We Can Do Hard Things

1. How to recognize when you’re dysregulated – so you can slow down and help yourself. 2. The beauty and wisdom in being judgmental, and how that saved Chani’s life. 3. The liberating idea that “The things that happened to me weren’t about me.” 4. How to set and trust boundaries in order to finally rest. 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 readers to discover and live out their life’s purpose through understanding their birth chart. Chani runs her company with her wife and business partner, Sonya Passi. Together they launched the CHANI app, which offers a personalized, daily understanding of their birth chart. TW: @chaninicholas IG: @chaninicholas

385. The Science of Healing Heartbreak with Florence Williams Author and journalist, Florence Williams discusses the science of heartbreak and the key to healing. -The four crucial steps to take when recovering from heartbreak -What is actually happening in our bodies when we are heartbroken -Glennon’s surprising revelations about her own heartbreak -How heartbreak and awe are intrinsically connected 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.

Calm News with Jessica Yellin: Stay Sane AND Informed By popular demand, we present Calm News with our dear friend, and Award-Winning Journalist, Jessica Yellin. Together, we explore a new approach to consuming the news that keeps you (and us) informed without winding up our nervous systems. -What to do if you find yourself on “the ride” of the news cycle -Why calming your nervous system before consuming the news is crucial—and an effective way to do it -The two top news stories you need to know about—and how to respond proportionately -How to have a witnessing mindset when engaging with the news On Jessica: Jessica Yellin is the founder of News Not Noise, a pioneering Webby award-winning independent news brand. Over 1M+ subscribers and followers across Instagram and other digital media rely on Jessica and News Not Noise to understand what matters, which experts to trust, and to manage their “information overload.” She is the former chief White House correspondent for CNN and an Emmy and Gracie Award-winning political correspondent for ABC, MSNBC and CNN. Follow her on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @JessicaYellin. You can also find the News Not Noise Newsletter on Substack here: https://newsnotnoisejessicayellin.substack.com/

384. Date Nights: Why they Suck & How to Make them Great Glennon, Abby and Amanda delve into the nuances of salvaging a relationship’s spark or excitement and discuss the role of “date nights” in healthy relationships. Discover: -Why “date night” is NOT a panacea; -Jealousy’s role in our relationships; -Why many people have affairs; and -How to “unknow” your partner and what that means.

At the end of our first full year together, Glennon, Abby, and Amanda reflect on We Can Do Hard Things, this community, some of their favorite episodes, and they reshare the very first show: 1. The original idea for the podcast and how it’s evolved. 2. Glennon describes how an anxiety attack feels – and the 3 strategies that help her find calm. 3. Amanda shares some special “thank you” messages to Glennon, Abby, and the Pod Squad.

383. Let Our Sundance-Winning Film Remind You What Love Is with Megan Falley Glennon, Abby and Amanda sit down with poet and friend, Megan Falley, to discuss the magic that is their Sundance Award-Winning documentary film, Come See Me in The Good Light. The documentary follows Meg and her partner, Andrea Gibson, as they navigate a year of life, love, and living through an incurable cancer diagnosis. -How to make a gift of your suffering -Why seeing yourself through the loving eyes of another can be life-changing -Why frat guys are finally relating to queer poets -What this movie has to do with body image and loving yourself On Megan Falley: Megan is a nationally-ranked slam poet and the author of three full-length collections of poetry – most recently her book “Drive Here and Devastate Me”. Since transitioning to writing prose, excerpts from her memoir-in-progress have won several first- and second-place national prizes. She runs an online writing workshop called “Poems That Don’t Suck” which has been heralded as “a degree’s worth of education in 5 short weeks.” On Andrea Gibson: Andrea is one of the most celebrated and influential spoken word artists of our time. Best known for their live performances, Andrea has changed the landscape of what it means to attend a “poetry show”. Andrea’s poems center around LGBTQ issues, spirituality, feminism, mental health, and social justice. Andrea is the author of seven books, most recently “You Better Be Lightning”. Previous appearances on the pod: 215. The Bravest Conversation We’ve Had: Andrea Gibson 245. An Unforgettable Double Date with Andrea Gibson & Megan Falley 265. Megan Falley Knows What Love Is

1. Mae, Glennon, Abby, and Amanda each explore their sexuality by delving into what sexually attracts each of them. 2. The sex-positive way Mae’s parents taught them about sex – and orgasm(!) – and how they never made assumptions about Mae's sexuality. 3. Gender as creative expression and a way to have fun. 4. Simple ways to switch up the monotony of routine; to transform boredom into exploration; and dopamine-infused alternatives for addictive personality types. 5. How fear of abandonment / fear of dependence can take over our lives. About Mae: Mae Martin is an award-winning comedian, actor, writer, and producer who can be seen starring in Feel Good, which they also created and co-wrote. Mae is currently in development with their upcoming scripted project Programmed for Netflix and stars in season 2 of The Flight Attendant on HBO Max. Mae Martin's Guide To… series about sexuality and addiction are available to listen to on BBC Sounds. Mae is also the author of Can Everyone Please Calm Down?: A Guide to 21st Century Sexuality. TW: @TheMaeMartin IG: @hooraymae

382. What If My Partner’s Jokes Hurt My Feelings? Abby, Amanda, and Glennon get to forget their problems for a while as they answer your questions on relationships and anxiety. -How to know if your words are a hit or a hug -What malicious joking reveals in a relationship -Whether anxiety fuels art -How Amanda and John have identified and dealt with off-limit topics in their marriage If you want to subscribe to our newsletter, click here.

1. Sam’s life-changing strategies for (reluctantly) interacting with humans. 2. How we use humor to hide the lava of rage churning beneath our surface. 3. Sam’s friendship theory and why she doesn’t need a deep soul connection with every “lowercase f friend.” 4. Sam’s embrace of JOMO (Joy of Missing Out)–and why she genuinely believes no one else is having a better time (except maybe Abby). 5. The behind-the-scenes story of the “Fat Babe Pool Party” Shrill show–and why that episode was one of the most important things she’s ever written. 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. IG: @bitchesgottaeat

381. Glennon: You Can’t F With Art & Other Parenting Lessons In the midst of the LA Fires, Glennon, Abby, and Amanda take a moment to pause and reflect on a cozier time. In part two of this holiday discussion Glennon shares the life-changing lesson she got about love, control and parenthood and how that culminated in her gift from Abby. Amanda shares the unexpected way she learned more about her children this holiday season. -Why there is a safety net for your kids—and why (Spoiler Alert) it’s not you -Why your kids may need a reminder of who you truly are—and that you’re okay -The vibe Glennon is bringing into 2025—and how you can embrace it, too -The surprising reason a road trip could be exactly what your family needs right now

Today we’re talking about how to build healthy relationships — with ourselves and others — after enduring toxic relationships with both. 1. Signs of emotional toxicity in romantic relationships – and what finally made Lily get out of her unhealthy relationship. 2. How to begin reprogramming your brain after leaving a toxic relationship in order to trust yourself and other people again. 3. The process that caused Lily to become the smallest, quietest version of herself – and how she recovered into her biggest, brightest self. 4. What healthy conflict looks and feels like – and Lily’s new script for communicating when her old triggers arise. CW: eating disorders, emotionally toxic relationships About Lily: Lily Collins is a Golden Globe nominated actress, author of the international bestselling book “Unfiltered: No Shame, No Regrets Just Me”, and a philanthropist. Collins can currently be seen in the Netflix series “Emily in Paris,” for which she received her second Golden Globe nomination.Lily launched Case Study Films alongside her husband Charlie McDowell. Lily's philanthropic endeavors extend to participating in various “We Day” events and the GO Campaign. Born in West Sussex, England Collins moved to the United States at age six and currently resides in Los Angeles. TW: @lilycollins IG: @lilyjcollins

380. Abby’s Greatest Fear & the One Gift that Freed Her In the midst of the LA Fires, Glennon, Abby, and Amanda take a moment to pause and reflect on a cozier time. They discuss the holiday gift that Abby received that changed her life and shifted her story. -The powerful gift that helped Abby release her fear of hell and reconnect with her brother -The importance of naming and rewriting the stories we tell ourselves in order to change our lives -The role of religious trauma in shaping our worldview—and how to choose a more liberating path. -How to rethink the “either/or” mindset and open up to bigger possibilities.

In the conversation that’s meant the most to Glennon, Abby, and Amanda – poet and spoken word artist, Andrea Gibson makes the bravest announcement we’ve ever heard. Andrea shares how to boundlessly, relentlessly love our lives by: paying attention to the only thing we can control; letting go of living in fear; and feeling less alone and terrified through it all. CW: Discussion of suicidal ideation About Andrea: Andrea Gibson is one of the most celebrated and influential spoken word artists of our time. Best known for their live performances, Gibson has changed the landscape of what it means to attend a “poetry show”. Gibson’s poems center around LGBTQ issues, spirituality, feminism, mental health and the dismantling of oppressive social systems. Andrea is the author of seven books, most recently “You Better Be Lightning”. TW: @andreagibson IG: @andreagibson

379. Post-Inauguration Family Meeting: How We Will Get Through with Brittney Cooper & Rebecca Traister Activists, writers, and organizers – Brittney Cooper and Rebecca Traister – join us to talk about the inauguration and what’s next. They share their thoughts, feelings, and advice on how to survive the next four years. -The historical playbook for what’s happening now and how we can utilize the wisdom of the past -Why you may need to have an adult temper tantrum right now (and how to safely do that) -The surprising reason it’s important to not resist the victory and accept defeat On Brittney and Rebecca: Brittney Cooper is Professor of Gender Studies and Africana Studies at Rutgers University and author of the New York Times bestseller Eloquent Rage. Rebecca Traister is writer at large for New York Magazine and the author of New York Times bestsellers All the Single Ladies and Good and Mad, as well as the award winning Big Girls Don't Cry, about gender race and class in the 2008 elections.

1. Tig and Stephanie’s highly effective and hilarious ways to diffuse their marital feuds. 2. Stephanie’s experience figuring out her sexuality (years after she married Tig)–and how Tig knew Stephanie was the one. 3. Why Tig’s deep in “Towanda-ing” right now–and how that affects their marriage. 4. The power of knowing what you DON’T want in your life. 5. Tig, Stephanie, Abby, and Glennon each share something they’ve discovered they don’t want. About Stephanie: Stephanie Allynne is a writer, actor, producer, and director. Her acting credits include THE L WORD: GENERATION Q, ONE MISSISSIPPI, ROOM 104, DREAM CORP LLC, LOVE, and TWIN PEAKS. Stephanie also starred in the Sundance hits PEOPLE PLACES THINGS and Lake Bell’s IN A WORLD. Stephanie wrote on the critically acclaimed Amazon series ONE MISSISSIPPI, and co-directed the 2022 Sundance film AM I OK? starring Dakota Johnson and Sonoya Mizuno. Stephanie is currently set to write and direct the feature film TIME AND SPACE that will star Tig Notaro. She will produce alongside Notaro and Judd Apatow. IG: @stephanieallynne About Tig: Tig Notaro is an Emmy and Grammy nominated stand-up comedian, writer, and actor. Rolling Stone named her one of the "50 best stand-up comics of all time." Notaro appears in "Army of the Dead" and “Star Trek: Discovery”; wrote and starred in the groundbreaking TV show “One Mississippi”. and recently released her second HBO stand-up special, "Tig Notaro: Drawn." In 2021, Tig co-directed, with wife Stephanie Allynne, the feature film 'Am I OK?', available later this year. She hosts the advice podcast "Don't Ask Tig", and cohosts the documentary film podcast "Tig and Cheryl: True Story." IG: @therealfluffnotaro

378. Are Old Women Really Irrelevant? Glennon, Abby and Amanda are talking with you, Pod Squad, about questions around women and aging and wtf “processing emotions” really means in action. -How becoming useless to the culture will set you free -The truth about how to stop people pleasing once and for all -Personal tips for moving through an emotional wave. AND! If you would like some solicited advice, please reach out: If you have a problem you want to write about, email us at [email protected] with a subject line, SOLICITED ADVICE. If you want to share how a guest or an idea from the podcast has changed your life, email us at [email protected] with the subject line, MADE ME DO IT. If you want to call in, give us a call and use the word, “ADVICE” at the top of your voice mail at 747-200-5307. We can’t wait to hear from you!

1. How to make the first friendship move – and how to move on from a friendship with kindness and clarity. 2. The advice Reese passes down to her kids about the three types of people you meet in life. 3. Reese’s Hollywood experience as a young woman – and the solidarity she found in the Time’s Up movement. 4. How Elle Woods – in all her iconic glory – hilariously showed up while Reese was on real-life jury duty. 5. Where Reese, Abby, and Glennon come down on Glennon’s take that most women feel they are either too much or not enough. About Reese Reese Witherspoon, is an award-winning actress, entrepreneur, producer, and New York Times bestselling author. She won an Academy Award® for her portrayal of June Carter Cash in Walk the Line and was later nominated in that same category for Wild in 2014, which she also produced. Witherspoon also starred in beloved films Sweet Home Alabama, Legally Blonde, and Election, as well as award-winning television series’ “Big Little Lies,” “Little Fires Everywhere,” and “The Morning Show.” Other film credits include Disney’s A Wrinkle in Time, Universal Pictures’ animated musical comedy Sing and Sing 2. In addition to her acting and producer roles, Witherspoon is an author and entrepreneur. In 2016, she established Hello Sunshine, a media brand and content company dedicated to female authorship and storytelling across all platforms. Hello Sunshine is also home to Reese’s Book Club and Reese’s YA Book Club, which focuses on storytelling with women at the center. Witherspoon recently sold Hello Sunshine to Blackstone in September 2021. Now Hello Sunshine is the cornerstone of a larger media company called Candle Media. Witherspoon is an advocate and activist for women’s issues across the globe. TW: @ReeseW IG: @reesewitherspoon

377. What Is Intuitive Eating? Evelyn Tribole on Trusting Your Body Glennon and Abby talk to renowned expert, Evelyn Tribole, about the principles of intuitive eating, the roots of diet culture, and the importance of self-trust in eating habits and overall well-being. Discover: -What intuitive eating is and three practical steps you can take to begin; -The true origin of fat phobia & how it may be playing out in your life; -How to re-discover your inner-compass; and -Why understanding your ‘body lineage' can heal your relationship with eating. About Evelyn: Evelyn Tribole, MS, RDN, CEDRD-S is the author of 10 books, including co-author of the best-selling Intuitive Eating, a mind-body self-care eating framework, which has given rise to over 200 studies to date. Her newest book is Intuitive Eating for Every Day: 365 Inspirations and Practices. IG: @evelyntribole

For their first (of hopefully many) podcast double dates, Abby and Glennon sit down with the icons, activists, and Olympians Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird. In this honest and hilarious conversation, we find out: 1. The delightfully awkward moment Megan and Sue first met; 2. What’s hard for each of them right now; 3. The boundaries they’re working on together; 4. How they communicate and deal with jealousy; and 5. How they help each other show up in the world as champions for change. About Sue: Regarded as the world’s premier point guard, Sue Bird is the WNBA’s All-Time Leader in Assists and known for being selfless, driven, encouraging, funny and smart. Bird is a seasoned veteran and a born leader who has dominated at every level. She is one of only seven women to win an Olympic Gold Medal (she’s won five), a World Championship Gold Medal (she’s won four) an NCAA Championship (she’s won two), and a WNBA Championship (she’s won four – the last just weeks before her 40th birthday). Sue is also a five-time Euroleague Champion, a twelve- time WNBA All-Star, was voted by the fans as one of the WNBA’s Top 15 Players of All Time. Off the court, Sue spends time as a basketball analyst for ESPN and as an outspoken and visible activist advocating for Black Lives, equality, health and wellness and expanding opportunities for girls and all marginalized people. TW: @S10Bird IG: @suebird10 About Megan: Two-time World Cup Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist, Megan Rapinoe is a fan favorite and one of the team’s most technical and craftiest players. A vocal leader on and off the pitch, Megan helped lead the USWNT to the 2019 Women’s World Cup Championship scoring some of the biggest goals of the tournament. Megan took home the tournament’s two top honors – the Golden Boot for top scorer, and the Golden Ball for the best player in the tournament. Megan is an advocate for equality for all and has been able to intersect her passion for humanity and authenticity. TW: @mPinoe IG: @mrapinoe

376. LA Fires: Jessica Yellin Reports From Glennon’s Home Jessica Yellin was forced to evacuate the LA Fires, and is sheltering at Glennon and Abby’s home. She sits down with Glennon and Amanda to report what is really going on with the wildfires raging across Los Angeles. -Why there wasn’t enough water to fight the Palisades Fire -How to decide what to put in your “go bag” and how Jessica packed up her house to evacuate -Misinformation and lapses of leadership and what LA needs right now from its leaders -The connection between the fire and climate change -Reputable places you can put your resources to help the people of Los Angeles Also, please email us to let us know whether you’d like us to do a recurring News Not Noise segment on the pod with Jessica. Write to us at [email protected]. Ways to Help: LA Fire Foundation: https://supportlafd.org/ Help Altadena Families: spreadsheet curated by @mspackyetti: HERE Jessica Yellin is the founder of News Not Noise, a pioneering Webby award-winning independent news brand. Over 1M+ subscribers and followers across Instagram and other digital media rely on Jessica and News Not Noise to understand what matters, which experts to trust, and to manage their “information overload.” She is the former chief White House correspondent for CNN and an Emmy and Gracie Award-winning political correspondent for ABC, MSNBC and CNN. Follow her on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @JessicaYellin. You can also find the News Not Noise Newsletter on Substack HERE.

In this beautiful conversation–in which Glennon names Cole’s book “This Here Flesh” the Next Right Book–we discuss: 1. What we learned from Cole’s insight that, “If you’re not in your body, someone else is.” 2. A mind-blowing revelation about all of our own faces that we will never stop thinking about. 3. Why the phrase “If you don’t believe you’re beautiful, no one else will” is horseshit. 4. Why dignity is the bedrock to being alive–and how to find it when we haven’t been loved well. 5. The connection between fear and awe–and how to practice wonder as a cure for despair. About Cole: Cole Arthur Riley is a writer and poet. She is the author of the NYT bestseller, This Here Flesh: Spirituality, Liberation, and the Stories that Make Us. Her writing has been featured in The Atlantic, Guernica, and The Washington Post. Cole is also the creator and writer of Black Liturgies, a project that integrates spiritual practice with Black emotion, Black literature, and the Black body. TW: @blackliturgist IG: @colearthurriley @blackliturgies

375. How to Stop Worrying with Martha Beck Martha Beck shares more on how to lessen anxiety’s grip by coaching Amanda, Abby and Glennon out of their anxiety spirals. Discover: -How to uncover the heart of your deepest fear -How to tell whether something is truly enlightening or dangerously false -The surprising power of living in a state of “I don’t know” Dr. Martha Beck, PhD, is a New York Times bestselling author, coach, and speaker. She holds three Harvard degrees in social science, and Oprah Winfrey has called her “one of the smartest women I know.” Martha is a passionate and engaging teacher, known for her unique combination of science, humor, and spirituality. Her recent book, The Way of Integrity: Finding the Path to Your True Self, was an instant New York Times Best Seller and an Oprah’s Book Club selection. Her new book, Beyond Anxiety: Curiosity, Creativity, and Finding Your Life’s Purpose, is available now.

Glennon, Abby, and Amanda help us shed guilt through a freeing reframe inspired by a conversation with Dr. Becky Kennedy. Listen to learn: How to know what is true guilt and what is just the uncomfortable ickiness of defying expectations; how to hold boundaries in order to live shamelessly within our own values; and how to maintain empathy by staying with our own emotions instead of internalizing the emotions of others. Also, we need your help inventing a word for the “not guilt” feeling! Get Dr. Becky Kennedy's "Good Inside Guilt Guide," to find out if what you're feeling is truly "guilt" or something else, here: https://forms.gle/Aad1g5LSBNFZoXaN6. Check out our past conversations with Dr. Becky Kennedy, and the Dr. Brené Brown episodes we talk about today: Ep 170 The Most Radical Way to Heal: Internal Family Systems with Dr. Becky Kennedy; Ep 169 Why We Love the Way We Love: Attachment Styles with Dr. Becky Kennedy; Ep 131 How to Raise Untamed Kids with Dr. Becky Kennedy; Ep 130 Breaking Cycles and Reparenting Yourself with Dr. Becky Kennedy; Ep 88 Brené Brown & Barrett Guillen: Sisters Double Date; Ep 83 Brené Brown: What to Say to Get What You Need; Ep 49 Dr. Brené Brown: On Holding Boundaries & Facing Our Fears; and Ep 48 Dr. Brené Brown: How to Know Ourselves & Be Known By Our People.

374. Life Beyond Anxiety with Martha Beck Martha Beck, bestselling author and life coach, returns to discuss anxiety including actionable strategies for quelling it and achieving a state of calm. This episode is part one of two. Come back next time, to hear Martha coach Amanda, Abby and Glennon out of an anxiety spiral. Discover: -The one powerful question to ask yourself to start breaking free from anxiety -Martha’s surprising take on the antidote to anxiety -The biggest lie anxiety tells us—and how to uncover the truth -Why nature, creativity, and your senses hold the key to calm Dr. Martha Beck, PhD, is a New York Times bestselling author, coach, and speaker. She holds three Harvard degrees in social science, and Oprah Winfrey has called her “one of the smartest women I know.” Martha is a passionate and engaging teacher, known for her unique combination of science, humor, and spirituality. Her recent book, The Way of Integrity: Finding the Path to Your True Self, was an instant New York Times Best Seller and an Oprah’s Book Club selection. Her new book, Beyond Anxiety: Curiosity, Creativity, and Finding Your Life’s Purpose, is available now.

1. Five signs that you might have a boundary problem. 2. Why each of us should stop pretending we’re not a needy person. 3. How to stop arguing like a lawyer – and start communicating like a kindergartener – to get what you need. 4. How to know when to end an argument, how to exit a friendship, and how to respond to passive aggressiveness. About Nedra: Nedra Glover Tawwab, MSW, LCSW, is a New York Times best-selling author, licensed therapist, and sought-after relationship expert. She has practiced relationship therapy for 15 years and is the founder and owner of the group therapy practice, Kaleidoscope Counseling. Every day she helps people create healthy relationships by teaching them how to implement boundaries. Her philosophy is that a lack of boundaries and assertiveness underlie most relationship issues, and her gift is helping people create healthy relationships with themselves and others. Nedra earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. She has additional certifications in working with families and couples and in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, plus advanced training for counseling adults who've experienced childhood emotional neglect. Nedra has appeared as an expert on Red Table Talk, The Breakfast Club, Good Morning America, and CBS Morning Show to name a few. Her work has been highlighted in The New York Times, The Guardian, and Vice and has appeared on numerous podcasts, including Good Life Project, Sofia with an F, and Therapy For Black Girls. She runs a popular Instagram account where she shares practices, tools, and reflections for mental health and hosts weekly Q&As. TW: @NedraTawwab IG: @nedratawwab

1. The moment Abby – as Christen’s USWNT roommate – walked into their hotel room and knew Christen was very different than any soccer player she’d ever known. 2. The boundary that helps Christen love her people while protecting herself. 3. Christen’s take on death and how to keep the people we’ve lost alive in our lives. 4. How to show our people (including our little athletes) that we love them for who they are, not what they achieve. 5. The day Christen knew she was ready to fight for – and win – pay equity for the US Women’s National Team. About Christen: Christen Press is a two-time World Cup Champion and Olympian, as well as a leading forward at Los Angeles Angel City FC. An entrepreneur and advocate for inclusivity, Christen, along with US Women’s National teammates – Megan Rapinoe, Tobin Heath, and Meghan Klingenberg – launched their company re—inc, a purpose-driven, global lifestyle brand. Christen was one of the key players leading the charge for the “Equal Play, Equal Pay” campaign to highlight the pay discrepancy between the women’s and men’s national teams, which led to the new CBA agreement – and to her role as Player Representative for the US Women's National Team Players Association. IG: @christenpress

Amanda, Glennon and Abby explore how to survive the lifelong, universal pain of being left out: What Abby felt when she heard “We don’t want you here” – and its long-lasting impact; Why it is so painful, and how to process feelings of rejection and isolation; How dissociation helped Glennon cope with rejection in the cafeteria; What parents should and *should not* do when helping kids navigate exclusion; and The real difference between “fitting in” and “belonging.” Also check out Episode 179: How to Fix Our Loneliness with Dr. Marisa G. Franco

1. Abby shares with Sara the great personal impact Sara’s music has made on her life. 2. Sara and Glennon bond over the joy of solitude, the underrated gifts of being heavy-hearted, and the fact that “there are too many things to be worried about at all times” to be lighthearted. 3. When you are in deep stress, do you try to sabotage your job, relationship, etc.? (Before this conversation, Amanda thought it was just her.) 4. How playfulness and joy – connecting to the little kid who grew up into you – are vital to loving yourself. 5. Sara’s beautiful journey with medication for depression and anxiety – and how she learned her anxiety often arises from an unexpressed need. About Sara: Sara Bareilles is a Tony Award and Emmy Award nominated actor, and Grammy Award winning singer and songwriter. On Broadway, Sara composed music and lyrics for Waitress, in which she was also the lead. Sara also produced original music and executive produced the musical drama series Little Voice. She plays Dawn Solano on the Emmy-nominated musical comedy series Girls5eva, and stars as The Baker’s Wife in the Broadway revival Into the Woods. TW: @SaraBareilles IG: @sarabareilles

Glennon, Abby, Amanda and the Pod Squad share their most brutiful and hilarious holiday stories.

1. Thinking of depression as a way of seeing the world … through toilet paper roll binoculars. 2. Why healing might actually just be permission to go. 3. Chanel’s definition of success: refusing to succumb to perfection or exhaustion–and showing up as herself in every moment. 4. The healing moment when Chanel returned to Stanford and was held in sound–which set her free. About Chanel: Chanel Miller is a writer and artist who received her BA in Literature from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her critically acclaimed memoir, KNOW MY NAME, was a New York Times bestseller, a New York Times Book Review Notable Book, and a National Book Critics Circle Award winner, as well as a best book of 2019 in Time, the Washington Post, the Chicago Tribune, NPR, and People, among others. She is a 2019 Time Next 100 honoree and a 2016 Glamour Woman of the Year honoree under her pseudonym, “Emily Doe.” IG: chanel_miller

372. The Presley Family Legacy with Riley Keough Glennon, Abby, and Amanda sit down with Riley Keough to explore her journey through love, loss, and healing within her family. Riley talks about co-authoring her mother Lisa Marie Presley's memoir, From Here to the Great Unknown: A Memoir, which recounts Lisa Marie’s life as the daughter of Elvis Presley, her career, her own family, and everything in between. Riley also shares how she is finding purpose and strength amidst profound loss. Discover: -The unfinished family work Riley is closing for her mother and grandfather -The way Riley’s experience loving people with addictions and grief shaped her understanding of love and resilience -How Riley names the profound sadness and generational trauma within her family -The inherent conflict between Lisa Marie and her mom, and how Riley finds compassion for them both. On Riley: Riley Keough is an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Independent Spirit Award–nominated actress. She is known for her work in Daisy Jones & the Six, Zola, and more. She also co-directed War Pony (2022), and cofounded the production company Felix Culpa with Gina Gammell. She is the eldest daughter of Lisa Marie Presley and sole trustee of Graceland. Her new book - From Here to the Great Unknown—written in both Lisa Marie’s and Riley’s voices, a mother and daughter communicating—from this world to the one beyond—as they try to heal each other – is available now.

What is gaslighting REALLY and what isn’t? Plus, how to know if you’re in a relationship with a gaslighter, the three types of gaslighters, and how to break free from a gaslighter and reclaim yourself. About Dr. Stern: Robin Stern, Ph.D., is the co-founder and associate director for the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and an associate research scientist at the Child Study Center at Yale. She is a licensed psychoanalyst with 30 years of experience treating individuals, couples, and families. She is the author of The Gaslight Effect Recovery Guide: Your Personal Journey Toward Healing from Emotional Abuse. TW: @RobinSStern IG: @dr.robinstern

371. I’m a Sociopath: Patric Gagne’s Story Patric Gagne – writer, former therapist, diagnosed sociopath, and advocate for people with sociopathic, psychopathic, and antisocial personality disorders – shares -What sociopathy is and how it shows up in her life; -The shocking statistic of how many people are sociopathic; -How her diagnosis affects her experience as a wife and mother; and -The ways in which sociopathy is actually a superpower. About Patric: PATRIC GAGNE is a writer, former therapist, and advocate for people with sociopathic, psychopathic, and anti-social personality disorders. Her New York Times best-selling memoir, Sociopath, shares her struggle to understand her own sociopathy and shed light on this often-maligned and misunderstood mental disorder.

370. How to Know if You’re in a Cult with Tia Levings (Pt. 2) Glennon, Amanda, and Abby welcome back Tia Levings for part two of this amazing conversation on her experience leaving a high control Christian Fundamentalist cult. Tia shares her experience leaving the church and her husband and offers advice for others in a similar situation. Discover: -The life-saving power of women sharing their stories—and why it threatens patriarchy -How she finally heard her own voice—and how you can find yours, too -Why people crave fundamentalism—and a solution they’re searching for -Tia’s life-saving advice for women escaping abuse or high-control groups More on Tia: Tia Levings is the New York Times Bestselling author of A Well-Trained Wife, her memoir of escape from Christian Patriarchy. She writes about the realities of Christian fundamentalism, evangelical patriarchy, and religious trauma. She also appeared in the hit Amazon docu-series, Shiny Happy People. Based in North Carolina, she is mom to four incredible adults and likes to travel, hike, paint, and daydream. Find her on social media @TiaLevingsWriter.

1. Alex’s four most effective healing techniques that you can start today. 2. How it affects us to grow up never seeing our mothers have joy. 3. Why – if you think you don’t have any self-soothing strategies – you actually just have unhealthy self-soothing strategies. 4. Childhood wounds that surface in adulthood, and the path to intergenerational healing. 5. Where to begin when you never receive the apology and closure you deserve. About Alex: Alex Elle is an author, certified breathwork coach, podcast host, and Restorative Writing teacher. Alex’s writing came into her life by way of therapy and the exploration of healing through journaling and mindfulness. Her most recent book, HOW WE HEAL, is available now. TW: @alex_elle IG: @alex

369. Trad Wife Cults: How Tia Levings Escaped (Pt 1) Glennon, Amanda, and Abby sit down with Tia Levings, NYT bestselling author, to discuss her experience in a high control Christian Fundamentalist cult: her journey from indoctrination to freedom to healing from religious trauma. Discover: -Why strong women are often drawn into Christian extremism—and how they can break free -Why parents are taught to hit infants, and husbands are taught to spank their wives -The hidden agenda behind why Christian Fundamentalists encourage large families -The moment Glennon busted her kids out of Christian school -The eerie crossover of wellness culture and Christian extremism More on Tia: Tia Levings is the New York Times Bestselling author of A Well-Trained Wife, her memoir of escape from Christian Patriarchy. She writes about the realities of Christian fundamentalism, evangelical patriarchy, and religious trauma. She also appeared in the hit Amazon docu-series, Shiny Happy People. Based in North Carolina, she is mom to four incredible adults and likes to travel, hike, paint, and daydream. Find her on social media @TiaLevingsWriter.

368. The Closure Myth: How Do We Really Move On? Abby, Glennon and Amanda delve into your voicemails and discuss matters of the broken heart, closure, self-sabotage, moving toward or away from family, and more. Discover: Glennon’s “magical pessimism” Why creative people do not seek out closure The geographical solution or finding the “right” place to live

1. What Melissa’s parents said when she told them about her dream – and how those magic words set the course of Melissa’s life. 2. The green and red flags Melissa tells her kids to look for in a relationship. 3. Why Melissa is a shark, and her brilliant strategy to “Run Around the Block” in almost any difficult situation. 4. Melissa’s and Abby’s experiences with ghosts. 5. How Melissa learned about sex – and the way she talks to her kids about it. About Melissa: Melissa McCarthy is an award-winning writer, producer, and actor. Her work includes Bridesmaids, Can You Ever Forgive Me?, Ghostbusters,The Heat; Identity Thief; This is 40, The Hangover Part III, The Starling, “Gilmore Girls”, and “Samantha Who?”. She won an Emmy Award and People’s Choice Award for her role in “Mike & Molly” as well as an Emmy for “Saturday Night Live”. Melissa and her husband Ben Falcone founded On the Day Productions and have produced Tammy, The Boss, Life of the Party, “Nobodies,” “Little Big Shots,” Superintelligence , Thunder Force, “God’s Favorite Idiot,” and Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed. TW: @melissamccarthy IG: @melissamccarthy

367. Glennon’s Dramatic Social Media Plan with Amelia Hruby Today, we’re finally doing it: talking about leaving social media. On the episode you’ll hear Glennon, Abby and Amanda chat with their guest, Amelia Hruby about the challenges and impacts of social media on mental health, personal relationships, community building, and self-worth. Glennon shares her experience of stepping away from social media and possible next steps. Discover: -How social media is linked to codependency and anxious attachment -The two must-do practices to evaluate your current relationship to social media -How to navigate the fear of missing out (FOMO) and stay connected without social media -Glennon’s journey to leaving socials and what she is thinking of doing next More on Amelia: Amelia Hruby is a writer, educator and podcaster with a PhD in philosophy. She is the founder of Softer Sounds, a feminist podcast studio for entrepreneurs and creatives. And she’s the host of Off the Grid, a podcast about leaving social media without losing all your clients.

1. Glennon gives you a beautiful Thanksgiving pep talk that has Amanda and Abby nodding along and rolling with laughter. 2. Why Amanda suggests that we can be free to be our full selves at the Thanksgiving table, if we also each bring our own damn casserole. 3. Why the best predictor of how a family member is going to act is how a family member has always acted. 4. We’re taking holiday-themed questions from our beloved Pod Squad about in-laws, when to break tradition, and how to navigate different family of origin patterns.

Glennon’s hilarious misunderstanding with a TSA agent she’ll remember 'til she dies; Amma’s delightful response when Abby rushed onto the soccer field; and the delight Amanda experienced the day she switched it all up by not freaking out. This episode was inspired by our conversation with Ross Gay – if you missed it, check out: Episode 216 How to Find DELIGHT Today (and Every Day) with Ross Gay.

366. Debunking #Goals: Changing the Way We Set Goals Abby, Glennon, and Amanda discuss the concept of setting goals and whether having rigid expectations for our future can be detrimental. Discover: The psychological undercurrent of setting goals Glennon envisions her 70-year old self Should we live for the future? The ways in which we seek control over our lives

The Office co-stars and best friends, Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, are doing the ultimate Office-lovers podcast for you. Each week Jenna and Angela will dive deeper into The Office giving you access to even more behind the scene details, interviews and lots of stories that only two best friends who were there, can tell you.

365. Malcolm Gladwell: Are We at a National Tipping Point? Glennon, Abby, and Amanda welcome Malcolm Gladwell to discuss the concept of the 'tipping point' and its impact on societal change. They delve into how stories shape public perception and behavior, and explore ways we could create a unified narrative for societal progress. Discover: -The shocking statistics that prove we aren’t actually as divided as we’re told we are -The danger of a monoculture and why diversity can literally be life-saving -The magic rule of three and what it means for making change -A powerful argument against pessimism Malcolm Gladwell is the author of seven New York Times bestsellers: The Tipping Point, Blink, Outliers, What the Dog Saw, David and Goliath, Talking to Strangers, and The Bomber Mafia. He is also the co-founder of Pushkin Industries, an audio production company that produces audiobooks like Miracle and Wonder: Conversations with Paul Simon, as well as podcasts including Revisionist History, Broken Record, and The Happiness Lab. Gladwell has been included in the Time 100 Most Influential People list and His latest book is Revenge of the Tipping Point: Overstories, Superspreaders, and the Rise of Social Engineering.

Ross Gay teaches us how to notice delight and joy in our everyday lives. We discuss: concrete ways to rediscover and capture joy every day; how to rebuild your “delight muscle”; how to dissolve the myth of disconnection between us; and how to “unknow” our people so we can delight in them. 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 devoted community gardener, Ross is a founding board member of the Bloomington Community Orchard, a non-profit, free-fruit-for-all food justice and joy project. A college football player, he is a founding editor of the online sports magazine Some Call it Ballin'.

364. Cher is Here! The global icon, Cher is here! Cher talks to Glennon, Abby, and Amanda about: -The truth about the ending of her relationship with Sonny -The advice Lucille Ball gave her that saved her life (and how she paid it forward) -Her regrets from when Chaz came out to her -How she survived emotionally abusive relationships & her advice for how to get out

363. Glennon: Is it Insanity or Life? Glennon discusses an existential and emotional revelation with Abby and Amanda. Discover: Diving into the abyss; what is the abyss and what does it mean? The time a child’s soccer triumph left Glennon in tears Growing out of coping mechanisms Metabolizing the “muchness” of being alive and big feelings

Melody Beattie shares the difference between healthy and unhealthy helping: - The daily practice that helps Melody stop controlling others and “Let Life Happen.” - Why no one is able to gaslight you more than you. - The one area of life where Codependence is necessary. - All four of us surrender to the truth that we will never be Codependent No More. About Melody A pioneering voice in self-help literature, Melody Beattie is the author of many bestselling books, including Codependent No More – a #1 New York Times bestseller, which has sold over 7 million copies – as well as The Language of Letting Go, Playing It by Heart, The Grief Club, and Beyond Codependency. An updated edition of the bestselling, modern classic, Codependent No More, is available now. Melody lives in Southern California. TW: @MelodyBeattie IG: @authormelodybeattie

362. Make Rest Your Revolution with Tricia Hersey Tricia Hersey (artist, theologian, poet, activist) returns; Abby, Glennon and Amanda talk to Tricia about her foundations, philosophies and approaches to resistance through the medium of rest: Discover: Tricia talks about the founding of the Nap Ministry; what she learned from her grandmother Tricia discusses her 2024 book, We Will Rest! The Art of Escape Why trickster/dreamer energy is essential to revolutionary thinking Deconstructing the system using somatics, education and community The craft of authentic listening and trusting your intuition

361. Post-Election Family Meeting Glennon, Abby, and Amanda speak from the heart the morning after the results of the 2024 election. They share how they’re thinking and feeling, what this means, what comes next, and how we can better show up for each other. We love you, Pod Squad. Thank you for being our community.