We Can Do Hard Things: Double Date with Megan Rapinoe & Sue Bird! (Best Of)
Release Date: January 15, 2025
Hosts: Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, and Amanda Doyle
Guests: Megan Rapinoe & Sue Bird
Introduction
In this special "Best Of" episode of We Can Do Hard Things, hosts Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, and Amanda Doyle invite two of the most influential female athletes, Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird, for a heartfelt and candid double date discussion. The episode delves deep into their personal friendships, professional journeys, social activism, and the challenges they face as aging athletes.
Friendship Dynamics
Abby Wambach sets the stage by introducing the concept of a double date podcast where genuine friendships are explored without the usual pretenses. She states, “Our first double date. And we can do hard things” (04:05).
Amanda Doyle shares her excitement and nervousness about the double date, emphasizing the authenticity they aim to bring to the conversation.
Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird express their initial reactions, highlighting the casual and supportive nature of their friendship. Megan recalls their first meeting at an Olympic event, mentioning how they were “introduced” by their agent and quickly formed a platonic bond (05:00).
Experiences During the Olympics
The conversation shifts to their Olympic experiences, with Megan recounting the challenges they faced, including logistical issues like staying on a cruise ship due to booking constraints. Sue reflects on the different Olympic experiences they've had, noting the contrast between relaxed environments and the intense pressure athletes face (17:06).
Social Justice Activism
Megan elaborates on the WNBA's role in social justice, particularly during the summer of 2016. She credits the league's collective action in response to tragic events in Minnesota as a pivotal moment that influenced broader movements like Black Lives Matter (26:50). Sue adds that the collective power of the WNBA teams was instrumental in amplifying their voices and causes.
Abby Wambach probes into how these actions influenced Megan and Sue's activism, with Megan acknowledging the significant impact the WNBA had on her awareness and involvement in social justice issues (24:48).
Aging and Retirement as Athletes
A substantial portion of the discussion focuses on the realities of aging in professional sports. Sue Bird, at 41, shares her strategies for maintaining peak physical condition, such as altering her workout regimen and hiring specialized trainers to extend her athletic career (12:25).
Megan Rapinoe discusses the emotional and physical toll of aging in sports, expressing concerns about balancing current performance with future financial security. She grapples with the identity crisis that accompanies retirement, questioning, “Who are you without this?” (65:57).
Relationship Dynamics and Boundaries
The hosts and guests explore the intricacies of maintaining strong friendships amidst demanding careers. They discuss common conflicts, such as interruptions during Zoom calls, and the importance of setting boundaries to ensure supportive interactions without exacerbating stress (36:32).
Abby Wambach humorously admits her challenge in keeping her volume down, while Sue Bird appreciates Megan’s ability to hear and process her concerns effectively (39:10).
Balancing Personal and Professional Lives
Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe highlight the difficulty of maintaining friendships outside their professional spheres. Sue laments the distance from her WNBA teammates and the deep, yet geographically scattered, relationships formed during their careers (60:15). Megan echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the scarcity of time to nurture existing friendships or form new ones due to their busy schedules (60:30).
Conflict Resolution and Boundaries
The duo candidly discusses how they handle disagreements. Megan emphasizes the importance of honesty and transparency, stating, “There can be absolutely no bullshit” (62:18). Sue appreciates Megan’s ability to listen and process complaints without escalating conflicts, fostering a balanced and understanding friendship.
They also touch upon the necessity of accepting each other’s inherent traits and finding a middle ground where both can thrive without forcing changes that undermine their core identities (42:10).
Reflections on Retirement and Future
As Sue contemplates retirement, she expresses fears about losing her athletic identity and the uncertainty of life beyond sports. Megan shares her aspiration to move beyond soccer while grappling with the systemic challenges faced by female athletes, such as inadequate support and recognition (65:57).
Amanda Doyle offers encouragement by sharing her positive retirement experience, emphasizing personal growth and the importance of pursuing passions outside of professional obligations (68:32).
Conclusion
The episode concludes with heartfelt acknowledgments of each other’s strengths and the importance of enduring friendships. Megan and Sue reflect on their journey together, celebrating the unwavering support and shared experiences that have fortified their bond.
Abby Wambach encapsulates the essence of the conversation by encouraging listeners to remember, “When things get hard this week, don't forget, we can do hard things” (77:43).
Notable Quotes
- Abby Wambach: “Our first double date. And we can do hard things.” (04:05)
- Megan Rapinoe: “There can be absolutely no bullshit.” (62:18)
- Sue Bird: “I am just trying to tie him [Father Time].” (12:30)
- Megan Rapinoe: “I'm not doing this as a way of manipulation.” (40:22)
- Sue Bird: “I think it's how hard to get to be done.” (76:27)
- Abby Wambach: “I'm never gonna put things back in the right place.” (43:37)
Key Insights and Takeaways
- Authentic Friendships: Genuine relationships thrive on honesty, mutual respect, and understanding, especially amidst high-pressure careers.
- Collective Activism: The WNBA’s unified stance on social justice issues demonstrates the power of collective action in driving meaningful societal change.
- Aging in Sports: Maintaining athletic performance while grappling with the emotional aspects of aging and retirement is a significant challenge for professional athletes.
- Balancing Act: Successfully balancing personal relationships and professional responsibilities requires clear boundaries and effective communication.
- Identity Beyond Sports: Transitioning from a sports-centric identity to a multifaceted personal identity is crucial for long-term well-being and fulfillment.
Conclusion
This episode of We Can Do Hard Things offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird, exploring the depth of their friendship, their shared struggles, and their unwavering resilience. Through laughter, vulnerability, and insightful discussions, listeners gain a profound understanding of the complexities faced by female athletes both on and off the field.
For those seeking inspiration and solidarity in navigating life’s challenges, this episode embodies the podcast’s mission: to drop the fake and talk honestly about the hard things, helping each other live lighter and braver lives.
Timestamp Guide:
[04:05]– Introduction of the double date concept[05:00]– Megan and Sue’s first meeting[12:25]– Sue discusses maintaining athletic performance[16:07]– Transition from ads to main content[24:48]– Influence of WNBA on social justice activism[36:32]– Discussing friendship conflicts and boundaries[42:10]– Accepting inherent traits in friendships[60:15]– Challenges of maintaining long-distance friendships[62:18]– Megan on honesty in friendships[65:57]– Sue’s fears about retirement[68:32]– Amanda on positive retirement experiences[70:39]– Discussing institutional challenges for female athletes[77:43]– Closing encouragement to listeners
For more episodes and discussions on navigating life’s challenges with authenticity and support, follow We Can Do Hard Things on your preferred podcast platform.