Why Our Culture Needs Commitment | Sadie & Christian Huff | Shawn Johnson & Andrew East

Summary

WHOA That's Good Podcast – "Why Our Culture Needs Commitment"

Host: Sadie Robertson Huff
Guests: Shawn Johnson East & Andrew East, Christian Huff
Date: June 17, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the necessity of commitment in today’s culture, featuring Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson East and former NFL player Andrew East—co-authors of The Courage to Commit. Sadie and Christian Huff join in with lots of humor and candor, exploring why commitment is so rare (and so vital) in modern relationships, careers, and parenting. The group discusses stories from their own lives, the launch of Shawn and Andrew’s book, and the impact of a “too many options” world on dating, parenting, and personal growth.

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Major Discussion Points

1. Why Write a Book About Commitment?

• [02:54] Shawn: Writing this book took four years. The project was born out of noticing rising anxiety and aimlessness among people today, especially due to social media overload and endless options.
• “We’ve just seen such a rise in, like, anxiety and depression and people not feeling purposeful and driven and, like, they have a path…I feel like there’s so much noise and so many voices…people need to learn how to find what actually means something to them and stick with it.” [02:54]

2. Paralysis by Too Many Choices

• [03:52] Andrew & Sadie: The abundance of options is making people less decisive and less likely to commit.
• Sadie relates a sermon about how a simple one-option menu can lead to more satisfaction than an overwhelming list—referencing The Cheesecake Factory as “too much.”
• “You think, ‘oh, you want all the options.’ But then you get crippled by the options…paralyzed by the fear of missing out... That is so what’s happening in our day with everything.” —Sadie [04:38]

3. Personal Struggles & Lessons in Commitment

• [06:04] Shawn: Commitment in gymnastics was her superpower, but after retiring she felt lost.
• [07:00] Andrew: Admits to past commitment issues in business and sports, learning from failures.
• Christian & Sadie share stories about decision anxiety even over small things (like ice cream orders!) leading to deeper revelations about indecision in life.
• “It started with the ice cream, but it got bigger.” —Sadie [09:10]

4. The Value of Sticking With One Thing

• [10:23] Andrew:
  • “Most people don’t mess up because they make the wrong decision. They mess up because they don’t make any decision.”
  • “As soon as you choose [something], you need to drown out every other option. You need to try to make that the absolute best choice.” [10:46]
• [11:38] Shawn & Sadie: Discuss how the world champions bailing at the first sign of discomfort in the name of happiness, rather than sticking things out and finding meaning or satisfaction through perseverance.

5. Dating: Fear of Settling vs. Fear of Commitment

• [13:40] Sadie: The dating landscape is drastically affected by non-commitment:
  • “I think dating apps give you a million options…and so people have like a fear of committing to relationships because they’re always thinking something might be better.”
• [19:02] Andrew: Dating apps make detachment easier, discouraging depth.
  • “There’s a lot of excitement in the variety of choices. But there’s also so much excitement in the depth.” [19:06]
• [19:54] Shawn: The “one” theory is a myth.
  • “At some point, you have to say, ‘This is a good enough person for me to actively try for.’ If you just keep trying, you make it the best possible person in the world.”

6. Pursuing Each Other: Stories of Love & Persistence

• [14:09] Shawn & Andrew: Share their unique love story (blind date, long gaps, persistence despite being ghosted).
• Andrew: “I poured my heart into this poem...it was like, if football has taught me anything, it’s how to persevere. And would you accompany me to the...It was so cheesy. But I was like, wow. So it worked.” [15:27]
• Shawn: “I think within 24 hours [of reconnecting], I remember texting my mom and saying, ‘I think this is the guy I’m gonna marry.’” [15:57]

7. How Long to Date Before Committing?

• [26:52] Christian: Advises to date someone at least six months to see their “real self” after the chameleon phase fades.
• "For a period of time you can be who they want you [to be], but at some point, you hit the fan and see if it's real.”

8. Writing About Commitment: Keeping Yourself Accountable

• [28:04] Shawn & Andrew:
  • Writing about commitment forced them to assess their own lives and follow through, especially when the going got tough.
  • “Each day I was like, I just want to quit. But I can’t do that.” —Shawn on filming a grueling reality show and seeing commitment through [28:41]

9. Faith, Jesus & Ultimate Commitment

• [29:18] Andrew: Shares a story about a would-be messianic figure who refused to die for his cause versus Jesus who did.
  • “Who was more committed than Jesus? He literally died for his mission.” [29:19]
• [32:16] Sadie:
  • “If this is the Messiah…you won’t be able to stop it, and you’ll find yourself fighting against God…Here we are, 2,000 years later, with more than 2 billion Christians. That’s commitment.”
  • “It’s such a courageous thing, like Jesus in the garden…praying, sweating, crying, like, blood’s coming out of— He’s, like, so stressed, so anxious. ‘Can I please not do this?’… And then He says, ‘Yet, if it’s your will, then let it be done.’” [32:42]

10. Facing Fear: Lessons from Special Forces

• [35:54] Shawn:
  • Did reality show Special Forces to confront fear, gain empowerment.
  • "I wanted to see if I could control fear well…find my weaknesses so I can get better at them."
• [37:47] Andrew:
  • “You don’t feel ready before you jump into something. You jump into something and then that kind of makes you ready…It’s an exciting thing.”

11. Parenting, Coaching Kids, and Teaching Commitment

• [45:06] Shawn:
  • Learned from her parents: “With absolutely no activity, you are 100% perfect, valued, loved as you are. You don’t need to earn anything.”
• [47:31] Shawn:
  • The importance of letting coaches coach and letting kids find their own interests and treasures—not forcing parental ambitions.
  • “Every time I saw a parent try to convince their child...it never worked out in the long run, ever.”
  • “I’ve seen God-given talented athletes come into the gym who don’t love it...they go on to do something else.” [48:09]
• [50:21] Shawn:
  • Shares a parenting phrase: “God has hidden treasures in your heart…If you find them, you have to protect them. That’s not my job, it’s yours.” [51:13]

12. Legacy of Commitment

• [54:04] Christian: Reflects on his childhood, noting that sports and parents’ lessons about seeing things through have shaped him.

  • “There is something about, like…how your choices do affect other people…trying to instill that in kids from a young age…is super important.”

• [54:04] Sadie: On commitment unlocking blessings and freedom:

  • “So many people fear [commitment], but commitment unlocks, like, the greatest blessing and the freedom.”

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Notable Quotes (by Timestamp)

• Shawn [02:54]: "We’ve just seen such a rise in, like, anxiety and depression and people not feeling purposeful and driven and, like, they have a path…I feel like there’s so much noise and so many voices…"
• Sadie [04:38]: “You think…you want all the options…But then you get crippled by the options…That is so what’s happening in our day with everything."
• Andrew [10:23]: “Most people don’t mess up because they make the wrong decision. They mess up because they…don’t make any decision.”
• Shawn [19:54]: “At some point, you have to say, this is a good enough person for me to actively try for. And if you just keep trying, you make it the best possible person in the world.”
• Andrew [29:19]: “Who was more committed than Jesus? He literally died for his mission.”
• Sadie [32:42]: “It’s such a courageous thing, like Jesus in the garden…He was so stressed, so anxious…And then He says, ‘Yet, if it’s your will, then let it be done.’”
• Shawn [48:09]: “I have seen God-gifted talented athletes…who don’t love it…and I have seen so many kids…who are not God gifted…but they love it so much…they outlast anybody who has that ability.”

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Key Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | Highlight | |------------|--------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:54 | Book Writing & Motivation | Why Shawn & Andrew wrote The Courage to Commit | | 03:52 | Too Many Options (Cheesecake Factory story) | Paralyzed by choice, FOMO culture | | 06:04 | Commitment in Sports vs. Life | Shawn & Andrew get vulnerable about their struggles | | 10:23 | Decision Paralysis | “Most people don’t mess up…” | | 13:40 | Commitment Issues in Dating | Dating apps & the pursuit of "the one" | | 15:27 | Andrew’s Poem Story | Persistence after being ghosted, cheesy poem wins the day | | 19:54 | The Myth of “The One” | Why there’s not just one soulmate | | 28:41 | Writing a Book about Commitment—Accountability | “Each day I was like, I just want to quit. But I can’t.” | | 29:19 | Jesus as Commitment | Historical and faith-based perspective on ultimate commitment | | 35:54 | Special Forces—Facing Fear | Shawn’s experience building courage by leaning into the hard | | 45:06 | Parenting, Coaching, Kid Commitment | Striking balance, letting kids own their “treasures” | | 54:04 | Blessings & Freedom From Commitment | Commitment as the door to the best things in life |

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Tone & Style

• Conversations are friendly, honest, vulnerable, and frequently humorous.
• The group rib each other affectionately, with deep moments around faith and family.
• Advice is practical but also philosophical, grounded in real stories.

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Final Thoughts

The episode makes a powerful case for the “lost art” of commitment—insisting that sticking with relationships, careers, and callings yields a richer, deeper, and more rewarding life. Through stories, faith, and research from their new book, Shawn and Andrew (along with Sadie and Christian) challenge listeners to stop fearing commitment and start seeking the blessings found by planting roots, working through discomfort, and cultivating the “treasures” hidden in every heart.

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“So many people fear commitment, but commitment unlocks the greatest blessing and the freedom.”
— Sadie Robertson Huff [54:04]

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The Courage to Commit by Shawn Johnson East & Andrew East is available wherever books are sold; also on audio, read by the authors themselves.

Transcript

[Commercial Narrator]

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[Sean]

Morning decisions. How about a creamy mocha frappuccino drink or sweet vanilla smooth caramel maybe? Or white chocolate mocha? Whichever you choose, delicious coffee awaits. Find Starbucks Frappuccino drinks wherever you buy your groceries.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

What's up everybody? Happy world. That's good Wednesday. I hope you're having a great day, but per usual you it is about to get so much better because we have some incredible guests in the house today. Actually some of yalls favorite. Well, that's good guest they're back again. We have Sean and Andrew with their new book the courage to commit and literally this message is so needed for our generation. We actually talk about this on the podcast so often how commitment issues today is a real thing and affecting us in such negative ways. So I'm so excited for this. We also have co host Christian back on the podcast.

[Christian]

I like that tagline co host.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Your co host Christian. But Sean and Andrew, thanks for coming.

[Sean]

Thank you for having us again. Oh my gosh. We love talking to you guys.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Such a joy.

[Christian]

And Andrew, it's so good to see you. It's fun.

[Sean]

I know the bromance here.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

The romance is strong.

[Christian]

I told Andrew. Andrew ghosted me a couple months ago. He invited me on this awesome trip. I sadly couldn't come and I just never heard back from him. So I saw his face.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

He was feeling a little insecure.

[Christian]

I was. I told you, I was a little. I was a little. I was a little confused as people might say. But seeing you in person, it's. It's. I've forgotten all of my past.

[Sean]

If it makes you feel better, he doesn't even text me back. He's the world's worst.

[Christian]

That does make me feel better.

[Andrew]

Not a big fan.

[Sean]

He also got his phone like disc.

[Andrew]

It's messed up.

[Sean]

My icloud is apple just shut him down completely.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Shut you down. Well, it really was true. Christian was like, I'm a little nervous about seeing Angela. I just hope there's no, Beast.

[Christian]

That's not true. That's not true. He's making that up. He's making that up.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Just kidding. You kind of did, though.

[Andrew]

Okay, Anyways.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Anyway. Anyways, Anyways. Our last podcast did so well because we talked about delusional confidence, and people love that. So shout out to delusional confidence and where it got you guys. But today, we're talking about commitment, and I think this message is so important. So first things first. Tell us about writing this book. Because, like, we just talked about before, books are no joke to write. So how'd y' all decide to write a book like this?

[Sean]

It's no joke. It's taken us four years. It. And we were talking about. We went through a couple of pregnancies at the same time, and I feel like half the time I was writing, I would come back and be like, I don't even know what that was. I. You know, postpartum brain. But we've just seen such a rise in, like, anxiety and depression and people not feeling purposeful and driven and, like, they have a path. And I feel like there's so much noise and so many voices in the world right now, especially with social media, that people need to learn how to find what actually means something to them and stick with it. And we traveled the world for years trying to better our marriage and find the best psychiatrists and therapists, and we did intensives, and we had business mentors, and everything that we learned all kind of had this through line of the same thing of commitment. So we took all those tips and tricks and tools and put it into a book, and it's cool. Said, maybe you should try this.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

That's cool.

[Andrew]

Yeah. I mean, we live in the anxious generation, right? And I think it's this culture where there's an app for everything. It's all customized and catered to you, and there's so many options that people get overwhelmed by, oh, which option do I choose? Like, is this the best option? And so then they end up treading water and not making any choice at all.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Yeah, that's true.

[Andrew]

As opposed to just saying, no, I'm going to choose one of these good options, cultivate it, grow it, steward it, and make it the best option. And when we looked at our life, the things that brought the most fruit, the most meaning, whether it be in our athletic careers, our relationships, our business, it was when we took that leap of faith and said, okay, I'm just going to commit to this one thing, stick with it, and then, you know, ride it through the highs and the lows, the good and the bad, and, you know, like. And see what it becomes.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

That's good. That's so cool. It actually makes me think of. Which is kind of crazy. I remember this, that that means it really impacted me. But whenever I was living in Nashville, I was going to the Belonging, and Alex Seeley preached this message, and it was about commitment. And she was talking about this little Italian restaurant in Australia and how it was, like, the greatest place ever, but they had one thing on the menu so you, like, that's what you're getting. And everybody loved it. Like, you went for it. And she said when she got to America, it was like the worst nightmare ever to go to the Cheesecake Factory because it was like, too many options. And you think like, oh, you want all the options because the more the better. But then you get crippled by the options because it's like, this is too much. How am I ever gonna choose one? And then you have, like, the fear of missing out or, like, somebody else is gonna be better than you. And, like, that is so what's happening in our day with everything. You're so right. There's, like, too many options, too many things that you get to the point where you, like, can'. Even choose one. I love how y' all talked about your story, and you were saying, like, you were so committed from such a young age to something, and it really worked to your benefit, whereas you had a struggle with commitment in some sense, and it worked in the negative. How have y' all seen in your personal lives? Commitment. Bless you. And commitment hurt you. The lack of commitment hurt you.

[Andrew]

The book is pretty much stories of how Sean commits to things well, and Andrew doesn't. And it's, you know, stories on both sides.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

No, I think they're this. Take that. Yeah.

[Sean]

I think our lives, like, blended really, really well. Because, like, I was so. I way over indexed in the commitment side with gymnastics as a kid. And then when I left gymnastics, I didn't think it was needed in the real world. So then I, like, wandered aimlessly and felt completely lost in life. I feel like Andrew, you kind of always had that plan B in football and with the NFL in particular. And so you. You even write in the book that you felt like you had a commitment issue within the NFL. But I will say, in life, I think he's way better at commitment, really. Like, his discipline, his regimen, his intentionality with our family, with committing to the things that matter. You're way better at that. And so blending those two Worlds together, I think has been really, really beneficial for our life.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

That's cool.

[Christian]

Yeah. I feel like you're like a super committal person with your workouts and your sauna. Yeah, for sure.

[Sean]

Super.

[Christian]

And in businesses you're flying a plane. Well, I feel like that's like, that takes commitment and dedication.

[Sean]

You got your doctorate for fun.

[Andrew]

I think. I think I learned through a series of mistakes. Like in business, it's like we would always kind of just like start something and then be like really lackadaisical with it. And so I don't know if you've ever started something that you had to close down, but it's a humbling process. So I would like to think that over the years I've learned how to do the commitment thing better. And that's kind of like by the way, we wrote the book not as hey, we're experts. And here's. Here's our step by step guide. It's more of an exploration of how does one find meaning and success or the probability of success if that's what you're like chasing or like a deep connection in a relationship. And this was our understanding of that.

[Sean]

That's cool.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Yeah, that's cool. Isn't it interesting? Like, I love that you said on the surface you would be like, yeah, I committed something for so long. But in the day to day things, sometimes it is easier and like. Or sometimes it's like you might be that in big decisions, but it's the little things that get you. Because I feel like you're like that. Like, remember I used to make fun of you because when we at that ice cream place, you remember Christian used to eat. This is like. This was like a whole argument we had at TCBY in Orange Beach.

[Christian]

Where you going? Where are you going?

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Well, because it was so funny. So I miss tcby. I know. It's so good when we see one skirt. Cuz they're not everywhere these days. The country's best yogurt. Anyways, we were in Orange beach and we were at tcby and Christian loves this combination. Back when we first got married, a mint chocolate chip and cookies and cream ice cream in a milkshake. That was like your thing. You ate that every single night at home. Okay, so we get a tcpy and there's no literally every night. Oh man, you're still a day to day every night.

[Christian]

I drink a lot of chocolate milk every night now.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

But you. We go to tcby. Do you really don't remember this?

[Christian]

Yes, I. I know where you're going with this.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Okay. So there's so many options. And he looks at me. He goes, oh, like, do you think I would like a mint chocolate chip and cookies and cream milkshake? I was like, you drink that every night? Like, yes. He's like, but do you think it would be good here?

[Christian]

Well, it's called the country's best yogurt.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

It's the same thing as, like, what you get at home. It's just a different brand. And he.

[Christian]

There's a huge argument.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Yeah. Because then I said, I think you have no cause. I was like, I think you want to apologize. I think you have a hard time making decisions. It went to a bigger, deeper root. Okay. It started with the ice cream, but it got bigger.

[Christian]

I was like, oh, sorry for just cluing you in on my. Where I'm. Where my thoughts are at right now and just actually genuinely wanting your opinion Off.

[Sean]

You think Sadie's over here. Like, there's something.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

And I was like, no. But I was like, I think that it. The root thing here is hard for you to make a decision because you're. You would always look at, like, what I got, whatever, and, like, wish you were, like, what if yours is better? You did that. Don't even. You're looking at me like I'm crazy.

[Christian]

I wanted a chocolate milkshake.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

We talked about it. We had a whole.

[Christian]

I was like, do you think I would like this from here? And then it was like, what do you mean?

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

You eat every night. What do you mean? But did we not have a full conversation about commitment and decision?

[Christian]

Yes.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

I was like, you have to make a decision. You had to be confident in your decision.

[Christian]

Yes. And we have been better since that.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

So much better.

[Andrew]

I love that. I love that idea. And it's a funny, small example of what I think happens at a bigger scale in life, where if you're in an ice cream store, you're probably gonna walk out with some ice cream. But I think what a lot of people do is they don't mess up because they make the wrong decision. They mess up because they're like, oh,

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

well, they don't make any.

[Andrew]

Yeah, they don't make any decision. And it's like, because if you're not in an ice cream store, and it's more of an intangible, like, hey, who should I go on a date with? Or who should I consider to pursue? Or even, like, a church. People are like, oh, I got all these options, and let me just not choose any. Let me just, like, wait and Hopefully I'll find the best one sometime. It's like, no, you choose the one thing and then you'll see the fruits of it. Like, and it's up to you.

[Sean]

Try to make it the best one. We talk through, like, a long process from start to finish of you choose something and as soon as you choose it, you need to drown out every other option.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Yep.

[Sean]

You need to try to make that the absolute best choice. Because we've also seen and we can go down, like, the faith route of that too. But people who get into a marriage and they constantly in the back of their head will say, well, maybe it's not the right person. And the issue is not then the marriage. It's the fact that you're giving yourself an option to get out. And the commitment side of this is like radically saying, this is my only choice now. I need to take this choice, be confident in it, and do everything in my power to protect it and make it the best. And that's where I think the world is preaching to people. If you're not happy today, it must be that you chose something wrong. And that's so false.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Yeah, that's so true. And putting happiness as like the highest value of like, well, I need to be happy, so I'm gonna get out of this and eliminate the thing that's making me not happy and go somewhere else. But you're not gonna, like, find that in something else. It is a lot of times the mindset. I'm such a blanket person. Once the kids are down, the house is quiet. Oh, I love a cozy blanket. And Lola blankets are truly next level. I actually ordered the ivory antique one and I am so excited. It literally comes in today. I cannot wait. There is nothing like a fresh cozy blanket that just is. You see that thing on the couch and you have to get on the couch and get under. I'm so stoked. Lola is called the world's number one blanket for a reason. They they're made with ult soft luxury faux fur and their signature 4 waist stretch. So they feel so cozy, but still added that extra pop to your home. Plus they're machine washable. Some I say praise the Lord, double him for durability and made to stay flawless. No pilling or shedding even after you wash it a bunch, which is such a win. Lola also has over 20,000 five star reviews. And once you feel one, it makes total sense. Lola blankets also make the sweetest gifts because it's so personal, beautiful, and something people will actually use every single day for A limited time, our listeners can get 40% off select Lola Blankets products with code WHOA. At checkout, just head to Lola Blankets dot com. Use the code WHOA to get 40% off your order. That's Lola L O L A blankets dot com. After you purchase, they'll ask where you heard about them. And please tell them about this show that we sent you there. Wrap yourself in luxury with Lola Blankets.

[Sean]

We argue, too. A lot of, like, the depth people aren't finding depth and meaning and, like, actual the true joy that comes through overcoming hardship and monotony and the mundane and the boring middle. Because they're not getting there. They live in the honeymoon phase. And once that's over, they're like, oh, I need to go find it again.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Yep. No, that's so true. Okay, can we talk about dating? Because I think that this lack of commitment is majorly affecting the dating world these days. Before we do that. That, though, I don't. I didn't remember Yalls meeting story until I was refreshing for this. And so tell how y' all met,

[Christian]

and I really want to hear the second date be honey story.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Oh, God.

[Christian]

You can handle both of them?

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Yeah. Talk about how y' all met, how y' all got together, and then we'll jump into commitment in the dating world. Me?

[Andrew]

Yeah.

[Sean]

Okay. I met Andrew's oldest brother at the London Olympics. I was there working. I got assigned to cover a cycling event. And then at the cycling event, I was assigned this guy. His name is Guy east from the USA cycling team, to explain to me what was going on. And so we had a long conversation. We were, like, hanging out during the day, during the event. And at the end of the day, he was like, if you take anything away from our conversations, it's that I think you should meet my younger brother. And I was like, what?

[Andrew]

Shout out, big bro.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

What? Big bro. Make it happen, bro.

[Sean]

So fast forward, we went on, like, our first. I would call it almost like a blind date. Cause, like, we really hadn't talked in LA while I was on Dancing with the Stars, and in my brain, I'm just too type A. It didn't make sense how it would work. He was living in Nashville at the time, going to Vanderbilt University. I was on this show. I thought you were adorable, but I was like, I don't know how this is gonna work. And then fast forward nine months later, I ghosted him for nine months. Ghosting and the texting world is just part of our thing. And nine months later, he kind of sent me his last hurrah. Text of. This is my last, you know, try at this. It was very sweet.

[Andrew]

I mean, I poured my heart into this poem.

[Sean]

You did. It was very sweet poem.

[Andrew]

I gave it. Oh, yeah. Dude, really? Oh, yeah.

[Christian]

Like a rhyming poem.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

That's impressive.

[Sean]

Oh, yeah. Like, rub me on your chat.

[Andrew]

Just simple AABB structure. You know, not doing anything crazy.

[Christian]

No haiku. This is amazing.

[Sean]

And it was so cheesy, and so just unlike anything. It was like, if football has taught me anything, it's how to persevere. And would you accompany me to the. It was so cheesy. But I was like, wow. So it worked. It worked.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Oh, my gosh.

[Sean]

So I said yes. I flew out to Nashville, and I think within 24 hours, I remember texting my mom and saying, I think this is the guy I'm gonna marry.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Wow, that's awesome.

[Sean]

And then the second. The B story from that date.

[Andrew]

So then, yeah, I guess it was our third date. Yeah, I. I took her to our lake house and to meet the whole family.

[Sean]

I was like, let's go.

[Andrew]

So we had bees. Was a big thing in our family. Still is. I'm like a fourth generation beekeeper. Our kids are into it now too, so it's so fun to watch them.

[Christian]

But.

[Andrew]

But I was like, all right, Sean, you gotta learn how to ride a tandem bike. Because we used to do that all the time. Shoot a bow and arrow and do the bees. And so I took her to the hives. We didn't have a bee suit that fit her because she's so petite. So we kind of just went in there with no suit.

[Sean]

That makes sense.

[Andrew]

She got stung and. But then she hung around. I was like, she can make a

[Sean]

cut on your first dates when you're like, what's your favorite color? Like, what's your biggest fear?

[Andrew]

Beast.

[Sean]

And we hadn't even talked about it. And then the next date, you take me to extract honey, and I get stung, and I was like, oh, my God.

[Andrew]

Not for the faint of heart, babe.

[Sean]

And then he taught me how to shoot a bow on the third date as well. And I evidently did that wrong, so my whole arm turned black and blue.

[Andrew]

We took a family bike ride, and she almost died. She thought it was gonna be a cute little one mile shot.

[Christian]

Like. Like.

[Andrew]

Like a. Oh, yeah.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

And it hits your.

[Sean]

The. The string over and over and over again.

[Christian]

Oh, that's because it wasn't suited to your arm length or anything.

[Sean]

Yeah, maybe the bees weren't either.

[Christian]

So many things that are wrong with that.

[Sean]

And Then the tandem bike. So the tandem bike was still the same date. Like, it's the same day.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

We've done the never ending day.

[Sean]

And he's like, how about. You said it so casually, like, how about we go for a bike ride? And in my head, I'm like, ugh, get a break from all this chaos.

[Andrew]

Romantic.

[Sean]

Like, this is gonna be so sweet. We're on the lake 20 some miles later with the whole family on tandem.

[Andrew]

I think Sean was crying. It's like, how much?

[Christian]

20 miles on a tandem?

[Sean]

B. I was gonna die. I was like, I don't know.

[Christian]

Is that what Olympic cycling. Is that what families do that have?

[Andrew]

Dude, I got these ham hocks of legs because my dad put us in cycling competitions when I was 10.

[Christian]

Your legs are insane.

[Sean]

You're insane.

[Andrew]

It's. Cause we've been just doing it for a long time.

[Sean]

Also, your mom is a champ. The fact that your mom just does all this, and I kept looking at her like, what are we doing?

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

She's like, honey, do you have sisters or is it just boys?

[Andrew]

One sister who just got engaged.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Oh, that's awesome.

[Andrew]

Shout out Christine and Tyler.

[Sean]

Congrats.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

So she just does it with y' all too? She's the only mommy? Yeah.

[Andrew]

She gets some special treatment because she's the only girl in the family. But the rest of the boys, it's like, you got it.

[Sean]

But then any woman that Mary sent to the family, to the four boys, it's kind of like a. Can you keep up?

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Can you get stung by a bee? Still have a good attitude. Bruise your arm and go 20 miles, then you're in. Okay. That's commitment, though. I mean, that's no joke. So I think one of the problems is kind of what we talked about, is that there are so many options. I think dating apps give you a million options, and you're swiping and you're this. And so people have, like, a fear of committing to relationships because they're always thinking, like, something might be better. What if something else opens up? Speak a little bit to that problem and what y' all are seeing in that.

[Andrew]

I mean, just think of how the dating apps are built. It's like, swipe, swipe, swipe. You're, like, going through tons of options,

[Sean]

and you're judging a book by its cover immediately, in a split second.

[Andrew]

And I think that conditions you to say, okay, hey, this one's a little annoying. Or, you know, we did two dates, and I don't know if we vibe. Let me just go to the next one. Swipe to the next one. And it's. I think you're missing out on so much where there's a lot of excitement in the variety of choices. She was really funny. We had great conversations. She's, like, intellectually interesting, but it's like, there's also so much excitement in the depth. Like, I know Shawn and I have been together now 13 years, and it's so fun and also a little scary where you're like, I can't believe there's new parts of you that I'm seeing. And how do we navigate this? So it's like, I think moving past that surface level, inch deep, but mile wide, and into the. Hey, we're going a mile deep. It's like, oh, man, that is exciting and meaningful.

[Sean]

We've done a whole podcast on, like, the one theory, which I still believe is. My personal belief is that it's false because I feel like in the swipe right culture, people think that if they just keep swiping, they'll find the perfect one and it's just one more swipe away or five or 10 or 10 more minutes or 10 more days. And I think if we unromanticize that a little bit and have a conversation of. Even in, you know, as we're getting ready to get engaged, back in the day, we naturally both had so many thoughts. Is this the right person?

[Andrew]

You did.

[Sean]

You thought I was too short. Okay. And you naturally have all those thoughts, but at some point, you have to say, this is a good enough person for me to actively try for. And if you just keep trying, you make it the best possible person in the world. And I cannot imagine having chosen any other person in the world. You are now the absolute perfect person. But, like, when we first start dating, there's so many things that you're, like, morphing and changing and evolving into.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

I agree with that.

[Andrew]

This goes back. I think Christian and I kind of live in this, like, self improvement, bro, biohack kind of world. I feel like you're an icon in it.

[Christian]

You're an icon in it.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

And it's like.

[Andrew]

I think it's like the self improvement, you know? And I just look at marriage and how much we have influenced each other and kind of molded each other to become who we are today. I think in a parallel universe, Andrew would be like floating down a river with no job, playing guitar just for fun, Huckleberry Finn style. But what I've realized, and it took me way too long to realize this, is try as I might I cannot change. Sean. We've made this commitment to our marriage that. That is not gonna change. So the only thing left to change is me. And, like, that's a really exciting place to be. And you want to talk self improvement. You wake up every day, you're like, okay, we're having this argument about ice cream for the 200th time, and I'm trying to force my perspective on Sadie or Sean, and, like, she's not changing. So then I need to tweak something about how I'm going about this conversation. And then you're, like, off to the races. And there's something really exciting about having the agency to do that, you know?

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

I love that. That's so good. I. I'm so interested in, like, your nine months of being ghosted and then sending the poem, because that, again, like, that's fighting for something, committing to something, even whenever she's not showing you that, like, she's interested. How do you encourage people, like, when to know it's worth committing to and fighting for? And then when is it time to go? Okay, it's not working.

[Andrew]

You know, Dating advice from Andrew. This is scary ground, I would say. Okay, so it wasn't like, she. It was not a complete ghost. So I would send, you know, a handful of text messages, maybe like four or five. And then she would respond to one, and I'd be like, game on, baby. Clock reset. Like, she's still. We're still in the game.

[Christian]

Would there be a, like, a conversation from there, or would it just be

[Andrew]

like a one text, one off, dude? I mean, maybe the occasional conversation.

[Christian]

This is before you could, like, like a message or heart. A message.

[Andrew]

Yeah, yeah.

[Sean]

Or even see that it was, like, red.

[Andrew]

I mean, it is. There's a lot of context that's important. And I don't think the door is ever, like, completely closed. I wasn't trying to force something that wasn't there. It was more like, hey, this is just an exploration. We're not together, and so I'm not top of mind, which I'm fine with. I also, admittedly, maybe we both were entertaining different options just to see if we weren't dating. No, we weren't dating. That's fair. And it was just kind of like, okay, does this spark something like Sean and I had in a similar way? And it was always, no. And so I just kept thinking about our interactions and how I really felt like Sean and I could make it go to the distance, because the smile that she does to me, I love that smile. And I was like, dang, let me just keep going. And then if she ever says, no, I'm not interested, then you have to respect that. But I'm going to give it my best. And then so I wrote several poems. That was the one. And then you finally responded. And then it was like, pretty much when we started dating, we both had made it past the chameleon phase, as I call it, where I don't know if you guys did this dating where you, like, morph into who you think the other person wants you to be. And I think that's really what helped us get to the point where we were mature enough to date, where it was like, hey, we're just going to

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

be who we are.

[Andrew]

And if this works and we can take it the distance, then great. Like, praise God.

[Sean]

I even remember having that conversation on, like, that date that we went on in Nashville, which was our second date. I remember us having. I got in the car from the airport when he picked me up, and I don't think we said anything. It was like, hi. And then we just like, rode in silence. And it was. But it was so peaceful. And I remember having a conversation that day of like, we've flown both of us across the country for each other. This is our second, second time ever being together. Like, I'm just gonna be me. You're just gonna be you. If this works, this is beautiful. But like, there's nothing to lose here.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

That's awesome.

[Sean]

And it was so freeing.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

That's awesome. One thing that I've learned is that consistent love really changes people's lives. Not just big dramatic moments, but steady support and people who keep showing up over and over again. And that's why I'm so thankful for the work that Loved One International is doing in Uganda. They're helping provide life saving nutrition and medical care for children facing severe malnutrition. And for so many of these kids, that care is literally the difference between life and death. What I love most is that they stay with these families through the full journey of recovery. So they walk with kids from diagnosis all the way back to health. And that is the kind of care that takes commitment. That's why I love the Love Club. And that's what it's all about. So for just $20 a month, you can help support the ongoing medical and nutritional care these children need every single day. And right now, when you jo Love Club, you'll also receive an exclusive Love Club hat, which I have right here, and one of the last few free copies of my devotional book, how to Put Love First. This is one of those missions that really stays with you because the lives being changed are so real, y'.

[Commercial Narrator]

All.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

I love what loved one does so much. First of all, I love the family behind it. They're just the most amazing people with the most genuine hearts. And then also I've seen kids with malnutrition in other countries and it is the most devastating thing. And knowing that you can literally get $20 and save kids lives and it's just an absolute no brainer. So please be a part of this. You're not just signing up for something, you're helping save lives month after month. Join the love club today and become the heartbeat of the loved one mission. Visit loveone international.org Whoa. Again, that's loveone international.org Whoa.

[Christian]

That's why we usually say date someone for like six months. Because, because of the chameleon. Because you can for, for, for a period of time you can who they want you. But at some point, you know, things might hit the fan and then you actually see that you're just kind of putting on a facade and that element.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Yeah, that's so good. That's such a good point too because I remember like riding in the car with you at times and it's like you're not saying anything. And that's such a peaceful feeling knowing that you can like sit with someone. You don't have to say anything or fill the space. I think that's when you know like, this is a good thing.

[Andrew]

Yeah. Because there can be, there can be awkward silences or there can be just peaceful silences. And I think like whatever that feeling is is a big tell.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

In some ways you're just totally comfortable being where you're at. I love that you say that.

[Christian]

Y' all have. So the last four years you've been working on the book.

[Sean]

Yeah.

[Christian]

Do you feel like it's. Because I feel like we wrote a book a couple years ago called how to Put Love first. But it writing a book, I feel like it does keep you accountable. So do you feel like the last four years, the idea of always thinking about being committed to something and committal like that, that helped keep you accountable.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

You kind of talk about like where it was like commitment.

[Christian]

Yeah. Towards like you, you're like, crap, I'm writing a book, I'm being committed and I'm feeling like I want to get out of this thing, but I'm gonna stick with it.

[Sean]

I mean, yes. I feel like ever since we started writing the book, we've been seeing anything that relates to commitment just in the universe pretty much. But I personally remember it the most when we signed up to do this crazy show.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

I was just about to ask you

[Sean]

all about that and I remember thinking. Because that was. We filmed it last summer and it came out this past fall. And I remember thinking, we're about to launch a book called the Courage to Commit. And each day I was like, I just want to quit.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Wow.

[Sean]

But I can't do that.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Wow.

[Sean]

And yes, I mean, we've especially like writing about each aspect of our lives. It's just been a good, like, audit for us to say, like, how are we doing in these areas? And we have a lot of places to improve. But.

[Andrew]

But it's also fun to. I don't know how you guys have felt when you wrote the book. You like, kind of see the world through that lens of what you're writing from. So there's like, I'll have read books or see movies or articles. And it's like I'm keeping this constant list of.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Of.

[Andrew]

Oh my gosh. That plugs in perfectly, by the way. You just made me think of a story if you don't mind me sharing about. It's a Jesus story.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Please share.

[Andrew]

Well, it's like, talk about a guy who could commit. Like that guy. He was pretty committed to the mission.

[Christian]

Yes.

[Sean]

Well, yeah, okay, so.

[Andrew]

But I heard this story.

[Sean]

I thought you were talking about another guy.

[Andrew]

No, this was crazy. Cause like, I'm just gonna speak purely from the historical standpoint of Jesus. Like, who was he in the timeline of history? Cause I heard this story about this guy. I think I'm gonna butcher his name. Sabbathi Zephi. Have you hear. So this was like medieval ages, maybe 1400, 1500s. The Jewish people literally thought he was the Messiah. This guy was like, he was so impressive. Such an interesting prophet, like, would kind of do the things that people thought a messiah would do. And then when it came down to it, like, he gets called into this, the emperor's room, like of the shoot. What's the people group in the Middle East?

[Sean]

Babe, this is your story.

[Andrew]

You got a lot of. Yeah, no, not the Romans. Turkish. Like this Turkish emperor brings him in. He's like, okay, it's kind of like time to put your feet to the fire. How committed to this bit of the Messiah are you? And he says, if you die and come back to life, then I'll convert and you'll be my Messiah. If not, then if you're not going to do this, then I'm going to put you to death. And he was like, well, can I just turn around and walk away from this altogether and just admit that I'm not what I'm saying I am. And so that's what he ended up doing, because he's like, I'm not gonna die for this cause. And I just made me think of Jesus like, that dude. It was a really interesting contrast of just, like, literally, historically, the guy died for what he was convicted. Like, he died for what he said he was gonna do. And I think there's something interesting there to, like, learn from as far as seeing it all the way through.

[Christian]

So that's the story in Acts, too. Yeah. When the Pharisees are looking at the disciples.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

It's one of my favorite stories.

[Christian]

And the guy's like, if you. What's the story if you find yourself opposing them?

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Yeah. Basically he's saying, you know, y' all don't worry about this Jesus movement, because many people have said they're the Messiah, and then they die off, and then the movement dies. And he says, but if this is the Messiah, then he says, then you won't be able to stop it, and you'll actually find yourself fighting against God. And it's so cool when you think about that, because they were talking about these other movements of people like that, and they would die off and, you know, a thousand or so followers and the movement would die. Yet Jesus had these 12 disciples. Then it was, you know, the 2000 in Acts, and there were thousands more and thousands more. And now here there's like, what, 2 billion Christians in the world. And you just think about that, like, historically, like, okay, it must be God. Like, that's. That's the only. Why would we still be talking about this? You know, why would we still be changed by it? Still be. Because, yeah, like you said, seeing it through, and that's like Jesus on the cross. Like, why are you forsaking me, Lord? But then bringing it through. And even, like, oh, sorry, I just don't think his prayer, like, if this can pass, let it pass. But God was like, no, this is my will 100%.

[Andrew]

And I don't know if these other people who were Messiah, like, figures died. No one else did it, like Jesus, you know? And to me, just from a sequence of events, historical standpoint, I'm like, wow, that's pretty convincing.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

It's so true, though. Like, I love that you put, like, the courage to commit, because it is, like, a courageous thing, like Jesus in the garden, praying, sweating, crying, like, blood's coming out of. He's like, so stressed, like, so anxious, like, can I please not do this any other way? And then he says, yet, if it's your will, then let it be done. And he always kept that willingness to commit. He's like, if this is it, I'll do it, but if there's another way, let me do it any other way. And then obviously that's the way that the Lord had, which is at the time, it's like, why did it have

[Sean]

to be that way?

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

And then you see, why. Because we still have eternal life because of it. But I think about even the courage. I mean, I don't know. This is obviously not compared to the courage of the cross. But thinking about the show y' all did, because people say to me, they're like, sadie, you should do special forces. And I'm like, what? Like, are you crazy? Like, I. I might, I might would do it if y' all gave me a true pep talk. But I you it. So it was incredible.

[Christian]

If you do it. We were doing it together.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Yeah, we have to do it together. We had no. Because the first time someone brought it up to me, they're like, you should do dude. And I was like, that would be me signing myself out to be literally terrified for however long the show films. And I hate feeling that scared. Like, why do I want to do that to myself other than, you know, the satisfaction of overcoming. But how did y' all have the courage to say yes? I feel like summertime just has its own vibe. More time outside, slower evenings, fun trips, pool days. And I've been trying to simplify my routine with products that feel really good on my skin. I've been using Primally Pure's SPF collection and I love it because it feels more like skincare than traditional sunscreen. Their formulas are made with really nourishing ingredients like tallow mango butter and non nano zinc. So my skin feels hydrated and glowy instead of greasy and chalky. We. We love the difference. Their sun cream has become my go to because it's lightweight and blends in so well. And the sun stick has been amazing on the go, especially for kids. It's just so much easier to throw in your bag and put it on their little faces really quickly. Also love that Primally Pure is female found and really intentional about using simple, high quality ingredients. Their SPF collection has just nine non toxic ingredients and is free from synthetic fragrances and harmful chemicals, which makes me feel really good about using it daily on myself and on my kids, this is just so great, because if you've ever gone down the rabbit hole of clean sunscreen, it can just be stressful. You're like, I know the sun is damaging, but is sunscreen damaging? I don't even know. But it's so nice to know that this is like. Like, all these clean ingredients. You're putting tallow on your face. You're putting mango. Like, this is so good for you, and it's protecting you from the sun. Especially. I have little blondies, and so I got to get their heads really good, and this is great for that. So use the code WO to get 15% off your primary Pure [e-mail]. that's Primally Pure. P R I M A L L Y p u r e dot com. Use the code WO at checkout for 15% off your order.

[Sean]

I would say that's exactly why I did it. I hate the feeling of fear. Like, I hate it so much. And ever since becoming a parent, I find myself sometimes, like, going into a black hole of fear. And so prayer and faith and, like, God has really helped that when you have to, like, release that. But. And I feel like I've gotten really good at controlling fear. But there is. There's always been in the back of my head this idea of, like, but what if I was faced with, like, my biggest fear and what, like, what will come out? And we've always talked about, like, we try to exploit our weaknesses to see, like, what they are so we can get better at them. And so when I did the show, I truly. I wanted to see if I could control fear well and make, like, see if it was an active choice. And I was really. That it empowered me because there were so many fears that I did face that completely unfazed me. And I just thought it was a very empowering experience. And the guys who coach you through it, the Navy seals and the special Forces guys, they find your weaknesses so quickly, and they know individually what they are and to hear them and rely on them as mentors and to be coached through it and to find strength through different things. I thought it was, like, the coolest experience. I didn't love the last day. The last day, like, sucks. But it was this test of, like, how well can you control your mind? And as a parent, it just. I left with a lot more confidence than I went in with, so I

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

think you should do it. That's inspiring. I do love the aspect of being coached through things, and I appreciate that they're there to Help, like, shape you. It's like the, the gas mask things. Like, those things. I'm just like, holy cow. I was. I would feel so afraid. But it's okay. You gotta overcome. This is good.

[Andrew]

Yeah. I think about, like, I don't know where if you guys are like me, but I feel like I get fearful or scared when I don't feel like I'm ready for something or cut out for something.

[Sean]

Yes, totally.

[Andrew]

And I feel like what I learned in that show and in other areas of life is you don't feel ready before you jump into something. Like, you jump into something and then that kind of makes you ready. And obviously, you know, don't be reckless with that. But there's an aspect of trust that goes with it. And I think about the Marines who were our coaches in that situation. And like, when they run, when they walk into the recruiter's office, they sign the paperwork and on that day they become a Marine, you know, it's like, sweet. Okay, you get to wear the uniform,

[Sean]

but they haven't done anything yet.

[Andrew]

Yeah. But there's a gap between who they are now and what it takes to be a Marine, you know, to have a heart of Marine and have the preparation of a Marine. And so then it's like this process of, okay, jumped in and now it's the refinement sanctification process of becoming that fully. And it's kind of an exciting thing to say, okay, we're not ready at the beginning, but hopefully at the end of this show or at the end of this career, I'll have learned something and progressed and grown in a different way. And that was definitely our experience.

[Sean]

I will say too, just knowing you guys, you should do the show because I also think it's not like a faith based show, obviously. It's like a heavy hitter Fox show where, like, it's anybody. But I do think if you have a very strong faith, it is very obvious that it is such a leg up. Because to see people so crippled by just material things on that show that don't have something bigger to give their control to and lean on was very obvious. And for us, I just remember we would, like say the Lord's Prayer before we tucked into our little bunks at night and we'd wake up, be like, thank you, God, for this beautiful day. And we'd be out there talking about the sunrise and they're like, are you crazy? I'm like, it's a beautiful day. Like, this is wonderful. Like, there's nothing that can. This is A show. There's nothing that can shake us. And in my brain, going. Being tortured underwater, I'm like, singing.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

I would totally be doing that.

[Andrew]

You would for sure do better than Christian not do it.

[Christian]

Yeah, she would do better things. You would do better than.

[Sean]

Women tend to do better on this.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

I think mentally, I would maybe do better, but physically, I would struggle. And, I mean, this is not. This is not.

[Christian]

You know, I think I would be strong mentally.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

I'm not saying you would be strong, but, like, that actually leads me to my next question. Okay, I'll stop there.

[Christian]

No, but. No, that was.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

You would, like. I would be toast. I. I'm even scared. Just, like, running a mile with the backpack. I can't even run a mile without the backpack.

[Andrew]

We had people peeing their pants out there mid challenge. It was, like. It was total carnage.

[Sean]

I will say men do better on that show physically.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Yeah.

[Sean]

I mean, because everybody has to carry the same weight, and it's all equal. But I will say there is a. A harder aspect, historically speaking, on that show, for men to be submissive to, like, the powers.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

And I've actually noticed that when we've watched, we've talked about that.

[Christian]

The thing I would struggle with would be. I just think I would, like, laugh or smile if I was just getting, like, cussed out.

[Andrew]

I thought so too, bro. I thought so too. But then they're, like, actually yelling at you.

[Sean]

Oh, my God. And then it becomes like, there's no.

[Christian]

There's no. Like, you don't feel, like, the impulse to, like, smirk, or.

[Sean]

You do. And then it Very quickly, you do it once, and you're like, I'm not gonna do that again. Never gonna do that again.

[Christian]

I would just feel like it's like

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

them putting the bag over your head and taking you to interrogate you.

[Andrew]

Like, that's why I found a bag,

[Christian]

and then I took it off, and someone's like, you. You bleeping blow. I just feel like, dude, I thought

[Andrew]

it was all a joke. I thought it was all a joke, and I thought I was gonna have to, like, you know, play serious. And then they actually are yelling at you and spitting in your face. And it took me right back to, like, sports, where I just. I don't know how you were with the coaches, but I would always snap. Like, I'm snapping into attention. I'm listening. Oh, my gosh. I'm so sorry.

[Sean]

Like, it also comes across very much like a show.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Yeah.

[Sean]

But it's not in the sense of. It is a full start to Finish experience with no break that happens to be filmed.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Because you're not doing interviews.

[Sean]

No.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

During the day.

[Sean]

No. It's like when it, the second it starts, you are in the military and there's no off time, there's no cut and wait for sound. Like you're just in days. It depends on the season. But ours is 10.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Wow.

[Sean]

You have to do it.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

That's awesome. Okay, I'm inspired. I have a question on the coaching aspect. So. So right now we're just seeing this with our kids. Like Honey has started gymnastics. She loves gymnastics and she's really good at it.

[Christian]

Yesterday she was.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

I know, I'm proud.

[Christian]

Yesterday she was the example cartwheel for the class.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

She was so cute. She was like, they said honey, we need you for a second. Like she loved that they called on her and they used her as the example for the new kids. Cause she's very technical and very good. She's also tiny. Like she's very built for it. But one thing I say to her is like you have to have a strong mind. Because I see her God given ability in her body, but mentally, I mean she's only five, but I just see so much. I mean even like already complaining like I'm tired or this or that or fear looking back like, or even how are you doing for your kids? Like from two athletes you're parenting kids who I'm sure you know have those abilities. Like how do you teach them to have have a strong mind? You know, like what, what's your encouragement to them? Encourage and the commitment because you said you like over committed to gymnastics. Where is that line of like I want to push you to be your best, but I don't want to push you too hard. That's not fun. Starting a new business can be so exciting, but it can also be legit scary because suddenly you're trying to figure out all the things. But thankfully I had people in my corner who made me feel super supported, encouraged and a little less overwhelmed. And that's the thing, right? Partners helping carry the load can be such a game changer when you're starting out. For millions of businesses that partner is Shopify. With Shopify, you can build a beautiful online store with ready to use templates that match your brand. Plus Shopify's AI tools can help with product descriptions, website content and polished looking photos. Shopify keeps all the important stuff in one place. Inventory, payments, shipping, returns. So you're not bouncing between a million different tools trying to figure out what's next next. And when you need help? Shopify has award winning 24. 7 customer support. So you never have to do it alone when you're starting a business. There's a million things that you probably haven't thought about until you're in the game. They have so many helpful tools. As far as 24. 7 help. They have all of these things with AI like this is definitely the way to go to feel a little less overwhelmed. We use this with lo which is such a win. So start your business today with the industry's best business partner, Shopify and start hearing. Sign up for your $1 per month trial today at shopify.com Whoa. Go to shopify.com Whoa. Again that's shopify.com Whoa.

[Sean]

We actually just interviewed my parents on this of like what was your strategy growing up or when I was growing up and my parents strategy that I found feel like was very similar to your parents and we're doing for our kids is with absolutely no activity, you are 100% perfect, valued, loved as you are. Like you don't need to go earn anything. And we have started just this idea of showing them everything and then when they lock into something, we are their biggest cheerleaders. But I would say with our kids we've started to notice things that they're like locking in on that they love and that they found a passion for. And we're, I don't know, we're not, we're not in the pushing you to be your best yet. I think, I think one of the greatest things kids can find in their life are great coaches. But I think letting coaches be coaches and parents be parents is very, very important. But I don't know, we've dealt with it in some capacity with our four year old. We'll sign up for T ball because he's so excited but then he's like, I don't want to go.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Yeah.

[Sean]

But then I want to go the next week, but then I don't want to go the week after that. And it's like how do you paint that line?

[Andrew]

Yeah, I would say different phases for different ages for sure. A couple paradoxes that we had to grapple with in writing a book about commitment is one, there is a time to. Not everything's worth committing to. There is a time to uncommit from something. It's important to have grace with yourself along the way because you will make mistakes in whatever path you're walking down. But then another one that we've talked about in regards to youth sports is like you can't commit for somebody else. You know what I'm saying? I can't say my kid's gonna be an Olympic gymnast. That's just not how it works. So it's been a fun process and filter to kind of like see our kids. What are they Interested in? Our 4 year old loves motocross. So like he'll wake up and he just head shake.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

The one with stitches.

[Andrew]

Yeah, currently a lot of stitches.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

A lot of stitches.

[Andrew]

But it's like, you know, he's into that. But there's different like exposure levels for a four year old. You know, we're not gonna, hey, we're gonna ride our motorcycle for an hour a day for practice. It's like that's not age appropriate. So it's kind of like solely introducing him. Titrating like the ideas of commitment meant along the way as they age.

[Sean]

I will say as like a. Strictly speaking from a coaching perspective, like having seen thousands of girls and their parents over the years in gymnastics in particular, this is the only like data research I have from hands on is every time I saw a parent try to convince their child of just go one more time, just go back, try a little harder, do a little better. It never worked out in the long run ever. And I have seen God given talented athletes come into the gym who don't love it.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Yeah.

[Sean]

And they go on to do something else that they find a greater passion in that they become successful in because they loved it so much and they worked hard enough and stuck with it. And I have seen so many kids in gymnastics who are not God gifted, just like in the talent capacity. But they love it so much.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Yeah.

[Sean]

That they outlast anybody who has that ability.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Yeah.

[Sean]

And so I think from the parenting perspective, it's so hard when it's your own children because we've seen it as well where I'm like, you have such potential, but it's also not my job.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Yeah.

[Sean]

To, to coach that and to force it.

[Commercial Narrator 2]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

It's great advice. It's so good. I love that that because. Yeah. I mean whenever honey did T ball, did not like it. Hated. I mean literally she's out there playing in the dirt. You know, the whole thing. We're like, okay, we're going to finish the season, we're not going to play next year. You know. But then there's this thing with gymnastics where she loves it and she's good at it. But it's the same with probably your little boy who's like one week she wants to go, one week she doesn't want to go. And it's like, well, we need to, you know, we committed to it. If we're in town, we're going to go. If we're not in town, we don't have to go. That kind of thing, like sticking with something. Because I think also, like, sports taught me. I mean, one of the things my parents always said was like, you know, you can quit a sport after season, like, you're not gonna quit on your team mid season.

[Sean]

Which hard with gymnastics.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Yeah, Seriously. Yeah, that is true. We don't know the gymnastics world yet. I mean, we're so new to it, you know. But for me, like growing up, it was like basketball, track, tennis, you know, where it's like, let's finish the season and then you don't have to go back the next year. And I do think, like, I've seen just adult like, who have that life lesson of like committing to a team. It's very helpful in adulthood when you have jobs and you have people, because there are people who don't understand the effects of quitting and what it does to other people. And you see people just go, I'm out. And they just leave. And it's like, oh, you just put everybody in a really hard position. Not that you can't leave, of course. Everybody has to have the grace and the freedom to leave things, but you can leave things well. And I think that you learn that a lot. You can learn that in sports and parenting does matter.

[Sean]

We've been leaning on this, this idea with our kids at the moment. I think, again, age is really important also in gymnastics. There is no season. So quitting is very hard. There's no, like, there's never a good time to quit because you're always a part of a team, but it's still solo and there's no off season, so you never know. But the thing that we're leaning on with our kids is I don't even know where this came from, but it came out of my mouth at one point and we've just owned it. Is God has hidden treasures in your heart? One of my treasures was gymnastics. And I said, it's the adventure of life to now go try to find them. But if you find them, you have to protect them. That's not my job, it's yours. And so with, say, Drew, Drew has a love of rock climbing. Her our six year old girl, and she'll come home one day and she'll be complaining of like, oh, I don't, I don't want to go next week. And in my head, I'm like, you've told me this is a treasure. I'm not gonna say you can't go, but. And I won't say that out loud, but I'll be like, okay, why? Like, what is the reason? And actually trying to get to the root of. Is this no longer a treasure? Because you told me it was. But trying to put it 100% on the kid and saying, it's not my job to tell you to go, but you have to decide if this treasure is worth protecting or not. And so we've tried to.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

It's so hard as a parent, and there's so little.

[Sean]

You also want to be. Like, you can't quit.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Yeah. You can't be a quitter. It's hard. I think, like, yesterday was a really cool moment for Honey doing that cartwheel example, because they are so little. So this is just fun. I mean, she's literally in, like, beginner tumbling fun. And she's just done it because it's been fun. All of her friends are doing it. I signed her up for the summer because Haven finally hit the age of three, where she can join, and she's been dying all year to join Honey, and she could do it as of June 1st. So we're like, okay, perfect. Y' all can do it together. Honey, you can have Haven. And it was like a new joy for Honey. Like, all of a sudden, it was exciting as she ran in holding Haven's hand, and then she got to do the example, and it was a cool learning lesson of, like, honey, you've worked so hard for so long, and look at it paying off. You got to teach your sister today day. You got to show everybody your cartwheel. And, like, you don't get that many moments at that age to, like, show what hard work is paying off. It's like, look what you've learned throughout, you know, a year of having fun. And so, yeah, I mean, it's just hard. And I don't know that I think we probably put more weight on it than even we should, because I was not the athlete to Yalls level. But just growing up an athlete, it shaped me so much. I'm so grateful for it. And I'm like, oh, I want to help my kids. But then not over.

[Christian]

Yeah. I think for me, it's just more so that idea of, I think, like, we talked about with commitment the whole time. It's like, I think in life, you can be so flippant with things. It's like, you can date who you want to date, but then you can get out of it. You can start this thing, but you don't have to finish it. And I do think there is something about, like. And granted, yeah, our kids are three and five, so it's like, there is a fine line to it, but. But there is something that I do think you learn at a young age of. Of how your choices do affect other people. And gymnastics might be. Might be a little different, but there is. There are consequences for decisions that you choose to make on the commitment side of things to where like, like you just talked about. If you do. If you are flippant with things, you. You don't realize how your decisions do impact other people. And I think that trying to instill that in kids from a young age by not being very overbearing, I do think it's super important.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

I think y' all said this and maybe one of your interviews, or maybe it's written blankly in the book, but how, like, commitment is something so many people fear, but commitment, like, unlocks, like, the greatest blessing and the freedom. And it's so cool that y' all wrote on this. So important. I know it was four years, but four years of commitment, worth it. This book is available everywhere. Books are sold, I'm sure. And it's out now that you're listening to this podcast, so everybody go look up. The courage to commit is out on audio, too.

[Commercial Narrator]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Okay. And audio. Did y' all read it? Yeah. That's awesome. I'm an audio listener, and when the author reads it, it's the best.

[Sean]

You're like, oh, gosh, it was crazy.

[Andrew]

It was so painful.

[Sean]

It's hard when you mess up, like, a.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

A single word. A single word.

[Sean]

And your brain can read all the words, but your mouth can't.

[Christian]

Exactly the interior.

[Podcast Host (Sadie)]

Yeah, exactly. Well, go get it. Anywhere books are sold. Thank y' all so much for coming to Westminster.

[Christian]

See you guys.

[Andrew]

Thank you.

[Christian]

Have fun.

[Commercial Narrator 2]

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