We Can Do Hard Things

Shalane Flanagan, a retired American marathon champion and elite coach, shares her insights on the emotional rollercoaster of running a marathon. She discusses how marathons reflect life's challenges, emphasizing the balance between runners and cheerers. The heartfelt stories include Abby's running journey and Glennon's profound experience as a cheerleader. They delve into the power of love as motivation and the joy of community support, highlighting how mentorship transforms athletes. Shalane’s dedication to nurturing the running community shines through her coaching and personal anecdotes.

1. Gabrielle shares—as rawly and honestly as we’ve ever heard—about the “emotional chaos” of her years experiencing miscarriage, infertility, and surrogacy.2. Gabrielle and Abby discuss the label and perception of “stepmom”—Gabrielle shares what she avoids at all costs in that role, and the most vital part of the role for her: consistency.3. How Gabrielle coached her NBA husband Dwyane before Zaya shared with him that she is gay, and how his reaction encouraged Zaya to tell the people on her “never-ever” list.4. Gabrielle’s insistence that home is a sanctuary where all are embraced with love, understanding, and joy—and how, if you can’t get behind all of her family members, you’re not welcome.About Gabrielle:Gabrielle Union is an actress, executive producer, activist, best-selling author, and Time100 cover honoree. Union will next be seen in Disney’s remake of CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN developed by Kenya Barris for Disney+. She was last seen in “L.A.’s Finest,” the highly anticipated TV spinoff of the BAD BOYS movie franchise. She reprised her starring role as Syd Burnett opposite Jessica Alba in the series and served as an executive producer through her production shingle “I’ll Have Another.” Union formed “I’ll Have Another” in 2018 with the goal of telling stories that center marginalized communities with their specific point of views in an authentic manner.  In May of 2021, Gabrielle released – in partnership with her husband Dwyane Wade – her second children’s book, “Shady Baby,” which became a New York Times best seller the first week of release. Her first book, We’re Going To Need More Wine: Stories That Are Funny, Complicated and True, was released in 2017 and instantly became a New York Times best seller. The highly anticipated follow up “You Got Anything Stronger?” was released in September of this year and was a New York Times best seller as well.  Union has always had an eye for forward-thinking businesses centered around inclusion, accessibility, and affordability. In August of 2020, she relaunched her haircare brand “Flawless by Gabrielle Union” for women with textured hair. Prior to relaunching Flawless, Union co-founded Bitsy's with the goal of making healthy, allergen- friendly, school-safe snacks that are accessible and affordable for all families regardless of their socioeconomic or geographical status. Union serves as a leader and advocate for inclusion in the entertainment industry. She is also a champion of breast health and combating sexual violence.Instagram: @gabunionTwitter: @itsgabrielleu

1. Why Esther often recommends letter writing if you don’t know quite how to start—or have—hard conversations.  2. What to say—and when to say it—to show up for a friend who is in a bad relationship.3. The importance of rituals in transitioning through breakups—what we should do when it’s time to say goodbye; and what we can do if we’ve never gotten the closure we need.About Esther Perel: Psychotherapist and New York Times bestselling author Esther Perel is recognized as one of today’s most insightful and original voices on modern relationships. Fluent in nine languages, she helms a therapy practice in New York City and serves as an organizational consultant for Fortune 500 companies around the world. Her celebrated TED Talks have garnered more than 30 million views and her bestselling books, Mating in Captivity and The State of Affairs, are global phenomena translated into nearly 30 languages. Esther is also an executive producer and host of the popular podcasts Where Should We Begin? and How’s Work? Her latest project is Where Should We Begin - A Game of Stories with Esther Perel.Learn more at EstherPerel.com or by following @EstherPerelOfficial on Instagram.

Esther Perel, a renowned psychotherapist and bestselling author, dives into the complexities of maintaining vibrant relationships in uncertain times. She discusses how common struggles during the pandemic can impact romantic and familial ties. Esther offers insights into the idea that behind every criticism lies a longing, exploring ways to revive 'dead' relationships and reconnect by emphasizing joy and intimacy. Her practical conflict resolution strategies aim to foster deeper emotional connections, promoting resilience and community.

The hosts share their personal journey from the excitement of falling in love to the comfort of landing in love. They discuss the self-guilt that can overshadow joy in relationships. A meaningful gift becomes a symbol of their connection. The episode also examines how the quirks that frustrate us in our partners can also be the very things that drew us in initially. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the complexities of love and the importance of self-trust and autonomy in nurturing lasting relationships.

The hosts dive into the dizzying experience of falling in love, sharing personal stories and insights. They debate the romantic notion of 'the one,' with Abby arguing for it and Amanda calling it uninteresting. Glennon compares loves to plants, emphasizing that every relationship, even fleeting ones, contributes to our growth. They also discuss the common misconception that love can fix us, stressing the importance of self-acceptance and personal growth. Ultimately, they champion the idea that true love begins from within.

The hosts discuss why the phrase "I can’t imagine" misses the mark in empathizing with others. They urge listeners to ditch superhero praise and suggest more tangible support, like bringing someone a sandwich. The conversation highlights how toxic environments can push us away from things we love and the importance of recreating safe spaces. Amanda shares her thoughts on the intimate stories she shares, revealing her view that they’re not personal at all, sparking reflections on authenticity and vulnerability.

In this insightful discussion, Simone Biles, a legendary gymnast and mental health advocate, joins Laurie Hernandez, an Olympic medalist and bestselling author, to share their journeys. They delve into Simone's brave decision at the Tokyo Olympics, choosing mental health over expectations. Laurie reflects on rebuilding self-trust post-toxic coaching. Both speak on the duality of talent as a blessing and a challenge. They emphasize the importance of creating spaces for authenticity, reminding listeners that they are more than their achievements.

The conversation kicks off with Amanda's breakthrough moment, sparking her journey from obligation to joy. They discuss how childhood labels limit our exploration of identity, and Glennon reflects on feeling like Ben Affleck's character in Good Will Hunting, urging Amanda to embrace love. The chemistry of fire serves as a metaphor for igniting our fun selves. The importance of prioritizing personal happiness amidst life's demands is emphasized, along with the power of self-approval and reclaiming creativity for personal fulfillment.

Glennon shares how writing became her refuge, allowing her true self to emerge. Abby reflects on sports as an art form that connects with personal identity. They discuss the evolution of Glennon's writing journey, from early morning scribbles to bestselling success. A critical look at the tendency to label women's books as 'self-help' reveals deeper biases in storytelling. The transformative power of art and the struggle for authentic self-expression in a world of gender norms are key themes throughout their engaging discussion.