Shawn Johnson Reveals Husband Andrew East’s ‘Crazy’ Decision When She Was a Week Postpartum that ‘Probably Send Us into Therapy’

In a candid conversation on their podcast, former Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson opened up about a surprising decision made by her husband, Andrew East, shortly following the birth of their first child, Drew, in 2019. Johnson recounted that just a week after giving birth, East took the initiative to launch their podcast, “Couple Things,” without prior discussion or consultations with her.

During a recent episode of “The Bossticks,” which aired on July 2, 2023, Johnson vividly described her feelings at that moment. “I was so pissed, I was so mad,” she declared as she reflected on the situation. The couple, who have been married since 2016, had apparently never talked about starting a podcast prior to East’s spontaneous decision.

Johnson continued to explain how Andrew not only conceived the podcast’s name and concept, but proceeded to send it out on Apple Podcasts, declaring, “We’re starting a podcast.” This abrupt move, according to Johnson, introduced unexpected tensions into their relationship. In fact, she noted that the fallout from this incident may have even led the couple to seek therapy.

Acknowledging the consequences of his actions, East, who is also 34, admitted, “Mistakes were made.” Such candidness indicates a strong willingness to confront challenges within their relationship, even those stemming from seemingly small decisions. Despite the initial turbulence, the podcast ultimately turned out to be a source of joy for both, as Johnson remarked that what once seemed like a ‘crazy’ decision had blossomed into one of their “favourite things” to do together.

The couple’s podcast has allowed them to engage in meaningful conversations with a variety of guests, an experience Johnson describes as “really cool.” Reflecting on their journey as parents and podcast hosts, the couple has managed to intertwine their professional and personal lives in a manner that resonates with many of their fans.

As parents, the couple shares three children: Drew, 6, Jett, 4, and Barrett, 2. Johnson expressed that they feel complete as a family and have no plans to expand their brood. “Our family, I think, feels very complete,” she confirmed during an interview with PEOPLE in June. East echoed her sentiments about the joys of parenthood, stating, “I love it so much… I think we’re done.”

However, motherhood has not been without its challenges for Johnson. She admitted to facing difficulties after the birth of their third child, reflecting on how her previous experiences had given her a sense of overconfidence. “I think I went into it probably just way too confident because the first two had been easy,” she explained. The transition to being a mother of three proved to be more daunting than she anticipated, notably due to the winter circumstances surrounding Barrett’s birth.

Their journey continues to evolve as they navigate life as a family and professionals in the public eye. In sharing both the highs and lows of their experiences, Johnson and East have cultivated a relatable and authentic platform through their podcast. This approach not only allows them to connect with their audience, but also mirrors the realities faced by many couples and parents today.

In light of their experiences, it is clear that what began as a “crazy” decision has ultimately forged a deeper bond between Shawn Johnson and Andrew East, demonstrating that even the most unexpected choices can lead to growth and happiness in both personal and shared pursuits.