We Can Do Hard Things

322. The One Who Taught Glennon Friendship: Alex Hedison  

Today is a big day. Artist, actor, photographer, filmmaker, and dear bestie of Glennon and Abby, Alex Hedison is here! Alex is the person who Glennon credits with teaching her how to be a friend. HUGE! In this episode, they share how their friendship started, how they make it work, and Alex offers amazing life advice. It’s like being a fly on the wall in one of their hangouts. You will LOVE this chat between Alex, Glennon, Abby and Amanda!

Discover: 

-The story of how Glennon and Abby became friends with Alex and her wife, Jodie Foster;

-The literal fire that solidified their friendship; 

-How to never have an ick moment again after a social gathering; and

-Why we MUST stress our relationships and what that means in action.

About Alex:

Alex Hedison is an internationally acclaimed photographer, artist, director, and actor. Hedison has exhibited in galleries in the US and abroad. Her most recent solo exhibitions include the opening of FRIEZE Seoul 2023; Von Lintel Gallery, Los Angeles; H Gallery Paris; Photo London; and Paris Photo. Her acting career spans numerous television roles, including a pivotal character in the cultural phenomenon, The L Word. A critical voice in both the artistic and LGBTQ+ community, Hedison directed the short documentary film ALOK, a thought-provoking short film that explores compassion as a catalyst for social transformation and inspires viewers to embrace personal freedom beyond the binaries that divide us. Produced by Natalie Shirinian, Elizabeth Baudouin (pronounced Bode-win), Meggan Lennon, and executive produced by Jodie Foster, ALOK was selected to premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.

IG: @alexhedisonstudio

321. Expert Advice on Genetic Testing, Cancer Prevention & Care Disparities with Dr. Rachel Brem

Dr. Rachel Brem is back to discuss genetic testing for breast cancer risk, systemic issues within the medical establishment, guidance for those with dense breasts, and practical advice on MRI and mammograms. Plus, we’ll hear some of the heartfelt and inspiring messages you’ve left us since you learned of Amanda’s diagnosis. 

Discover: 

-The shocking statistic about who is most susceptible to breast cancer;

-Why every doctor has a bias and what to do about it;

-The truth about “overdiagnosis”; and 

-How to get genetic testing and what to do with the information you receive.

On Dr. Rachel Brem: Dr. Rachel Brem is the author of No Longer Radical: Understanding Mastectomies and Choosing the Breast Cancer Care That's Right For You.

Dr. Brem is an internationally known breast cancer expert who has been instrumental in developing and implementing new technologies to improve breast cancer detection. She is Professor and Director of Breast Imaging and Intervention at George Washington University, Vice Chairman of the Department of Radiology, and Chief Medical Advisor and Cofounder of the Brem Foundation. She is a Fellow of the American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging.

Find our first episode with Dr. Brem here: 320. Early Detection, Mammograms & Breast Cancer Care with Dr. Rachel Brem

320. Early Detection, Mammograms & Breast Cancer Care with Dr. Rachel Brem

Amanda shares an update on her recovery from breast cancer. Then, renowned breast cancer expert, Dr. Rachel Brem, joins the conversation to discuss the critical importance of early detection, breast density's impact on mammography, and when we need additional screenings. 

Discover: 

-The differing guidance on screenings and the truth about how often you should actually get screened for cancer;

-Advice on what to say to your doctors to make sure that you get the screening you need and so that they can be covered under insurance; and

-How to learn how dense your breasts are and what to do with that information. 

On Dr. Rachel Brem: Dr. Rachel Brem is the author of No Longer Radical: Understanding Mastectomies and Choosing the Breast Cancer Care That's Right For You.

Dr. Brem is an internationally known breast cancer expert who has been instrumental in developing and implementing new technologies to improve breast cancer detection. She is Professor and Director of Breast Imaging and Intervention at George Washington University, Vice Chairman of the Department of Radiology, and Chief Medical Advisor and Cofounder of the Brem Foundation. She is a Fellow of the American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging.

Find more resources at The Brem Foundation Website: https://www.bremfoundation.org/ 

Check out Dr. Brem’s Book, No Longer Radical: https://www.nolongerradical.com/

319. Breaking Generational Cycles: Embodiment & Healing Trauma with Prentis Hemphill

Glennon and Abby welcome Prentis Hemphill, a writer, embodiment facilitator, political organizer, and therapist. They discuss individual and collective healing through embodiment. The conversation spans the concepts of embodiment, cycle breaking within families and generational healing and how to get back into a healthier relationship with yourself and others. 

Discover: 

-The important practice of crying dates to help rediscover yourself & your instincts;

-How to learn the difference between your trauma and your personality; and

-What it means to be a cycle breaker & how to own your part in generational healing.

About Prentis: Prentis Hemphill is a writer, embodiment facilitator, political organizer, and therapist. They are the founder and director of the Embodiment Institute and the Black Embodiment Initiative, and the host of the acclaimed podcast Finding Our Way. Their work and writing have appeared in The New York Times, HuffPost, You Are Your Best Thing (edited by Tarana Burke and Brené Brown), and Holding Change (by adrienne maree brown). And their new book is called, What it takes to heal.

In honor of Pride month, Glennon shares an encore conversation that she and Amanda had with Abby about how she healed from religious trauma and found spirituality again.

Originally titled, QUEER FREEDOM: How can we be both held and free? Abby, Amanda and Glennon discussed: 

-How Abby learned from church as a child to hate herself—and the healing moment she realized that God and religion are not the same.

-The miraculous letter Glennon received from a reader the day after she came out.

-Glennon’s response to the statement “I disagree with your lifestyle, but I love you anyway.”

-When it’s time to either raise hell inside of—or leave—the institutions that require us to deny who we are or what we know.

318. Tegan and Sara Ask: Did We Do Enough? 

Tegan and Sara join us for a heartfelt conversation about sisterhood, career, legacy, and the loneliness of being “The First”. 

Discover: 

-Why Tegan and Sara are asking themselves, “Did we do enough?”;

-Their backstage disputes and what it taught them about resolving family disagreement; 

-The pain and beauty of paving the way, and how Abby relates; and

-The one question you need to ask yourself to know whether your life is actually working for you.

About Tegan & Sara

Throughout their career of over 20 years, Tegan and Sara have built a multi-faceted media empire that extends into TV, books, newsletters, and public service, always deeply rooted in music. 

With multiple JUNO Award wins and numerous GRAMMY, GLAAD, and Polaris Prize Award nominations, Tegan and Sara’s crowning achievement is the Tegan and Sara Foundation.

Tegan and Sara are the authors of the New York Times best-selling memoir High School. Their second book, Tegan & Sara: Crush, will be released on October 1, 2024.

IG: @teganandsara

X: @teganandsara 

317. What Amanda’s Learned About Life, Love & Community (Post Surgery Pt 2) 

Amanda details surgery day, her healing process, and the role her community has played in getting her through it all. 

Discover: 

-The choice Amanda made about who came back with her for surgery;

-Amanda’s scariest and lowest moments so far, as well as the most beautiful ones; and

-Abby’s advice about how to approach surgeries and your relationship with your doctors; 

To hear the first two episodes about Amanda’s diagnosis, as well as the one before this, listen at the links below: 

-Episode 309 Amanda’s Diagnosis and What’s Next (Pt. 1) 

-Episode 310: Amanda’s Diagnosis and What’s Next (Pt. 2) 

-Episode 316: Amanda Returns Post Surgery: Here’s What She Wants You To Know

316. Amanda Returns Post Surgery: Here’s What She Wants You To Know 

Amanda returns nine days post surgery to share more about the process of finding a surgeon, the importance of seeking multiple medical opinions, the critical elements of preparing for surgery, and how she’s recovering so far. This episode is full of insights and tips for those going through a breast cancer diagnosis or those who love someone who is going through one. As you listen, please note that the hosts are not medical professionals, but only sharing their own personal experience. For any medical advice, please consult with your doctor. 

Discover: 

-Amanda, Glennon and Abby’s three must-have tips to handle doctors appointments; 

-Some important things Amanda found out about mastectomies and female pleasure, and why it is important to bring it up to your doctor; and

-An emotional moment Amanda had while finding a surgeon and how Glennon and Abby helped her through it. 

To hear the first two episodes about Amanda’s diagnosis, listen at the links below: 

-Episode 309 Amanda’s Diagnosis and What’s Next (Pt. 1) 

-Episode 310: Amanda’s Diagnosis and What’s Next (Pt. 2)

315. Grief: How to Move Through Losing a Friend with Sloane Crosley

CW: Discussion of suicide 

Abby and Glennon welcome New York Times bestselling author Sloane Crosley. Sloane shares her experience of losing her dear friend to suicide and the grief journey she went on in the aftermath. The conversation explores handling loss, the nuances of friendship, humor in the face of sorrow, and living in the present moment.

Discover: 

-Whether the desire to give meaning to a death helps or hurts the grieving process;

-What NOT to say after someone dies by suicide and what might help; 

-The place of humor in grief: when it’s useful and when it’s a coverup; and

-The reason you have every right to deeply grieve a friend and the pain of grief hierarchies. 

About Sloane: 

Sloane Crosley is the New York Times bestselling author of the new memoir Grief Is for People; the novels Cult Classic and The Clasp; and three essay collections: Look Alive Out There, I Was Told There’d Be Cake, and How Did You Get This Number. She lives in New York City.

314. Jealousy: Glennon & Abby Share It All 

Glennon and Abby candidly discuss their personal experiences with jealousy. They explore how jealousy manifests, its implications on their connection, and the steps they've taken toward understanding and addressing it.

Discover:

-Abby and Glennon’s jealousy origin stories;

-Abby’s confession to Glennon about her jealousy;

-Why self trust might be the key to overcoming jealousy; and

-How Glennon and Abby protect each other’s hearts AND wounds in their relationship.