We Can Do Hard Things

Epizode

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  (BEST OF) The Panini Generation: Caretaking Without Losing Yourself with Ai-jen Poo 17.09.2026 59min

  Caregivers, you’re exhausted for a reason—and it’s not because you’re doing it wrong. Ai-jen Poo reveals why so many of us are burning out while caring for kids, aging parents, partners, and everyone in between—and why we were never meant to carry all of this alone. - The real reason caregivers are so burned out - How to care for the people you love without losing yourself - Why the “sandwich generation” is really the panini generation - How to build a “care squad” that actually supports you - Why care is the invisible work that makes everything else possible About Ai-jen:  Ai-jen Poo is an award-winning organizer, author, and a leading voice in the women’s movement. She is the President of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, Executive Director of Caring Across Generations, Senior Advisor to Care in Action, Co-Founder of SuperMajority, and a Trustee of the Ford Foundation. Ai-jen is a nationally recognized expert on caregiving, the future of work, and what’s at stake for women of color. She is the author of the celebrated book, The Age of Dignity: Preparing for the Elder Boom in a Changing America.  Follow We Can Do Hard Things on:  Instagram — ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings⁠
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  Someone Tell G What People Do After Dinner! 15.09.2026 1h 22min

  What if the secret to moving forward is getting better at letting go of what just happened? Glennon, Abby, and Amanda catch up on empty nesting, parenting, sports, midlife, and the stories we tell ourselves when we mess up—and discover that golf may, unfortunately, be a metaphor for life. - Why we waste so much energy trying to explain or undo our mistakes - Glennon and Abby’s empty-nest question: What do people actually do between dinner and bedtime? - Abby on the skill of feeling your anger, releasing it, and saying: “Okay, next” - The parenting lesson that brought Glennon to tears: “Be the one w Follow We Can Do Hard Things on:  Instagram — ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings⁠
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  (BEST OF) Hannah Gadsby: Neurodiverence & The Exfoliation of Shame 10.09.2026 58min

  What if the key to understanding each other isn’t getting better at talking—but getting better at recognizing how differently our brains work? The brilliant and hilarious Hannah Gadsby joins us to talk about neurodivergence, relationships, shame, and what it really takes to meet people where they are. Hannah shares how a later-in-life autism diagnosis changed the way they understood themself—and why they describe it as an “exfoliation of shame.” - Why neurodivergent and neurotypical people can experience communication so differently - The invisible work of masking—and why a “casual” conversation can feel like a marathon - Why Hannah says we need to stop taking other people’s differences personally - How to better understand and connect with the neurodivergent people we love - Why Hannah stopped using self-deprecating humor—and what happened when they stopped apologizing for who they are About Hannah: Hannah Gadsby stopped stand-up comedy in its tracks with their multi-award-winning show Nanette, which played to sold-out houses in Australia, the UK, and New York. Its launch on Netflix, and subsequent Emmy and Peabody wins, took Nanette (and Hannah) to the world. Hannah’s difficult second album (which was also their eleventh solo show) was named Douglas, after their dog. Hannah walked Douglas around the world, selling out and scoring another Emmy nomination. Before all of this, Hannah appeared as a character called Hannah in Please Like Me (Hulu) and toured their native Australia and the UK as a stand-up comedian. They made art documentaries and did plenty of other things over the course of more than a decade in comedy, but that will do for now.  Follow We Can Do Hard Things on:  Instagram — ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings⁠
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  Why "We Never Fight" is a Red Flag: How to Fight Well with Priya Parker 08.09.2026 1h 31min

  What if the secret to stronger relationships isn’t avoiding conflict—but learning how to do it well? Conflict resolution expert and bestselling author Priya Parker joins us to teach us how to fight with more courage, clarity, and love—and how to know which relationships are actually worth the fight. - Why “we never fight” can be a warning sign, not a relationship goal - The difference between unhealthy peace and healthy heat - How to know when to confront, when to let go, and when to walk away - The simple rule that can make a hard conversation easier to hear: name the behavior, not the person - Why the relationships with the most depth often require some heat—and why fighting well can bring us closer For more, listen to:  256. How to Host a Magical Gathering with Priya Parker 163. How to Make Wrongs Right with Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg About Priya:  PRIYA PARKER is a facilitator, strategic advisor, and acclaimed author of The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters. Trained in the field of conflict resolution, Parker has worked on race relations on American college campuses and on peace processes in the Arab world, southern Africa, and India. She studied organizational design at MIT, public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School, and political and social thought at the University of Virginia.  Her new book THE ART OF FIGHTING: The Transformative Power of Conflict is available now.  Follow We Can Do Hard Things on:  Instagram — ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings⁠
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  (BEST OF) Gloria, Gloria Hallelujah: Gloria Steinem on How to Lead 03.09.2026 49min

  Today, we remember Gloria Steinem—a woman who spent her life reminding us that we are not broken, just born into systems designed to break us. She taught us how to stay whole anyway, how to tell the truth, get free, find our people, get to work—and laugh while we work. Gloria showed us how to lead. Our turn.  Gloria, Gloria, Hallelujah.
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  (BEST OF) The Surprising Science of Heartbreak | Florence Williams 03.09.2026 53min

  Heartbreak isn't just happening in your mind—it's happening in your body. In this Best Of conversation, science journalist Florence Williams joins us to discuss what heartbreak does to our brains, bodies, and nervous systems—and the surprising science behind healing. We explore why awe, beauty, and nature may be some of our most powerful medicines when life breaks us open. - What heartbreak actually does to your body - Why loneliness can make us physically sick - The surprising connection between awe and healing - How nature helps regulate our nervous systems - Simple practices to feel more alive after loss About Florence:  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.  Follow We Can Do Hard Things on:  Instagram — ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings⁠
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  (BEST OF) If Your Mind Won't Be Quiet, Listen to This 01.09.2026 58min

  If you've been living inside your head lately, this conversation is for you.  Glennon, Abby, and Amanda talk about the exhausting mental chatter that keeps so many of us anxious, overwhelmed, and disconnected from our lives. Glennon shares the surprising shift that helped her stop trusting every thought she had—and start finding a steadier place beneath the noise. - Why you are not your thoughts - Glennon's #1 sanity strategy - The "touch tree" practice for staying grounded - How Amanda stopped accepting assignments from strangers - The wedding-week rule that changed everything for Glennon and Abby Follow We Can Do Hard Things on:  Instagram — ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings⁠
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  (BEST OF) Dolly Parton: Thank You for Everything 27.08.2026 37min

  Today, we remember the one and only Dolly Parton. Dolly gave the world so much: her music, her humor, her generosity, her courage, and her unwavering commitment to being exactly who she was—and letting everyone else be exactly who they are, too. We feel incredibly lucky to have had this conversation with her about trusting yourself even when it breaks your heart, beginning again at any age, mothering the world, and living a life of many colors. We love you, Dolly. Thank you for showing all of us how to be more ourselves on purpose. Follow We Can Do Hard Things on:  Instagram — ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings⁠
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  Sara Bareilles: The Magic of Grief 25.08.2026 59min

  Good Grief, the album, is out everywhere this Friday, and the documentary comes to theaters nationwide September 2! Our dear friend Sara Bareilles joins us to talk about Good Grief—her deeply personal new album and documentary—and what she’s learning about grief, love, mental health, and the terrifying practice of trusting life to hold us. Sara shares how infertility, loss, and some of her hardest moments became music; why grief might be love that has everywhere to go; and what becomes possible when we stop trying to fix ourselves and start telling the truth. -Why Sara says avoiding pain doesn’t work: “It hurts anyway.” - Sara on mental health, the fear of being “too much,” and learning to trust that life will hold her -The unexpected connection between Sara’s infertility journey, Andrea Gibson, and the creation of Good Grief -The stories and meaning behind the songs and lyrics including what it means to “worship your weather” instead of fearing your feelings For everything Good Grief—the new album, documentary, and more—visit sarabmusic.com.  About Sara:  SARA BAREILLES is an award-winning singer, songwriter, actor, producer, activist, and New York Times best-selling author whose accolades include two Grammy Awards, three Tony Award nominations, and three Primetime Emmy Award nominations. As a recording artist and songwriter, she has sold more than 3 million albums and 15 million singles in the U.S., and her songs have been streamed more than 3.5 billion times worldwide. On Broadway, she composed music and lyrics for Waitress. On the screen, she executive-produced and wrote original music for the series Little Voice. She plays Dawn Solano on the Emmy-nominated musical comedy series Girls5eva. Her song "Salt Then Sour Then Sweet" appears in the Peabody Award-winning documentary Come See Me in the Good Light, on which she also serves as executive producer; the song was shortlisted for Best Original Song and the film was nominated for Best Documentary at the 2026 Oscars.  Her new solo album, Good Grief, will be released this Friday, and Sara Bareilles: Good Grief, a documentary about the making of the album—which we are very proud to be Executive Producers on—comes to theaters nationwide on September 2.  Follow We Can Do Hard Things on:  Instagram — ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings⁠
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  (BEST OF) The Advice Every Parent Needs Right Now | Sonya Renee Taylor 20.08.2026 59min

  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
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  Who Invented Gender? Amanda with ALOK 18.08.2026 1h 22min

  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
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  (BEST OF) The Financial Advice We Never Get | Tori Dunlap 13.08.2026 1h

  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
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  Can’t Sleep? 4 Strategies to End The Suffering | Leah Corkum & Marlee Boyle 11.08.2026 1h 46min

  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
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  (BEST OF) The Over-Functioner's Guide to Feeling Alive Again 06.08.2026 1h 8min

  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
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  (BEST OF) Kerry Washington’s Family Secret 04.08.2026 1h 6min

  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
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  (BEST OF) Why You Keep Having the Same Fight | Dr. Alexandra Solomon 30.07.2026 59min

  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
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  (BEST OF) Everyone Has a Beige Flag – What's Yours? 28.07.2026 52min

  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
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  (BEST OF) Samantha Irby's Survival Guide for Ridiculous Times 23.07.2026 1h 2min

  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
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  The Wild, Untold Story of How They Made Abortion Political: Witches, Healers & Liars | Amanda with Jessica Valenti 21.07.2026 1h 31min

  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
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  (BEST OF) Ina Garten's Best Life Advice 16.07.2026 59min

  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