Couple Things with Shawn and Andrew

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!

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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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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

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#specialforces #specialforcesworldstoughesttest #couplethings #shawnjohnson #andreweast
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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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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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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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