We Can Do Hard Things

What if the voice telling you there’s something wrong with your body…isn’t actually yours? Carson Tueller joins us for a radically freeing conversation about disability, desire, and refusing to postpone your life until your body becomes something else. After an accident left him paralyzed from the chest down at 23, Carson discovered that much of his suffering wasn’t coming from his body—but from the stories the world had taught him to believe about it. - The question from Carson’s sister that changed the story of his life; - Why your deepest Self will never tell you that you’re broken; - What ableism teaches all of us about which bodies are “good” bodies; - Why Carson says disability led him to the best sex of his life; and - How to stop waiting for your body to change—and start living now. About Carson: Carson Tueller is a coach, speaker and activist whose work provides people with the tools they need to live authentic, fulfilling, and powerful lives. He identifies as queer and disabled. Carson grew up as a…

This life-saving conversation is for anyone who has—or loves someone who has—breasts. Amanda shares what to know about breast density, the screenings you actually need (not just what’s offered), and how self-advocacy helped lead to her own breast cancer diagnosis—and helped save the lives of Pod Squaders who listened to our episodes. Then, Amanda’s renowned surgeon, Dr. Lucy M. De La Cruz, walks us through the choices you may face after a breast cancer diagnosis—including the options you may not even know are options. For more on Amanda’s Breast Cancer journey: - Amanda's Diagnosis and What's Next (Part 1) - Amanda’s Diagnosis and What’s Next (Part 2) - Amanda Returns Post Surgery: Here’s What She Wants You to Know - What Amanda’s Learned About Life, Love & Community (Post Surgery Pt 2) - Early Detection, Mammograms & Breast Cancer Care with Dr. Rachel Brem - Expert Advice on Genetic Testing, Cancer Prevention & Care Disparities with Dr. Rachel Brem About Dr. De La Cruz: Dr. Lucy M. De La Cruz is an…

What if the goal of staying in love isn't getting to know your partner better—but learning how to un-know them? Glennon, Abby, and Amanda discuss why the same old dinner date can leave us feeling stuck, why novelty is one of the biggest predictors of lasting connection, and how small shifts can make your relationship feel new again. - Why date nights aren't enough - The science behind keeping the spark alive - How to create more curiosity, play, and adventure together - The "date bowl" idea you'll want to steal immediately Follow We Can Do Hard Things on: Instagram — ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings⁠

Six minutes on a New York City subway became a Rorschach test for America. Amanda invites Anand Giridharadas back to look beyond the certainty surrounding the Jordan Neely and Daniel Penny case—and toward an uncomfortable truth: We may not be as divided as we think. Across the political spectrum, Americans are crying out with the same fear: No one is coming. We’re on our own. Amanda and Anand dig into how that shared sense of abandonment can push us toward vigilantism, what we lose when we reduce complicated human beings to heroes and villains, and why reclaiming curiosity, complexity, and each other’s humanity might be essential to democracy. About Anand: You know Anand Giridharadas from our WHY ARE BILLIONAIRES?!? episode. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Persuaders, the international bestseller Winners Take All, The True American, and India Calling. A foreign correspondent and columnist for The New York Times for more than a decade, he is an on-air political analyst for MSNBC, and…

Cher is here!! The one and only icon talks to us about love, money, parenting, leaving relationships, starting over, and the secret to surviving life’s inevitable collisions: Don’t give up. Just keep moving. - The advice Lucille Ball gave Cher about leaving Sonny—and Cher later passed on to Tina Turner - Why Cher says, “I wasn’t ready till I was ready” - Her regrets about how she responded when Chaz came out—and what she learned - The iconic story behind “Mom, I am a rich man” - Cher’s bumper-car philosophy for getting through life when you hit a wall Follow We Can Do Hard Things on: Instagram — ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings⁠

Six weeks from the midterm elections, New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur and political leader, Stacey Abrams is here with a clear message: You don’t have to do everything—but you do have to do something. Leader Abrams breaks down where we are in the fight for democracy, what’s at stake in this election, and exactly how each of us can use our power right now. - The 10 steps to authoritarianism—and the 10 steps to fight back - What to do now to make sure your vote is cast and counted - Why the midterms are only the beginning—and what we must do the day after - Abrams’ plan for anyone who has just two hours a week to give - Why we need to stop asking “Is there hope?” and start asking: “Did I do hope today?” Learn more about: 10 Steps Campaign: https://10stepscampaign.org/ Stacey Abrams’ New Book: Coded Justice About Stacey Abrams: STACEY ABRAMS is a New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur and political leader. She served as Minority Leader in the Georgia House of Representatives, and she…

Caregivers, you’re exhausted for a reason—and it’s not because you’re doing it wrong. Ai-jen Poo reveals why so many of us are burning out while caring for kids, aging parents, partners, and everyone in between—and why we were never meant to carry all of this alone. - The real reason caregivers are so burned out - How to care for the people you love without losing yourself - Why the “sandwich generation” is really the panini generation - How to build a “care squad” that actually supports you - Why care is the invisible work that makes everything else possible About Ai-jen: Ai-jen Poo is an award-winning organizer, author, and a leading voice in the women’s movement. She is the President of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, Executive Director of Caring Across Generations, Senior Advisor to Care in Action, Co-Founder of SuperMajority, and a Trustee of the Ford Foundation. Ai-jen is a nationally recognized expert on caregiving, the future of work, and what’s at stake for women of color. She is the author…

What if the secret to moving forward is getting better at letting go of what just happened? Glennon, Abby, and Amanda catch up on empty nesting, parenting, sports, midlife, and the stories we tell ourselves when we mess up—and discover that golf may, unfortunately, be a metaphor for life. - Why we waste so much energy trying to explain or undo our mistakes - Glennon and Abby’s empty-nest question: What do people actually do between dinner and bedtime? - Abby on the skill of feeling your anger, releasing it, and saying: “Okay, next” - The parenting lesson that brought Glennon to tears: “Be the one w Follow We Can Do Hard Things on: Instagram — ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings⁠

What if the key to understanding each other isn’t getting better at talking—but getting better at recognizing how differently our brains work? The brilliant and hilarious Hannah Gadsby joins us to talk about neurodivergence, relationships, shame, and what it really takes to meet people where they are. Hannah shares how a later-in-life autism diagnosis changed the way they understood themself—and why they describe it as an “exfoliation of shame.” - Why neurodivergent and neurotypical people can experience communication so differently - The invisible work of masking—and why a “casual” conversation can feel like a marathon - Why Hannah says we need to stop taking other people’s differences personally - How to better understand and connect with the neurodivergent people we love - Why Hannah stopped using self-deprecating humor—and what happened when they stopped apologizing for who they are About Hannah: Hannah Gadsby stopped stand-up comedy in its tracks with their multi-award-winning show Nanette, which played…

What if the secret to stronger relationships isn’t avoiding conflict—but learning how to do it well? Conflict resolution expert and bestselling author Priya Parker joins us to teach us how to fight with more courage, clarity, and love—and how to know which relationships are actually worth the fight. - Why “we never fight” can be a warning sign, not a relationship goal - The difference between unhealthy peace and healthy heat - How to know when to confront, when to let go, and when to walk away - The simple rule that can make a hard conversation easier to hear: name the behavior, not the person - Why the relationships with the most depth often require some heat—and why fighting well can bring us closer For more, listen to: 256. How to Host a Magical Gathering with Priya Parker 163. How to Make Wrongs Right with Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg About Priya: PRIYA PARKER is a facilitator, strategic advisor, and acclaimed author of The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters. Trained in the field of conflict…

Today, we remember Gloria Steinem—a woman who spent her life reminding us that we are not broken, just born into systems designed to break us. She taught us how to stay whole anyway, how to tell the truth, get free, find our people, get to work—and laugh while we work. Gloria showed us how to lead. Our turn. Gloria, Gloria, Hallelujah.

Heartbreak isn't just happening in your mind—it's happening in your body. In this Best Of conversation, science journalist Florence Williams joins us to discuss what heartbreak does to our brains, bodies, and nervous systems—and the surprising science behind healing. We explore why awe, beauty, and nature may be some of our most powerful medicines when life breaks us open. - What heartbreak actually does to your body - Why loneliness can make us physically sick - The surprising connection between awe and healing - How nature helps regulate our nervous systems - Simple practices to feel more alive after loss About Florence: Florence Williams is author of "The Nature Fix" and, most recently, Heartbreak: A Personal and Scientific Journey. Florence explores the connections between humans and the natural world, and reveals the profound psychological and physiological benefits of rewilding our lives. Follow We Can Do Hard Things on: Instagram — ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings⁠

If you've been living inside your head lately, this conversation is for you. Glennon, Abby, and Amanda talk about the exhausting mental chatter that keeps so many of us anxious, overwhelmed, and disconnected from our lives. Glennon shares the surprising shift that helped her stop trusting every thought she had—and start finding a steadier place beneath the noise. - Why you are not your thoughts - Glennon's #1 sanity strategy - The "touch tree" practice for staying grounded - How Amanda stopped accepting assignments from strangers - The wedding-week rule that changed everything for Glennon and Abby Follow We Can Do Hard Things on: Instagram — ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings⁠

Today, we remember the one and only Dolly Parton. Dolly gave the world so much: her music, her humor, her generosity, her courage, and her unwavering commitment to being exactly who she was—and letting everyone else be exactly who they are, too. We feel incredibly lucky to have had this conversation with her about trusting yourself even when it breaks your heart, beginning again at any age, mothering the world, and living a life of many colors. We love you, Dolly. Thank you for showing all of us how to be more ourselves on purpose. Follow We Can Do Hard Things on: Instagram — ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings⁠

Good Grief, the album, is out everywhere this Friday, and the documentary comes to theaters nationwide September 2! Our dear friend Sara Bareilles joins us to talk about Good Grief—her deeply personal new album and documentary—and what she’s learning about grief, love, mental health, and the terrifying practice of trusting life to hold us. Sara shares how infertility, loss, and some of her hardest moments became music; why grief might be love that has everywhere to go; and what becomes possible when we stop trying to fix ourselves and start telling the truth. -Why Sara says avoiding pain doesn’t work: “It hurts anyway.” - Sara on mental health, the fear of being “too much,” and learning to trust that life will hold her -The unexpected connection between Sara’s infertility journey, Andrea Gibson, and the creation of Good Grief -The stories and meaning behind the songs and lyrics including what it means to “worship your weather” instead of fearing your feelings For everything Good Grief—the new album,…

As another school year begins, many of us are wondering if we're doing enough to prepare our kids for the world. But maybe the most important thing we can give them isn't in a backpack. Maybe it's our willingness to have the conversations we're most afraid of. Sonya Renee Taylor reminds us that our kids don't need perfect answers—they need honest, trustworthy adults who are willing to tell the truth, stay curious, and keep learning alongside them. Because our job isn't to protect our children from reality. It's to help them meet reality without losing themselves. - How to talk to your kids about sex, climate change, injustice, and other hard topics - Why becoming a "reliable narrator" matters more than being a perfect parent - The simple way to respond when you don't know the answer - Why your own growth is one of the greatest gifts you can give your kids About Sonya: Sonya Renee Taylor is a New York Times best-selling author of seven books, transformational thought leader, world-renowned activist, artist,…

Who invented gender? Who decided the rules, wrote the script, and convinced us it was all just…nature? Amanda traces the wild history of how gender became a system we call “natural,” “biological,” and “just the way it is.” Then ALOK joins to help us see the game we’ve been playing without even knowing it—and imagine what becomes possible when we stop mistaking the rules for reality. Together, they discuss the history we’ve forgotten, the freedom we’ve been denied, and the beauty, weirdness, and possibility waiting for us outside the boxes. - Why pink was once for boys—and what that reveals about the “natural” rules of gender - How property, inheritance, religion, science, and power helped construct the gender binary - Why attacks on trans people are a threat to everyone’s freedom - The difference between fitting into the world and freely inventing your life - Why ALOK says we don’t need more great thinkers—we need great lovers For more ALOK on We Can Do Hard Things: 74. ALOK: What makes us beautiful? What…

So many of us are carrying the weight of uncertainty—about our families, our futures, our work, and our communities. Underneath all of that is something we don't talk about nearly enough: money. Financial educator Tori Dunlap helps us untangle the stories we've inherited about money and replace shame with something far more powerful: agency. Because the goal isn't wealth for wealth's sake—it's freedom. The freedom to leave what harms us, support what matters, and take care of ourselves and the people we love. - Why women are taught to feel shame about money—and how to unlearn it - The hidden money stories that may be shaping your life - Why financial freedom is really about choices, safety, and agency - Simple first steps to build a healthier relationship with money About Tori: Tori Dunlap is the Author of the instant New York Times bestselling book “Financial Feminist”; host of the #1 Business Podcast, Financial Feminist; and co-creator of Treasury, an investing education platform that has over $82M…

If you've ever climbed into bed exhausted only to lie awake for hours, you're not alone. After experiencing chronic insomnia, Glennon found the two sleep experts who helped her sleep again. In this conversation, Sleep Works founders Leah Corkum and Marlee Boyle explain why insomnia isn't a personal failure—it's a treatable sleep disorder—and share the practical strategies that could change your life. - Why "luging" is different from simply being tired - The surprising reason trying harder to sleep often makes insomnia worse - The four strategies that helped Glennon improve her sleep cycles. - Why Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia is considered essential treatment For more on Sleep Works, go to https://www.sleep-works.com/, and follow @sleep_works. Marlee Boyle: Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT); Certified in Clinical Sleep Health (CCSH); BSc Biology Marlee is a registered respiratory therapist, certified in clinical sleep health. Her interests include treating sleep disordered breathing, CBT for…

Sometimes the hardest thing isn't working harder—it's remembering how to be alive. After Abby and Glennon stage a Relaxation Intervention for Amanda (which immediately goes off the rails), the conversation becomes something much deeper: why so many of us struggle to rest, why we've negotiated away our playful selves in the name of responsibility, and how over-functioning can keep us from fully living. - Why so many of us don't know how to relax—and what that's really about - How over-functioning and perfectionism disconnect us from ourselves - The surprising moments that bring us back to joy, play, and connection - Why life isn't waiting on the other side of your to-do list - A simple "proof of life" practice to help you feel more human Follow We Can Do Hard Things on: Instagram — ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings⁠

Sometimes the truth doesn't break a family apart—it finally sets everyone free. Kerry Washington shares the deeply personal story of discovering a long-held family secret, reclaiming her self-trust, and realizing she had spent years living someone else's story. We talk about what family secrets cost us, the difference between protection and deception, and why telling the truth can become the deepest act of love. About Kerry: Kerry Washington is an Emmy-winning, SAG, and Golden Globe-nominated actor, director, producer, and activist. Washington received widespread recognition for her role as Olivia Pope in the hit drama Scandal. In 2016, Washington launched her production company Simpson Street, whose projects include Confirmation, “American Son”, Emmy award-winning, “Live in Front of a Studio Audience”, The Fight, and Little Fires Everywhere. Washington is a lifelong activist and founder of Influence Change (IC21), an initiative that partners with nonprofits to increase voter turnout. For her efforts,…

How much of loving someone is accepting them exactly as they are—and how much is asking them to grow? Relationship expert Dr. Alexandra Solomon unpacks the "Changer" and "Accepter" dynamic that shows up in nearly every relationship, revealing why our biggest conflicts are rarely about the dishes, the phones, or the therapy. They're about our deepest fears, oldest wounds, and longing to be seen and loved. - Whether you're the Changer or the Accepter in your relationships - What your biggest relationship fights are really about - How childhood patterns shape the way you love - When to ask for change—and when to choose acceptance - How to stop fighting and start understanding each other About Alexandra: Alexandra H. Solomon, PhD, is internationally recognized as one of today’s most trusted voices in the world of relationships, and her framework of Relational Self-Awareness has reached millions of people around the globe. A licensed clinical psychologist in private practice, couples therapist, speaker, author,…

Remember Beige Flags? Today we’re celebrating the quirky little habits that aren't red flags or green flags—just delightfully... huh? In this laugh-out-loud Best Of, Glennon, Abby, and Amanda confess their own wonderfully weird behaviors, react to your funniest Beige Flags, and remind us that nobody is normal—and that's exactly what makes us lovable. - What Beige Flags are—and why everyone has them - Glennon's quest to finally feel "comfortable" - Why Abby sounds like she's from yonder yore (and answers banana phones) - Amanda's legendary collection of washed-out Ziploc bags - The funniest listener Beige Flags—and whether they're secretly red or green Follow We Can Do Hard Things on: Instagram — ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings⁠

Some days, survival looks less like hope and more like finding something to laugh about. The brilliant Samantha Irby joins us for a hilarious, wise, and unexpectedly comforting conversation about making it through absurd times. Sam shares her philosophy for getting through life one bearable five-minute stretch at a time, why humor is often hiding something deeper, and the simple strategies that help her navigate people, friendship, and the chaos of being human. - Why laughter can be a survival skill - Sam's life-changing strategies for dealing with humans - The "lowercase-f friend" theory that will free your relationships - Why JOMO (Joy of Missing Out) might be the key to happiness About Samantha: Samantha Irby writes the "Bitches Gotta Eat" blog, and is the author of WOW, NO THANK YOU; WE ARE NEVER MEETING IN REAL LIFE; and MEATY. She has been a writer and/or co-producer for TV shows including And Just Like That, Work in Progress, Shrill, and Tuca & Bertie. Follow We Can Do Hard Things on: Instagram —…

Abortion isn't just about abortion—it’s about everything. It's about who gets to decide the course of a woman's life. It's about healthcare, democracy, power, freedom, and the stories we've been taught to believe. In this can’t-miss conversation, Amanda traces the shocking history of abortion in America—from witch hunts to medical monopolies to the political strategy that transformed abortion into a partisan weapon. Then journalist and activist Jessica Valenti joins to expose what extremists are doing now, why these attacks were never really about abortion, and why she refuses to believe they're winning. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, confused, or hopeless about this moment, this episode will give you something even more powerful than outrage: clarity. - How abortion became a political weapon—and what it's really about. - Why abortion bans haven't reduced abortions. - How attacks on abortion threaten all reproductive healthcare. - The hidden strategies extremists are using now—and how to recognize them. -…

Ina Garten has spent a lifetime proving that joy is anything but frivolous. In this heartwarming conversation, the Barefoot Contessa shares how following curiosity instead of convention helped her build a life—and career—she never imagined. Plus, the unforgettable story of how Abby Wambach ended up playing beer pong with Ina Garten at a Taylor Swift party. - Why following what feels fun can change your life - How to quiet your inner critic and stop settling - Ina's secret to hosting a dinner party everyone will love - The surprising lesson behind her decades-long marriage About Ina: Ina Garten has hosted her Emmy and James Beard Award winning show, Barefoot Contessa, on the Food Network since 2002 and recently launched a new interview focused series, Be My Guest, with Food Network and discovery+. She has published thirteen cookbooks, including eleven #1 New York Times bestsellers. In 2015 Ina Garten was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People. She lives in East Hampton, New York with her…

What happens when life suddenly gets quieter? Glennon, Abby, and Amanda check in on the big transitions happening in their own lives—from the emotions of becoming empty nesters to the unexpected opportunities that come with a brand new season. Plus, they're answering Pod Squad questions you won't want to miss—including one unforgettable call from Sexy Sue that sparks a hilarious and thoughtful conversation about dating, relationships, and when (and if) we need to DTR. We talk about what it means to let go of old roles, embrace uncertainty, and ask the question many of us are facing: Who do I get to become next? - The grief—and unexpected freedom—of becoming an empty nester. - Why midlife can be the perfect time to reinvent yourself, your friendships, and your relationships. - Abby's advice for navigating competition in a blended family without losing sight of what matters most. - A challenge to stop obeying unfair rules in advance—and the power of everyday acts of resistance. Follow We Can Do Hard Things on:…

What if the things that happened to you weren't about you? In this beloved conversation, astrologer Chani Nicholas helps us understand why we react the way we do, how childhood survival strategies shape our adult lives, and what it takes to become better partners to ourselves. Together, we explore dysregulation, boundaries, healing, and the liberating possibility that self-awareness can set us free. - How to recognize when you're dysregulated—and help yourself in the moment - The freeing truth that "the things that happened to me weren't about me" - Why the rules that kept you safe as a child may be keeping you stuck as an adult - How to set boundaries, trust yourself, and finally rest - What astrology can reveal about your relationships and patterns 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 more than 20 years, guiding her community of over 1 million monthly…

Pod Squad: Please note, this episode was recorded before the trump red card scandal. We were younger, then - and filled with hope. Today, it’s a Welcome to the Party and We Can Do Hard Things World Cup crossover! If anyone can help the Pod Squad understand why the World Cup has completely taken over the world, it's these two legends. Abby and Julie Foudy—World Cup champions, teammates, and two of the greatest soccer minds in the game—break down everything you need to know, from red cards and flopping to knockout rounds, unforgettable stories, and why this tournament has the power to bring people together. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just World Cup-curious, this is your starter pack for the beautiful game. - Why the World Cup is the biggest sporting event on Earth—and why it means so much to so many people - The soccer rules everyone pretends to understand (offside, cards, flopping, and more) - How the US men's success directly benefits the US women's national team - Plus: Abby and Julie put Glennon and…

Sometimes, when everything feels too big, the thing that brings us back to ourselves is surprisingly small: a paw on our lap, a face waiting at the door, a creature who reminds us that we are still here and still capable of love. In this delightfully funny and tender conversation, Glennon, Abby, and Amanda consider whether our beloved animals offer the closest thing we ever experience to unconditional love. Amanda shares how Séamus arrived in her life and ruined her religion of the spreadsheet. Glennon explains why Honey and Hattie are the only "people" who truly understand her. And Abby reveals how a hamster named Biscuit somehow snuck past every boundary and straight into her heart. Follow We Can Do Hard Things on: Instagram — ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings⁠

America is watching Black political power come under attack in real time—but this story didn't start with today's headlines. In this urgent conversation, Amanda sits down with Tennessee Representative Justin J. Pearson to unpack the centuries-old playbook of minority rule: how powerful elites divide us, redraw the maps, and rig the system to hold onto power. Amanda traces the hidden history—from Reconstruction to today's gerrymandering battles—to reveal why Black political power has long been the greatest threat to oligarchy. Then, Representative Justin J. Pearson shares what he's witnessing on the ground in Tennessee, where attacks on Black representation are reshaping democracy in real time. We explore how communities can organize, build power, and fight back—and why hope remains a discipline, even now. - Why attacks on Black political power are really about protecting elite minority rule- How racialized redistricting is reshaping the South and the upcoming midterms - Why the Voting Rights Act became a…

If you dare to create something, say something, do something, or be something, criticism is coming. In this episode, Glennon shares her "Sort Your Mail" strategy for handling criticism without letting it quiet you. Learn how to separate the feedback that can help you grow from the noise that was never meant for you in the first place—and how to keep showing up, using your voice, and staying in the arena of your own life. -Why criticism feels so threatening—and why that's not a personal failure -How to tell the difference between helpful feedback and junk mail -The unique ways women are criticized for speaking up Follow We Can Do Hard Things on: Instagram — ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings⁠

In a world that wants us to move faster, produce more, and live entirely in our heads, Kaitlin Curtice offers a different path: remembering who we are. Drawing on Indigenous wisdom, Kaitlin shares practical ways to reconnect with our bodies, our younger selves, each other, and the Earth. We discuss how trauma disconnects us from ourselves, why presence is a radical act of resistance, and how healing begins when we remember that we are not machines—we are human beings. - How trauma and disconnection pull us out of our bodies—and how to find our way back- Why asking "What does ‘Little You’ need right now?" can be a powerful healing practice- Simple ways to reconnect with nature, presence, and yourself—including talking to your houseplants- The lasting impact of purity culture, colonization, and assimilation on our sense of self- Everyday acts of resistance that help us reclaim what we've lost About Kaitlin: Kaitlin Curtice is an award-winning author, poet-storyteller, and public speaker. As an enrolled citizen…

In a moment when everything feels urgent, this conversation with boundary expert Nedra Glover Tawwab is your reminder: you can care deeply about the world without abandoning yourself. Because burnout isn’t always a personal failure. Sometimes it’s just a boundary that hasn’t been spoken yet. Nedra helps us rethink boundaries—not as walls, but as instructions for how to love and be loved without disappearing. We talk about resentment, overfunctioning, people pleasing, and why all humans are gloriously, beautifully needy. If you’re exhausted, stretched thin, or carrying too much: this one is for you. - The five signs you might have a boundary problem - Why we all need to stop pretending we’re “not needy” - How to stop arguing like a lawyer and start communicating like a kindergartener: “That hurt. I don’t like that. I need this.” - How to know when to end an argument, exit a friendship, and respond to passive aggressiveness About Nedra: Nedra Glover Tawwab is the author of the New York Times bestsellers Drama…

The stress, fear, and uncertainty of the world right now are seeping into our closest relationships. When collective pain goes unprocessed, it often shows up as distance, resentment, or disconnection with the people we love most — at a time when we need closeness more than ever. In this conversation, Esther Perel helps us understand how stress and trauma drain our relationships of aliveness and desire, why resentment grows when life becomes all duty and efficiency, and how to stay connected and loving in hard times. - Why your relationship isn’t broken — it’s exhausted- How resentment grows when efficiency replaces intimacy- Why desire disappears under responsibility - Why your partner can’t be your whole village- What “behind every criticism is a longing” really means About Esther: Psychotherapist and New York Times bestselling author Esther Perel is recognized as one of today’s most insightful and original voices on modern relationships. Fluent in nine languages, she helms a therapy practice in New York…

Today we’re talking about the thing underneath everything: our feelings—and how hard we work to avoid them. Why is it easier to get mad than admit we’re scared? Why can a feeling that lasts 90 seconds keep us stuck for hours (or years)? And why does it so often feel like everyone else is doing life better than we are? We get into anger as a mask, anxiety spirals, the “loser” feeling no one wants to admit, and the relationship dynamics—hello, chooser vs. follower—that shape how we show up with the people we love. This one is about stopping the spin… and coming back to yourself. - Why anger is often covering something deeper - The “90-second feeling” and how to let it pass - How overthinking keeps you stuck in anxiety - Why comparison makes you feel like you’re failing - Relationship patterns that quietly take over Also listen to: The 90 Second Rule: Feel Your Feelings. Follow We Can Do Hard Things on: Instagram — ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings⁠

This conversation will stay with you. When Glennon and her son Chase sit down with his hero, Ocean Vuong, something shifts: mothering reveals itself as more than a role—it’s a force that finds our kids through books, voices, and people who see them when we can’t. A raw, beautiful conversation about raising boys, surviving what shapes us, and the quiet truth every parent carries: we don’t do this alone. - How art and connection can “mother” us - What boys are taught about survival—and how that’s changing - The moment a child feels truly seen - How grief opens us to deeper human connection - Gratitude for the ones who help raise our kids About Ocean: Ocean Vuong, author of the critically acclaimed poetry collection Night Sky with Exit Wounds, and the New York Times bestselling novel On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous is a recipient of the 2019 MacArthur "Genius Grant" and the winner of the Whiting Award and the T. S. Eliot Prize. In Time Is a Mother, Ocean's newest poetry collection available now, he reckons with…

Why is he building a massive secret bunker?!?! In today’s jaw-dropping deep dive, Amanda follows the money—and the secrets—behind a $400 million White House ballroom, and what is hiding beneath it. What starts as a flashy construction project unravels into a story about power, secrecy, and the dangerous things that happen when no one is watching. With democracy advocate Jon Golinger, Amanda goes past the headlines to ask the real question: What is this really about—and who is paying for it? - Why the “ballroom” might not be about a ballroom at all - The shocking discovery of a massive underground bunker—and why it matters - How anonymous corporate ballroom “donors” may be shaping government decisions - What happens when oversight disappears—and who pays the price - The bigger question: What are we being told and what’s being hidden This one isn’t just about politics. It’s about truth, power, and what we’re willing to question. Also: In this episode, Jon talks about a hotline run by House Democrats for…

Today, we’re sharing our conversation with poet Ross Gay, who reminds us that joy isn’t denial—it’s connection. Not a way out of the world, but a way back into it. Together, we explore how to keep noticing what’s still beautiful, how to rebuild our “delight muscle,” and why witnessing someone else’s joy might be exactly what brings us back to ourselves. - Why joy is evidence of connection—not escapism - How to rebuild your “delight muscle” (even when it feels gone) - The surprising power of witnessing someone else’s joy - Why “unknowing” the people you love can deepen connection - Small, daily practices to feel less alone and more alive About Ross: Ross Gay is an American poet, essayist, and professor committed to healing the world through observing and articulating joy, delight and gratitude. He won the National Book Critics Circle Award for Poetry and the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award for his 2014 book, Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude, which was also a finalist for the National Book Award for Poetry. A…

We woke up to a Webby — and instead of just celebrating, we started asking: What does it mean to actually use your voice right now? Today, we’re talking about what building Treat Media has really meant — why we chose to go independent, what we’ve gained (and risked), and why having no middleman changes everything about what we can say and how we can say it. And make sure you’ve listened to Tuesday’s episode: Who is Enabling Trump? Amanda & (Our Next Pres?) Rep. Ro Khanna Name the Culprits and the Plan. We dig into Amanda’s conversation with Rep. Ro Khanna — what we agreed with, what left us unsettled, and the bigger truth underneath it all: Why aren’t the people in power doing the jobs they swore to do? This episode is about freedom, accountability, and what happens when you stop playing along. - Why going independent, and creating Treat Media, changed everything for us - What winning a Webby means — and what it doesn’t - Why “good people” isn’t the same as good leadership Follow We Can Do Hard Things on:…

Amanda is joined by Congressman Ro Khanna for a no-spin, call-it-like-it-is conversation about the dumpster fire of Trump and Congress. We already know who Trump is. The more urgent question is—why is Congress too cowardly to do its job to stop him? Amanda and Rep. Khanna dig into: – How both parties are failing us; – The big, dark money that is shaping their cowardice; – Which Democratic leaders need to go; – The midterm election interference we know is coming (and the plan to combat it); – What gives Rep. Khanna hope about a new generation of leadership; and – Some exciting speculation about the 2028 Presidential campaign. This conversation is about moving past outrage and into action. What we demand. What we expect. And what must change. About Ro Khanna: A leader of action, courage and candor, Rep. Ro Khanna represents California’s 17th District and represents what is possible when an elected has a backbone and cares more about their duty than their next election. If you’ve been following my series here,…

Today we’re sharing our electric conversation with Jane Fonda. This one feels especially right for this moment—because so many of us are asking the same questions Jane has been answering with her life: How do we keep aging without disappearing? How do we stay awake—to our bodies, to each other, to the truth—when everything feels so chaotic and overwhelming? Jane reminds us that getting older doesn’t mean getting quieter—it can mean getting whole. Not perfection, but integration. Not waiting until you have it all figured out—but showing up as you are and doing your part. - How she left her body as a child—and found her way back decades later - Why the goal isn’t perfection—it’s becoming whole - What she’s learned about love, power, and choosing herself - How she kept showing up through backlash, surveillance, and public attacks - Why you don’t have to be ready—you just have to begin About Jane: Jane Fonda is a two-time Academy Award-winning actor (Best Actress in 1971 for Klute and in 1978 for Coming Home),…

The world is on fire—but we still have each other. This week, Glennon, Abby, and Amanda step away from the overwhelm to talk about what actually holds us: love, family, friendship, and truth. From their Oscars experience to a listener's question about divorce, kids, and staying in love, this episode is about staying soft while doing hard things. - Why losing the Oscar still felt like winning - What kids really need when they sense change at home - The difference between leaving a relationship and giving up on love - How to tell the truth (even when it’s hard) - Why it’s time to get off the shore and into the boat Follow We Can Do Hard Things on: Instagram — ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings⁠

Pod Squad, we’ve been doing a lot of hard things—so today, in the midst of all of it, we’re offering a little comic relief to keep us laughing, keep us dancing, keep us going. In this episode, we’re sharing our most mortifying, cringe-inducing, please-let-me-disappear moments… along with your voicemail confessions that had us cry-laughing and peeing our pants in solidarity. We promise you: you need this. We needed this. - Glennon, Abby, and Amanda share their most humiliating, unforgettable stories - Pod Squad voicemail confessions that will make you laugh until you cry - Why normalizing our worst moments is the antidote to shame - Our new go-to strategy for surviving humiliation (spoiler alert, it involves a prosthetic penis) Follow We Can Do Hard Things on: Instagram — ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings⁠

It's birthday month for Glennon and Amanda, and if you’ve ever had a birthday that made you want to crawl into bed and also throw a parade and also cry in the shower and also text every person you’ve ever loved like: ARE WE OKAY?—welcome. You are among your people. Because birthdays are not just cake day. Birthdays are a spotlight. A pop quiz. A referendum on: Do I matter? Am I loved? Am I seen? And if the answers don’t arrive in the exact form we imagined—texts, plans, enthusiasm, proof—our brains go: Welp. That’s that. In this episode, we’re trying to name why birthdays bring so many feels—and how to make them suck less. - Why birthdays can feel like a setup for disappointment - Glennon, Abby, and Amanda’s best, worst, and most revealing birthday stories - Why birthdays can feel like a test of your worth, love, and belonging - How to drop the secret tests and actually ask for what you want - Simple ways to celebrate each other all year so no one is waiting one day to feel loved Follow We Can Do Hard Things…

We’re told this is about bad guys, nuclear threats, and national security. History—and this moment—tell a different story. In this You’re Not Gonna Believe This Bullshit episode, Amanda traces America’s regime change playbook—then sits down with investigative journalist, co-founder of Drop Site News, Jeremy Scahill to break down what's really driving the current wars in Iran and Gaza. - Trump launching strikes on Iran amid disputed “nuclear threat” claims - The coordination of war decisions with Netanyahu—and why that matters - Kushner’s role in Gaza reconstruction plans that look a lot like real estate development - “Negotiations” with Iran happening alongside military escalation - The long history of regime change—and who actually benefits If it feels chaotic, it’s not. It’s a pattern. About Jeremy: Jeremy Scahill is co-founder of Drop Site News. He was previously a Senior Correspondent and Editor-at-Large at The Intercept and is one of the three founding editors of The Intercept. He is an investigative…

In this deeply moving — and one of our all-time favorite — conversations, we take a beautiful, funny, honest dive inside the “wonderful, dangerous” mind of Tracee Ellis Ross. As the world asks us to stay engaged without burning out, Tracee offers a powerful model for how to show up fully without losing yourself. This conversation is about love — not just romantic love, but the kind that changes everything: choosing yourself, holding fast to joy, building deep connection, and being in charge of your own life. Tracee reflects on approaching 50 and what it means to step into a new decade rooted in freedom, depth, and aliveness — not hustle. She shares the unforgettable story of her 50th birthday, standing in her mother’s dress, surrounded by her cauldron people, and singing, “I’m 50 and I’m free.” A true lighthouse moment for all of us learning how to stay whole while we show up. -Tracee’s go-to tools for quieting self-doubt and staying tethered to her truest self-How she made peace with not being everyone’s…

Meggan Watterson joins Glennon and Abby for an urgent, unfiltered conversation about how to stay human in infuriating times. They discuss sacred rage as a form of love, why trusting our inner knowing matters more than ever, and what it means to stop waiting for institutions—or men—to tell us we’re worthy. They also unpack the moment we’re in—from the Epstein files and Deepak Chopra’s presence in them to the misogyny behind the U.S. Men’s Hockey Team’s comments about the women’s team—and ask what women do when the systems meant to protect people fail. Plus: Meggan shares the historical acts of resistance inspiring her right now, the story of Mary Magdalene and believing women (and ourselves), and the question guiding her days: How do women pray when the world is on fire? For more We Can Do Hard Things with Meggan Watterson, check out: Women’s Voices So Dangerous They Buried Them About Meggan: Meggan Watterson is the author of The Girl Who Baptized Herself and the Wall Street Journal bestselling Mary Magdalene…

This is one of the bravest, most life-changing conversations we’ve ever had on this podcast. In this unforgettable episode, beloved poet and activist Andrea Gibson joins us to share news they had just received: that their cancer was incurable. What you will hear is not despair — you will hear the sound of a human being choosing, moment by moment, to stay awake to love, to beauty, and to what is still astonishing right now. This conversation changed us forever. It transformed how we understand fear, mortality, and what it means to truly be alive. There is also a powerful full-circle moment: director and producers Ryan White and Jess Hargrave listened to this very episode on a flight — and by the time they landed, they knew they had to make the documentary Come See Me in the Good Light, which is now nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the Academy Awards. This episode includes honest discussion of illness, death, and suicidal ideation. Please take care as you listen. What Andrea offers us here is a…

Megan Falley takes over the mic to interview Glennon, Abby, and Sara Bareilles about Come See Me In the Good Light—their Oscar-nominated documentary honoring poet Andrea Gibson and the last year Meg and Andrea spent together. They each share why they said yes to the project, how the film changed the way they understand love, grief, and being fully alive, and why this isn’t a story about death—it’s a story about living more vibrantly right now. Come See Me in the Good Light premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Festival Favorite Award, and has since been named one of the National Board of Review’s Top 5 Documentaries of the year, earning major honors including nominations at the Satellite Awards and Film Independent Spirit Awards. Now nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary — to be presented Sunday, March 15 — Come See Me in the Good Light can be streamed on Apple TV. For more episodes with our friends, Andrea, Meg, and Sara, check out: The Bravest Conversation We’ve Had:…