We Can Do Hard Things: Episode Summary Title: What Glennon Saw at LA Protests & Immigration Court with Lillian Aponte Miranda
Release Date: June 17, 2025
Hosts: Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, and Amanda Doyle

Introduction: Facing Hardships Together

The episode opens with Glennon Doyle emphasizing the importance of resilience and mutual support, especially for healthcare and wellness professionals. She highlights the daily challenges faced by individuals in these fields and introduces the partnership with FIGS to support these essential workers.

Quote:

Glennon Doyle [00:00]: "Life is freaking hard. We are all doing hard things every single day…"

Transition to Main Content

After a series of brief advertisements, the hosts transition into the core discussion, setting the stage for a deep dive into the recent LA protests and the immigration court system, featuring special guest Lillian Aponte Miranda from the Florence Project.

Quote:

Host [04:03]: "Welcome to We Can Do Hard Things. We are about to take a journey together of a really beautiful episode where Glennon is talking about her recent experience at the LA protests ICE out of LA and the really beautiful display of humanity that she saw there."

Glennon’s Experience at LA Protests

Glennon Doyle recounts her participation in the Los Angeles protests against ICE raids. She describes the overwhelming display of compassion and solidarity among protesters, including handing out water bottles and protein bars, and the presence of children actively involved in the demonstrations.

Quote:

Glennon Doyle [05:24]: "I just am so grateful to you, sister, and you, Glennon, for showing up in this time. These calm news episodes… made me feel less crazy."

Amanda’s Perspective and Personal Reflection

Amanda Doyle shares her emotional experience during the protests, highlighting the moment when law enforcement, clad in riot gear and armed with tanks, confronted the peaceful demonstrators. She describes the stark contrast between the initial hopeful atmosphere and the sudden aggression displayed by authorities.

Quote:

Amanda Doyle [06:27]: "I know how I felt when the guns were pulled. I know how I felt before… hopeful, peaceful, inspired, grateful, in love with Los Angeles and my country. When those guns were pulled on us… rageful. I was so angry."
Amanda Doyle [10:16]: "These people poured out of their cars. They were cheering for us… It was beautiful."

Introducing Lillian Aponte Miranda

Amanda introduces Lillian Aponte Miranda, the Executive Director of the Florence Project, an organization dedicated to providing legal and social services to children in immigration detention. Lillian shares her emotional state leading up to the podcast and the importance of community support during these challenging times.

Quote:

Lillian Aponte Miranda [14:00]: "I have seen obviously what has been happening in the last several days. My heart has been heavy… but I was also comforted that I was going to be here with all of you."

The Reality of Immigration Proceedings for Children

Glennon, Amanda, Abby, and Lillian delve into the harrowing experiences of children who are taken into immigration detention. They discuss the lack of adequate legal representation, the emotional trauma inflicted on young children, and the dismantling of support systems that organizations like the Florence Project provide.

Quote:

Amanda Doyle [32:44]: "We watched a two-year-old whose legs couldn't even... he sat down in the chair to face the judge. It was the most heartbreaking thing I've ever seen."
Lillian Aponte Miranda [23:03]: "This moment… requires us to look out the window and understand what it is ours to do."

Impact of Funding Cuts on Support Systems

Lillian explains the severe implications of federal funding cuts on organizations supporting children in immigration detention. Without adequate resources, children are left to navigate complex legal proceedings alone, often without understanding the gravity of their situations.

Quote:

Lillian Aponte Miranda [55:55]: "Without the resources that allow for organizations like us to have the right capacity of attorneys… children will sit at a table in court alone."

The Heroism of Advocates

The conversation shifts to the unwavering dedication of advocates who work tirelessly to support vulnerable children. Lillian emphasizes the emotional and psychological toll on these advocates, who often experience secondary trauma while striving to provide meaningful assistance.

Quote:

Lillian Aponte Miranda [63:37]: "We are the people who are looking at this work through the lens of the law, the lens of trauma-informed approach to lawyering… it's work of the heart and of the intellect."

Community Support and Call to Action

Abby Wambach and Amanda Doyle encourage listeners to support the Florence Project and similar organizations financially and through advocacy. They provide information on how to contribute to the network that aids children in immigration detention.

Quote:

Abby Wambach [66:11]: "If you wanna be part of standing up for these kids and with these kids as if they are our own… you can go to treatmedia.com."
Amanda Doyle [61:05]: "We are going to make sure that you, Pod Squad, have a link to give. There are a million different ways to resist."

Conclusion: United in Resilience

The episode concludes with a reaffirmation of commitment to facing the nation’s challenges together. The hosts, along with Lillian, emphasize the importance of community, support, and collective action in overcoming the adversities faced by immigrant children and their families.

Quote:

Amanda Doyle [67:50]: "Pod Squad, we love you. And we're gonna do hard things, and we're gonna do them together, and we're gonna do them with heroes like Lillian."
Lillian Aponte Miranda [68:04]: "We will not let them go through hell alone."

Key Takeaways:

• Humanity in Protests: The LA protests showcased immense human compassion and community solidarity against ICE raids.
• Challenges for Immigrant Children: Children in immigration detention face severe emotional and legal challenges, exacerbated by funding cuts to support organizations.
• Essential Role of Advocacy: Organizations like the Florence Project are crucial in providing legal representation and emotional support to detained children.
• Community Action: Listeners are encouraged to support these vital organizations through donations and advocacy to ensure that vulnerable children are not left to navigate the system alone.
• Resilience Through Unity: The episode underscores the power of collective action and mutual support in facing societal hardships.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Glennon Doyle [00:00]: "Life is freaking hard. We are all doing hard things every single day…"
• Amanda Doyle [06:27]: "I was so angry."
• Lillian Aponte Miranda [14:00]: "I have seen obviously what has been happening in the last several days. My heart has been heavy…"
• Amanda Doyle [32:44]: "We watched a two-year-old… It was the most heartbreaking thing I've ever seen."
• Lillian Aponte Miranda [55:55]: "Without the resources that allow for organizations like us to have the right capacity of attorneys…"
• Abby Wambach [66:11]: "If you wanna be part of standing up for these kids…"
• Amanda Doyle [67:50]: "We are gonna do hard things, and we're gonna do them together…"
• Lillian Aponte Miranda [68:04]: "We will not let them go through hell alone."

Final Thoughts:
This episode of We Can Do Hard Things serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by immigrant children and the critical role of advocacy organizations in providing support and a semblance of hope. Through heartfelt stories and unyielding commitment, the hosts and their guest underscore the importance of community solidarity in tackling some of society's most pressing and painful challenges.