Call Her Daddy Episode Summary: "Abby Wambach and Glennon Doyle: Intimacy, Cheating & Starting Over"

Release Date: May 7, 2025

In this compelling episode of Call Her Daddy, host Alex Cooper sits down with two remarkable guests, Abby Wambach, a legendary professional soccer player, and Glennon Doyle, acclaimed author and activist. Together, they delve deep into themes of intimacy, trust, overcoming personal struggles, and rebuilding relationships after betrayal. The conversation is rich with personal anecdotes, insightful reflections, and heartfelt exchanges, providing listeners with a profound understanding of navigating complex emotional landscapes.

1. Personal Backgrounds and Early Struggles ([02:02] - [04:39], [08:13] - [34:20])

Abby Wambach shares her experience growing up as the youngest of seven in a sports-centric family. Her competitive nature was fueled by constantly being challenged by her older siblings, leading her to develop an "insatiable desire to win" ([10:31]).

Abby Wambach ([10:31]): "I scored 27 goals in my first three soccer games... there was this desire, this insatiable desire to win, to prove myself, that I was like one of them."

She candidly discusses the emotional toll of seeking attention within such a large family and how it influenced her later life, including her approach to professional sports and personal relationships.

Glennon Doyle opens up about her battle with anorexia and eating disorders from a young age, linking her struggles to her upbringing in a family marked by anxiety and anger.

Glennon Doyle ([08:26]): "I was diagnosed with anorexia, which I've been dealing with eating disorders since I was 10... there was a lot of anxiety and anger in my home that manifested in very controlling angry energy."

Both guests emphasize the importance of recognizing and addressing these early struggles as foundational steps toward personal growth and healthier relationships.

2. Sobriety and Recovery ([34:20] - [59:54], [62:13] - [83:18])

The conversation shifts to sobriety, with both Abby and Glennon sharing their journeys toward recovery.

Glennon Doyle discusses her realization that her relationship with alcohol was detrimental, comparing it to the superficial uses seen in her peers.

Glennon Doyle ([34:33]): "For every time I drank, which was all... every time I drank, my whole life fell apart."

Her decision to seek sobriety was pivotal, leading her to build a supportive environment alongside Abby.

Abby Wambach recounts her own turning point—a DUI arrest that surfaced on ESPN—prompting her to commit to sobriety.

Abby Wambach ([35:25]): "I have not had a drink since that night I got arrested. It's one of the things I've been sober for almost nine years now... my life just got exponentially better being sober."

Both highlight how sobriety has not only improved their personal lives but also strengthened their relationships, fostering deeper trust and mutual support.

3. Meeting and Building Their Relationship ([43:38] - [59:54])

Abby Wambach narrates the serendipitous meeting with Glennon Doyle at a librarian's convention, where an immediate, inexplicable connection sparked their relationship.

Abby Wambach ([44:14]): "I walked into the room, saw Glennon standing there... something just took over my body."

Glennon Doyle describes her own feelings of "sexual aliveness" upon meeting Abby, contrasting it with her prior experiences.

Glennon Doyle ([47:57]): "It was my first moment of sexual aliveness... just a moment where my body was like, there she is."

Their instant bond led to a swift and honest connection, culminating in a marriage founded on transparency and shared vulnerabilities.

4. Navigating Trust and Intimacy ([62:13] - [83:18])

The core of the episode revolves around trust, intimacy, and handling infidelity within their marriage.

Glennon Doyle openly discusses her history of being cheated on and how it influenced her approach to their relationship.

Glennon Doyle ([62:13]): "I have never been in a relationship that I wasn't cheated on. Every single one of them."

When Abby discovers Glennon's infidelity, rather than reacting with anger, she approaches the situation with grace and understanding, emphasizing the importance of not using each other's weaknesses against one another.

Abby Wambach ([64:38]): "We don't want to use each other's weaknesses against each other. That's something that is a tender spot."

This mature handling of betrayal reinforces their commitment to building a resilient and loving partnership. They implement practices like sharing passwords and maintaining transparency, which strengthens their bond and fosters a sense of security.

Intimacy is explored beyond the physical aspect, focusing on emotional and mental connections. Both guests emphasize the significance of communication and self-awareness in cultivating a deep, lasting intimacy.

Glennon Doyle ([69:34]): "When you're with that person, you're in lockdown, lockstep. And there's nothing more beautiful than having a partner like that."

They discuss transitioning from the euphoric stages of falling in love to a more grounded, intimate partnership, highlighting that true intimacy involves continuous personal and mutual growth.

5. Building an Authentic and Supportive Relationship ([75:04] - [83:18])

Abby and Glennon share insights into maintaining an authentic relationship by being true to themselves and supporting each other's growth.

Glennon Doyle ([75:54]): "You know it's right because of how you feel. It's not even when sometimes you know that that moment..."

Their partnership is depicted as a safe haven where both can explore their vulnerabilities without fear of judgment, fostering an environment of mutual respect and unconditional support.

6. Fun and Light-Hearted Moments ([83:29] - [83:18])

The episode concludes on a lighter note as Abby and Glennon engage in a playful "Who’s More Likely To" game, showcasing their chemistry and the joy they find in each other's company. These moments underscore the balance of depth and levity in their relationship, demonstrating that a strong partnership thrives on both serious discussions and shared laughter.

Notable Quotes

• Abby Wambach ([10:31]): "I scored 27 goals in my first three soccer games... there was this desire, this insatiable desire to win, to prove myself, that I was like one of them."

• Glennon Doyle ([34:33]): "For every time I drank, which was all... every time I drank, my whole life fell apart."

• Abby Wambach ([35:25]): "I have not had a drink since that night I got arrested. It's one of the things I've been sober for almost nine years now... my life just got exponentially better being sober."

• Glennon Doyle ([62:13]): "I have never been in a relationship that I wasn't cheated on. Every single one of them."

• Abby Wambach ([64:38]): "We don't want to use each other's weaknesses against each other. That's something that is a tender spot."

• Glennon Doyle ([69:34]): "When you're with that person, you're in lockdown, lockstep. And there's nothing more beautiful than having a partner like that."

Conclusion

This episode of Call Her Daddy offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of Abby Wambach and Glennon Doyle, exploring how their personal battles and triumphs have shaped their relationship. Their honest dialogue about intimacy, trust, and overcoming adversity provides valuable lessons for listeners navigating their own relationships. Through vulnerability and unwavering support, Abby and Glennon exemplify how love can thrive amidst challenges, making this episode both inspiring and enlightening.