Podcast Summary: "Testing Abby: How Well Does She Really Know Glennon?"
We Can Do Hard Things
Release Date: August 7, 2025
In this engaging episode of We Can Do Hard Things, hosts Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, and Amanda Doyle dive into a heartfelt and humorous segment titled "The Newlywed-ish Game." This installment focuses on Abby Wambach's ability to understand and connect with Glennon Doyle, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into their relationship dynamics and personal growth journeys.
The Newlywed-ish Game Begins
Timestamp: [02:20] - [05:01]
The episode kicks off with Amanda Doyle welcoming listeners before transitioning into the game segment. Abby Wambach takes the "hot seat," ready to answer questions about Glennon, while Amanda poses inquiries to test Abby's knowledge of her sister-in-law.
Notable Quote:
Abby humorously remarks, "She's in the hot seat today," setting a playful tone for the competition.
— [02:35]
Exploring Glennon's Personal Spaces
Timestamp: [05:01] - [08:28]
Amanda begins by asking Abby about Glennon's favorite room in their home. Abby thoughtfully describes the family's living area, highlighting Glennon's love for her art studio and a cozy reading nook. She adds, "She loves sleeping. It's like her favorite thing when we get into bed at night."
— [05:15]
The conversation shifts to Glennon's passion for initiating home improvement projects. Amanda confidently identifies Glennon as the primary mover behind such endeavors, recalling her desire to "have Christmas in June" to change the household's energy.
— [06:32]
Personal Achievements and Challenges
Timestamp: [07:17] - [09:41]
Abby is quizzed on Glennon's proudest achievements, to which she admirably responds, "I think her sobriety." This acknowledgment underscores Glennon's commitment to personal growth and overcoming obstacles.
— [08:02]
When discussing challenges they've faced as a couple, Amanda emphasizes their journey through therapy and improved communication. She reflects, "Early days, I just took everything so personally, and it was like I was so scared of her leaving me." Their shared experiences highlight the power of vulnerability and mutual support in healing and strengthening relationships.
— [08:31]
Humorous Habits and Superpowers
Timestamp: [09:48] - [17:10]
The game takes a lighter turn as Amanda and Abby explore Glennon's quirky habits. Amanda shares, "Glennon is always fidgeting with her hands," and describes Glennon's tendency to write and erase words absentmindedly, adding a touch of levity to the conversation.
— [14:27]
When asked about a superpower, Abby contemplates Glennon's desire to "be less in her head" and possibly "invisible," reflecting on Glennon's introspective nature and her struggle with overthinking.
— [17:10]
Deep Dive into Relationship Dynamics
Timestamp: [26:03] - [34:16]
As the game progresses, Amanda and Abby delve into the complexities of their relationship with Glennon. They discuss how therapy has facilitated better conflict resolution and acceptance of each other's inherent traits. Abby explains, "In relationships, that's the biggest thing in the entire world for me is learning how to be okay so that I can be of service to my people, not use my people to service myself."
— [33:12]
This segment emphasizes the importance of self-regulation and avoiding the temptation to control others as a means of emotional management.
Final Questions and Reflections
Timestamp: [37:35] - [51:29]
The latter part of the episode mirrors the initial questions, allowing Abby to attempt to answer about Glennon, albeit with playful difficulty and self-deprecation. Highlights include discussions about favorite seasons, color metaphors representing personal growth (with Glennon moving from "midnight blue" to "purple"), and humorous anecdotes about controlling the car radio or forgetting important dates.
Notable Quotes:
- Amanda reflects, "I think we went through the first couple of years of Moon honeymoon and then we went through two years of power control struggle."
- Abby passionately shares her vision of being a "solid, grounded crone, matriarch of the family," symbolizing her evolving role within the household.
— [25:07] - [50:44]
Conclusion and Takeaways
Throughout the episode, listeners witness the deep bond and mutual respect between Glennon, Abby, and Amanda. The "Newlywed-ish Game" serves as a medium for them to celebrate each other's strengths, acknowledge vulnerabilities, and reinforce their commitment to navigating life's challenges together. The candid exchanges offer valuable insights into maintaining healthy relationships through communication, empathy, and continuous personal development.
Closing Thought:
Amanda suggests, "These are good question starters for dinners and stuff," encouraging listeners to apply similar reflective practices in their own relationships.
— [51:16]
This episode exemplifies the show's mission to "drop the fake and talk honestly about the hard things," providing both entertainment and inspiration for listeners seeking to foster deeper connections and live more authentically.