Podcast Summary: "What Abby Learned On Tour with Tish"
Introduction
In the episode titled "What Abby Learned On Tour with Tish," hosts Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, and Amanda Doyle delve into the heartfelt and transformative experiences that unfolded during Abby's role as a road manager and tour manager for their daughter, Tish Melton. This episode offers an intimate glimpse into the challenges and joys of supporting a young artist on an international tour, highlighting themes of family dynamics, personal growth, and the unwavering support that binds them together.
Publication Day for "We Can Do Hard Things"
The episode opens with the excitement and complexity surrounding the publication day of their new book, We Can Do Hard Things. Amanda Doyle humorously acknowledges her first book release, despite having authored several prior works:
“It’s like, your fifth book out in the world, but the first one is... the first one you’re getting credit for.” — Amanda Doyle [03:11]
Glennon shares her mixed emotions about the day, balancing genuine excitement with anxiety about increased visibility:
“It feels exciting and good, but the hoopla piece of it feels odd.” — Glennon Doyle [03:45]
Abby passionately emphasizes the collective effort behind the book’s creation and expresses deep appreciation for Amanda’s behind-the-scenes contributions:
“Seeing all three of our names on the front cover of this book is one of the most emotional things to me...” — Abby Wambach [06:21]
Abby’s Tour with Tish Melton
Planning and Preparation
Abby recounts the meticulous planning required to embark on the tour with Tish, highlighting her responsibilities in managing logistics while ensuring Tish’s well-being:
“I have to route her travel from gig to gig... making sure we rent the right accommodations.” — Abby Wambach [26:08]
Drawing parallels to her own childhood experiences of long drives with her mother, Abby underscores the importance of creating a supportive and budget-conscious environment for Tish:
“I thought a lot about what that time was for her and me...” — Abby Wambach [27:45]
On the Road: Experiences and Challenges
The hosts vividly describe the daily grind of touring, from early morning drives to navigating less-than-ideal hotel conditions. Abby shares personal anecdotes about handling multiple roles, from logistics to emotional support:
“I was doing like six people’s jobs...” — Abby Wambach [32:03]
Amanda discusses moments of vulnerability and the emotional toll of feeling sidelined:
“I was utterly unnecessary... It was like superfluous.” — Amanda Doyle [43:33]
A poignant moment occurs when Amanda experiences severe motion sickness, highlighting the physical and emotional demands of the tour:
“I was throwing up on the side of the road...” — Amanda Doyle [45:00]
Emotional Impact and Growth
The tour serves as a transformative journey for both Abby and Tish. Abby reflects on witnessing Tish’s dedication and the profound impact of supporting her daughter’s passion:
“Witnessing one of the most important moments of your child’s life...” — Abby Wambach [40:12]
Amanda expresses the deep connections formed with fans and the community that rallies around Tish, fostering a sense of hope and belonging:
“I saw so much goodness and so much beauty and so much showing up for each other...” — Amanda Doyle [55:53]
Reflections on Parenting and Family Dynamics
The episode delves into the evolving roles within the family, particularly how Amanda navigates feeling peripheral during the tour. She candidly shares her struggles with balancing support for Tish and maintaining her sense of self:
“Every once in a while, it was so clear that I was utterly unnecessary...” — Amanda Doyle [43:33]
Abby emphasizes the importance of giving children the space to navigate their own paths, highlighting her approach to parenting through modeling and support rather than direct intervention:
“Trying to just be their parent rather than like the champion all-star person...” — Abby Wambach [49:23]
Conclusions and Takeaways
As the tour concludes, the hosts reflect on the invaluable lessons learned and the strengthened bonds within the family. Abby expresses unwavering support for Tish’s future endeavors, while Amanda acknowledges the profound influence Abby has had on their children's confidence and resilience:
“Their courage and their confidence and their belief in themselves... is all because of Abby.” — Amanda Doyle [47:52]
The episode closes with heartfelt expressions of gratitude towards their listeners and a reaffirmation of the importance of community and support in overcoming life’s challenges.
Notable Quotes
- Glennon Doyle [03:45]: “It feels exciting and good, but the hoopla piece of it feels odd.”
- Abby Wambach [06:21]: “Seeing all three of our names on the front cover of this book is one of the most emotional things to me...”
- Abby Wambach [26:08]: “I have to route her travel from gig to gig... making sure we rent the right accommodations.”
- Amanda Doyle [43:33]: “Every once in a while, it was so clear that I was utterly unnecessary...”
- Abby Wambach [49:23]: “Trying to just be their parent rather than like the champion all-star person...”
- Amanda Doyle [47:52]: “Their courage and their confidence and their belief in themselves... is all because of Abby.”
Conclusion
"What Abby Learned On Tour with Tish" is a deeply personal and inspiring episode that showcases the strength of family bonds and the profound impact of supporting loved ones through their passions. Through their candid conversations, Glennon, Abby, and Amanda offer listeners valuable insights into navigating life's hard things with honesty, vulnerability, and unwavering support.