We Can Do Hard Things

Ashley C. Ford, a New York Times best-selling memoirist and author of Somebody’s Daughter, shares her insights on finding peace amidst complex family dynamics. She discusses how forgiveness involves accepting our pasts as they are and the importance of recognizing the dual truths of parental love and shortcomings. Ashley reveals her struggles with accepting love from others and highlights how anger can drive us to advocate for children. She emphasizes the necessity of setting boundaries and the impact of storytelling on personal identity.

Discover the freedom that comes from accepting we can't do it all. Hear how Amanda reclaimed her fire through simple changes and navigate the anxieties of returning to normal life. Get inspired by personal anecdotes of community resilience and emotional moments sparked by Adele's music. Engage with listener questions about self-compassion and authenticity in a post-pandemic world. Plus, insights on prioritizing self-care while juggling life's demands and the importance of nurturing mental health.

A heartfelt exploration of love and motherhood takes center stage, with a powerful moment that reshapes definitions of family. The speakers reflect on their inner journeys, emphasizing adventure within, especially during uncertain times. Experiences during the pandemic spark discussions about self-discovery and authenticity. Envy is embraced as a catalyst for growth, revealing hidden desires. The importance of non-traditional relationships and chosen family adds depth, showcasing resilience and freedom in the pursuit of one's true self.

1. Brené and Glennon role play through a scenario on how to put boundaries in practice with family members this holiday season.2. Why Brené insists that starting “a love affair with the thing you’re most afraid of” will change your life.  3. Glennon asks Brené the question she’s been dying to ask about how a woman’s work is defined and received in the world compared to her male counterparts. 4. How understanding that grief and loss are an inevitable part of change helps us navigate toward the decisions that serve us. 5. Brené answers questions from the Pod Squad and our rapid fire session on: tough emotions, tattoos, and her favorite place on Earth.About Brené:Dr. Brené Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston where she holds the Huffington Foundation Endowed Chair at The Graduate College of Social Work. Brené is also a visiting professor in management at The University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business.  She has spent the past two decades studying courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy, is the author of five #1 New York Times bestsellers, and is the host of the weekly Spotify Original podcasts Unlocking Us and Dare to Lead. Brené’s books have been translated into more than 30 languages and titles include:  Dare to Lead, Braving the Wilderness, Rising Strong, Daring Greatly, and The Gifts of Imperfection. Most recently Brené collaborated with Tarana Burke to co-edit You Are Your Best Thing: Vulnerability, Shame Resilience, and the Black Experience. Her TED talk – The Power of Vulnerability – is one of the top five most viewed TED talks in the world with over 50 million views. She is also the first researcher to have a filmed lecture on Netflix. The Call to Courage special debuted on the streaming service in April 2019.  Brené lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband, Steve. They have two children, Ellen and Charlie.Book: Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human ExperienceInstagram: @brenebrownTwitter: @BreneBrown

Brené Brown, a renowned research professor and bestselling author, shares insights on navigating emotions and relationships. She discusses her new book, emphasizing the power of emotional language to foster connections. Brené contrasts feeling stressed versus overwhelmed, offering tools to cope. She also reveals how family survival strategies can be both strengths and hurdles. Listeners learn how to ensure children feel a deep sense of belonging, and the transformative question she now asks herself before making decisions.

Enjoy a humorous Thanksgiving pep talk that embraces authenticity at the holiday table! Discover why everyone should bring their own casserole to family gatherings. Learn to navigate the complex dynamics with in-laws and reflect on how past behaviors predict future interactions. Engage with thought-provoking listener questions about breaking traditions and managing family expectations. Ultimately, find empowerment in self-worth and strategies to foster joyful connections, even amidst the chaos!

1. How our second holiday hack—“Be unsurprised”—eliminates walking on eggshells around family, and leaving holiday gatherings feeling badly about ourselves or our people.  2. Amanda shares the first time she broke her family’s biggest holiday tradition—and how it’s now one of her most precious memories. 3. Abby remembers watching her mom stress out by preparing and perfecting every holiday detail—and the change she made to minimize her own holiday stress.  4. How carrying around a cup of hot tea serves as Glennon’s super shield.

Shalane Flanagan, a retired American marathon champion and elite coach, shares her insights on the emotional rollercoaster of running a marathon. She discusses how marathons reflect life's challenges, emphasizing the balance between runners and cheerers. The heartfelt stories include Abby's running journey and Glennon's profound experience as a cheerleader. They delve into the power of love as motivation and the joy of community support, highlighting how mentorship transforms athletes. Shalane’s dedication to nurturing the running community shines through her coaching and personal anecdotes.

1. Gabrielle shares—as rawly and honestly as we’ve ever heard—about the “emotional chaos” of her years experiencing miscarriage, infertility, and surrogacy.2. Gabrielle and Abby discuss the label and perception of “stepmom”—Gabrielle shares what she avoids at all costs in that role, and the most vital part of the role for her: consistency.3. How Gabrielle coached her NBA husband Dwyane before Zaya shared with him that she is gay, and how his reaction encouraged Zaya to tell the people on her “never-ever” list.4. Gabrielle’s insistence that home is a sanctuary where all are embraced with love, understanding, and joy—and how, if you can’t get behind all of her family members, you’re not welcome.About Gabrielle:Gabrielle Union is an actress, executive producer, activist, best-selling author, and Time100 cover honoree. Union will next be seen in Disney’s remake of CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN developed by Kenya Barris for Disney+. She was last seen in “L.A.’s Finest,” the highly anticipated TV spinoff of the BAD BOYS movie franchise. She reprised her starring role as Syd Burnett opposite Jessica Alba in the series and served as an executive producer through her production shingle “I’ll Have Another.” Union formed “I’ll Have Another” in 2018 with the goal of telling stories that center marginalized communities with their specific point of views in an authentic manner.  In May of 2021, Gabrielle released – in partnership with her husband Dwyane Wade – her second children’s book, “Shady Baby,” which became a New York Times best seller the first week of release. Her first book, We’re Going To Need More Wine: Stories That Are Funny, Complicated and True, was released in 2017 and instantly became a New York Times best seller. The highly anticipated follow up “You Got Anything Stronger?” was released in September of this year and was a New York Times best seller as well.  Union has always had an eye for forward-thinking businesses centered around inclusion, accessibility, and affordability. In August of 2020, she relaunched her haircare brand “Flawless by Gabrielle Union” for women with textured hair. Prior to relaunching Flawless, Union co-founded Bitsy's with the goal of making healthy, allergen- friendly, school-safe snacks that are accessible and affordable for all families regardless of their socioeconomic or geographical status. Union serves as a leader and advocate for inclusion in the entertainment industry. She is also a champion of breast health and combating sexual violence.Instagram: @gabunionTwitter: @itsgabrielleu

1. Why Esther often recommends letter writing if you don’t know quite how to start—or have—hard conversations.  2. What to say—and when to say it—to show up for a friend who is in a bad relationship.3. The importance of rituals in transitioning through breakups—what we should do when it’s time to say goodbye; and what we can do if we’ve never gotten the closure we need.About Esther Perel: 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 City and serves as an organizational consultant for Fortune 500 companies around the world. Her celebrated TED Talks have garnered more than 30 million views and her bestselling books, Mating in Captivity and The State of Affairs, are global phenomena translated into nearly 30 languages. Esther is also an executive producer and host of the popular podcasts Where Should We Begin? and How’s Work? Her latest project is Where Should We Begin - A Game of Stories with Esther Perel.Learn more at EstherPerel.com or by following @EstherPerelOfficial on Instagram.