up with /matthewdykstraca) — unexpectedly giving me the address I had always wanted. I began using that channel, creating playlists for each month that had videos and linking content across both channels.
The next change happened in November 2020. After my best friend of 30 years and I became a couple, I updated the name to Serena and Matthew’s Life to reflect our relationship. I continued posting at youtube.com/matthewdykstraca.
In January 2021, I changed the name back to Matthew’s Life. Now single again, I chose to focus this series on sharing my life experiences and raising awareness about my disabilities — including Fibromyalgia, Spina Bifida, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and several related conditions.
By October 2021, I decided to consolidate my Lifecasts into one channel and move other types of content to their appropriate channels. As part of this restructuring, starting November 22, 2021, I began merging youtube.com/matthewdykstraca (now Matthew’s Life Hidden Gems) with youtube.com/mjsiebolt, where it all began.
Finally, in the Spring of 2020, after spending three years posting our videos from across all channels to our website (matthewdykstra.xyz), the site was hit by malware. Disheartened, I stepped away from both YouTube and my personal website.
Now (Summer of 2025), feeling re-energized, I’m excited to start things up again. We’re building a new home at matthewdykstra.com, where all our videos will be organized by category and tag, making them easy to find.
Our Journey Through Time
Explore the milestones that have defined the Dykstra Family’s adventures and growth.
2010
The Beginning of Our Vlog
Inspired by a family reunion, Matthew decided to start documenting their adventures, marking the birth of their YouTube channel.
2012
First Viral Video
A spontaneous New TV & Internet video captured the hearts of viewers, propelling the channel into the spotlight and growing their community.
2017
Canadian Wide Adventure
Embarking on a cross Canada road trip, the Dykstra Family explored new places and landscapes, sharing their experiences with a global audience.
Our Lifecasting Journey
The Inspiration Behind Matthew's Life
Matthew Dykstra and his family embarked on their vlogging journey with a simple yet profound goal: to share their everyday adventures and inspire others to embrace life’s moments. The idea sprouted from their love for storytelling and a desire to connect with a wider audience. They wanted to document their experiences, not just for themselves, but to create a lasting legacy for future generations. The Dykstra Family believes that every day holds a new story, and through their vlog, they aim to capture these stories in a way that resonates with viewers around the world.
The Dykstra Family’s motivation to start Matthew’s Life was fueled by their passion for adventure and community. They saw the Lifecast as a platform to share their unique perspective on life, highlighting the beauty in both the extraordinary and the mundane. Their goal is to encourage others to find joy in the little things and to foster a sense of connection among their audience. By sharing their journey, they hope to inspire others to explore, dream, and live life to the fullest.
Snapshots of Our Adventures
Memorable Moments with the Dykstra Family
Join Our Journey!
Don’t miss out on the latest adventures of Matthew Dykstra and his family! Subscribe to our vlog and be part of our exciting journey as we explore new places, share our stories, and create unforgettable memories. Follow along and experience the joy and challenges of our travels. Click the button below to stay updated with all our latest videos and stories!