We Can Do Hard Things - Episode: The Best Advice We’ve Ever Received (Best Of) Release Date: June 1, 2025

In this enriching episode of We Can Do Hard Things, hosts Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, and Amanda Doyle delve deep into the transformative power of advice. They share personal stories, insightful conversations, and guest perspectives that highlight how meaningful guidance can shape our lives. Below is a detailed summary capturing the essence of their discussions, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps.

1. Episode Introduction

Amanda Doyle kicks off the episode by setting the stage for a week dedicated to sharing the best advice they've ever received. She emphasizes their commitment to making a positive impact on listeners, stating:

"If your life is not a little bit better after this week then we have not done our jobs."
[02:12] – Amanda Doyle

2. Abby Wambach on Self-Sovereignty

Abby shares a profound encounter with Justina Blakeney, which introduced her to the concept of self-sovereignty. This idea revolves around making personal decisions that benefit one's own "realm" — encompassing family, community, and personal well-being.

"It's self sovereignty. This is what she says to me."
[04:00] – Abby Wambach

Abby explains how Justina reframed moments of potential deprivation into empowered choices for the greater good:

"It's for the good of the realm."
[06:05] – Abby Wambach

3. Navigating Advice on Personal Boundaries

The conversation transitions into a heartfelt dialogue between Amanda and Abby about advising their children on love and resilience. Amanda recounts her attempts to prepare her child for heartbreak, while Abby emphasizes the importance of believing in one's potential.

Amanda's Approach:

"Baby, do you know why they call it a crush? Because it always crushes you."
[24:34] – Amanda Doyle

Abby's Perspective:

"If they don't try to go after the things that are the most important to them... that is when you actually fail."
[26:20] – Glennon Doyle

This exchange highlights the balance between preparing loved ones for challenges and encouraging them to pursue their passions fearlessly.

4. Glennon Doyle’s Personal Advice: Try and Surround Yourself with Support

Glennon shares a pivotal piece of advice that fueled her athletic success and personal growth:

"You never know how good you can be unless you try."
[17:34] – Glennon Doyle

She underscores the significance of persistence and having a supportive community, crediting her coach Pia Sundaga for reinforcing this belief.

5. Sara Bareilles Shares Her Best Advice

Guest Sara Bareilles recounts a transformative moment at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, where Carole King encouraged her to eliminate self-doubt:

"Get out of your own way. Go do the thing. They already love you."
[43:41] – Sara Bareilles

This advice empowered Sara to overcome imposter syndrome and embrace her authentic self on stage, leading to memorable performances.

6. Tina Yalen's Heartfelt Message

Amanda introduces Tina Yalen, her beloved seventh-grade government teacher, who shares a touching voicemail message. Tina emphasizes unconditional self-worth and the importance of enjoying life's beauty:

"There is nothing wrong with you."
[53:09] – Amanda Doyle

Tina elaborates on the joy she finds in spending time with the hosts and affirms their authenticity and goodness:

"These incredible women are exactly who you think they are in person. Authentic, honest, thoughtful, insightful, curious, kind, and funny."
[51:30] – Tina Yalen

7. Closing Reflections

As the episode concludes, the hosts reflect on the shared advice and its impact. Amanda acknowledges her initial struggle to find applicable advice but appreciates the collective wisdom imparted throughout the discussion.

"There is not a damn thing wrong with you."
[53:09] – Amanda Doyle

They encourage listeners to embrace these insights, fostering a sense of community, self-confidence, and resilience.

Notable Quotes Summary

• Amanda Doyle: "If your life is not a little bit better after this week then we have not done our jobs."
  [02:12]

• Abby Wambach: "It's self sovereignty. This is what she says to me."
  [04:00]

• Glennon Doyle: "You never know how good you can be unless you try."
  [17:34]

• Sara Bareilles: "Get out of your own way. Go do the thing. They already love you."
  [43:41]

• Amanda Doyle: "There is nothing wrong with you."
  [53:09]

Conclusion

This episode of We Can Do Hard Things beautifully intertwines personal anecdotes with universal wisdom, offering listeners heartfelt advice on self-sovereignty, resilience, and the importance of supportive communities. Through their honest and vulnerable conversations, Glennon, Abby, and Amanda inspire listeners to embrace their challenges and grow stronger together.

Thank you for tuning in to We Can Do Hard Things. If this episode resonated with you, consider subscribing, rating, and sharing it with friends to spread the message of strength and solidarity.