We Can Do Hard Things

Abortion isn't just about abortion—it’s about everything.

It's about who gets to decide the course of a woman's life. It's about healthcare, democracy, power, freedom, and the stories we've been taught to believe.

In this can’t-miss conversation, Amanda traces the shocking history of abortion in America—from witch hunts to medical monopolies to the political strategy that transformed abortion into a partisan weapon. Then journalist and activist Jessica Valenti joins to expose what extremists are doing now, why these attacks were never really about abortion, and why she refuses to believe they're winning.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed, confused, or hopeless about this moment, this episode will give you something even more powerful than outrage: clarity.

- How abortion became a political weapon—and what it's really about.

- Why abortion bans haven't reduced abortions.

- How attacks on abortion threaten all reproductive healthcare.

- The hidden strategies extremists are using now—and how to recognize them.

- How the vast majority of Americans are on the same side—and why hope is a strategy.

- Practical ways to take action, support local abortion funds, and protect your community.

For more with Jessica Valenti, please listen to:

353. How We’ll Save Abortion: A Must-Listen with Jessica Valenti

About Jessica:

Jessica Valenti is a writer, activist, and one of the country’s most influential voices on gender and politics. The award-winning author of eight books—including the New York Times bestseller Abortion—she has shaped the national conversation on feminism for over two decades.

Jessica’s groundbreaking anthology Yes Means Yes: Visions of Female Sexual Power and a World Without Rape set what’s now considered the gold standard for sexual consent and paved the way for legislation of the same name. She is also widely credited with sparking feminism’s online wave as the founder of the trailblazing blog Feministing.

A former columnist for The Guardian and The Nation, Jessica’s sharp, uncompromising analysis has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and on media outlets from CNN to The Daily Show. She speaks at colleges and organizations nationwide about feminism, abortion, and sexual violence.

After the fall of Roe, Jessica founded Abortion, Every Day, an urgent synthesis of anything and everything happening with abortion rights in the United States.

Follow We Can Do Hard Things on:

Instagram — ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings⁠

Ina Garten has spent a lifetime proving that joy is anything but frivolous. In this heartwarming conversation, the Barefoot Contessa shares how following curiosity instead of convention helped her build a life—and career—she never imagined. Plus, the unforgettable story of how Abby Wambach ended up playing beer pong with Ina Garten at a Taylor Swift party.

- Why following what feels fun can change your life

- How to quiet your inner critic and stop settling

- Ina's secret to hosting a dinner party everyone will love

- The surprising lesson behind her decades-long marriage

About Ina:

Ina Garten has hosted her Emmy and James Beard Award winning show, Barefoot Contessa, on the Food Network since 2002 and recently launched a new interview focused series, Be My Guest, with Food Network and discovery+. She has published thirteen cookbooks, including eleven #1 New York Times bestsellers. In 2015 Ina Garten was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People.

She lives in East Hampton, New York with her husband, Jeffrey.

Follow We Can Do Hard Things on:

Instagram — ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings⁠

What happens when life suddenly gets quieter?

Glennon, Abby, and Amanda check in on the big transitions happening in their own lives—from the emotions of becoming empty nesters to the unexpected opportunities that come with a brand new season. Plus, they're answering Pod Squad questions you won't want to miss—including one unforgettable call from Sexy Sue that sparks a hilarious and thoughtful conversation about dating, relationships, and when (and if) we need to DTR.

We talk about what it means to let go of old roles, embrace uncertainty, and ask the question many of us are facing: Who do I get to become next?

- The grief—and unexpected freedom—of becoming an empty nester.

- Why midlife can be the perfect time to reinvent yourself, your friendships, and your relationships.

- Abby's advice for navigating competition in a blended family without losing sight of what matters most.

- A challenge to stop obeying unfair rules in advance—and the power of everyday acts of resistance.

Follow We Can Do Hard Things on:

Instagram — ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings⁠

What if the things that happened to you weren't about you?

In this beloved conversation, astrologer Chani Nicholas helps us understand why we react the way we do, how childhood survival strategies shape our adult lives, and what it takes to become better partners to ourselves. Together, we explore dysregulation, boundaries, healing, and the liberating possibility that self-awareness can set us free.

- How to recognize when you're dysregulated—and help yourself in the moment

- The freeing truth that "the things that happened to me weren't about me"

- Why the rules that kept you safe as a child may be keeping you stuck as an adult

- How to set boundaries, trust yourself, and finally rest

- What astrology can reveal about your relationships and patterns

About Chani: 

Chani Nicholas is a Los Angeles-based New York Times bestselling author of You Were Born For This: Astrology for Radical Self-Acceptance.

She has been a counseling astrologer for more than 20 years, guiding her community of over 1 million monthly readers to discover and live out their life’s purpose through understanding their birth chart.

Chani runs her company with her wife and business partner, Sonya Passi. Together they launched the CHANI app, which offers a personalized, daily understanding of their birth chart.

Follow We Can Do Hard Things on: 

Instagram — ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings⁠

Pod Squad:  Please note, this episode was recorded before the trump red card scandal. We were younger, then - and filled with hope. 

Today, it’s a Welcome to the Party and We Can Do Hard Things World Cup crossover! 

If anyone can help the Pod Squad understand why the World Cup has completely taken over the world, it's these two legends. Abby and Julie Foudy—World Cup champions, teammates, and two of the greatest soccer minds in the game—break down everything you need to know, from red cards and flopping to knockout rounds, unforgettable stories, and why this tournament has the power to bring people together. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just World Cup-curious, this is your starter pack for the beautiful game.

- Why the World Cup is the biggest sporting event on Earth—and why it means so much to so many people

- The soccer rules everyone pretends to understand (offside, cards, flopping, and more)

- How the US men's success directly benefits the US women's national team

- Plus: Abby and Julie put Glennon and Amanda to the test with "Is It Queer or Is It FIFA?" 

Follow Welcome to the Party at:

YouTube: youtube.com/@WelcomeToThePartyShow

Substack:welcometothepartyshow.substack.com

Merch:welcometotheparty.voila.store

Instagram:@welcometothepartyshow

Follow We Can Do Hard Things on: 

Instagram —⁠https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings⁠