Summary of "We Can Do Hard Things" Episode: "DrWomen at Work & The Episode That Wasn’t with Sarah Spain (Best Of)"
Release Date: March 29, 2025
In this compelling episode of "We Can Do Hard Things," hosts Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, and Amanda Doyle navigate the challenging terrain of sexism and misogyny in male-dominated workplaces. The discussion is anchored by insights from Sarah Spain, an accomplished sports journalist, who shares her personal experiences and strategies for combating systemic abuse. This episode not only addresses a pivotal moment in the podcast's history—the canceled "Episode That Wasn't"—but also expands into a broader dialogue about women's resilience and solidarity in hostile environments.
Introduction: The Canceled Episode
The episode opens with a reflection on a significant incident from the previous year—the cancellation of "The Episode That Wasn't." Originally slated to feature a guest, the episode was derailed when the guest’s husband behaved aggressively during a tech check, leading to distress among the production team.
Notable Quote:
Abby Wambach (03:24): "It's not about shaming a certain person. It's about something bigger."
Audience Reaction and Resonance
The aftermath of the canceled episode saw an overwhelming response from listeners, especially women who resonated with the experience of facing systemic sexism. Within two days, nearly a thousand voicemails poured in, highlighting the pervasive nature of gender-based mistreatment in various professional settings.
Inviting Sarah Spain: A Champion for Change
Recognizing the need for a deeper conversation, the hosts brought on Sarah Spain, an Emmy and Peabody Award-winning sports journalist. Sarah’s extensive experience in a male-dominated industry and her advocacy work make her an invaluable voice in this discussion.
Notable Quote:
Abby Wambach (04:16): "Sarah Spain is like totally sporty spice, but also totally feminist spice."
Sarah Spain’s Experiences in a Male-Dominated Industry
Sarah Spain delves into her professional journey, detailing the sexism and harassment she has encountered in sports journalism. From being evaluated on her appearance rather than her expertise to facing inappropriate comments from colleagues, Sarah's candid accounts shed light on the systemic hurdles women face in such fields.
Notable Quote:
Sarah Spain (07:32): "You came to this field because you love this work in sports, but your work is not evaluated according to the criteria of work in sports. Your work is evaluated exclusively as a woman."
The Just World Ideology and Victim Blaming
A critical segment of the conversation addresses the "Just World Ideology"—the belief that individuals can prevent bad things from happening to them through their actions. This mindset fuels victim blaming, making it harder for women to come forward about harassment.
Notable Quote:
Sarah Spain (13:04): "The just world ideology is essentially, if I dress right, act right, walk in the right places, don't walk after dark, do all these things, then nothing bad will happen to me."
Reporting Harassment: Challenges and Consequences
The discussion emphasizes the daunting repercussions women face when reporting harassment. Sarah highlights that only one in five women report such incidents, and those who do often suffer severe professional and personal setbacks.
Notable Quote:
Sarah Spain (15:57): "Women who file harassment complaints end up, on average, in worse jobs and in poor physical and mental health than women who keep quiet."
The Importance of Allyship and Cultural Change
Sarah advocates for the role of allies in fostering cultural change within organizations. She shares her proactive approach at ESPN, where she flags inappropriate behavior to higher-ups, aiming to cultivate a respectful workplace environment.
Notable Quote:
Sarah Spain (30:27): "If you know the highest levels aren't forced to change, then they will do whatever it takes to keep their power."
Systemic Barriers and the Cost of Silence
The hosts and Sarah explore the systemic barriers that compel women to remain silent, including fear of reputational damage and career derailment. This silence perpetuates the hostile environments women navigate daily.
Notable Quote:
Sarah Spain (24:47): "They don't get hired again because they're troublemakers."
Creating Supportive Environments for Women
Emphasizing the need for supportive networks, the conversation highlights strategies such as surrounding oneself with allies, setting firm boundaries, and fostering open dialogues to maintain mental and emotional well-being.
Notable Quote:
Sarah Spain (37:20): "Are they women who defend this behavior and stick up for their husbands when they're not around?"
Reflections on Mental Health and Privilege
Glennon and Sarah touch upon the intersection of mental health and privilege. Sarah acknowledges her fortunate position, allowing her the mental resilience to confront and speak out against harassment without being overwhelmed.
Notable Quote:
Sarah Spain (34:37): "I am blessed with great mental health... understanding them makes me so much better of a person."
The Role of Older Women and Historical Context
The conversation also delves into the experiences of older women who have navigated misogynistic workplaces for decades. Sarah and the hosts discuss the importance of grace, historical context, and the necessity for ongoing evolution in workplace cultures.
Notable Quote:
Glennon Doyle (44:53): "I want to send those women, love women who have needed to do certain things in order to survive in these spaces..."
Concluding Thoughts: Moving Forward Together
In their closing remarks, the hosts and Sarah reaffirm their commitment to fostering change, supporting each other, and empowering future generations of women. They emphasize the importance of collective action and solidarity in challenging and transforming oppressive workplace cultures.
Notable Quote:
Sarah Spain (65:21): "It's worth it to me because then the next time, it's just the same as when you're at the office and you're suggesting that people think a little bit more carefully about what they say and what they do."
This episode of "We Can Do Hard Things" serves as a powerful exploration of the systemic challenges women face in male-dominated industries. Through heartfelt storytelling and unflinching honesty, Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, Amanda Doyle, and Sarah Spain provide listeners with both a mirror to recognize these issues and a roadmap for fostering resilience and change.