couple things interviews

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! ❤️ (00:00) Introduction (00:50) Life updates + projects (03:33) Choosing Tennessee over Florida (06:49) Balancing life + ambition (09:08) Redefining success + 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 + 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

We sat down with Olympic ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates to talk about what it takes to compete at the highest level alongside the person you love. From becoming partners on the ice to falling in love, getting married, and continuing to chase huge goals together, Madison and Evan share what their journey has really looked like behind the scenes. We talk Olympic pressure, marriage, trust, competing as a couple, and what keeps them coming back after all these years. As athletes ourselves, we loved getting to compare experiences and hear what it’s like when your teammate also happens to be your spouse. This was such a fun one. Enjoy! (00:00) we have a couple crush (01:30) what’s your dynamic as a couple? (03:20) navigating the rough times & going home (05:30) life post-olympics (07:06) the community around chock & bates (09:00) who is more likely to be…? (18:45) confidence on the ice (21:00) feelings are moldable (23:44) the subjectivity of our sports (27:40) the mixed zone & kiss and cry cameras (32:15) quantitative vs. qualitative “success data” (34:27) the journaling process (39:35) the art of designing costumes (43:15) our shared love of sports & vacations (45:13) the post-olympics blues (47:18) what’s next for chock & bates?

Amber and Granger Smith join us for one of the most honest conversations we've ever had. We talk about Granger's journey from country music to ministry, Amber's perspective through every season, the heartbreaking loss they've openly shared with the world, and how their faith has shaped the way they continue moving forward. We also dive into: • Granger's transitioning from the stage to serving as a pastor • Marriage through life's biggest challenges • Raising a family in the public eye • What grief has taught them about hope • Their latest podcast and the conversations they're passionate about • Advice for anyone walking through hardship Whether you've followed Granger's music for years or recently discovered their ministry and podcast, this conversation offers encouragement, wisdom, and an honest look at finding purpose through every season of life. If this episode encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who could use a little hope today. https://arisewithamber.com/pages/our-family-story https://www.instagram.com/amberemilysmith/?hl=en https://open.spotify.com/episode/2yZ813twuMVn02b6pNalpQ https://www.instagram.com/grangersmith/?hl=en (00:00) from country music to pastor  (01:20) amber and granger's story  (04:43) why ministry?  (09:40) why putting it on paper became beautiful  (11:30) the story behind the book  (14:50) is grief good? how it can build you  (25:22) why we believed in sharing our story  (30:58) navigating grief with kids  (36:25) our best season yet  (39:00) the journey through seminary  (40:16) the teenage years  (41:30) habits and routines that have helped the smith family  (45:40) a word of hope  (48:55) why reviving the soul matters  (52:52) thoughts on self-help culture  (55:58) temporary vs. everlasting purpose

This week we're joined by our friend and one of country music's biggest stars, Thomas Rhett We dive into his journey from growing up around music to becoming one of the most successful artists in country music. Thomas shares stories from his early days as a songwriter, the moments that changed his career, and what life was really like during his rise to fame. We also talk about his marriage to Lauren, raising five daughters, balancing family life with life on the road, and the values that keep him grounded through it all. Plus, Thomas opens up about what he wants the next chapter of his life and career to look like. We also discuss his upcoming Soundtrack to Life Tour and what's ahead musically, including his latest releases and the deluxe version of About A Woman. He's also hinted that a new album is in the works and could be his favorite project yet! Follow Thomas: Instagram: @thomasrhettakins TikTok: @thomasrhettakins Facebook: Thomas Rhett Official Website & Tour Dates: https://ThomasRhett.com (00:00) pinch me moment: interview with thomas rhett (02:20) thomas on being new to podcasting (03:40) the power of counseling (08:10) parenting (10:35) what does thomas want to be known for? (17:00) how thomas's perspective on life purpose changed over time (21:05) balancing the public eye (26:50) how to teach "relevancy" (33:46) passions vs. professions (36:42) will a new identity fix it all? (41:50) how to navigate a "second chapter" (45:20) you can't crush simplicity (48:18) thomas's thoughts on biohacking (50:00) what words do you think of when you hear "god"? (52:49) thomas's tour (55:40) the tennessee volunteer in thomas's heart

OUR BOOK IS FINALLY HERE! https://thecouragetocommit.com/ This week, we're honored to sit down with legendary Christian artist Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth Chapman for the second time on this podcast! Together, they share the remarkable story of their marriage, family, faith, and the experiences that shaped their lives. We talk about the challenges they've faced, the lessons they've learned through loss and heartbreak, and the hope that has carried them forward. We also dive into their newest book and the stories they felt compelled to share for the first time. This is an honest, inspiring conversation about resilience, faith, family, and what it takes to keep moving forward when life doesn't go as planned. find more about Steven & Mary Beth here! https://showhope.org/about-us/founders-story/?ads_cmpid=23390702105&ads_adid=&ads_matchtype=&ads_network=x&ads_creative=&utm_term=&ads_targetid=&utm_campaign=&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&ttv=2&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23395102279&gbraid=0AAAAADtVAwWvP3iq39NVK0lBsxFuu395O&gclid=Cj0KCQjwrs7RBhDuARIsAIVfBD3KAQMjTBmk4m-0IfIpK3ruAt43XkuxXN1xtyvog7tRcXSeSs4PeocaApj4EALw_wcB (00:00) our hearts for the chapmans(04:00) opryland: where it all began(07:30) how our book came to be(16:50) even though it's messy, it's so beautiful(24:40) self-care vs. sacrificial love(28:30) "you did it... what's the secret?"(33:50) the power of counseling (and sticking with it)(40:30) how adoption changed our lives(49:13) forgiveness and choosing to stay

After the incredible response to Dr. Delony's first appearance, we invited him back for a live event with our community. Enjoy a live counseling session with Dr.Delony at our show! If you haven't grabbed your copy yet, The Courage to Commit is officially available wherever books are sold or at the link below. https://thecouragetocommit.com/ Shop Everyday Cotton, and all of my favorite bras and underwear, at https://SKIMS.com. Go to https://kachava.com and use code EASTFAM for 15% off your first order. If you’re thinking about adding a sports court or upgrading your outdoor space, head to https://americasportsconstruction.com to get started, check them out on Instagram @americasportsconstruction.

Come meet us on tour & pre-order our book here! https://thecouragetocommit.com/ Psychiatrist, author, and speaker Curt Thompson joins us for a powerful conversation about anxiety, shame, healing, relationships, and what it means to be truly known. Drawing from neuroscience, attachment theory, and decades of clinical experience, Curt explains why so many people feel disconnected, why shame is often hiding beneath our struggles, and how real transformation happens through connection- not isolation. We also discuss suffering, hope, mental health, community, and the stories we tell ourselves. Whether you're navigating anxiety, feeling stuck, working through past wounds, or simply trying to build deeper relationships, this conversation offers practical wisdom and hope. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did! Find out more about Dr. Curt Thompson here! https://curtthompsonmd.com/ https://www.instagram.com/curtthompsonmd/?hl=en Love you guys, Shawn & Andrew (00:00) meet dr. curt thompson (01:14) should hard work be a part of it? (05:19) why is there pain or discomfort? (08:13) cancel culture and how the internet fuels it (17:40) how do we respond to shame, wield it, and use it? (25:44) not avoiding or doubling down on shame (30:14) fostering shame well (38:38) healing past shame (50:15) the power of our presence and making sense of our stories

We absolutely loved this conversation with country artist Cooper Alan and his wife Hally who joined us to talk about their relationship journey — from meeting long before the fame to navigating marriage, touring, and becoming parents to their newborn daughter, Coley. We get into how their relationship has changed through Cooper’s rise in country music, what life on the road really looks like, balancing family with touring, upcoming music and shows, and the moments that shaped them most along the way. This episode is full of stories about love, growth, family, faith, country music, and building a life together through every season & we hope you love it as much as we did!! You can find out more about Cooper Alan here! ➜ https://cooperalanmusic.com/ Follow Cooper here ➜ https://www.instagram.com/cooperalanmusic/?hl=en Follow Hally here ➜ https://www.instagram.com/hallywcooper/?hl=en Don't forget to find us on tour & pre-order our book today!! ➜ https://thecouragetocommit.com/ (00:00) meet the alans(01:08) parenting a girl 🥹(03:25) how the alans became the alans(05:50) best friends to marriage(08:20) selling beer and writing songs(12:20) superpower teammates in the world(15:00) it's the dream, keep chugging along(17:15) what breeds confidence and passion?(20:20) anxiety during the journey(22:44) the alans' past year(26:50) ebbing and flowing in marriage(30:22) the proposal(31:20) separating real life from social media(35:50) taking the leap and the creative process(38:25) defining success(41:00) being promoted to dad(42:20) balancing the "more"(46:50) the empaths in the room(48:00) what we want to be remembered for(54:40) what's coming up for cooper

Nia Sioux joins us for a deeply honest conversation about growing up in the spotlight, navigating toxic training environments, body image, and learning how to separate discipline from emotional harm in competitive performance spaces. We also discuss the culture of “tough love” in dance and athletics, and how harmful behavior is often normalized or disguised as discipline, passion, or preparation for success. Nia also talks about her book, Bottom of the Pyramid, and the themes that inspired it — including resilience, triumph, and defining success for herself.Beyond the entertainment industry, this episode explores confidence, burnout, mental health, womanhood, and the process of rebuilding a sense of self outside of performance. A thoughtful, vulnerable, and incredibly important conversation that we loved so much! Love you guys! Shawn & Andrew https://www.instagram.com/niasioux/ https://linktr.ee/niasioux?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn4QQkztuGCYOTk9ao7Li_pViWJqPQoM3xhVXS_wrHGnDfRzjUGXUH9ICiKgA_aem_bxAGkwkF5Do78XDwxxzB0g (00:00) connect with nia  (01:00) the story behind nia's name (01:45) what it's like writing a book (02:50) watching the world move away from "tough love" (05:40) when does it become too much? (10:30) constructive criticism vs. cruelty (12:00) a look at nia's background and upbringing (13:50) growing up in the spotlight and the people who had our backs (20:00) the history of the dance studio (25:00) healing from childhood experiences (33:35) current passions and interests (35:00) having my childhood documented on tv (36:36) three goals for the next 5–10 years (38:30) would you change your past? (43:30) still loving dance + advice for dancers

In this episode, we sit down with the chart-topping Smallbone family of For King & Country to unpack the journey behind their music, message, and mission. From their early days growing up between continents to selling out arenas worldwide, they open up about the challenges that shaped their faith and fueled their passion- along with an inside look at their upcoming music and exciting new projects 👀 👀 From brotherhood to marriage, this conversation gives a candid, behind-the-scenes glimpse into how they navigate life, love, and creativity together. It’s honest, lighthearted, and full of depth, balancing plenty of laughs with meaningful moments. Whether you’ve followed their journey for years or are just discovering their music, this episode offers a rare look at the heart, humor, and family behind the anthems. (00:00) we love a group interview (00:01) welcome to our second group interview (00:02:52) welcome to the family drama now (00:04:14) band names and death stones (00:19:20) the why behind the ambition (00:29:50) ambition and marriage and how they work together (00:35:40) do we need each other? (00:40:45) the art of working together (00:52:20) touring and what is occupying our hearts and minds (00:55:35) balancing the feels vs the present (00:58:30) do we like tour? (01:01:17) something deep and something fun