We Can Do Hard Things: Episode Summary

Episode Title: Calm News with Jessica Yellen: Stay Sane AND Informed
Hosts: Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, Amanda Doyle
Guest: Jessica Yellen, Founder of News Not Noise
Release Date: February 12, 2025

I. Introduction to Calm News

In this enlightening episode of We Can Do Hard Things, host Glennon Doyle, along with co-hosts Abby Wambach and Amanda Doyle, delve into the overwhelming nature of modern news consumption and introduce a transformative approach to staying informed without sacrificing mental well-being. The episode features a special guest, Jessica Yellen, founder of the award-winning independent news brand News Not Noise, who brings her expertise to redefine how we engage with news in a healthy, effective manner.

II. The Need for Calm News

Amanda Doyle opens the discussion by sharing her personal journey of quitting social media, which led to profound positive changes in her mental and emotional state. She articulates the necessity of building genuine community connections outside the often toxic realm of social media. Amanda states:

"Since quitting, I have felt calmer, braver and clearer actually."
[01:04]

This sets the stage for exploring how news, typically a source of anxiety and overwhelm, can be reimagined to support rather than hinder our mental health.

III. Introducing Jessica Yellen and News Not Noise

Jessica Yellen is warmly welcomed to the show, bringing with her a wealth of experience from her tenure as the Chief White House Correspondent for CNN and her Emmy and Gracie Award-winning work across major networks. Jessica introduces the concept of Calm News, emphasizing the importance of delivering news that informs without inducing panic or fear.

IV. The Concept of Calm News

Glennon Doyle shares her personal struggle with the incessant flood of terrifying news, which began impacting her ability to function as a mother, activist, and individual. She recounts a pivotal moment when Jessica Yellen stayed with her during the LA fires, demonstrating how news can be presented calmly and factually without bypassing reality or resorting to fake positivity.

"There was no bypassing, there was no pretending. There was real delivery of what was going on in the world in a way that was honoring of truth and also of humanity."
[09:28]

Jessica elaborates on this "third way" of news reporting, which aims to balance truth with tranquility, allowing listeners to remain informed while maintaining their mental equilibrium.

V. Techniques for Staying Calm While Informed

The discussion shifts to practical strategies for managing the stress induced by news consumption. Jessica introduces the Witnessing Mindset, a technique that involves recognizing external events while maintaining internal calm. She guides the hosts and listeners through a breathing exercise designed to activate the vagus nerve, promoting relaxation:

"Inhale for 4, hold for 5, and then exhale for 8."
[15:55]

Abby Wambach connects this practice to therapeutic approaches, highlighting the importance of detached observation to effect personal and societal change without becoming overwhelmed.

VI. Deep Dive into Current News: Elon Musk's 'Department of Government Efficiency' (Doge)

Jessica Yellen presents a detailed report on Elon Musk's initiative, colloquially known as the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge). She outlines the following key points:

• Access and Operations: Musk's team, including young engineers and those connected to venture capitalist Peter Thiel, have been granted unprecedented access to various federal agencies with the stated goal of eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse.

  "They have been taking down websites, demanding access to highly sensitive systems, grilling staff and also recommending things to be frozen..."
  [34:57]

• Implications for Government: The lack of transparency and unclear criteria for their operations has raised significant concerns about privacy, data security, and the potential undermining of federal systems.

• Constitutional Concerns: The episode explores the risk of a constitutional crisis, questioning whether the checks and balances outlined in Marbury v. Madison are being upheld. Jessica explains:

  "If they say no, we're not getting out of the Treasury Department... that would be challenging the history making precedent in Marbury v. Madison."
  [48:35]

Abby and Amanda further dissect these issues, pondering the shift from democracy to oligarchy and the potential erosion of constitutional safeguards.

VII. The Impact on Federal Workers and Systems

Jessica details the human cost of Doge's operations, including federal employees feeling surveilled and pressured by Musk's team. She shares accounts of intimidating interrogations and the destabilizing effect on essential government functions like Social Security and cancer research funding.

"People are telling stories. Those are stories I've heard."
[40:39]

VIII. Constitutional Crisis and Checks and Balances

The conversation turns to the foundational principles of the U.S. government. Jessica emphasizes the importance of the judiciary's role in maintaining the balance of power:

"In America, the Supreme Court has the final say. If the executive branch begins to override court rulings, that's the heart of a constitutional crisis."
[54:59]

Abby elaborates on the potential fallout if Congress and the courts fail to enforce these checks, highlighting the fragility of the current balance of power.

IX. Techniques for Staying Calm and Effective

Returning to the theme of maintaining calm amidst chaos, Jessica reinforces the importance of the Witnessing Mindset and regular breathing exercises to create mental "air gaps." These practices are essential for remaining effective and clear-headed leaders in both personal and societal contexts.

"The more you practice that, the more your muscle memory grows and you're able to do it in the moment."
[28:33]

X. Final Thoughts and Call to Action

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts and Jessica encourage listeners to adopt these calming techniques to better manage their interactions with news and maintain their mental health. They stress the importance of informed, yet serene, engagement with current events to foster a more compassionate and effective community.

Key Takeaways

• Calm News Approach: Redefining news delivery to inform without inducing fear or panic.
• Witnessing Mindset: Maintaining internal calm while acknowledging external events.
• Breathing Techniques: Simple exercises to activate relaxation responses.
• Critical Examination of Power: Scrutinizing the implications of concentrated power in initiatives like Elon Musk's Doge.
• Constitutional Awareness: Understanding and upholding the checks and balances fundamental to American democracy.

Notable Quotes

• "We are all doing hard things every single day." – Glennon Doyle
  [Host's Opening Statement]

• "This is the way. We must create this third way for people who want to be informed, want to be educated, but also want to be healthy and effective." – Glennon Doyle
  [09:28]

• "We are in this weird position where because Congress isn't saying, hey, no, stop. The executive isn't overriding their will." – Abby Wambach
  [55:50]

Conclusion

This episode of We Can Do Hard Things offers a compassionate and practical approach to navigating the relentless torrent of modern news. By embracing techniques like the Witnessing Mindset and advocating for a reformed news landscape, Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, Amanda Doyle, and Jessica Yellen provide listeners with tools to stay informed without sacrificing their mental well-being. This balanced approach not only fosters personal resilience but also empowers individuals to engage more thoughtfully and effectively with the world around them.

Note: This summary intentionally omits advertisements and promotional segments to focus solely on the substantive discussions and insights shared during the episode.