Couple Things with Shawn and Andrew

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—
👉 Did this episode resonate with you?
👉 Did it challenge how you see relationships?
👉 Any insights or personal experiences you want to share?

Please keep the conversation respectful and open. This space is for reflection, not judgment.

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(00:00) we don’t need each other
(03:00) accolades, do they matter?
(10:43) what’s factual vs what’s emotional
(15:00) “it doesn’t mean anything if you’re by yourself”
(18:47) can you have an integrated, codependent marriage?
(26:05) we can, but we’re better as a team
(31:11) “i could, but is that what i want?”
(38:22) choosing each other
(43:56) we don’t know, but we’re trying
(52:16) is the grass greener? can i do this alone?
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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 weeks—stay tuned.

We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Do you agree? Have you had these conversations in your own relationship?

ALSO — we have a BOOK. We’re so excited to finally share The Courage to Commit, releasing June 9, 2026.

Pre-orders are available here:
https://www.thecouragetocommit.com

Love you guys!Shawn & Andrew

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(00:00) the series we never planned for

(01:56) I’m not here to make you happy!

(04:09) life updates (reminder, this is a repost episode) 

(06:10) why we are doing this & how we disagree 

(14:20) “the point isn’t the “happiness”, it’s about support”

(23:23) viewing emotions (andrew's pov) 

(29:50) being fully known and loved 

(34:04) do you run away if there is no happiness? 

(39:45) balancing the variables 

(44:18) marriage isn’t about your happiness 
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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 work in progress).

Plus, a big shoutout to Go-GURT Simply!! Our kid and parent approved, grab-and-go snack this new year that is simply delicious. We love having them stocked in the fridge (and freezer!) for busy days, quick breakfasts, and constant snack requests.

Tell us in the comments.... what are your best family routine reset hacks?
Love you guys!
Shawn & Andrew

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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 Method ▶ https://www.familymade.com/vision-setting

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(00:00) why this has changed our life in every way
(05:35) the power of reflecting on our goals
(12:04) what “goal setting” actually looks like
(25:55) after the five-minute timer
(28:12) how goal setting helps plan the year
(31:46) priming yourself for goal setting
(35:30) our personal goals for 2026
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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 reminded us how lucky we are to do life- and this podcast, together. Most importantly, we just want to say thank you. We truly wouldn’t be here without you- our listeners. Your support, messages, and encouragement mean more to us than we can ever fully explain. We’re beyond grateful to have this community and so excited to celebrate another year of Couple Things with you. Here’s to what’s next 🤍

Love you guys!
Shawn and Andrew

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Follow our podcast Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/shawnandandrewpods/

Follow My Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/ShawnJohnson

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Shop My LTK Page ▶ https://www.shopltk.com/explore/shawnjohnson

Like the Facebook page! ▶ https://www.facebook.com/ShawnJohnson

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(00:00) why a year in review
(00:42) moving into our new house
(01:45) our special forces experience
(02:23) a brand new book
(03:39) the trip of a lifetime
(06:10) college game day and pvf
(06:35) beam kids + instant hydration
(07:14) charity involvement
(07:45) tijuana, family trips, a doctorate & more
(11:40) how much you all loved the special forces episodes
(16:25) connecting with arthur brooks
(20:14) more special forces love
(21:50) behind the scenes at the olympics
(24:42) special forces and cutting back commentary
(25:45) getting to interview the best people
(32:21) comments from you all
(32:55) this year’s stats
(34:26) what we’re grateful for in 2025 + looking ahead to 2026
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