Couple Things with Shawn and Andrew

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!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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!**

→ **HOME CHEF:** for a limited time, get 50% off and free shipping on your first box, plus free dessert for life! visit https://www.homechef.com/eastfam to claim your offer. must be an active subscriber to receive free dessert.

→ **OAK ESSENTIALS:** head to https://www.oakessentials.com and use code EASTFAM for 15% off your first order at checkout.

→ **NOBL TRAVEL:** head to https://nobltravel.com for up to 46% off your entire order! after you purchase, please let them know our show sent you.

→ **WAYFAIR:** wayfair makes it easier to find something that fits your style and budget! shop at https://www.wayfair.com.

(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
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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!**

→ david protein: https://davidprotein.com/eastfam — buy four cartons and get the fifth free!

→ ka'chava: https://www.kachava.com — use code EASTFAM for 15% off your order!

→ minno: https://www.gominno.com — enjoy a 7-day free trial!

→ skims: https://www.skims.com — shop skims cotton and all our favorite pieces! after placing your order, select “podcast” in the survey and choose our show from the dropdown menu so they know we sent you!

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
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices