We Can Do Hard Things

Dr. Lori Brotto, a leading expert in women’s sexual health from UBC, sheds light on the surprising disconnect many women feel between physical arousal and orgasm. She discusses the impact of societal pressures and stress on sexual experiences, offering insightful advice on overcoming sexual droughts. Lori empowers listeners to reconnect with their bodies for enhanced pleasure and challenges the myths surrounding female orgasms. The conversation encourages open communication about intimacy, redefining pleasure beyond mere frequency.

In a captivating discussion, Cole Arthur Riley, author of the best-selling "This Here Flesh," shares her unique perspective on spirituality and identity. She challenges the idea that self-perception dictates beauty, arguing instead that dignity is essential for truly experiencing life. Cole emphasizes the restorative power of wonder and the importance of grounding ourselves in our bodies. She also tackles the complex ties between shame and familial love, urging listeners to confront their insecurities while embracing their worth.

Ashlyn Harris, a two-time World Cup champion goalkeeper, and Ali Krieger, an Olympian and fellow World Cup champion, share an intimate glimpse into their lives. They reflect on their heartfelt wedding day and the vital importance of queer marriage visibility. The couple reminisces about their love story that began with friendship and mixtapes, while discussing the challenges of new parenthood, including sleepless nights with their daughter Sloane. Their journey emphasizes love, teamwork, and the joys of embracing family life.

In this engaging discussion, Bozoma Saint John, a Hall of Fame marketing executive known for her dynamic roles at Apple, Uber, and Netflix, shares her powerful insights on self-empowerment. She inspires us with her morning pep talk ritual and the importance of self-affirmation. Bozoma tackles the delicate balance of confidence and humility women face in corporate settings and emphasizes that saving oneself is just as vital as helping others. She also reflects on her personal journey, including recognizing when to leave toxic environments and the significance of self-forgiveness.

Jenny Lawson, an award-winning humorist and bestselling author, candidly shares her experiences with mental illness, humorously describing her ADD as "being a kitten on cocaine" and her anxiety as "seeing rainbow fire." She discusses the guilt she felt as a mother, only to realize those moments are now cherished memories for her child. Jenny emphasizes the importance of authenticity in mental health conversations and how sharing our vulnerabilities can combat loneliness and foster empathy. Her insights are both enlightening and refreshingly honest.

Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, shares her journey from a stay-at-home mom to a leading activist against gun violence. She discusses how guns have become the leading cause of death for American children and exposes the gun lobby's profit motives. Shannon offers practical advice for parents on safeguarding their children and critiques the misleading narratives from lawmakers. She emphasizes the need for grassroots activism to challenge the normalization of violence, particularly in schools, and the importance of community in driving real change.

Alua Arthur, a death doula and founder of Going with Grace, shares transformative insights on living meaningfully while preparing for death. She introduces the 'deathbed test' to prioritize what truly matters and dispels fears surrounding mortality with her inspiring 'glitter-wave vision.' Alua emphasizes the importance of open conversations about end-of-life planning, offering practical steps to ease the transition for ourselves and our loved ones. Her passion for life encourages listeners to embrace authenticity and cultivate a profound presence in every moment.

Dr. Galit Atlas, a renowned psychoanalyst and author of *Emotional Inheritance*, delves into how family secrets and traumas haunt us, shaping our identities without our conscious awareness. She discusses groundbreaking research on generational trauma and its genetic impact, revealing an unconscious drive to heal our ancestors' wounds. The conversation emphasizes the messiness of mourning and the importance of confronting inherited fears to break cycles of emotional unavailability. Dr. Atlas's insights offer a fresh perspective on understanding our histories and pathways to healing.

Cameron Esposito, a queer, gender non-conforming stand-up comic, shares insights on body positivity and her journey of self-discovery. She reflects on using humor as a defense mechanism and the moment she questioned its effectiveness. Cameron reveals she's finally able to cry after 35 years and discusses feeling 'overnoticed' as a child. She also talks about a unique friendship rule she developed with Glennon. Their conversation is a blend of vulnerability, comedy, and the importance of connection in navigating their identities.

In this heartfelt discussion, Elizabeth Gilbert, bestselling author of 'Eat Pray Love', reflects on her journey through grief after the loss of her close friend, Rayya. She describes grieving as a 'fist fight' and shares how she found solace in spiritual practices and community. The conversation explores themes of identity transformation, the complexities of relationships, and the importance of setting boundaries. Elizabeth also emphasizes the power of embracing surrender and trusting a higher power for personal growth and healing.