Podcast Summary: We Can Do Hard Things – Episode: Candace Parker: WHAT’S THE COST OF GREATNESS?

Hosts: Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, and Amanda Doyle
Guest: Candace Parker
Release Date: May 27, 2025

1. Introduction and Overview

In this compelling episode of We Can Do Hard Things, Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, and Amanda Doyle sit down with Candace Parker, an illustrious figure in professional basketball. The conversation delves deep into the multifaceted life of Candace, exploring the immense achievements that have defined her career and the personal costs associated with her relentless pursuit of greatness.

2. Early Achievements and the Drive for Greatness

Candace Parker's journey is marked by extraordinary accomplishments from a young age. Glennon opens the discussion by highlighting Candace's impressive resume:

• National Championships: "You led Tennessee to two consecutive national championships while maintaining a 3.35 GPA” ([03:26]).
• WNBA Success: "You were the first player to win Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season” ([03:33]).
• Olympic Glory: “You won two Olympic gold medals” ([03:50]).

These accolades illustrate a career built on dedication and exceptional talent. Candace attributes her drive to a highly competitive family environment:

“From a very early age, I learned about the sacrifice of accomplishing your goals and the cost that it took.” ([04:42])

Her parents instilled in her the importance of setting high standards and working diligently to achieve them, shaping her into the formidable athlete she became.

3. The Cost of Greatness

With great achievements come significant sacrifices. Candace candidly discusses the personal toll of her pursuit:

“I have to decide at what cost. And I'm learning to make other choices in the future.” ([04:54])

Balancing a demanding sports career with motherhood posed numerous challenges. Candace shares anecdotes about missing games and the guilt associated with prioritizing her family:

“Laila was the first time I put something ahead of the game. I might have scored more points, but I wouldn't be the person I am now.” ([22:23])

This section underscores the intricate dance between professional ambition and personal fulfillment.

4. Leadership Lessons from Pat Summitt

A significant portion of the conversation centers around leadership, inspired by Candace's relationship with her legendary coach, Pat Summitt. Candace elaborates on Pat’s balanced approach:

“Leadership is saying what we are and who we have continually been.” ([34:24])

Pat's philosophy, which emphasized both accountability and support, profoundly influenced Candace's own leadership style. She explains how Pat's methods taught her to maintain composure and lead with both strength and empathy:

“When your team is too high, you bring them back down. When they're too low, you remind them of their accomplishments.” ([34:24])

This balanced approach has shaped Candace into a leader who values both performance and the well-being of her team.

5. Vulnerability and Personal Struggles

Candace opens up about her struggles with vulnerability and mental health, particularly the challenges she faced post-retirement:

“I wish I was more open with my teammates and allowed myself to be more vulnerable.” ([43:52])

She reflects on the armor professional athletes often wear, masking their internal struggles:

“I thought of vulnerability as a weakness, so I closed myself off.” ([46:52])

Candace discusses her battle with pain medication addiction, highlighting the hidden costs of maintaining an unyielding facade:

“I was taking pain meds to just get out of bed and live life.” ([49:21])

This honesty provides a raw look into the personal battles that accompany a life in professional sports.

6. Defining "Enough" and Future Goals

Towards the end of the episode, Candace contemplates the concept of “enough.” She explores how to balance ambition with personal satisfaction and well-being:

“Enough for me varies between the responsibility I have to myself and my family and the responsibility I feel towards those who paved the way.” ([53:35])

Candace emphasizes the importance of recognizing when to step back and prioritize personal happiness over relentless striving for more:

“I need to carve out the calm and look forward to it.” ([53:32])

Her vision extends beyond her own life, aiming to create opportunities for future generations of female athletes:

“I want to be the Magic Johnson for women’s sports, opening doors.” ([54:51])

7. Conclusion

This episode of We Can Do Hard Things offers an intimate glimpse into Candace Parker’s life, blending her professional triumphs with personal introspection. The conversation navigates the complexities of achieving greatness while managing the inherent costs, ultimately providing listeners with valuable insights into resilience, leadership, and the pursuit of a balanced life.

Notable Quotes:

• “Sometimes the desire to be great is so consuming that even when you are at your best, it's never enough.” – Candace Parker ([04:06])
• “I didn’t love basketball like you love basketball. I loved basketball. It was what I did.” – Candace Parker ([16:00])
• “Leadership is saying what we are and who we have continually been.” – Candace Parker ([34:24])
• “I wish I was more open with my teammates and allowed myself to be more vulnerable.” – Candace Parker ([43:52])
• “Enough for me varies between the responsibility I have to myself and my family and the responsibility I feel towards those who paved the way.” – Candace Parker ([53:35])

This summary captures the essence of Candace Parker's discussion on the personal and professional costs of her pursuit of greatness, her leadership insights inspired by Pat Summitt, and her journey towards finding a healthy balance in life.