We Can Do Hard Things

247. Kerry Washington on the Family Secret that Shaped Her

Oct 5, 2023

Kerry Washington, actress, shares her personal story of uncovering a shocking family secret and how it led her to reclaim her self-trust. They discuss breaking the cycle of gaslighting, the power of living in truth, and creating an open and honest family culture. The chapter also touches upon reducing plastic waste, expressing gratitude, and empowerment in overcoming challenges.

01:09:18

Episode guests

Kerry Washington

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Uncovering a long-held family secret led Kerry Washington to reclaim her self trust and become the lead character of her own life.

Honesty and unconditional love in family relationships deepen connections and foster growth and acceptance.

Liberation and personal growth can be achieved through truth-telling, leading to a deeper understanding of oneself and improved relationships.

Deep dives

The Power of Sharing Family Secrets

Carrie Washington discusses the impact of family secrets and the importance of bringing them to light. She shares her own experience of uncovering a family secret and how it has shaped her understanding of herself and her relationships.

Introduction

2min

A Funny Incident and Themes of Transparency

14min

The Healing Power of Sharing Family Secrets

2min

Ungaslighting and Generational Learning

17min

Reducing Plastic Waste with Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent

2min

Choosing Truth and Uncovering Secrets

8min

Exploring Secrets and Building Connection

4min

Creating an Open and Honest Family Culture

15min

Expressing Gratitude and Encouragement, Empowerment and Resilience

6min

Kerry Washington shares the deeply personal story of what happened when her parents finally told her the truth about a long-held and shocking family secret:

How uncovering the truth – as painful as it was – led Kerry to reclaim her self trust;
How the revelation made her the lead character of her own life for the first time;
Walking the line between protection and deception;
Breaking the cycle of gaslighting within families; and
How defying her father freed both of them.

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, Washington has been honored as one of TIME Magazine’s 2022 Women of The Year.

Washington released her first memoir, Thicker Than Water, which is on sale now!

TW: @kerrywashington

IG: @kerrywashington

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