We Can Do Hard Things

Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, the first female bishop in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, shares her remarkable experience of delivering a powerful sermon during President Trump's inauguration. She discusses the balance of strength and compassion in leadership, critiques the troubling rise of the 'sin of empathy' in Christian Nationalist circles, and emphasizes the importance of addressing despair without passing it on to others. With a focus on advocating for marginalized communities, she encourages maintaining hope and resilience in times of uncertainty.

The discussion revolves around Tish's transformative music tour and its impact on her relationships, especially with Abby. They share sentimental reflections on community support and the joy of witnessing Tish's solo performances. Abby and Glennon delve into the emotional rollercoaster of pursuing dreams, highlighting what it means to navigate vulnerability. The hosts also celebrate the growth and lessons learned during the tour, emphasizing the power of connection and shared experiences among loved ones.

Samantha Irby, the witty author behind the Bitches Gotta Eat blog and writer for shows like Shrill, shares her life-changing strategies for dealing with the absurdity of everyday interactions. She dives into humor as a shield for hidden rage and her unique theory on friendship—embracing 'lowercase f friends' without the need for deeper connections. Samantha hilariously advocates for the Joy of Missing Out while revealing the impactful story behind the 'Fat Babe Pool Party' episode from Shrill, showcasing body positivity and inclusivity.

The hosts dive into their biggest pet peeves, revealing fascinating insights about themselves. Glennon shares her disdain for noise pollution in public spaces, while Abby candidly discusses the challenges of being a bonus parent with no personal space. Amanda expresses her allergy to the word 'fine' and vows to stop using the phrase 'I didn’t have time.' Together, they explore how these annoyances reflect deeper emotions and societal norms, creating a relatable and humorous take on everyday frustrations.

407. 100 Days of Trump: What to Know, What to Do & What’s Coming Next  | Jessica Yellin Amanda and Webby Award Winning Journalist, Jessica Yellin, dive deep into the first 100 days of Trump's second term in office, discussing the implications of his administration's actions and policies. -The importance of the first 100 days in a presidency—and what Trump’s actions during that time reveal. -How proposed Medicaid cuts are tied to tax breaks for the wealthy.-The dire consequences of RFK Jr. and DOGE on our healthcare system-Why denying due process to anyone endangers due process for everyone.-What actions you can take now to drive change—and why waiting on Congress isn't an option. Jessica Yellin is the founder of News Not Noise, a pioneering Webby award-winning independent news brand -- dedicated to helping you manage your  “information overload.” She is the former chief White House correspondent for CNN and an Emmy, Peabody and Gracie Award-winning political correspondent. You can follow her on Instagram at Jessica Yellin.

And also, to get real time, clear and brilliant reporting, go to substack.com and search for her page newsnotnoise and subscribe there.

Linda Flanagan, a freelance journalist and author of "Take Back the Game," dives into the pressures surrounding youth sports. She reveals how commercialization has turned play into a competitive battleground, stressing the importance of prioritizing joy over performance. Flanagan discusses parents' roles, urging them to set healthy boundaries and rethink their sidelines behavior. She warns against early specialization and its long-term effects on young athletes' mental well-being, advocating for a supportive environment that nurtures enjoyment and personal growth.

Jia Tolentino, a staff writer at The New Yorker and author of the bestselling 'Trick Mirror', explores embracing all facets of oneself. She discusses the significance of un-productivity, how shame can be a positive force, and the challenge of making real life richer than digital existence. Topics also include harnessing motherhood to foster energy rather than fatigue and practical tips for reducing late-night scrolling. The conversation weaves in humorous anecdotes about college life and unexpected inspirations for storytelling.

In this bonus episode, Glennon shares her “Sort Your Mail” rules for dealing with the inevitable criticisms you will receive from daring to say anything, do anything, or be anything. Learn to sort your mail so you can keep showing up!

Jessica Yellin, founder of News Not Noise and former White House correspondent, shares insights on the current political landscape. She discusses a pivotal Supreme Court ruling that bolsters democracy and Harvard's brave stand on free speech, which could reshape academic freedom. Yellin also highlights Wall Street's shifting sentiments towards Trump and what this means for the economy. Additionally, she reflects on pressing legal battles surrounding deportation and the importance of community resilience in these challenging times.

Dr. Ayana Johnson, a marine biologist and climate policy expert, shares her insights on fostering a sustainable future. She emphasizes the joy and necessity of imagining what a healthier planet can look like through personal and community-driven climate action. The conversation dives into the pitfalls of hyper-consumerism, the empowering role of youth in climate advocacy, and how individuals can align their investments with eco-friendly values. Johnson inspires listeners to connect their love for nature with actionable steps toward environmental stewardship.