287: episode 8: our hardest day on the show (so far)

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 with us. This finale was raw, surreal, and honestly one of the hardest things we’ve ever done. Can’t wait to hear what you think and wrap up this wild journey with you. Love, Shawn & Andrew From Shawn: Self doubt has creeped in over the years… after retirement, a failed comeback, and 3 kids. I wondered if I could. I feared I couldn’t. But dang….. it sure feels good knowing I did! I finished! It hurt. I learned a lot. I healed a lot. I’m better for it. Thank you to the DS for pushing me. You taught me so much! Getting those smiles and hugs at the end was the greatest reward! Thank you for being the best coaches ever. And to Gia… I’m so fricken proud of you! You pushed so hard and never gave up! Love you lady!" Nurture Life ▶ Head to https://www.NurtureLife.com/EASTFAM and use code EASTFAM for 55% off your first order PLUS free shipping NOBLTravel ▶ Biggest sale yet!!! Head to https://www.NOBLTravel.com for up to 58% OFF your entire order. After you purchase, they will ask you where you heard about them. PLEASE support our show and tell them our show sent you. Subscribe to our newsletter ▶ https://www.familymade.com/newsletter Follow our podcast Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/shawnandandrewpods/ Follow My Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/ShawnJohnson Follow My Tik Tok ▶ https://www.tiktok.com/@shawnjohnson Shop My LTK Page ▶ https://www.shopltk.com/explore/shawnjohnson Like the Facebook page! ▶ https://www.facebook.com/ShawnJohnson Follow Andrew’s Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/AndrewDEast Andrew’s Tik Tok ▶ https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewdeast?lang=en (00:00) no more lies to hide!!! (01:00) doing this together and what that meant to us (02:27) the start of interrogation… but it should’ve been called something else 👀 (05:20) what we were most fearful of (07:20) honoring my wife (10:45) giving context as the hours ticked by (13:50) clarifying the confusion and trying to understand the “game” (27:20) weaving in and out of the different realities with the interrogators (29:50) what happened for 12+ hours during interrogation (32:50) them challenging our alibis during the dunking phase (42:50) navigating all the processing since being off the show (48:55) what happened after andrew left (50:35) officially passing the course (54:00) what it was like heading home (56:15) closing thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 about this episode, and we’ll see you for the final time.... FOR FINALE EPISODE!!!!!!! Love you guys, Shawn and Andrew Rocket Money ▶ Cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster with Rocket Money. Go to https://www.RocketMoney.com/eastfam today. Kachava ▶ Your future self will thank you. Go to https://www.kachava.comand use code EASTFAM for 15% off your next order. Skims ▶ If you’re looking for the perfect cozy gift this season, Shop the best pajamas at https://www.SKIMS.com/couplethings. After you place your order, make sure to select “podcast” in the survey and choose Couple Things from the dropdown menu. Subscribe to our newsletter ▶ https://www.familymade.com/newsletter Follow our podcast Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/shawnandandrewpods/ Follow My Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/ShawnJohnson Follow My Tik Tok ▶ https://www.tiktok.com/@shawnjohnson Shop My LTK Page ▶ https://www.shopltk.com/explore/shawnjohnson Like the Facebook page! ▶ https://www.facebook.com/ShawnJohnson Follow Andrew’s Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/AndrewDEast Andrew’s Tik Tok ▶ https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewdeast?lang=en (00:00:00) check out our main channel youtube :) (00:01:30) life updates (00:07:03) answering some questions (00:11:30) day 8’s schedule (00:13:40) debriefing kody (00:15:45) was shawn having an “epic downfall”? (00:21:53) the “sickener” workout (00:23:40) mental toughness and its different forms (00:25:00) what does “better” really mean? (00:27:54) anticipating the end while conquering the sickener (00:36:35) the heat and the small moment of relaxation (00:38:11) our perspective on the family videos and connecting with the ds (00:40:55) waiting to get captured and getting briefed (00:43:37) being attacked and the end beginning (00:46:45) andrew’s perspective on navigating survival (00:57:24) making it into the safe house and everything changing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 again on Wednesday for EPISODE 8! Love you guys, Shawn and Andrew Subscribe to our newsletter ▶ https://www.familymade.com/newsletter Follow our podcast Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/shawnandandrewpods/ Follow My Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/ShawnJohnson Follow My Tik Tok ▶ https://www.tiktok.com/@shawnjohnson Shop My LTK Page ▶ https://www.shopltk.com/explore/shawnjohnson Like the Facebook page! ▶ https://www.facebook.com/ShawnJohnson Follow Andrew’s Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/AndrewDEast Andrew’s Tik Tok ▶ https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewdeast?lang=en (00:00) we are getting back on track (00:58) mind maps and organizing our brains (11:15) losing mark, christie, and the effects of murder ball (16:16) the schedule for day 7 (17:34) the gas mask challenge and navigating our partners (21:30) the tone change on day 7 and the power of disappointment (23:10) letting the ds down and our own personal struggles (25:09) andrew’s gas mask challenge (30:08) the team’s constructive feedback moment and finding the breaking points (32:30) shawn’s interview and the deep personal takeaways from this experience (42:10) fox’s edits and how it has all been portrayed (44:55) our death letters and the impact it had on us (49:50) answering your questions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 how it all unfolds! Branch Basics ▶ go to https://www.BranchBasics.com/EASTFAM and use code EASTFAM for 15% off and FREE shipping. BEAM ▶ Go to https://www.ShopBeam.com/COUPLETHINGS and try Beam Kids today. Nurture Life ▶ head to https://www.NurtureLife.com/EASTFAM and use code EASTFAM for 55% off your first order PLUS free shipping Subscribe to our newsletter ▶ https://www.familymade.com/newsletterFollow our podcast Instagram ▶https://www.instagram.com/shawnandandrewpods/ Follow My Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/ShawnJohnson Follow My Tik Tok ▶ https://www.tiktok.com/@shawnjohnson Shop My LTK Page ▶ https://www.shopltk.com/explore/shawnjohnson Like the Facebook page! ▶ https://www.facebook.com/ShawnJohnson Follow Andrew’s Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/AndrewDEast Andrew’s Tik Tok ▶ https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewdeast?lang=en (00:00) why we love special forces: world’s toughest test (02:12) life updates and fall break (04:10) thank you for your comments (05:13) ravi and nick leaving (07:40) honoring those who serve (09:55) choosing to commit to the challenge and experience (13:00) day 5 schedule and entering the psychological challenges (18:12) the kit carry (32:16) the candy chaos (36:40) the trust fall begins (41:08) andrew’s trust fall (45:05) the nighttime beasting workout Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 EASTFAM for 15% off your next order. Skims ▶ If you’re looking for the perfect cozy gift this season, Shop the best pajamas at https://www.SKIMS.com/couplethings. After you place your order, make sure to select “podcast” in the survey and choose Couple Things from the dropdown menu. Subscribe to our newsletter ▶ https://www.familymade.com/newsletterFollow our podcast Instagram ▶https://www.instagram.com/shawnandandrewpods/Follow My Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/ShawnJohnsonFollow My Tik Tok ▶ https://www.tiktok.com/@shawnjohnsonShop My LTK Page ▶ https://www.shopltk.com/explore/shawnjohnsonLike the Facebook page! ▶ https://www.facebook.com/ShawnJohnsonFollow Andrew’s Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/AndrewDEastAndrew’s Tik Tok ▶ https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewdeast?lang=en (00:00) episode 6*  (01:03) did you catch the nash cast interview + episode 4 recap? (02:30) last week’s highlights and halloween fun  (06:45) workouts, postman’s walk, and murderball madness (08:08) shawn’s worst nightmare  (10:47) the memory game (12:40) shawn takes on the postman’s walk (17:45) andrew’s postman’s walk (23:07) group temperature check + sprint challenge (29:44) lunch break... and then things escalate 👀 (31:09) murderball enters the villa (33:00) the dangers of murderball (37:25) shawn’s possible concussion (40:25) andrew trying to take care of shawn  (41:31) murderball injuries and a shift in tone (47:00) losing the deckers + new team bonding Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 ▶ https://www.instagram.com/shawnandandrewpods/ Follow My Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/ShawnJohnson Follow My Tik Tok ▶ https://www.tiktok.com/@shawnjohnson Shop My LTK Page ▶ https://www.shopltk.com/explore/shawnjohnson Like the Facebook page! ▶ https://www.facebook.com/ShawnJohnson Follow Andrew’s Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/AndrewDEast Andrew’s Tik Tok ▶ https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewdeast?lang=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.RocketMoney.com/eastfam today. Subscribe to our newsletter ▶ https://www.familymade.com/newsletter Follow our podcast Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/shawnandandrewpods/ Follow My Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/ShawnJohnson Follow My Tik Tok ▶ https://www.tiktok.com/@shawnjohnson Shop My LTK Page ▶ https://www.shopltk.com/explore/shawnjohnson Like the Facebook page! ▶ https://www.facebook.com/ShawnJohnson Follow Andrew’s Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/AndrewDEast Andrew’s Tik Tok ▶ https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewdeast?lang=en (00:00:00) was it the andrew east episode? (00:02:55) coloring in the rest of the picture from what the episode showed (00:06:00) when your timeline doesn’t look how you thought it would (00:09:00) navigating the insecurity comments (00:11:50) the bigger theme and what we learned from our time with the ds (00:16:00) self-deprecation, why? (00:18:00) it’s an “us” game… but who are we as individuals? (00:21:00) thoughts on leadership (00:27:24) being surrounded by incredible teammates (00:29:18) this story isn’t over yet (00:34:24) andrew’s closing thoughts on episode 4 (00:37:44) shawn’s take on the rappel (00:42:48) andrew’s take on the rappel (00:45:11) our housekeeping duties (00:47:36) we thought we were done… but then came the tunnels (00:48:50) a brand-new challenge they’ve never done before (00:49:30) johnny didn’t make it…who’s next? (00:50:55) crawling through gutters, tunnels, and more (00:53:25) we have to get out of here (00:55:25) shawn’s point of view (00:59:00) the somber aftermath of the tunnels (01:02:08) team and ds debrief (01:02:55) the turning point of the show (01:04:22) was any of it scripted? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 for the next episode! Love you guys! Shawn & Andrew Kachava ▶ Go to https://www.kachava.com and use code EASTFAM for 15% off your next order. Nurture Life ▶ if you want to make mealtime easier, head to https://www.NurtureLife.com/EASTFAM and use code EASTFAM for 55% off your first order — plus free shipping! Subscribe to our newsletter ▶ https://www.familymade.com/newsletter Follow our podcast Instagram ▶https://www.instagram.com/shawnandandrewpods/ Follow My Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/ShawnJohnson Follow My Tik Tok ▶ https://www.tiktok.com/@shawnjohnson Shop My LTK Page ▶ https://www.shopltk.com/explore/shawnjohnson Like the Facebook page! ▶ https://www.facebook.com/ShawnJohnson Follow Andrew’s Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/AndrewDEast Andrew’s Tik Tok ▶ https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewdeast?lang=en (00:00) why a live q&a? (00:45) advice from friends who were previously on special forces (02:12) favorite recruits and the integrations (04:52) the meals we ate (07:23) how it felt to be recorded all day long (09:19) medical exemption items (10:24) did we lose weight on the show? (11:11) any embarrassing moments from the show? (13:20) was it harder physically or mentally? (14:40) when people vw, do people leave right away? (15:05) our toughest challenge (16:15) was there a lot of snoring? (16:50) our first shower and sleep after being on the show (17:55) how it was watching each other vs doing it ourselves (18:42) how the tunnels went… (20:00) all about the ds (24:10) would i join the special forces in real life? (25:45) did gymnastics or football prepare us better? (27:11) our first meals after the show (29:25) another one bites the dust (29:44) when we filmed special forces (31:40) who surprised us the most from the cast (32:26) how our kids navigated us being gone (33:30) do we say bye to people who leave the show? (34:35) what we learned from this experience (36:50) navigating being on the show married (39:27) everything happens for a reason (40:20) staying in touch with the cast (41:21) how accurate are the shows vs what we experienced in real life (42:27) an all-star season? (44:03) who we think should be on next season (46:12) how the integrations worked (47:13) if we could do it again, what would we do differently? (48:14) how did this improve our marriage? (51:50) new respect for military couples Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Branch Basics ▶ Use code EASTFAM for 15% off your first order — that’s 15% off at https://www.BranchBasics.com with code EASTFAM. Omaha Steaks ▶ get an extra $35 off when you use promo code EASTFAM at checkout. Beam Kids ▶ Head to https://www.shopbeam.com/couplethings and use code COUPLETHINGS to get up to 40% off while supplies last! Subscribe to our newsletter ▶ https://www.familymade.com/newsletter Follow our podcast Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/shawnandandrewpods/ Follow My Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/ShawnJohnson Follow My Tik Tok ▶ https://www.tiktok.com/@shawnjohnson Shop My LTK Page ▶ https://www.shopltk.com/explore/shawnjohnson Like the Facebook page! ▶ https://www.facebook.com/ShawnJohnson Follow Andrew’s Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/AndrewDEast Andrew’s Tik Tok ▶ https://www.tiktok.com/@andrewdeast?lang=en (00:00) braces for 8 years and invisalign (02:45) why we’re watching special forces (04:30) heading to fall break (05:35) dr. andrew east (11:00) casualty carry (17:07) we thought we had 100% of the information (19:40) carrying a man to the helicopter (25:49) finishing the course and everyone’s hands being ripped up (28:00) we all failed and ran back to the cars (30:00) camp cough, jussie leaving, and our 2-hour car ride (33:10) the start of the ladder walk (35:40) going in blind to the ladder walk (37:55) our ladder walk and laughter (43:11) the beautiful group share (48:24) hearing everyone’s backstory and the power of it Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices