November 26, 2025

288: THE FINALE: Our Honest Debrief (Shawn Won!)

59 minutes

We made it to the FINALE- and nothing could’ve prepared us for what this last episode threw at us. At this point, we were exhausted, worn down, and hanging on by whatever grit we had left. The DS pushed us into the most intense test of the entire course: capture, interrogation, zero sleep, and moments that forced us to stay locked in when our minds wanted to tap out.

We are so proud of each other walking into that final challenge together and we’re even more grateful you’ve been watching along with us. This finale was raw, surreal, and honestly one of the hardest things we’ve ever done. Can’t wait to hear what you think and wrap up this wild journey with you.

Love,

Shawn & Andrew

From Shawn: Self doubt has creeped in over the years… after retirement, a failed comeback, and 3 kids. I wondered if I could. I feared I couldn’t. But dang….. it sure feels good knowing I did! I finished! It hurt. I learned a lot. I healed a lot. I’m better for it.

Thank you to the DS for pushing me. You taught me so much! Getting those smiles and hugs at the end was the greatest reward! Thank you for being the best coaches ever.

And to Gia… I’m so fricken proud of you! You pushed so hard and never gave up! Love you lady!"

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(00:00) no more lies to hide!!!

(01:00) doing this together and what that meant to us

(02:27) the start of interrogation… but it should’ve been called something else 👀

(05:20) what we were most fearful of

(07:20) honoring my wife

(10:45) giving context as the hours ticked by

(13:50) clarifying the confusion and trying to understand the “game”

(27:20) weaving in and out of the different realities with the interrogators

(29:50) what happened for 12+ hours during interrogation

(32:50) them challenging our alibis during the dunking phase

(42:50) navigating all the processing since being off the show

(48:55) what happened after andrew left

(50:35) officially passing the course

(54:00) what it was like heading home

(56:15) closing thoughts

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By Shawn Johnson + Andrew East

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