As another school year begins, many of us are wondering if we're doing enough to prepare our kids for the world. But maybe the most important thing we can give them isn't in a backpack. Maybe it's our willingness to have the conversations we're most afraid of. Sonya Renee Taylor reminds us that our kids don't need perfect answers—they need honest, trustworthy adults who are willing to tell the truth, stay curious, and keep learning alongside them. Because our job isn't to protect our children from reality. It's to help them meet reality without losing themselves. - How to talk to your kids about sex, climate change, injustice, and other hard topics - Why becoming a "reliable narrator" matters more than being a perfect parent - The simple way to respond when you don't know the answer - Why your own growth is one of the greatest gifts you can give your kids About Sonya: Sonya Renee Taylor is a New York Times best-selling author of seven books, transformational thought leader, world-renowned activist, artist, and founder of the international movement The Body Is Not An Apology. She is podcast host, sought-after speaker and new world midwife. She is also an intuitive astrologer helping to decipher our unique soul work through the planets. Her work has reached millions of people by exploring the intersections of identity, healing, and social justice using a radical self-love framework. She continues to write, create, speak, teach, and transform lives globally. Follow We Can Do Hard Things on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings
Who invented gender? Who decided the rules, wrote the script, and convinced us it was all just…nature? Amanda traces the wild history of how gender became a system we call “natural,” “biological,” and “just the way it is.” Then ALOK joins to help us see the game we’ve been playing without even knowing it—and imagine what becomes possible when we stop mistaking the rules for reality. Together, they discuss the history we’ve forgotten, the freedom we’ve been denied, and the beauty, weirdness, and possibility waiting for us outside the boxes. - Why pink was once for boys—and what that reveals about the “natural” rules of gender - How property, inheritance, religion, science, and power helped construct the gender binary - Why attacks on trans people are a threat to everyone’s freedom - The difference between fitting into the world and freely inventing your life - Why ALOK says we don’t need more great thinkers—we need great lovers For more ALOK on We Can Do Hard Things: 74. ALOK: What makes us beautiful? What makes us free? 75. ALOK: How do we interrupt trauma? How do we heal? 293. The One Question to Finally Let Go of Control with ALOK About ALOK: ALOK is an internationally acclaimed poet, comedian, public speaker, and actor whose work has captivated audiences in over 40 countries. You can catch them live on their EAT PRAY LEAVE world comedy tour. Follow We Can Do Hard Things on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings
So many of us are carrying the weight of uncertainty—about our families, our futures, our work, and our communities. Underneath all of that is something we don't talk about nearly enough: money. Financial educator Tori Dunlap helps us untangle the stories we've inherited about money and replace shame with something far more powerful: agency. Because the goal isn't wealth for wealth's sake—it's freedom. The freedom to leave what harms us, support what matters, and take care of ourselves and the people we love. - Why women are taught to feel shame about money—and how to unlearn it - The hidden money stories that may be shaping your life - Why financial freedom is really about choices, safety, and agency - Simple first steps to build a healthier relationship with money About Tori: Tori Dunlap is the Author of the instant New York Times bestselling book “Financial Feminist”; host of the #1 Business Podcast, Financial Feminist; and co-creator of Treasury, an investing education platform that has over $82M invested. After saving $100,000 at age 25, Tori quit her corporate job in marketing and founded Her First $100K to fight financial inequality by giving women actionable resources to better their money. She has helped over five million women negotiate salary, pay off debt, build savings, and invest. Follow We Can Do Hard Things on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings
If you've ever climbed into bed exhausted only to lie awake for hours, you're not alone. After experiencing chronic insomnia, Glennon found the two sleep experts who helped her sleep again. In this conversation, Sleep Works founders Leah Corkum and Marlee Boyle explain why insomnia isn't a personal failure—it's a treatable sleep disorder—and share the practical strategies that could change your life. - Why "luging" is different from simply being tired - The surprising reason trying harder to sleep often makes insomnia worse - The four strategies that helped Glennon improve her sleep cycles. - Why Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia is considered essential treatment For more on Sleep Works, go to https://www.sleep-works.com/, and follow @sleep_works. Marlee Boyle: Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT); Certified in Clinical Sleep Health (CCSH); BSc Biology Marlee is a registered respiratory therapist, certified in clinical sleep health. Her interests include treating sleep disordered breathing, CBT for insomnia, and sleep coaching for neurodiverse clients. Leah Corkum: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN); Certified Child & Infant Sleep Consultant, BA Psychology. Leah is a Licensed Practical Nurse certified in CBT for insomnia and a Child and Infant Sleep Consultant through the Family Sleep Institute. She has spearheaded initiatives like shift worker education, long-term care facility sleep strategies for staff and residents, and teaching drug-free sleep techniques to hospital staff for better patient outcomes. Together, Marlee and Leah co-founded their company, Sleep Works in 2022 after recognizing the growing rates of sleep problems and lack of sleep services available to the public in Canada. Sleep Works provides sleep education, counseling, coaching, courses, and keynotes virtually so anyone can access support for their sleep health from the comfort of their homes. Follow We Can Do Hard Things on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings
Sometimes the hardest thing isn't working harder—it's remembering how to be alive. After Abby and Glennon stage a Relaxation Intervention for Amanda (which immediately goes off the rails), the conversation becomes something much deeper: why so many of us struggle to rest, why we've negotiated away our playful selves in the name of responsibility, and how over-functioning can keep us from fully living. - Why so many of us don't know how to relax—and what that's really about - How over-functioning and perfectionism disconnect us from ourselves - The surprising moments that bring us back to joy, play, and connection - Why life isn't waiting on the other side of your to-do list - A simple "proof of life" practice to help you feel more human Follow We Can Do Hard Things on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings
Sometimes the truth doesn't break a family apart—it finally sets everyone free. Kerry Washington shares the deeply personal story of discovering a long-held family secret, reclaiming her self-trust, and realizing she had spent years living someone else's story. We talk about what family secrets cost us, the difference between protection and deception, and why telling the truth can become the deepest act of love. 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 available now. Follow We Can Do Hard Things on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings
How much of loving someone is accepting them exactly as they are—and how much is asking them to grow? Relationship expert Dr. Alexandra Solomon unpacks the "Changer" and "Accepter" dynamic that shows up in nearly every relationship, revealing why our biggest conflicts are rarely about the dishes, the phones, or the therapy. They're about our deepest fears, oldest wounds, and longing to be seen and loved. - Whether you're the Changer or the Accepter in your relationships - What your biggest relationship fights are really about - How childhood patterns shape the way you love - When to ask for change—and when to choose acceptance - How to stop fighting and start understanding each other About Alexandra: Alexandra H. Solomon, PhD, is internationally recognized as one of today’s most trusted voices in the world of relationships, and her framework of Relational Self-Awareness has reached millions of people around the globe. A licensed clinical psychologist in private practice, couples therapist, speaker, author, and professor, Dr. Alexandra is passionate about translating cutting-edge research and clinical wisdom into practical tools people can use to bring awareness, curiosity, and authenticity to their relationships. She is the host of the Reimagining Love Podcast and author of Love Every Day, Taking Sexy Back: How to Own Your Sexuality and Create the Relationships You Want and Loving Bravely: 20 Lessons of Self-Discovery to Help You Get the Love You Want. Follow We Can Do Hard Things on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings
Remember Beige Flags? Today we’re celebrating the quirky little habits that aren't red flags or green flags—just delightfully... huh? In this laugh-out-loud Best Of, Glennon, Abby, and Amanda confess their own wonderfully weird behaviors, react to your funniest Beige Flags, and remind us that nobody is normal—and that's exactly what makes us lovable. - What Beige Flags are—and why everyone has them - Glennon's quest to finally feel "comfortable" - Why Abby sounds like she's from yonder yore (and answers banana phones) - Amanda's legendary collection of washed-out Ziploc bags - The funniest listener Beige Flags—and whether they're secretly red or green Follow We Can Do Hard Things on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings
Some days, survival looks less like hope and more like finding something to laugh about. The brilliant Samantha Irby joins us for a hilarious, wise, and unexpectedly comforting conversation about making it through absurd times. Sam shares her philosophy for getting through life one bearable five-minute stretch at a time, why humor is often hiding something deeper, and the simple strategies that help her navigate people, friendship, and the chaos of being human. - Why laughter can be a survival skill - Sam's life-changing strategies for dealing with humans - The "lowercase-f friend" theory that will free your relationships - Why JOMO (Joy of Missing Out) might be the key to happiness 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. Follow We Can Do Hard Things on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings
Abortion isn't just about abortion—it’s about everything. It's about who gets to decide the course of a woman's life. It's about healthcare, democracy, power, freedom, and the stories we've been taught to believe. In this can’t-miss conversation, Amanda traces the shocking history of abortion in America—from witch hunts to medical monopolies to the political strategy that transformed abortion into a partisan weapon. Then journalist and activist Jessica Valenti joins to expose what extremists are doing now, why these attacks were never really about abortion, and why she refuses to believe they're winning. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, confused, or hopeless about this moment, this episode will give you something even more powerful than outrage: clarity. - How abortion became a political weapon—and what it's really about. - Why abortion bans haven't reduced abortions. - How attacks on abortion threaten all reproductive healthcare. - The hidden strategies extremists are using now—and how to recognize them. - How the vast majority of Americans are on the same side—and why hope is a strategy. - Practical ways to take action, support local abortion funds, and protect your community. For more with Jessica Valenti, please listen to: 353. How We’ll Save Abortion: A Must-Listen with Jessica Valenti About Jessica: Jessica Valenti is a writer, activist, and one of the country’s most influential voices on gender and politics. The award-winning author of eight books—including the New York Times bestseller Abortion—she has shaped the national conversation on feminism for over two decades. Jessica’s groundbreaking anthology Yes Means Yes: Visions of Female Sexual Power and a World Without Rape set what’s now considered the gold standard for sexual consent and paved the way for legislation of the same name. She is also widely credited with sparking feminism’s online wave as the founder of the trailblazing blog Feministing. A former columnist for The Guardian and The Nation, Jessica’s sharp, uncompromising analysis has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and on media outlets from CNN to The Daily Show. She speaks at colleges and organizations nationwide about feminism, abortion, and sexual violence. After the fall of Roe, Jessica founded Abortion, Every Day, an urgent synthesis of anything and everything happening with abortion rights in the United States. Follow We Can Do Hard Things on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings
Ina Garten has spent a lifetime proving that joy is anything but frivolous. In this heartwarming conversation, the Barefoot Contessa shares how following curiosity instead of convention helped her build a life—and career—she never imagined. Plus, the unforgettable story of how Abby Wambach ended up playing beer pong with Ina Garten at a Taylor Swift party. - Why following what feels fun can change your life - How to quiet your inner critic and stop settling - Ina's secret to hosting a dinner party everyone will love - The surprising lesson behind her decades-long marriage About Ina: Ina Garten has hosted her Emmy and James Beard Award winning show, Barefoot Contessa, on the Food Network since 2002 and recently launched a new interview focused series, Be My Guest, with Food Network and discovery+. She has published thirteen cookbooks, including eleven #1 New York Times bestsellers. In 2015 Ina Garten was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People. She lives in East Hampton, New York with her husband, Jeffrey. Follow We Can Do Hard Things on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings
What happens when life suddenly gets quieter? Glennon, Abby, and Amanda check in on the big transitions happening in their own lives—from the emotions of becoming empty nesters to the unexpected opportunities that come with a brand new season. Plus, they're answering Pod Squad questions you won't want to miss—including one unforgettable call from Sexy Sue that sparks a hilarious and thoughtful conversation about dating, relationships, and when (and if) we need to DTR. We talk about what it means to let go of old roles, embrace uncertainty, and ask the question many of us are facing: Who do I get to become next? - The grief—and unexpected freedom—of becoming an empty nester. - Why midlife can be the perfect time to reinvent yourself, your friendships, and your relationships. - Abby's advice for navigating competition in a blended family without losing sight of what matters most. - A challenge to stop obeying unfair rules in advance—and the power of everyday acts of resistance. Follow We Can Do Hard Things on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings
What if the things that happened to you weren't about you? In this beloved conversation, astrologer Chani Nicholas helps us understand why we react the way we do, how childhood survival strategies shape our adult lives, and what it takes to become better partners to ourselves. Together, we explore dysregulation, boundaries, healing, and the liberating possibility that self-awareness can set us free. - How to recognize when you're dysregulated—and help yourself in the moment - The freeing truth that "the things that happened to me weren't about me" - Why the rules that kept you safe as a child may be keeping you stuck as an adult - How to set boundaries, trust yourself, and finally rest - What astrology can reveal about your relationships and patterns 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. Follow We Can Do Hard Things on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings
Pod Squad: Please note, this episode was recorded before the trump red card scandal. We were younger, then - and filled with hope. Today, it’s a Welcome to the Party and We Can Do Hard Things World Cup crossover! If anyone can help the Pod Squad understand why the World Cup has completely taken over the world, it's these two legends. Abby and Julie Foudy—World Cup champions, teammates, and two of the greatest soccer minds in the game—break down everything you need to know, from red cards and flopping to knockout rounds, unforgettable stories, and why this tournament has the power to bring people together. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just World Cup-curious, this is your starter pack for the beautiful game. - Why the World Cup is the biggest sporting event on Earth—and why it means so much to so many people - The soccer rules everyone pretends to understand (offside, cards, flopping, and more) - How the US men's success directly benefits the US women's national team - Plus: Abby and Julie put Glennon and Amanda to the test with "Is It Queer or Is It FIFA?" Follow Welcome to the Party at: YouTube: youtube.com/@WelcomeToThePartyShow Substack:welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Merch:welcometotheparty.voila.store Instagram:@welcometothepartyshow Follow We Can Do Hard Things on: Instagram —https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings
Sometimes, when everything feels too big, the thing that brings us back to ourselves is surprisingly small: a paw on our lap, a face waiting at the door, a creature who reminds us that we are still here and still capable of love. In this delightfully funny and tender conversation, Glennon, Abby, and Amanda consider whether our beloved animals offer the closest thing we ever experience to unconditional love. Amanda shares how Séamus arrived in her life and ruined her religion of the spreadsheet. Glennon explains why Honey and Hattie are the only "people" who truly understand her. And Abby reveals how a hamster named Biscuit somehow snuck past every boundary and straight into her heart. Follow We Can Do Hard Things on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings