We Can Do Hard Things

Aubrey Gordon, activist and author, discusses anti-fat bias, employment disparities, healthcare, and parenting. She explores concern trolling, the roots of thinness, and how our culture perpetuates anti-fatness. The podcast also covers the harm and false promises of the diet industry, the dark intentions of the BMI, insurance company manipulations, healthcare bias, and reframing body image conversations.

Jenny Odell, a multidisciplinary artist, discusses breaking from the attention economy to feel fully alive. She shares stories of encounters with nature, valuing creativity over productivity, being less useful to survive, the real reason for art and rest, and staying human in a world that wants us to become machines.

In this podcast, the hosts share heartwarming and hilarious holiday stories. They talk about special holiday memories and reflect on their significance. Listeners share funny mishaps and surprises, including a humorous holiday proposal interrupted by an 88-year-old great-grandmother. The importance of reaching out to those feeling lonely during the holidays is also discussed.

Author and cultural observer, Roxane Gay, explores the line between constructive criticism and online toxicity. They discuss the challenges of staying human in an online world that demands perfection and the importance of redemption. They also touch on the appeal of low-stakes hobbies and navigating the fear of losing identity on social media.

The podcast explores bringing our full selves into relationships, overcoming fear of rejection, and embracing all emotions. It discusses toxic positivity, the power of authentic communication, and the transformative power of emotional intimacy. It also touches on the meaning of jewelry and emotional experiences of empty nesters. The hosts challenge the concept of positivity and emphasize the importance of facing emotions and uncertainty.

Abby opens up about starting therapy and expressing uncomfortable emotions. She explores her fear of being abandoned if she shows her true self. The episode discusses the impact of childhood messages, difficulty trusting others, and equating anger with not being okay. Abby reflects on her longing to truly love herself and the challenges she faces. The speakers also discuss therapy benefits, setting boundaries, and the fear of alienating loved ones. They explore the impact of suppressed emotions, struggles with self-love, and the importance of personal growth.

Nadia Bolz-Weber, a pastor and author, discusses how she found healing and the power of forgiveness. She shares her journey to choosing romantic love from freedom, the importance of pain in healing, and a blessing for queer people. The podcast also explores societal pressures on masculinity, accepting others, understanding women in prison, and the concept of being enough.

Priya Parker teaches how to create new gathering rituals that forge truer, deeper relationships. Topics include the importance of meaningful gatherings, creating alternative gatherings, the significance of a specific purpose in hosting a gathering, being a good host, creating equalizing structures, the transformative power of hosting, and the importance of gathering and vulnerability.

In this podcast, Glennon shares stories of recovery from anorexia and its impact on her. The hosts discuss their journey of recovery, the significance of travel experiences, and embracing aging and self-expression. They also explore self-image, identity, authenticity, and personal growth, while reflecting on plastic pollution and gratitude.

Legendary country singer-songwriter, Dolly Parton, joins Glennon Doyle on this heartfelt episode. They discuss starting new ventures, motherhood, and the heartbreak of rejecting Elvis. Dolly shares advice for an aspiring musician and talks about her upcoming book and rock album. They also delve into defying expectations, perseverance, and the importance of embracing both joy and pain.