We Can Do Hard Things

Nedra Glover Tawwab, a New York Times best-selling author and licensed therapist, shares her expertise on establishing boundaries and fostering healthy relationships. She identifies five signs of boundary issues and emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our needs. Listeners learn to communicate effectively and exit friendships gracefully. Nedra discusses how to handle passive-aggressive behavior and the delicate balance of love and boundaries, particularly in family dynamics, urging us to embrace our needs without guilt.

Christen Press, a two-time World Cup Champion and co-founder of re—inc, shares powerful insights on balancing personal joy with competitive pressure. She reflects on a poignant moment with Abby, her USWNT roommate, and discusses how to support loved ones without attaching their worth to achievements. The conversation dives into her journey advocating for pay equity in women's sports and the importance of maintaining relationships with those we've lost. Christen emphasizes self-care, activism, and finding joy beyond accolades in both sports and life.

The hosts discuss the deep emotional scars from being left out, sharing personal stories that highlight its lifelong impact. They explore the distinction between fitting in and truly belonging. Insights on how parents can support children through exclusion are shared, emphasizing empathy and communication. Glennon's experience with dissociation as a coping mechanism offers a unique perspective. Comfort items from childhood are revisited as tools for processing feelings of rejection, showcasing resilience in the face of loneliness.

Sara Bareilles, a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and actress, shares her profound journey through music, self-discovery, and mental health. She and Glennon explore the invaluable joys of solitude and the heavy-hearted moments that shape resilience. Sara discusses her experiences with anxiety and depression, revealing how unexpressed needs often fuel her struggles. The conversation celebrates the transformative power of creativity and connecting with one’s inner child, emphasizing the importance of self-care and authentic relationships in overcoming life’s challenges.

The conversation dives into hilarious and heartfelt holiday stories that highlight the chaos of family gatherings. From comical cooking mishaps to a Christmas proposal filled with unexpected antics, laughter is a constant theme. The hosts reflect on the complexities of blended families and the emotional weight of traditions. They also touch on the bittersweet nature of joy and disappointment during the holidays, and share listener anecdotes that embody nostalgia and connection. It's a celebration of love, humor, and the unique dynamics of family life.

Chanel Miller, a celebrated writer and artist known for her memoir *Know My Name*, shares her transformative journey of healing and creativity. She views depression through a unique lens, comparing it to seeing the world through toilet paper roll binoculars. Chanel speaks about defining success as being true to oneself, rather than chasing perfection. A pivotal moment in her healing occurred at Stanford, where sound helped set her free. She also explores the deep connection between art and personal transformation, shedding light on identity challenges and the power of storytelling.

Riley Keough, an Emmy-nominated actress and granddaughter of Elvis Presley, dives deep into her family's legacy and the emotional weight it carries. She discusses co-authoring her mother Lisa Marie's memoir, revealing the intertwining of fame and trauma. Riley reflects on generational grief, addiction, and the complexities of love within her family. With poignant anecdotes, she shares how her experiences have shaped her understanding of resilience and compassion, emphasizing the importance of healing amidst profound loss.

Dr. Robin Stern, co-founder of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and expert on gaslighting, dives deep into identifying gaslighting in relationships. She explains what gaslighting truly is and the three types of gaslighters—the Intimidator, Glamour Gaslighter, and Good Guy Gaslighter. The conversation offers listeners strategies to reclaim their identities and build resilience against manipulation. Personal anecdotes highlight the emotional turmoil caused by gaslighting, empowering individuals to recognize and confront these toxic dynamics.

Patric Gagne, a writer and former therapist diagnosed as a sociopath, shares her journey of understanding sociopathy and its impact on her life as a wife and mother. She reveals the surprising prevalence of sociopathy and argues that it can be a superpower rather than a liability. Gagne contrasts sociopathy with psychopathy, challenging societal stereotypes and emphasizing the need for compassion. Her insights into emotional disconnect and the complexities of empathy add depth to the discussion, advocating for open conversations about emotional experiences.

In this engaging conversation, Tia Levings, New York Times bestselling author of "A Well-Trained Wife," shares her poignant journey of escaping a high-control Christian Fundamentalist cult. She highlights the power of women's storytelling in challenging patriarchal structures. Tia delves into how to reclaim one’s voice and navigate the emotional complexities of leaving abusive environments. She discusses the allure of fundamentalism and offers insights on developing personal agency, the importance of community, and the need for support when breaking free from controlling relationships.