In this episode, we sit down with our friend, bestselling author, and speaker Jennie Allen. Jennie is also the founder of IF:Gathering, a global movement that equips and disciples women around the world. Jennie has just released her newest book, The Lie You Don't Know You Believe, which explores the hidden lies many of us carry about ourselves. In the book, she unpacks how these quiet but powerful beliefs influence our decisions, our identity, and the way we pursue success and fulfillment. One o...
Mar 12, 2026•59 min
In this episode, we’re talking about OUR NEW BOOK!! After years of conversations, ideas, and believing in this project, our book is finally coming out June 9 and you can pre-order it now! https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-courage-to-commit-shawn-johnson/1148323652 We briefly discuss the overlying topic of commitment and why it’s so hard, why it matters, and what happens when you decide to truly stick with something. We’re also incredibly excited because we’ll be going on a book tour to celebr...
Mar 11, 2026•51 min
In this episode, we sit down with Hal Elrod, bestselling author of The Miracle Morning, to explore the habits and mindset shifts that can transform your life. Hal shares the story behind his life-changing morning routine and how the S.A.V.E.R.S. method — Silence, Affirmations, Visualization, Exercise, Reading, and Scribing — has helped millions take control of their days before the world takes control of them. We also dive into his personal journey of overcoming a near-fatal car accident and a b...
Mar 05, 2026•1 hr 16 min
In this episode we dive into one of humanity’s oldest and biggest questions: faith. If thousands of religions exist, what does it really mean to choose a God? Is faith something we inherit, something we discover, or something we decide? This isn’t about winning an argument — it’s about exploring the deep questions that shape how we live our lives. Whether you're religious, spiritual, agnostic, or atheist, this conversation invites you to think critically about what gives life meaning. Join the d...
Mar 05, 2026•1 hr 19 min
Two weeks. Countless moments. One unforgettable Olympics. In this final episode of the series, we look back at the biggest highlights, surprise upsets, breakout stars, and powerful stories that shaped the Games. With perspective from someone who has competed at the Olympics, we talk about what these moments truly mean for the athletes, the legacy of the competition, and what we’ll remember long after the torch goes out. Let us know in the comments, what was your favorite sport or moment to watch...
Feb 25, 2026•44 min
In this episode, we sit down with Brianna LaPaglia (Brianna Chickenfry) for one of her most honest conversations yet. She opens up about her life, the relationships that shaped her, and what it was really like to face the grueling challenges of Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test. Brianna shares moments the cameras didn’t capture, the obstacles that pushed her to her limits, and the lessons she took away from an experience that changed her forever. On top of that, we dive into our unexpected f...
Feb 19, 2026•49 min
We’ve been absolutely hooked watching the 2026 Winter Games and after our last breakdown, it was clear you had a lot of questions about my experience and what it’s really like as an athlete at the Olympics! So we went straight to Instagram, pulled your questions, and nothing was off limits. In this Olympics Q&A, we break down: • What the Olympic Village is really like • The pressure of competing on the world stage • What’s changed heading into 2026 • My honest thoughts on this year’s Winter ...
Feb 19, 2026•58 min
The 2026 Winter Olympics are already chaotic, emotional, and absolutely SO FUN to watch. This week, we’re breaking it all down from a perspective you don’t usually get. Let us know below what your favorites so far have been and if you're following along too!! Can't wait to hear from you guys :) Here’s a page with all the family-friendly sports movies we mentioned at the beginning too: www.familymade.com/sportmovies Love you guys! Shawn & Andrew David is offering our listeners a special deal:...
Feb 11, 2026•59 min
In this conversation, we explore a very important conversation and touch on parenting in a modern world, making informed choices around health and wellness, and why legacy isn’t built through grand gestures, but through small, consistent decisions made over time. The daily ride to school is an overlooked public health issue, how diesel exhaust impacts children’s development, and why electric school buses offer immediate, tangible benefits for kids, families, and communities. Duncan breaks down w...
Feb 05, 2026•34 min
This is the final episode in this series. After “It’s Not My Job to Make You Happy” and “We Don’t Need Each Other,” this conversation lands on a hard but honest truth: we will let each other down. This episode isn’t about blame or perfection—it’s about vulnerability, marriage, and the realities we don’t always say out loud. These conversations are shared with the hope that honesty might help someone else feel less alone. Please be mindful in the comments. If something resonates with you, we’d lo...
Feb 05, 2026•1 hr 1 min
This episode got raw. In Episode 2 of our series, we sit down as husband and wife and say the words that made us most vulnerable: we don’t need each other. What started as an honest conversation turned emotional—tears, tension, disagreements, and a level of vulnerability we’ve never shared publicly. We talk about breaking free from co-dependency, redefining partnership, and what it actually means to choose each other instead of needing each other to survive. We’d love to hear your thoughts— 👉 D...
Jan 28, 2026•1 hr 1 min
Well... This series wasn’t planned. It started with us unpacking three phrases that have hit our marriage the hardest: “It’s not my job to make you happy.” “We don’t need each other.” “I’m going to let you down.” Each episode breaks down one of these conversation starters—and what followed was not easy. There are tears. There are real-time arguments. And there are very honest conversations we almost kept private. This is Part 1 of a three-part series. Parts 2 and 3 are coming over the next two w...
Jan 21, 2026•56 min
Thank you to GoGURT for sponsoring today's episode! Try the GoGURT Simply we talked about in this episode, it’s amazing! ▶ https://bit.ly/3HCC0BY Life after the holidays hits different 😅 In this episode we’re talking all about getting back into routines — the emotions, the chaos, the resets, and the small things that are helping our family find rhythm again. From first-week-back realities to simple hacks for calmer mornings, we’re sharing what’s actually working (and what’s definitely still a w...
Jan 14, 2026•35 min
We’re back with our goal setting methods for 2026! Today we sat down and went over our individual, relational and family goals for this year. This is something Andrew and I do every single year and it’s been so beneficial to set tangible goals for ourselves and re-evaluate as the year goes on. We would love for you to set your own goals and we’ve provided our free template below to help you get started. Let us know how it goes! Love you guys! Shawn and Andrew Download our FREE Goal Setting Metho...
Jan 07, 2026•50 min
In this episode, we’re taking a moment to reflect on our past year together- and honestly, what a year it’s been. We’re walking through everything that happened: the trips we never imagined we’d take, the amazing guests we've had on this show, the chaos that came with doing Special Forces, writing our upcoming book, settling into a new house, and all the unexpected highs and lows in between. This year challenged us, stretched us, and changed us in ways we’re still processing, but it also reminde...
Dec 31, 2025•40 min
We opened up a Q&A on Instagram and told you nothing was off limits… and you did not disappoint. In this episode, we’re answering the wild, vulnerable, uncomfortable, and spicy questions you sent in. If you’ve ever been curious, nosy, or just wanted the uncut version, this one’s for you. 😂 Love you guys! Shawn and Andrew Beam ▶ Go to https://www.shopbeam.com/couplethings and use code COUPLETHINGS for up to 40% off Beam Kids All-In-One Super Powder!! Kachava ▶ Calm the holiday chaos. Go to h...
Dec 17, 2025•1 hr
we decided to dedicate this episode of the podcast to a topic that’s both messy and powerful: redemption and second chances. in this episode, we talk through real-life examples, unpack what it actually means to see someone grow and change, and explore how to recognize when a second chance is deserved versus when boundaries need to stay in place. it’s a conversation about the complexity of human relationships, the courage it takes to offer grace, and the unexpected ways redemption can show up whe...
Dec 11, 2025•57 min
In this episode, we sit down with Jake and Ashlyn Burger- a powerhouse couple whose story blends faith, resilience, and purpose. Jake is a MLB player known not just for his talent on the field, but for his openness about mental health and the challenges that shaped his career. Ashlyn, a former athlete herself, brings warmth, honesty, and strength, and together they’ve built a platform that goes far beyond sports. The Burgers are also the founders of the Burger Family Foundation, created to suppo...
Dec 04, 2025•57 min
Coming to you LIVE answering all your hot topic questions for us…. Special Forces, life updates, our new house, the past few weeks.. and even more exiting, maybe teasing a NEW project coming next year!! 👀 Drop all your questions below and we’ll cover as much as we can!! Love you guys, Shawn and Andrew SKIMS ▶ If you’re still working through your holiday list, the SKIMS Holiday Shop is officially open now at SKIMS.com/couplethings KACHAVA ▶ Go to kachava.com and use code EASTFAM for 15% off your...
Dec 03, 2025•56 min
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 w...
Nov 26, 2025•1 hr
Welcome to our second episode of the week to catch up with EPISODE 8! Episode 8 pushed us to another level. After an already emotional week, this episode forced us to dig deep, confront our breaking points, and show a level of vulnerability we hadn’t yet let surface. The DS stripped away anything we were still hiding, and what came out were some of the rawest, most honest moments we’ve had on the course. Tough, humbling, and a turning point in the whole experience. Let us know what you thought a...
Nov 20, 2025•1 hr 4 min
Welcome to today’s BONUS episode! We’re doing two reactions this week so we’re all caught up for the finale next week!! In Episode 7, we were hit hard. Shawn had a very real conversation with the DS about her perfectionism and what it means to keep her emotions in check. Then came the letters… and yep, they turned us into full on blubbery messes. It was emotional in the best way- probably the most meaningful challenge so far. Let us know what you thought about this episode, and we’ll see you aga...
Nov 17, 2025•54 min
Today we sit down with Brook and Elizabeth Mosser, founders of Intentional Parents, to talk about marriage, parenting, and navigating life’s toughest challenges. From chronic illness to raising children with unique needs, they share their personal stories, practical advice, and faith-based strategies for building resilience in family life. Tune in for an honest, inspiring conversation about how to lead with intention, love, and purpose in your home :) Love you guys! Shawn & Andrew Learn more...
Nov 13, 2025•1 hr 14 min
We’re going back to talk about Episode 5! Last week we accidentally went ahead so let's take it back! Dang, this one was tough. We showed up to Day 5 knowing things were about to shift when the DS told anyone who had doubts to hand in their armband and leave. We saw a side of them we hadn’t seen before.We ran the brutal heat race, faced the backward dive, and left that episode more battered than we expected. We’re so grateful to have been a part of this show and can’t wait for you guys to watch ...
Nov 12, 2025•49 min
episode 6 hit different. after everything we’d already been through, this one pushed us to dig deeper- emotionally and mentally. We open up about the moments that broke us, the lessons that stuck, and the parts you didn’t see on screen. From exhaustion to breakthroughs, this debrief goes beyond the show and into what it really felt like to live it. Honest, raw, and a little emotional- this is our real Episode 6. Kachava ▶ Your future self will thank you. Go to https://www.kachava.comand use code...
Nov 06, 2025•58 min
GUYS!!! The full (nashville) Special Forces cast interview you’ve been waiting for! We’re spilling everything- the wildest behind-the-scenes stories, never-before-told details, emotional moments, and hilarious memories from our time on the show. From what really went down off-camera to the moments that changed us for good. It’s raw, funny, and full of surprises. We hope you're enjoying the season :) Subscribe to our newsletter ▶ https://www.familymade.com/newsletter Follow our podcast Instagram ...
Oct 30, 2025•1 hr 23 min
Episode 4 pushed us harder than ever- physically, mentally, and emotionally. We talk about the self-deprecating jokes which quickly turned into a deep, unexpected conversation. We also talk about the hardest challenge we've had on this show so far and the moment that almost broke us. Let us know what you think in the comments :) Love you guys! Shawn & Andrew Rocket Money ▶ Cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster with Rocket Money. Go to https://www.RocketMone...
Oct 29, 2025•1 hr 7 min
In this episode, we’re answering your questions LIVE about the season and sharing a few thoughts on Special Forces episode 4! (more to hear about next week!) We wanted to get to as many of your questions as we could and chat with you all in real time about this season :) Let us know what you think and tell us your favorite parts! So excited to be watching alongside all of you :) We’ll be doing this every week, so keep an eye on my Instagram for the question box with all your questions. See you f...
Oct 23, 2025•55 min
In this episode, we’re answering your questions and sharing our honest thoughts on Special Forces episode 3! From moments you didn’t see on camera to how we really felt, we’re giving you the full, unfiltered experience. Let us know what you think and tell us your favorite parts! So excited to be watching alongside all of you :) We’ll be doing this every week, so keep an eye on my Instagram for the question box with all your questions. See you for episode 4! Love you guys! Shawn & Andrew Bran...
Oct 15, 2025•53 min
▶we’re back with episode 2 of special forces!!! in this one, we’re breaking down everything you didn’t see on camera- from how we were actually feeling in those wild moments to all the behind-the-scenes chaos that didn’t make the final cut. we’re sharing the real stories, the funny moments, and what surprised us most watching it back. grab a snack and debrief with us, it’s a good one :) Love you guys! Shawn & Andrew ROCKET MONEY ▶ Cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial g...
Oct 08, 2025•1 hr 7 min
