Podcast Summary: We Can Do Hard Things Episode: Insecurity, Anger, ADHD & Abby’s Retirement (Best Of) Release Date: August 10, 2025 Hosts: Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, Amanda Doyle
1. Embracing Vulnerability Through Challenging Experiences
Timestamp: [02:03] – [08:28]
The episode kicks off with Glennon Doyle sharing a personal revelation inspired by James Clear's insight on habit formation: “You don’t rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems” ([02:17]). This sets the tone for a deep dive into how confronting challenging situations can foster personal growth.
Amanda Doyle recounts a recent rock climbing trip with Glennon, highlighting the mix of fear and focus required during such activities. At [03:40], Amanda reflects, “It was helpful for me,” emphasizing how being forced into the present moment during dangerous activities acts as a form of moving meditation, although Amanda initially resisted the meditative aspect ([04:03]).
Glennon adds, “You are forced to be in the present. You can’t be thinking about anything else other than what you are doing” ([03:35]). This shared experience underscores the value of stepping out of comfort zones to build mental resilience and embodiment.
2. Understanding and Harnessing Anger as a Protective Force
Timestamp: [21:09] – [33:14]
A listener question from Kathy about managing anger during the tumultuous period leading up to a divorce sparks an extensive conversation on the nature of anger.
Amanda delves into the concept of anger as an internal guard dog, stating, “That anger that she is feeling … is correct. That is an in protection” ([24:51]). She explains that anger signals boundary violations and serves to protect one’s emotional well-being.
Abby builds on this by illustrating how anger can prevent individuals from making necessary changes: “It's like a guard dog … we are not safe” ([27:35]). The trio discusses how society often shames anger, especially in women, leading to internal conflicts that exacerbate emotional distress.
Glennon emphasizes the transformative power of anger, describing it as “the rocket ship to what we're trying to get to, which is acceptance” ([31:08]). They agree that anger fuels the necessary energy to enact significant life changes, such as ending a harmful relationship.
3. Navigating Parenting with ADHD and Neurodiversity
Timestamp: [38:11] – [48:38]
Kathy’s question about balancing control while parenting neuroatypical teenagers with ADHD leads to a heartfelt discussion on parenting neurodiverse children.
Abby shares insights on embracing neurodiversity, mentioning successful individuals with ADHD like Shannon Watts and Bill Gates ([45:48]). She stresses the importance of helping children understand and accept their unique brains: “Let your kid understand how their brain works and they will be fine outside of school” ([47:00]).
Amanda adds personal experiences of parenting neuroatypical children, highlighting the challenge of shifting from being overly controlling to fostering a genuine relationship: “I was constantly responding to that … instead of responding to him as a human” ([39:29]). They discuss the societal pressures that define “good kids” and the necessity of redefining success within the family unit.
Glennon reinforces the idea that acceptance and support are crucial: “They’re gonna be okay” ([56:43]). The conversation emphasizes that moving away from fear and control allows children to thrive by navigating their own paths.
4. Abby Wambach’s Journey Through Retirement and Identity Shifts
Timestamp: [58:19] – [65:08]
The final segment addresses a listener’s curiosity about Abby’s transition from a celebrated athlete to retirement.
Glennon candidly shares her own experience with retirement, describing it as a period of intense fear and confusion: “A month after my retirement, I was basically drinking myself to death” ([58:31]). She details the challenges of redefining her identity beyond her athletic achievements and the solace she found in sobriety.
Abby and Amanda provide support, acknowledging the difficulty of such transitions. Glennon explains how embracing her new identity as a dedicated parent and podcaster allowed her to create a life that felt more authentic: “I've been able to step into and co-create a totally different life” ([61:16]).
The hosts conclude by celebrating their authenticity and the importance of supporting one another through vulnerable transitions. Glennon reflects, “I love doing this,” highlighting the strength found in their collective journey ([64:38]).
Key Takeaways
- Vulnerability as Strength: Embracing challenging experiences can lead to profound personal growth and resilience.
- Anger as a Protector: Understanding anger as an internal safeguard helps manage and utilize it constructively.
- Support Neurodiversity in Parenting: Redefining success and fostering acceptance are crucial in raising neuroatypical children.
- Identity Shifts Post-Retirement: Navigating life transitions with authenticity and support leads to meaningful new beginnings.
Notable Quotes
- “You don’t rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” – Glennon Doyle ([02:17])
- “That anger that she is feeling … is correct. That is an in protection.” – Amanda Doyle ([24:51])
- “They’re gonna be okay.” – Glennon Doyle ([56:43])
- “I've been able to step into and co-create a totally different life.” – Glennon Doyle ([61:16])
This episode of We Can Do Hard Things delves into the complexities of vulnerability, the protective nature of anger, the nuances of parenting neurodiverse children, and the profound identity shifts that come with retirement. Through honest and heartfelt conversations, Glennon, Abby, and Amanda offer listeners valuable insights and relatable experiences, reinforcing the show's central message: we can navigate life's challenges together, becoming stronger and more authentic in the process.