Summary of "We Can Do Hard Things" Episode: Kelly Clarkson – Red Flags, Divorce & Starting Over (Best Of)

Release Date: April 20, 2025

Hosts: Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, Amanda Doyle

In this poignant episode of We Can Do Hard Things, Glennon Doyle, alongside co-hosts Abby Wambach and Amanda Doyle, sits down with renowned singer Kelly Clarkson to delve deep into the complexities of relationships, divorce, personal growth, and the red flags that often go unnoticed until it's too late. This heartfelt conversation offers listeners an authentic glimpse into Kelly's personal struggles, triumphs, and the invaluable lessons she's learned along the way.

Introduction: Welcoming Kelly Clarkson

Glennon Doyle kickstarts the episode by expressing her admiration for women who bravely share their truths. She warmly welcomes Kelly Clarkson, highlighting her new album Chemistry and the raw honesty she brings to discussing life's challenges.

Notable Quote:

Glennon Doyle (02:35): "This one that we have with us today is as cheetahish as a goddamn cheetah gets. You may have heard of her. Her name is Kelly Clarkson."

Understanding the Depth of Personal Struggles

Kelly opens up about her darkest moments, particularly during the peak of her Breakaway tour. Battling walking pneumonia twice and navigating draining personal and professional relationships, Kelly recounts feeling utterly alone despite her public success.

Notable Quote:

Kelly Clarkson (07:25): "Nobody cared. They just literally were pumped. Not nobody that counted... there was nowhere to go. Like, home wasn't great. Business wasn't great."

The Impact of "Untamed" and Recognizing Unhealthy Patterns

The conversation takes a transformative turn as Kelly discusses how reading Glennon Doyle’s book Untamed led her to introspect and recognize the unhealthy patterns in her relationships. She reflects on the importance of honesty with oneself, especially when considering the well-being of her children.

Notable Quote:

Kelly Clarkson (10:55): "I have this thing where... it's hard to change those patterns, especially that are built in from childhood."

Establishing Boundaries and Embracing Self-Worth

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the necessity of setting boundaries and understanding the difference between needing someone versus wanting someone. Kelly emphasizes that self-worth is paramount and that relationships should enhance one's life, not drain it.

Notable Quote:

Kelly Clarkson (21:30): "I am far better at boundaries now... I need to be wanted."

Musical Insights: Healing Through Art

Kelly shares how her songs, including “Mine” and “Lighthouse,” serve as therapeutic outlets for her experiences. She explains how her album captures the rollercoaster of emotions tied to love, loss, and self-discovery, offering listeners a narrative of resilience and hope.

Notable Quote:

Kelly Clarkson (37:05): "It’s like we both were out here drowning... and we're not finding each other and we're not getting there."

Challenging Traditional Notions of Marriage

Kelly offers a candid perspective on marriage, questioning societal expectations and highlighting the importance of mutual growth and support. She acknowledges that while marriage can be beautiful, it requires continuous effort and communication, something not everyone is prepared to commit to.

Notable Quote:

Kelly Clarkson (56:41): "I don't think I've ever experienced [a relationship that makes you more of you]. Love is a lot of work, it is not easy."

The Power of Honesty and Authenticity

The trio delves into the significance of honesty in both self-reflection and interpersonal relationships. Kelly stresses that being truthful not only fosters healthier relationships but also sets a positive example for her children.

Notable Quote:

Kelly Clarkson (61:17): "Being honest about who people are, including yourself. Yeah, that's a big win for me."

Personal Growth: Lessons from Heartbreak

As the episode nears its end, Kelly shares how her journey through heartbreak has been instrumental in her personal growth. She discusses the cyclical nature of life's lessons, likening it to a spiral staircase where each challenge strengthens her for what lies ahead.

Notable Quote:

Glennon Doyle (60:51): "Life is a spiral staircase. We keep spinning around, coming around to the same lessons."

Conclusion: Embracing the Journey

The episode wraps up with heartfelt exchanges, emphasizing the importance of embracing one's journey with all its imperfections. Kelly expresses gratitude for being able to share her story, reinforcing the podcast's mission to foster honest conversations about life's hard things.

Notable Quote:

Kelly Clarkson (65:45): "All right, bye, y'all."

Key Takeaways

• Recognizing Red Flags: Understanding and identifying unhealthy patterns in relationships is crucial for personal well-being.

• Setting Boundaries: Establishing clear boundaries helps maintain self-worth and fosters healthier connections.

• Honesty and Authenticity: Being truthful with oneself and others leads to more fulfilling relationships and personal growth.

• Personal Growth Through Challenges: Embracing and learning from hardships strengthens resilience and self-awareness.

• Redefining Marriage: Moving away from societal expectations to focus on mutual growth and support within partnerships.

This episode serves as an inspiring testament to the power of honesty, self-reflection, and the courage to walk away from what no longer serves one's well-being. Kelly Clarkson's vulnerability and insights offer listeners profound lessons on navigating the intricate dance of relationships and personal growth.