We Can Do Hard Things — Episode Summary

Podcast: We Can Do Hard Things
Hosts: Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, Amanda Doyle (Treat Media)
Episode Title: Welcome to 2026 (and Hello, YouTube Friends)
Date: January 1, 2026

Overview

This episode marks a heartfelt recommitment to the podcast’s roots: an audio-only experience. Glennon, Abby, and Amanda welcome listeners to 2026, share reflections on trying and pivoting from YouTube, and invite the Pod Squad to continue braving life’s “beautiful, brutal” moments together. The focus is on honoring vulnerability, community, and embracing new beginnings unapologetically.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Welcoming Both New and Old Listeners

• The hosts acknowledge listeners coming from both traditional audio platforms and YouTube.
• They reinforce the inclusive community aspect that defines the Pod Squad.

Quote:
"If you are joining us here after finding us on YouTube, welcome. If you've always been here with us in audio, thank you for staying."
— (Glennon, 00:00)

2. Reflections on the YouTube Experiment

• The team experimented with video but discovered that audio aligns better with their values and comfort.
• Glennon shares that detaching from concerns about physical appearance allows for deeper authenticity and connection.

Quote:
"I feel most embodied when I am not considering how I'm being perceived in my physical form. I feel most vulnerable and most strong when I am sending you my spirit and my ideas without my body being involved."
— (Glennon, 00:19)

3. Embracing Change and Authenticity

• The hosts model a willingness to try new things and, more significantly, to reroute when something doesn’t serve their well-being or the spirit of the show.
• This decision is framed as an ongoing commitment to “do hard things,” not just as a slogan, but as a way of living and making creative choices.

Quote:
"We're gonna try new things and when it doesn't feel good, we're rerouting. That's what we're doing from here on out."
— (Glennon, 00:33)

4. Looking Ahead to 2026—Together

• The hosts express gratitude for the audience and reaffirm their intention to stand with listeners through all that the new year brings.
• Emphasis on community solidarity—whatever happens, listeners are not alone.

Quote:
"We will be doing 2026 together like we always have. And whatever beautiful, brutal things the year brings, we won't do them alone."
— (Glennon, 01:06)

5. Upcoming Episodes and Connection

• Listeners are encouraged to follow the podcast to stay up to date—reminder of the next episode on January 6th.
• The episode closes with expressions of love and the idea that the audio format is truly "where we belong."

Quote:
"We are so grateful for you and we will meet you back here next Tuesday right here in your audio feed where we belong. Love you, Pod Squad."
— (Glennon, 01:18)

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• [00:00] Glennon: “If you are joining us here after finding us on YouTube, welcome.”
• [00:19] Glennon: “I feel most embodied when I am not considering how I'm being perceived in my physical form...I am sending you my spirit and my ideas without my body being involved.”
• [00:33] Glennon: “We're gonna try new things and when it doesn't feel good, we're rerouting.”
• [01:06] Glennon: “We will be doing 2026 together like we always have. And whatever beautiful, brutal things the year brings, we won't do them alone.”
• [01:18] Glennon: “We will meet you back here next Tuesday right here in your audio feed where we belong.”

Community & Social Media

• The podcast is an independent production of Treat Media, whose philosophy is “art for humans who want to stay human.”
• Listeners are invited to continue connecting via Instagram (@ecandohardthings) and TikTok (@WeCanDoHardThingsShow).

Summary

With warmth and humility, the hosts reaffirm their commitment to authenticity and connection in 2026. Shifting away from video, they prioritize honesty and vulnerability, remind listeners that “trying and rerouting” is part of doing hard things, and promise ongoing support through the joys and trials of the year ahead. This brief but heartfelt episode closes with appreciation and promises of more meaningful conversations to come.