Podcast Summary: "QUITTING: When is it time to let something or someone go? (Best Of)"

Title: QUITTING: When is it time to let something or someone go? (Best Of)
Hosts: Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, Amanda Doyle
Release Date: May 25, 2025
Platform: Audacy
Description:
In this compelling episode of "We Can Do Hard Things," hosts Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, and Amanda Doyle explore the often misunderstood concept of quitting. Moving beyond societal stigmas, they discuss quitting as an act of self-care, self-love, and resistance against unrealistic expectations. Through personal anecdotes, psychological insights, and heartfelt conversations, the trio empowers listeners to discern when quitting is a necessary step toward a more authentic and fulfilling life.

1. Challenging Societal Norms Around Quitting

Amanda Doyle opens the episode by addressing the pervasive cultural narrative that glorifies never quitting. She states:

“We hear, winners never quit, quitters never win. That which doesn't kill us makes us stronger. Suck it up. Never give up.”
— Amanda Doyle ([04:36])

Amanda challenges this mindset, advocating for quitting as a wise and strong choice. She highlights the backlash women face when they choose to prioritize their well-being over societal expectations, using high-profile examples like Simone Biles, Meghan Markle, and Naomi Osaka.

2. Personal Journeys and Perspectives on Quitting

Glennon Doyle shares her discovery of Abby's quotes on quitting, which humorously contradict Abby's public persona as an unstoppable competitor:

“You must not only have competitiveness, but ability, regardless of the circumstances you face, to never quit.”
— Glennon Doyle ([06:32])

This revelation leads to a discussion on the varied personal definitions of quitting. Glennon reflects on her own relationship with quitting, recognizing how societal pressures have sometimes kept her in unfulfilling situations:

“I have prided myself on never quitting, but I have stayed in some shitty situations because of it.”
— Glennon Doyle ([16:38])

Abby Wambach delves into her athletic background, explaining how quitting was ingrained as losing in sports. However, she acknowledges her struggles with quitting in personal tasks, like home repairs, illustrating that the act of quitting is complex and multifaceted:

“I was a refuser of quitting... When I stepped into sobriety, it was the most proud moment of my life.”
— Abby Wambach ([32:23])

3. Psychological Insights: Sunk Cost Fallacy and Hedonic Adaptation

Amanda Doyle introduces the concept of the sunk cost fallacy, explaining how individuals often continue commitments due to past investments rather than present benefits:

“Sunk cost is any unrecoverable cost you've already incurred... It's completely irrational because you're never going to recover that anyway.”
— Glennon Doyle ([09:24])

Glennon Doyle further explores hedonic adaptation, discussing how people return to a baseline level of happiness regardless of positive or negative changes:

“We adapt... Only about 10% of happiness is due to circumstances. The rest is within our control.”
— Glennon Doyle ([25:11])

This insight challenges the idea that quitting external factors will lead to lasting happiness, emphasizing the importance of internal change.

4. Empowering Stories of Quitting for Growth

Amanda Doyle shares her transformative experience of quitting alcohol and leaving a broken marriage, framing these quits as steps toward personal freedom and authenticity:

“Quitting alcohol and leaving a marriage were the most empowering decisions of my life.”
— Amanda Doyle ([28:25])

Abby Wambach reflects on her sobriety journey, highlighting how quitting detrimental behaviors allowed her to reconnect with her true self and form meaningful relationships:

“Quitting drinking was the thing that impacted my life the most. It led me to meet Glennon and find happiness.”
— Abby Wambach ([34:38])

Glennon Doyle discusses overcoming bingeing and purging, as well as ending a dissatisfying marriage, emphasizing the liberation that comes from letting go:

“Quitting allowed me to break free from past constraints and embrace a life aligned with my true self.”
— Glennon Doyle ([40:47])

5. Listener Voices: Navigating Personal Quitting Decisions

The hosts address listener questions, providing supportive advice tailored to individual struggles with quitting.

Sarah's Dilemma:
Sarah contemplates quitting her stable government job to pursue a career in art but feels overwhelmed and uncertain.

“Be like a man and assume that you are qualified and ready. No one's ever 100% ready. Go get it and share your art with us.”
— Glennon Doyle ([53:55])

Bridget's Challenge:
Bridget grapples with her teenage daughter wanting to quit her nationally ranked soccer team, feeling embarrassed and ashamed within her community.

“We can't live vicariously through our kids. Celebrate their choices and support their autonomy.”
— Abby Wambach ([57:16])

The hosts commend Bridget's honesty and encourage her to prioritize her daughter's happiness over societal expectations:

“Your girl's a badass. You did a good job, Bridget.”
— Amanda Doyle ([60:27])

6. Redefining Quitting: From Loss to Liberation

In their concluding thoughts, the hosts reiterate the original meaning of quitting as setting oneself free and finding calmness and rest.

“The original definition of quitting was to set free from. To be calm, to rest. That was the origin of quit for 700 years until, like, a hot minute ago.”
— Glennon Doyle ([60:52])

They encourage listeners to identify areas in their lives where letting go can lead to greater peace and authenticity, affirming:

“When things get too hard this week, don't forget, we can quit Hard Things.”
— Amanda Doyle ([60:52])

Notable Quotes:

• Amanda Doyle: “We hear, winners never quit, quitters never win. That which doesn't kill us makes us stronger. Suck it up. Never give up.” ([04:36])

• Abby Wambach: “Quitting is, in fact, losing. You can't actually win if you quit.” ([07:02])

• Glennon Doyle: “The original definition of quitting was to set free from. To be calm, to rest.” ([60:52])

Conclusion

This episode of "We Can Do Hard Things" thoughtfully dismantles the negative connotations surrounding quitting, presenting it as a courageous and necessary choice for personal growth and well-being. Through honest dialogues and shared experiences, Glennon, Abby, and Amanda empower listeners to embrace quitting as a step toward a more authentic and fulfilling life.