We Can Do Hard Things - podcast cover

We Can Do Hard Things

Glennon Doyle and Audacywecandohardthingspodcast.com
Life is freaking hard. We are all doing hard things every single day – things like loving and losing; caring for children and parents; forging and ending friendships; battling addiction, illness, and loneliness; struggling in our jobs, our marriages, and our divorces; setting boundaries; and fighting for equality, purpose, freedom, joy, and peace. On We Can Do Hard Things, Glennon Doyle, author of UNTAMED; her wife Abby Wambach; and her sister Amanda Doyle do the only thing they’ve found that has ever made life easier: Drop the fake and talk honestly about the hard things including sex, gender, parenting, blended families, bodies, anxiety, addiction, justice, boundaries, fun, quitting, overwhelm . . . all of it. We laugh and cry and help each other carry the hard so we can all live a little bit lighter and braver, free-er, less alone.

Episodes

Elon’s Email Power Grab, What to Do & Why to Have Joy: Calm News with Jessica Yellin

Elon’s Email Power Grab, What to Do & Why to Have Joy: Calm News with Jessica Yellin Award-winning journalist, Jessica Yellin, breaks down the latest news unfolding in the US and world. Today, Amanda and Jessica discuss Elon Musk’s unprecedented power grab—and what it means for democracy, national security, and your everyday life, as well as Germany’s recent elections, the relationship between the US, Ukraine, and Russia, and a little good news about a recent medical discovery to restore our fai...

Feb 26, 202554 min

LIVE from Mexico with Brandi and Catherine Carlile

388. LIVE from Mexico with Brandi and Catherine Carlile A big treat for you! In our first-ever live podcast recording from the Girls Just Wanna Weekend, Glennon and Abby welcome very special guests, Brandi Carlile and Catherine Carlile, to talk about courage, community, and how to approach all of life’s hard things. Plus, a special live performance of the We Can Do Hard Things theme song! -How Brandi and Catherine think about building and joining communities -What the Girls Just Wanna Weekend is...

Feb 25, 20251 hr 20 minSeason 2Ep. 388

Hannah Gadsby: How to Communicate Better (Best Of)

1. Why Hannah describes her later-in-life Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis as “an exfoliation of shame.” 2. How neurodiversity affects Hannah’s relationships–and how she connects to the world through what’s “interesting” instead of what’s “important.” 3. Hannah’s revolutionary commitment to stop using self-deprecating humor about her body, sexuality, and gender–and why we might all consider the same commitment. 4. Why it’s easier for Hannah to share her personal stories “in bulk” on stage inst...

Feb 23, 20251 hr 6 min

Find Your “Tingle” & Live Wild with Justina Blakeney

387. Find Your “Tingle” & Live Wild with Justina Blakeney Multidisciplinary artist and designer – Justina Blakeney – joins Glennon, Abby, and Amanda to discuss living close to one's true self and Justina’s insights on self-expression and creativity. Discover: -How to know whether you’re having a spiritual awakening or a midlife crisis -The beauty of being an outsider -What to do when you get to the goal and say, “Now what?” -How to balance creativity and discipline More on Justina: Justina Blake...

Feb 20, 20251 hrSeason 2Ep. 387

What is Elon Musk Doing to America Today & What Can You Do About it? Calm News with Jessica Yellin

What is Elon Musk Doing to America Today & What Can You Do About It? Calm News with Jessica Yellin Award-winning journalist, Jessica Yellien, is back to walk us through what's going on right now in our country, and call our attention to very serious developments. We also discuss two things you can do to protect democracy and one thing you can do to protect yourself. -The three main theories on why DOGE and Elon Musk are ruthlessly breaking down our government organizations -The reason why all th...

Feb 19, 20251 hr 5 min

How to Talk to Kids About Hard Things: Sonya Renee Taylor

386. How to Talk to Kids About Hard Things: Sonya Renee Taylor Sonya Renee Taylor returns to help us talk to kids about hard things like climate change, racial injustice, and sex. -The three rules to keep in mind when talking to kids about sex or any complex topic -Why sharing reality with your kids protects their self-esteem long-term -How to buy yourself some time when your kid asks you a tough question -The best way to become a reliable narrator and guide for your child Sonya Renee Taylor is ...

Feb 18, 20251 hr 4 minSeason 2Ep. 386

What Your Sign Says About How You Love: Chani Nicholas (Best Of)

1. How to recognize when you’re dysregulated – so you can slow down and help yourself. 2. The beauty and wisdom in being judgmental, and how that saved Chani’s life. 3. The liberating idea that “The things that happened to me weren’t about me.” 4. How to set and trust boundaries in order to finally rest. About Chani: Chani Nicholas is a Los Angeles-based New York Times bestselling author of You Were Born For This: Astrology for Radical Self-Acceptance. She has been a counseling astrologer for mo...

Feb 16, 20251 hr 4 min

The Science of Healing Heartbreak with Florence Williams

385. The Science of Healing Heartbreak with Florence Williams Author and journalist, Florence Williams discusses the science of heartbreak and the key to healing. -The four crucial steps to take when recovering from heartbreak -What is actually happening in our bodies when we are heartbroken -Glennon’s surprising revelations about her own heartbreak -How heartbreak and awe are intrinsically connected Florence Williams is author of "The Nature Fix" and, most recently, Heartbreak: A Personal and S...

Feb 13, 20251 hr 2 minSeason 2Ep. 385

Calm News with Jessica Yellin: Stay Sane AND Informed

Calm News with Jessica Yellin: Stay Sane AND Informed By popular demand, we present Calm News with our dear friend, and Award-Winning Journalist, Jessica Yellin. Together, we explore a new approach to consuming the news that keeps you (and us) informed without winding up our nervous systems. -What to do if you find yourself on “the ride” of the news cycle -Why calming your nervous system before consuming the news is crucial—and an effective way to do it -The two top news stories you need to know...

Feb 12, 20251 hr 4 min

Date Nights: Why they Suck & How to Make them Great

384. Date Nights: Why they Suck & How to Make them Great Glennon, Abby and Amanda delve into the nuances of salvaging a relationship’s spark or excitement and discuss the role of “date nights” in healthy relationships. Discover: -Why “date night” is NOT a panacea; -Jealousy’s role in our relationships; -Why many people have affairs; and -How to “unknow” your partner and what that means. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Le...

Feb 11, 20251 hr 4 minSeason 2Ep. 384

What Anxiety Feels Like (Best Of)

At the end of our first full year together, Glennon, Abby, and Amanda reflect on We Can Do Hard Things, this community, some of their favorite episodes, and they reshare the very first show: 1. The original idea for the podcast and how it’s evolved. 2. Glennon describes how an anxiety attack feels – and the 3 strategies that help her find calm. 3. Amanda shares some special “thank you” messages to Glennon, Abby, and the Pod Squad. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit...

Feb 09, 20251 hr 14 min

Let Our Sundance-Winning Film Remind You What Love Is with Megan Falley

383. Let Our Sundance-Winning Film Remind You What Love Is with Megan Falley Glennon, Abby and Amanda sit down with poet and friend, Megan Falley, to discuss the magic that is their Sundance Award-Winning documentary film, Come See Me in The Good Light. The documentary follows Meg and her partner, Andrea Gibson, as they navigate a year of life, love, and living through an incurable cancer diagnosis. -How to make a gift of your suffering -Why seeing yourself through the loving eyes of another can...

Feb 06, 20251 hr 2 minSeason 2Ep. 383

How to be Sexually Confident with Mae Martin (Best Of)

1. Mae, Glennon, Abby, and Amanda each explore their sexuality by delving into what sexually attracts each of them. 2. The sex-positive way Mae’s parents taught them about sex – and orgasm(!) – and how they never made assumptions about Mae's sexuality. 3. Gender as creative expression and a way to have fun. 4. Simple ways to switch up the monotony of routine; to transform boredom into exploration; and dopamine-infused alternatives for addictive personality types. 5. How fear of abandonment / fea...

Feb 05, 20251 hr 2 min

What If My Partner’s Jokes Hurt My Feelings?

382. What If My Partner’s Jokes Hurt My Feelings? Abby, Amanda, and Glennon get to forget their problems for a while as they answer your questions on relationships and anxiety. -How to know if your words are a hit or a hug -What malicious joking reveals in a relationship -Whether anxiety fuels art -How Amanda and John have identified and dealt with off-limit topics in their marriage If you want to subscribe to our newsletter, click here. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practice...

Feb 04, 202555 minSeason 2Ep. 382

How to Survive This Absurd Life with Samantha Irby (Best Of)

1. Sam’s life-changing strategies for (reluctantly) interacting with humans. 2. How we use humor to hide the lava of rage churning beneath our surface. 3. Sam’s friendship theory and why she doesn’t need a deep soul connection with every “lowercase f friend.” 4. Sam’s embrace of JOMO (Joy of Missing Out)–and why she genuinely believes no one else is having a better time (except maybe Abby). 5. The behind-the-scenes story of the “Fat Babe Pool Party” Shrill show–and why that episode was one of th...

Feb 02, 20251 hr 4 min

Glennon: You Can’t F With Art & Other Parenting Lessons

381. Glennon: You Can’t F With Art & Other Parenting Lessons In the midst of the LA Fires, Glennon, Abby, and Amanda take a moment to pause and reflect on a cozier time. In part two of this holiday discussion Glennon shares the life-changing lesson she got about love, control and parenthood and how that culminated in her gift from Abby. Amanda shares the unexpected way she learned more about her children this holiday season. -Why there is a safety net for your kids—and why (Spoiler Alert) it’s n...

Jan 30, 202551 minSeason 2Ep. 381

How to Find Good Love After Bad with Lily Collins (Best Of)

Today we’re talking about how to build healthy relationships — with ourselves and others — after enduring toxic relationships with both. 1. Signs of emotional toxicity in romantic relationships – and what finally made Lily get out of her unhealthy relationship. 2. How to begin reprogramming your brain after leaving a toxic relationship in order to trust yourself and other people again. 3. The process that caused Lily to become the smallest, quietest version of herself – and how she recovered int...

Jan 29, 20251 hr 10 min

Abby’s Greatest Fear & the One Gift that Freed Her

380. Abby’s Greatest Fear & the One Gift that Freed Her In the midst of the LA Fires, Glennon, Abby, and Amanda take a moment to pause and reflect on a cozier time. They discuss the holiday gift that Abby received that changed her life and shifted her story. -The powerful gift that helped Abby release her fear of hell and reconnect with her brother -The importance of naming and rewriting the stories we tell ourselves in order to change our lives -The role of religious trauma in shaping our world...

Jan 28, 202553 minSeason 2Ep. 380

The Bravest Conversation We’ve Had: Andrea Gibson (Best Of)

In the conversation that’s meant the most to Glennon, Abby, and Amanda – poet and spoken word artist, Andrea Gibson makes the bravest announcement we’ve ever heard. Andrea shares how to boundlessly, relentlessly love our lives by: paying attention to the only thing we can control; letting go of living in fear; and feeling less alone and terrified through it all. CW: Discussion of suicidal ideation About Andrea: Andrea Gibson is one of the most celebrated and influential spoken word artists of ou...

Jan 26, 20252 hr 33 min

Post-Inauguration Family Meeting: How We Will Get Through with Brittney Cooper & Rebecca Traister

379. Post-Inauguration Family Meeting: How We Will Get Through with Brittney Cooper & Rebecca Traister Activists, writers, and organizers – Brittney Cooper and Rebecca Traister – join us to talk about the inauguration and what’s next. They share their thoughts, feelings, and advice on how to survive the next four years. -The historical playbook for what’s happening now and how we can utilize the wisdom of the past -Why you may need to have an adult temper tantrum right now (and how to safely do ...

Jan 23, 20251 hr 8 minSeason 2Ep. 379

Find Your Towanda with Tig Notaro & Stephanie Allynne (Best Of)

1. Tig and Stephanie’s highly effective and hilarious ways to diffuse their marital feuds. 2. Stephanie’s experience figuring out her sexuality (years after she married Tig)–and how Tig knew Stephanie was the one. 3. Why Tig’s deep in “Towanda-ing” right now–and how that affects their marriage. 4. The power of knowing what you DON’T want in your life. 5. Tig, Stephanie, Abby, and Glennon each share something they’ve discovered they don’t want. About Stephanie: Stephanie Allynne is a writer, acto...

Jan 22, 20251 hr 11 min

Are Old Women Really Irrelevant?

378. Are Old Women Really Irrelevant? Glennon, Abby and Amanda are talking with you, Pod Squad, about questions around women and aging and wtf “processing emotions” really means in action. -How becoming useless to the culture will set you free -The truth about how to stop people pleasing once and for all -Personal tips for moving through an emotional wave. AND! If you would like some solicited advice, please reach out: If you have a problem you want to write about, email us at [email protected]...

Jan 21, 20251 hr 3 minSeason 2Ep. 378

Reese Witherspoon on Friendship: What, Like It’s Hard? (Best Of)

1. How to make the first friendship move – and how to move on from a friendship with kindness and clarity. 2. The advice Reese passes down to her kids about the three types of people you meet in life. 3. Reese’s Hollywood experience as a young woman – and the solidarity she found in the Time’s Up movement. 4. How Elle Woods – in all her iconic glory – hilariously showed up while Reese was on real-life jury duty. 5. Where Reese, Abby, and Glennon come down on Glennon’s take that most women feel t...

Jan 19, 202559 min

What Is Intuitive Eating? Evelyn Tribole on Trusting Your Body

377. What Is Intuitive Eating? Evelyn Tribole on Trusting Your Body Glennon and Abby talk to renowned expert, Evelyn Tribole, about the principles of intuitive eating, the roots of diet culture, and the importance of self-trust in eating habits and overall well-being. Discover: -What intuitive eating is and three practical steps you can take to begin; -The true origin of fat phobia & how it may be playing out in your life; -How to re-discover your inner-compass; and -Why understanding your ‘body...

Jan 16, 20251 hr 12 minSeason 2Ep. 377

Double Date with Megan Rapinoe & Sue Bird! (Best Of)

For their first (of hopefully many) podcast double dates, Abby and Glennon sit down with the icons, activists, and Olympians Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird. In this honest and hilarious conversation, we find out: 1. The delightfully awkward moment Megan and Sue first met; 2. What’s hard for each of them right now; 3. The boundaries they’re working on together; 4. How they communicate and deal with jealousy; and 5. How they help each other show up in the world as champions for change. About Sue: Rega...

Jan 15, 20251 hr 19 min

LA Fires: Jessica Yellin Reports From Glennon’s Home

376. LA Fires: Jessica Yellin Reports From Glennon’s Home Jessica Yellin was forced to evacuate the LA Fires, and is sheltering at Glennon and Abby’s home. She sits down with Glennon and Amanda to report what is really going on with the wildfires raging across Los Angeles. -Why there wasn’t enough water to fight the Palisades Fire -How to decide what to put in your “go bag” and how Jessica packed up her house to evacuate -Misinformation and lapses of leadership and what LA needs right now from i...

Jan 14, 20251 hr 13 minSeason 2Ep. 376

How to Be More Alive with Cole Arthur Riley (Best Of)

In this beautiful conversation–in which Glennon names Cole’s book “This Here Flesh” the Next Right Book–we discuss: 1. What we learned from Cole’s insight that, “If you’re not in your body, someone else is.” 2. A mind-blowing revelation about all of our own faces that we will never stop thinking about. 3. Why the phrase “If you don’t believe you’re beautiful, no one else will” is horseshit. 4. Why dignity is the bedrock to being alive–and how to find it when we haven’t been loved well. 5. The co...

Jan 12, 20252 hr 32 min

How to Stop Worrying with Martha Beck

375. How to Stop Worrying with Martha Beck Martha Beck shares more on how to lessen anxiety’s grip by coaching Amanda, Abby and Glennon out of their anxiety spirals. Discover: -How to uncover the heart of your deepest fear -How to tell whether something is truly enlightening or dangerously false -The surprising power of living in a state of “I don’t know” Dr. Martha Beck, PhD, is a New York Times bestselling author, coach, and speaker. She holds three Harvard degrees in social science, and Oprah...

Jan 09, 20251 hr 4 minSeason 2Ep. 375

How to Lose Half of Your Guilt (Best Of)

Glennon, Abby, and Amanda help us shed guilt through a freeing reframe inspired by a conversation with Dr. Becky Kennedy. Listen to learn: How to know what is true guilt and what is just the uncomfortable ickiness of defying expectations; how to hold boundaries in order to live shamelessly within our own values; and how to maintain empathy by staying with our own emotions instead of internalizing the emotions of others. Also, we need your help inventing a word for the “not guilt” feeling! Get Dr...

Jan 08, 202547 min

Life Beyond Anxiety with Martha Beck

374. Life Beyond Anxiety with Martha Beck Martha Beck, bestselling author and life coach, returns to discuss anxiety including actionable strategies for quelling it and achieving a state of calm. This episode is part one of two. Come back next time, to hear Martha coach Amanda, Abby and Glennon out of an anxiety spiral. Discover: -The one powerful question to ask yourself to start breaking free from anxiety -Martha’s surprising take on the antidote to anxiety -The biggest lie anxiety tells us—an...

Jan 07, 202558 minSeason 2Ep. 374