Podcast Summary: Glennon Doyle - Untamed | Self-Conscious with Chrissy Teigen
Introduction
In the episode titled Glennon Doyle - Untamed of Self-Conscious with Chrissy Teigen, host Chrissy Teigen engages in a profound conversation with best-selling author Glennon Doyle. The discussion delves into Glennon’s journey of personal growth, exploring themes of self-awareness, vulnerability, and the dismantling of societal expectations. Drawing from her memoir, Untamed, Glennon shares candid insights into reclaiming her true self and offers practical tools for listeners striving to lead healthier and more authentic lives.
Personal Transformation and Recovery
Glennon opens up about her struggles with anorexia, revealing that she was unaware of her eating disorder while believing she was disciplined and in control. She recounts her relapse a year after publishing Untamed, which led her to a deeper exploration of her family dynamics and personal traumas.
Glennon Doyle [02:07]: “I spent most of my adult life struggling to live up to other people's expectations until I decided to burn it all down and reclaim myself.”
Chrissy acknowledges the evolving chapters of life, emphasizing that each phase brings different challenges and growth opportunities.
Embodiment and Listening to the Body
A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the concept of embodiment—the practice of being in tune with one’s body and its signals. Glennon explains how initial resistance to therapy transformed into a deeper connection with her physical self, allowing her to recognize emotions like sadness and fatigue.
Glennon Doyle [03:16]: “I'm actually listening to my body, which means that I can tell when I'm sad. I can tell when I'm tired.”
This shift from an outward-focused existence to living "from the inside out" has enabled Glennon to prioritize her needs and well-being over societal pressures to remain perpetually productive.
Balancing Public Persona and Private Self
Glennon discusses the challenges of maintaining authenticity while being a public figure. She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries to protect her private life, especially for the sake of her children. The conversation highlights the delicate balance between sharing personal stories and safeguarding one’s inner sanctity.
Glennon Doyle [06:39]: “Over the last few years, I'm keeping much tighter boundaries on what I want to keep for myself and what I want my kids to know.”
Feeling It All: Embracing Emotions for Protection
Central to Glennon’s philosophy is the idea of “feeling it all” as a means of emotional protection. By acknowledging and processing emotions rather than suppressing them, individuals can avoid projecting their fears and anxieties onto others.
Glennon Doyle [09:23]: “I think the only way to protect yourself is to feel it all.”
This approach fosters genuine self-understanding and resilience, enabling individuals to navigate challenges with integrity and kindness.
Reclaiming Freedom and Identifying Societal Cages
The discussion transitions to the loss of innate freedom during childhood, a phenomenon exacerbated by modern influences like social media. Glennon argues that societal expectations compel women to conform, often at the expense of their true desires and identities.
Glennon Doyle [12:05]: “We lose embodiment... We start to look at ourselves through the world's eyes and become an object.”
She advocates for a return to embodied living as an act of resistance against oppressive norms, encouraging women to listen to their authentic needs and desires.
Influential Relationships and Understanding Love
Glennon shares insights from her relationship with Olympic gold medalist Abby Wambach, describing it as a transformative experience that redefined her understanding of love and partnership. Their dynamic, rooted in vulnerability and mutual support, exemplifies healthy attachment and emotional growth.
Glennon Doyle [14:35]: “I didn't have any idea how to do love and partnership before Abby.”
Practical Tools: Letting Go of Control
In the toolkit segment, Glennon introduces the Control and Trust Exercise. She advises listeners to list what they cannot control and consciously release those concerns, fostering mental freedom and reducing stress.
Glennon Doyle [22:58]: “It's the most beautiful, freeing thing in the world to decide once and for all what you cannot control and put it on the other side.”
Chrissy shares her own experiences with relinquishing control over others' perceptions, highlighting the ongoing struggle and the solace found in therapeutic practices.
Healthy vs. Unhealthy Coping Strategies
Glennon contrasts destructive coping mechanisms—such as substance abuse and compulsive behaviors—with healthy strategies that promote genuine well-being. She emphasizes the importance of service and meaningful interactions as effective means of emotional regulation.
Glennon Doyle [28:34]: “All of the solutions to life's problems are just very accessible and simple and beautiful and free.”
Chrissy resonates with this sentiment, describing activities that connect her with others and enhance her sense of fulfillment.
Conclusion and Takeaways
The episode culminates with actionable insights for listeners striving to embrace their true selves. Glennon’s emphasis on embodiment, emotional honesty, and intentional living provides a roadmap for personal growth and resilience. By letting go of control and fostering authentic connections, individuals can navigate life’s complexities with greater ease and happiness.
Key Quotes:
- "We were taught to be quiet, be small, and suppress our unhappiness." — Glennon Doyle [00:03]
- "I can be like, I feel like I need some meat for lunch, or, I think I want some berries." — Glennon Doyle [06:00]
- "The shoulds will eat us up. They'll keep us busy till the day we die." — Glennon Doyle [20:04]
Final Thoughts
Glennon Doyle’s conversation with Chrissy Teigen offers a deep dive into the journey of untaming societal constraints and embracing authentic self-expression. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own lives, identify the "shoulds" that hinder their true desires, and implement practical tools to foster personal well-being and growth.
Listen to Self-Conscious with Chrissy Teigen on Audible to explore more inspiring conversations and gain valuable insights from leading experts in personal development.