We Can Do Hard Things: Episode Summary – "The Not-So-Newlywed Game with Glennon & Abby: Who Wins?"

Release Date: August 5, 2025
Host/Authors: Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, and Amanda Doyle

Introduction

In this engaging episode of "We Can Do Hard Things," host Glennon Doyle teams up with her wife, former soccer star Abby Wambach, and sister Amanda Doyle to play a heartfelt and humorous version of the classic Newlywed Game. The episode delves into the dynamics of their relationship, highlighting both the strengths and quirks that make their partnership unique.

Setting the Stage: Introducing the Game (02:17 – 05:02)

Abby Wambach kicks off the episode by revealing her childhood dream of becoming a TV game show host, injecting a playful tone into the conversation (02:17). She introduces the concept of "The Not-So-Newlywed Game," where one partner answers questions about the other, aiming to see how well they truly know each other. The game promises laughter, insights, and glimpses into their personal lives.

Game Mechanics and Initial Questions (05:02 – 15:19)

Abby explains the rules: one partner leaves the room while the other answers questions as if they were Abby, then Abby returns to validate or refute the answers (05:02). The trio embarks on a rapid-fire round, covering topics like animal preferences, childhood dreams, and hidden talents.

Notable Moments:

• Animal Preferences: When asked what animal Abby would be, the answer unanimously is a golden retriever (06:00). Amanda exclaims, "Oh, God, that's so true" (06:01), highlighting Abby's friendly and loyal nature.

• Dream Jobs: Abby reminisces about her initial aspiration to become an FBI agent before dedicating herself to soccer (07:11). This reveals a blend of ambition and eventual acceptance of one's true passions.

• Favorite Foods: The discussion about what Abby would choose as her sole food for life brings out personal preferences. One member humorously chooses wagyu steak (09:06), while another opts for hot dogs, emphasizing the diversity in their tastes (32:21).

Exploring Personal Quirks and Coping Mechanisms (15:19 – 29:43)

As the game progresses, the questions delve deeper into personal habits and unique traits.

Key Insights:

• Quirks: Abby's repetitive actions during stress, such as pacing or rubbing her nose, are highlighted. One partner mentions, "She'll be like, okay, okay, okay" (08:50), showcasing how each copes differently under pressure (08:10 – 08:50).

• Hidden Talents: Planning adventures and vacations emerge as Abby's hidden talents, reflecting her organizational skills and passion for creating memorable experiences (06:38 – 10:02).

• Self-Care Practices: The conversation reveals contrasting self-care methods. While one partner engages in physical self-care like sauna and cold plunges (52:14), Abby focuses on emotional and mental wellness through emotional intelligence (53:05 – 53:34).

Notable Quotes:

• Amanda shares, "I like to understand what's happening" (04:32), emphasizing her inquisitive nature.
• Abby states, "She sees the world in a light that favorability that the world doesn't even deserve" (16:08), highlighting her optimistic outlook.

Deepening the Connection: Stories and Shared Experiences (29:43 – 42:02)

The game shifts towards sharing and recounting personal stories that have become family traditions.

Highlights:

• Repeat Stories: Abby fondly discusses how certain stories, like playing beer pong with Ina Garten at a Taylor Swift concert, are told repeatedly, serving as a comforting family tradition (17:41 – 19:43).

• Hero Figures: They explore childhood heroes, revealing how influences like Michael Jordan shaped their aspirations and personalities (49:43 – 51:32).

• Dinner Decisions: The humorous struggle over deciding dinner underscores the everyday challenges and compromises in their relationship (11:13 – 15:19).

Notable Quotes:

• Abby remarks, "If I had that story, I'd tell it every day to every person" (19:28), emphasizing the significance of cherished memories.
• Amanda shares, "Chase's journals that I would save" (10:29), highlighting the importance of family and personal belongings.

Navigating Differences and Strengthening Bonds (42:02 – 55:10)

As the game concludes, the discussion turns to recognizing and appreciating each other's strengths and acknowledging areas for growth.

Key Points:

• Acknowledging Strengths: Both partners express admiration for each other's generosity, emotional intelligence, and ability to see the best in people (15:24 – 16:39).

• Handling Conflicts: They candidly discuss how differences, such as in self-care practices and coping mechanisms, are navigated with love and understanding (28:05 – 30:49).

• Future Episodes: Plans for revisiting the game with each partner answering questions about the other promise continued exploration of their relationship dynamics (54:44 – 55:23).

Notable Quotes:

• Abby says, "We're tied at first place with winning together as a unit" (54:57), symbolizing their collaborative and supportive relationship.
• Amanda reflects, "Glennon has established the baseline of like, that's what we do here" (51:40), recognizing Glennon's role in fostering their self-care routines.

Conclusion: Embracing Love and Understanding (55:10 – End)

The episode wraps up with heartfelt affirmations and plans for future interactions. The hosts encourage listeners to engage with the podcast by following, subscribing, and sharing their experiences, reinforcing the community aspect of facing life's challenges together.

Final Thoughts:

• Strength in Vulnerability: By openly sharing their personal stories and vulnerabilities, Glennon, Abby, and Amanda exemplify the podcast's mission of embracing honesty to lighten life's burdens.

• Continued Growth: The promise of future episodes hints at an ongoing journey of discovery and deeper connection, both for the hosts and their listeners.

Notable Quote:

• Glennon encourages, "If this podcast means something to you, it would mean so much to us if you'd be willing to take 30 seconds to do these three things" (55:22), emphasizing the importance of community support.

Episode Highlights Recap

• Fun and Games: The Not-So-Newlywed Game format provided a lighthearted yet profound look into the hosts' relationship dynamics.

• Humor and Heart: Balancing humor with heartfelt moments, the episode showcased the authenticity and depth of Glennon and Abby's bond.

• Personal Insights: Listeners gained valuable insights into coping mechanisms, self-care practices, and the importance of understanding and supporting one another.

This episode of "We Can Do Hard Things" not only entertains but also offers a genuine portrayal of navigating a committed relationship with honesty, humor, and unwavering support. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the podcast, "The Not-So-Newlywed Game" provides relatable content that underscores the beauty and complexity of love and partnership.