
Hosted by Shawn Johnson + Andrew East · EN

Does every relationship eventually hit a rut? Is it normal to get bored, feel disconnected, or just settle into routine? In this episode, we're talking honestly about the seasons every relationship goes through- why they happen, how to recognize them, and what has helped us stay connected through the "funks." Whether you've been married for a few months or a few decades, we hope this conversation reminds you that you're not alone. A huge thank you to our sponsors! 🧼 Branch Basics: Get 15% off the Premium Starter Kit at www.https://BranchBasics.com with code EASTFAM. After you purchase, when they ask where you heard about them, be sure to mention Couple Things! 🧻 Goodwipes: Give your booty a Scentsational Summer! Buy any two packs of Goodwipes at your favorite retailer, text them your receipt, and you'll be reimbursed almost immediately for one of them. For all the details, head to www.https://goodwipes.com/EASTFAM to snag a free pack of Goodwipes. (00:00) the fear of your spouse getting bored of you (03:30) marriage isn't always a rom-com (05:00) what "boredom" means to different people (07:45) a funk vs. true boredom (15:30) accepting what won't change vs. choosing to grow (20:20) life isn't boring, but seasons can affect engagement (28:40) building trust through seasons of “boredom” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Most arguments don't start with the words we say- they start with the meaning we attach to what happened. In this episode, we dive into the stories we create in our minds, the assumptions we make about each other's intentions, and how those stories can shape the way we see reality. Sometimes our minds are protecting us from something that isn't true… and sometimes they're pointing out something that genuinely needs to change. We have an honest conversation about marriage, conflict, expectations, and the moments when we have to ask ourselves: "Am I seeing the situation clearly, or am I reacting to the story I've created?" We talk about why two people can experience the same moment completely differently, how to separate assumptions from truth, and what it looks like to take responsibility while still holding each other accountable. Because growth isn't just about changing ourselves or changing our partner—it's about learning when to challenge the story in our head, and when to listen to what it's trying to tell us. Let us know what you think about this one! We love you guys! Shawn & Andrew Take your daily ritual with you. Go to https://kachava.com and use code EASTFAM for 15% off your first order. (00:00) fourth of july (01:18) how we interpret reality (04:25) the moment that sparked this passion (07:04) forgetting because you don't care vs. forgetting because you're overwhelmed (15:27) reframing the "good" and "bad" seasons of marriage (20:00) "your spouse is late..." (32:25) the math problem in marriage (34:17) romanticizing the past (35:26) the power of "and" (36:35) how our marriage has grown (37:30) choosing generous reactions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we're answering your unanswered questions from tour. Thanks to everyone who sent in questions- we had a blast recording this one! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave your questions for the next Q&A episode :) Love you guys! Shawn & Andrew https://thecouragetocommit.com/ Sign up and get 10% off at https://betterhelp.com/EASTFAM. If it takes research to buy it, let Dupe do it for you. Stop wasting time comparing options. Just go to https://dupe.com and tell it what you're looking to buy. (00:00) welcome to the new studio (01:30) the ultimate coca-cola story (06:50) it's about to get crazier as a parent (16:40) building community as a family (20:00) shawn's dad racing anything with wheels (22:10) thoughts on the la olympics (23:36) de-escalating my investment in my passions (25:45) how faith changed my perspective (28:30) courage and commitment in 2008 (30:10) working incredibly hard but never excelling (33:50) building awareness of your gifts (36:25) motivating each other through a slump Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

In this episode, we unpack what it actually feels like to hit the New York Times bookseller list- the surreal high, the crushing pressure, and the most stressful stretch of our lives. What looked like success on the outside came with chaos on the inside. Was this the end of a chapter… or the beginning of something entirely new? OUR BOOK IS AVAILABLE NOW! https://thecouragetocommit.com/ Branch Basics! If you want to try the Premium Starter Kit, you can get 15% off at https://BranchBasics.com with our code EASTFAM. Goodwipes! Head to https://goodwipes.com/EASTFAM to snag your free pack of Goodwipes. Lola Blankets! For a limited time, our listeners can get 40% OFF select Lola Blankets products with code EASTFAM at checkout. Just head to https://LolaBlankets.com and use code EASTFAM. We love you guys! Shawn & Andrew (00:00) the past six months(03:00) the unique stress we experienced(08:00) getting my phd for the book(15:10) what we learned about ourselves(18:30) our book tour(21:10) can a big project or goal mess with family values?(25:00) preserving a clear mind is so powerful(27:35) the call in central park(33:50) thank you for being part of this journey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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. (00:00:00) a live audience podcast! (00:00:46) welcome dr. john delony (00:02:50) when is a good thing too much? (00:08:00) "you have to go find yourself!" (00:12:11) "but that meant so much to me" (00:21:26) it's not your fault, but it is your problem as a spouse (00:26:30) why are people afraid of commitment? (00:31:31) checking in on what we are valuing as a unit (00:39:35) what even is commitment? (00:42:34) how to encourage productive struggle (00:50:50) dying to yourself daily (00:54:45) how do you know when to walk away when shame is winning? (00:58:00) balancing personal and business life (01:03:07) hospitality toward my spouse (01:06:07) creating security and boundaries in our marriage (01:10:30) engagement hurdles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PRE-ORDER OUR BOOK HERE AND COME MEET US ON TOUR!! https://thecouragetocommit.com/ In this episode, we're sharing some of the secrets, fears, and experiences we've never talked about publicly before. We dive into the therapy lessons that genuinely changed our lives, family, and marriage, from understanding shame and anxiety to improving relationships, setting boundaries, and learning how to show up more authentically. Whether you're in therapy, considering it, or just trying to navigate life a little better, this conversation is full of honest reflections and practical takeaways. ➡ Treat yourself to the flavor and nutrition your body craves. Go to https://kachava.com and use code EASTFAM for 15% off your first order. ➡ Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/EASTFAM. ➡ Be prepared to save yourself a ton of time and money — just go to https://DUPE.com and tell it what you’re looking to buy. (00:00) it's been a wild book release (02:55) therapy lessons that changed our lives (05:20) the different operating systems in a marriage (06:48) enchanted by the differences (11:25) your spouse sees what you have blinders to (13:15) learning each other's languages (14:50) time can worsen wounds (16:40) practicing forgiveness (18:40) defining enough (20:10) is this honoring my spouse? (21:21) never speaking poorly about your spouse (22:22) the human heart isn't made for fame (24:00) never use the "d" word (26:30) never use the word "favorite" (27:00) the power of bids (30:00) making a monster out of small issues (32:32) no blanket statements (34:30) your acceptable window is different than others Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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