Couple Things with Shawn and Andrew

By Shawn Johnson + Andrew EastSociety & Culture

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Couple Things with Shawn and Andrew episodes

November 05 The Secret to Being a Better Teammate in Marriage
Are you your spouse's biggest cheerleader... or have you accidentally become their coach? 👀
In today's episode, we're talking about the difference between being a coach and a teammate in marriage. When does offering advice turn into trying to fix your partner? How do you challenge each other to grow without making the other person feel criticized? And what does it actually look like to be on the same team?
We're diving into communication, giving and receiving feedback, defensiveness, timing, and learning how to have difficult conversations without turning them into arguments. We also share the ways we've learned to coach each other differently over time, take accountability for our mistakes, and recognize the potential in one another.
Whether you're married, dating, or navigating any long-term relationship, this conversation is a reminder that sometimes your partner needs a teammate, sometimes they need a coach, and knowing the difference can change everything.
Let us know in the comments: Are you more of a coach or a teammate in your relationship? ❤️
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(00:00) Intro: Is Your Spouse Your Coach or Your Teammate?
(02:11) The Challenge of Giving Your Spouse Constructive Criticism
(04:54) Why Marriage Is More of a Team Dynamic Than a Coaching Relationship
(07:12) Holding Each Other Accountable Without Losing Gentleness
(09:43) Learning to Give and Receive Feedback Outside of Sports
(13:38) Why Their Competitive Nature Shapes Their Marriage
(14:30) When Your Spouse’s Feedback Feels Like a Personal Attack
(17:36) How Shawn Helped Andrew Rediscover Discipline and Follow-Through
(21:04) Why Marriage Gives You Room to Grow Through Feedback
(23:06) Monthly Check-Ins and Creating Healthy Communication Rhythms
(25:43) Can You Truly Love Someone Without Having Difficult Conversations?
(28:05) Fully Knowing and Loving Someone While Helping Them Grow
(30:35) How to Give Feedback Well: Timing, Motives + Delivery
(35:02) Why Specificity Matters When Giving Constructive Feedback
(36:47) How Often Should Couples Give Each Other Feedback?
(38:44) How to Receive Feedback Without Getting Defensive
(40:34) Common Mistakes Couples Make During Difficult Conversations
(42:13) Seeing Your Spouse’s Potential + Helping Them Become Their Best
(44:02) Learning How Your Spouse Best Receives Feedback
(47:54) The Verdict

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49 min
November 02 this was actually TERRIFYING. | special forces episode 6
Special Forces Episode 6 might have been one of the most dangerous yet!! 😅
This week, we're breaking down everything that happened during Episode 6 of Special Forces: World's Toughest Test, from balancing 200 feet above a canyon to taking on one of the most physically intense challenges of the entire experience: Murderball.
We're sharing our reactions, behind-the-scenes stories, what you didn't see on TV, and what was really going through our heads during these challenges.
Every week gets tougher, and this one was no exception.
Let us know in the comments what YOU thought of Episode 6 and which challenge you would've struggled with most!
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow along for more Special Forces recaps!
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! 🤍
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(00:00) Matt + David’s terrifying night lost in the jungle
(02:13) Who was responsible for the failed mission?
(03:39) Behind the scenes: what the Special Forces camera crew goes through
(08:38) Why the experience is even harder than what we see on TV
(14:27) Oliver spirals + Matt struggles with full-body cramps
(16:46) Matt is called back out despite being in pain
(18:32) Bree quits: how becoming a mom changes your fears
(20:23) The pressure to be strong enough to protect your family
(28:10) Day six: the underground tunnel challenge
(29:09) Fighting panic + controlling your mind in claustrophobic situations
(34:00) Crawling 200 yards through dark, tight tunnels
(35:02) The mental challenges + Oliver’s breaking point
(36:16) Why Oliver decides to quit
(40:00) The fighting challenge + what it takes to face an opponent
(44:47) Alicia’s interview: family, sacrifice + the cost of being a world-class athlete
(48:18) Hannah and Alicia struggle with the physical + emotional demands
(49:22) Street fighting vs. boxing + the fear of feeling helpless
(54:23) What’s coming in the final days of Special Forces

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57 min
October 29 We're All Overstimulated... Here's How to Find Peace | John Mark Comer
John Mark Comer is BACK on the podcast! We're so excited to welcome him back for another conversation, this time diving into his brand-new book, *Into the Quiet: Following Jesus in a World of Noise*.
In a world filled with constant noise, distractions, busy schedules, and endless scrolling, finding moments of stillness can feel nearly impossible. John Mark shares why slowing down matters, how overstimulation impacts our lives, and what it looks like to create more space for peace, silence, and a deeper connection with God.
We talk about the importance of stepping away from the noise, being more intentional with our time, and learning to embrace quiet in a world that never seems to stop.
Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or simply craving a slower pace, we hope this conversation encourages you to find a little more stillness in your everyday life.
Check out John's new book, *Into the Quiet: Following Jesus in a World of Noise*: https://johnmarkcomer.com/into-the-quiet
Thanks for watching! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations!
(00:00) Introduction + John Mark Comer on Into the Quiet
(01:22) AI, the attachment economy + how technology is shaping us
(06:38) The danger of AI replacing real relationships
(08:10) Why discomfort is essential to growth
(09:36) Becoming a person of love, not chasing happiness
(14:12) What does it actually mean to find quiet?
(17:16) Silence as a presence, not an absence
(19:04) A 21-day solitude retreat + learning through subtraction
(22:33) Why growth sometimes comes from taking things away
(25:18) What we learn when we make room for quiet
(27:01) Simple ways to bring more quiet into everyday life
(30:32) External noise vs. the noise inside our minds
(33:38) Finding God through silence, solitude + stillness
(34:27) Christian meditation: emptying your mind or filling it?
(41:35) Balancing learning through addition + subtraction

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44 min
October 24 it just keeps getting MORE BRUTAL. | special forces episode 5 reaction
special forces episode 5 is here, and we're breaking down what might be the most intense season yet!
this week, we're reacting to the high-stakes challenges, unexpected mistakes, and the physical and mental exhaustion the recruits are facing. from the chaos of the hostage rescue mission to a brutal trek through the mud, we're sharing our honest reactions and comparing these moments to our own experience on special forces.
we're also diving into the emotional side of the competition, why failure doesn't always mean you're out, and what it really takes to keep pushing when everything in you wants to quit.
let us know what you thought of episode 5 in the comments!
**THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!**
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(0:00) Episode Introduction
(2:17) Duty Recruit Role
(4:29) Shared Suffering Challenge and Repelling challenge
(7:37) Different Departments of Entertainment
(11:10) Joking in Serious Situations
(16:57) Shawn and Andrew’s Experience With Rules
(21:37) How Winning Works
(24:50) David Charvet interview
(28:50) The Jungle Trek
(33:53) Oliver's leadership struggles
(35:26) Choosing Who Goes Back
(37:49) Conflict with Staff
(44:54) Emergency Rescue
(49:40) Conclusion

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51 min
October 21 alexa & carlos penavega on grief, marriage & finding joy again
alexa and carlos penavega are back on couple things, and this conversation is one we won't forget.
since we last sat down together, life has brought unexpected challenges, heartbreaking loss, and a whole new perspective on love, marriage, and faith.
in this episode, alexa and carlos open up about navigating grief after the loss of their daughter, indy, how their marriage has evolved through difficult seasons, and the importance of leaning on each other when life doesn't go as planned. we also talk about their new book, *joy isn't canceled: what grief taught us about pain, peace, and purpose*, and the lessons they've learned about finding hope and joy even in the midst of heartbreak.
we're so grateful to have these two back for another honest, vulnerable, and encouraging conversation. whether you're navigating loss, walking through a difficult season, or simply looking for a reminder that joy is still possible, we hope this episode encourages you.
preorder *joy isn't canceled* (out november 3, 2026): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/joy-isnt-canceled-carlos-penavega/1149631899
thanks for listening! ❤️
0:00 Introduction
0:50 Life updates and projects
3:33 Choosing Tennessee over Florida
6:49 Balancing life and ambition
9:08 Redefining success and legacy
12:53 The Pareto principle in life
16:35 Overcoming the need for control
19:25 The power of saying no
22:34 Cultivating genuine community
27:52 Discernment and grace
36:57 Walking through loss
47:16 Joy in the midst of grief
55:00 Lessons from the aftermath
1:07:55 Finding lasting perspective

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1 hr 30 min
October 16 things are getting intense... | special forces episode 4
special forces episode 4 is here and we're back with another recap!!
things are only getting more intense, and watching this season after experiencing special forces ourselves brings back SO many memories. from the physical challenges to the mental battles, there's really nothing that can prepare you for what it's like until you're actually there.
this week we're breaking down episode 4, sharing our reactions, giving a little behind-the-scenes perspective from our own experience, and talking about what it really takes to make it through special forces: world's toughest test.
whether you've been following along since episode 1 or you're just joining us, we're so glad you're here! let us know your thoughts on this week's episode in the comments and who you're rooting for!
love you guys!
shawn & andrew

(00:00) Special Forces Episode 4: pushing past your breaking point
(00:17) how the DS uncover your weaknesses
(03:21) character development: Candace Cameron Bure + Colin Gosselin
(05:20) leadership under pressure
(06:15) the water bottle check + mental stress
(08:34) Colin's perfectionism: helpful or overbearing?
(10:49) the difference between being helpful + overbearing
(13:00) the hostage rescue challenge
(16:16) Hannah's leadership struggles + the pressure to make decisions
(18:14) what makes a good leader under pressure?
(20:10) David Charvet's hostage rescue + the red mist
(24:30) Candace steps up as team leader
(27:09) Candace's interview: confidence, leadership + marriage
(29:44) being supported by your partner vs. being overprotected
(34:30) how childhood experiences shape who we become
(37:18) Candace + Colin: two very different childhood experiences
(40:15) chemical warfare + Mauricio's emotional exit
(41:23) interrogations, mind games + the gas chamber
(43:58) Colin's search for family + belonging
(45:00) what's next for the recruits + final thoughts
**a big thank you to our sponsors!**
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subscribe for more special forces recaps and new episodes of couple things every week!
follow along:
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/couplethingspod/
#specialforces #specialforcesworldstoughesttest #couplethings #shawnjohnson #andreweast

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49 min
October 15 what we learned traveling with kids | disney cruise line
family vacations with kids... equal parts chaos, adventure, and memories we'll never forget 😂
this week on couple things, we're talking the pod remote and talking all things family travel! from the challenges of packing up and traveling with three kids to why we think making these memories together is always worth it.
we're sharing some of our favorite family vacation moments, what we've learned about traveling with little ones, and our recent experience aboard Disney Cruise Line! between the excitement, the activities, and getting to experience a little Disney magic together, it was such a special adventure for our family.
a huge thank you to Disney Cruise Line for having us and helping us create memories we'll cherish forever! ❤️
we'd love to hear from you guys! what's your favorite family vacation you've ever taken, and what are your best tips for traveling with kids?
love you guys!
shawn & andrew

(00:00) traveling with kids: what’s worth it + what’s not
(01:11) Shawn’s childhood Disney cruise memories
(02:00) how we grew up vacationing differently
(03:09) why Disney works for the whole family
(05:07) the family travel equation + what makes a trip worth it
(07:35) five questions to ask before traveling with kids
(08:49) Disney World vs. Disney Cruise: which is more worth it?
(10:52) routines while traveling with young kids
(12:36) ranking family trips: Disney, skiing, Dubai + Japan
(18:09) the Tijuana mission trip + teaching kids to serve
(20:13) Pigeon Forge, Branson + Wisconsin Dells
(26:45) learning to travel with kids as parents
(27:47) rapid-fire: the best ages for different trips
(31:30) the East family’s rules for traveling with kids

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37 min
October 13 special forces episode 3 recap
we're back with another special forces recap, and episode 3 is bringing back ALL the memories!
as former contestants on we're back and breaking down this week's challenges, the growing pressure on the recruits, sweet moments, our favorite quotes and contestants AND what it's actually like to experience these moments firsthand.
from the physical demands to the mental battles, we're sharing our reactions, behind-the-scenes insight, and the things you don't get to see on tv. plus, we're talking about who's impressing us, who we're rooting for, and how quickly everything can change when you're in that environment.
if you're watching along with us, let us know your thoughts on episode 3 and what you want us to cover next week!
thanks for watching and being part of the east fam! ❤️

(00:00) episode 3 recap + what to expect
(01:45) packing your Bergen + the weight requirements
(03:31) dish duty + hygiene
(05:34) the mind games behind the challenges
(07:26) hand-to-hand combat
(10:27) “red mist” + what happens when you lose control
(12:20) athleticism, turning off your mind + emotional awareness
(16:16) Alicia Baumgartner takes on the milling challenge + why her technique stood out
(20:12) Maksim’s heartbreaking story + vulnerability
(23:50) the interrogation challenge + sharing your story
(26:00) the matchups + facing your fears
(28:00) watching your child struggle + a parent’s perspective
(30:00) preparing your kids for hard things
(32:00) Alexia opens up to her dad
(34:00) “our world is violence” + the Special Forces mindset
(35:37) understanding the world through a soldier’s eyes
(38:00) exhaustion, emotions + what’s coming next
(40:00) final thoughts + looking ahead to the next episode

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42 min
October 13 Olympic Couples Talk Love, Marriage & Competition | Chock & Bates
We sat down with Olympic ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates to talk about what it takes to compete at the highest level alongside the person you love. From becoming partners on the ice to falling in love, getting married, and continuing to chase huge goals together, Madison and Evan share what their journey has really looked like behind the scenes.
We talk Olympic pressure, marriage, trust, competing as a couple, and what keeps them coming back after all these years. As athletes ourselves, we loved getting to compare experiences and hear what it’s like when your teammate also happens to be your spouse.
This was such a fun one. Enjoy!
(00:00) we have a couple crush
(01:30) what’s your dynamic as a couple?
(03:20) navigating the rough times & going home
(05:30) life post-olympics
(07:06) the community around chock & bates
(09:00) who is more likely to be…?
(18:45) confidence on the ice
(21:00) feelings are moldable
(23:44) the subjectivity of our sports
(27:40) the mixed zone & kiss and cry cameras
(32:15) quantitative vs. qualitative “success data”
(34:27) the journaling process
(39:35) the art of designing costumes
(43:15) our shared love of sports & vacations
(45:13) the post-olympics blues
(47:18) what’s next for chock & bates?

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50 min
October 08 everything you didn't know about our special forces experience
we're back with even MORE special forces stories... and this time, we're hearing them straight from our instructor! 😂
today we're sitting down with Jovon "Q" Quarles (aka DS Q), our former directing staff instructor from special forces: world's toughest test, and our longtime friend Ian Schinelli, a former navy SEAL who actually went through BUD/S training alongside Q!
this was our first time seeing Q since filming in Morocco, and it's safe to say it's a VERY different experience sitting across from him when he's not yelling at us.
we're getting into all the behind-the-scenes moments you didn't see on TV, which contestants Q thought would make it to the end, stories from some of our toughest challenges, and how our special forces experience actually compares to real navy SEAL training. 😂
Q and Ian also share some pretty unbelievable stories from their own time in the military, what it really takes to survive BUD/S and hell week, and why mental toughness is so much more than physical strength.
we also dive into life after serving, finding purpose outside of the military, and what happens when you step away from something that has defined so much of your life.
between the hilarious stories, special forces memories, and some really meaningful conversations, this one was so much fun. we hope you enjoy it!
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1 hr 16 min

About Couple Things with Shawn and Andrew

From the publisher's feed

Former Olympic Gymnast Shawn Johnson and NFL player Andrew East sit down to share their most vulnerable sides and open up like they never have before. Tune in to hear one of the most celebrated couples on social media walk you through some of their most memorable moments together. Get ready to laugh and cry as you hear some of the most embarrassing and raw stories that have never before been shared.