The Wild, Untold Story of How They Made Abortion Political: Witches, Healers & Liars  | Amanda with Jessica Valenti

The Wild, Untold Story of How They Made Abortion Political: Witches, Healers & Liars | Amanda with Jessica Valenti

Author: Treat Media and Glennon Doyle July 21, 2026 Duration: 1:31:56
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

Life is rarely simple, and the conversations on We Can Do Hard Things reflect that beautiful, messy reality. Hosted by Glennon Doyle, her wife Abby Wambach, and her sister Amanda Doyle, this podcast creates a space where the difficult, tender, and triumphant parts of being human are examined without flinching. The dynamic between the three hosts-their laughter, debates, and shared vulnerability-turns each episode into a genuine conversation you’re invited to overhear. They tackle topics spanning relationships, societal expectations, personal growth, and the quiet struggles often faced alone, all with a blend of raw honesty and unexpected humor. This isn’t about abstract advice; it’s about real people navigating real life, which is why the community around this podcast, known as the Pod Squad, has become such a powerful force for connection and tangible change. The title is a mantra put into practice, a reminder that strength isn’t about avoiding hardship but about moving through it together. Tuning in feels like joining a candid kitchen-table talk where pretense is left at the door. You’ll find a unique mix of comfort and challenge in every episode, a combination that has resonated deeply, leading to an incredible collective impact far beyond the audio itself. For anyone looking for a thoughtful, unvarnished, and compassionate take on modern life, this podcast offers a refreshing perspective.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

We Can Do Hard Things
Podcast Episodes
(BEST OF) Pet Love: The Closest We Come to Unconditional Love? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:47
Sometimes, when everything feels too big, the thing that brings us back to ourselves is surprisingly small: a paw on our lap, a face waiting at the door, a creature who reminds us that we are still here and still capable…
The Real Minority Rule Conspiracy | Amanda with Rep. Justin J. Pearson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:31
America is watching Black political power come under attack in real time—but this story didn't start with today's headlines. In this urgent conversation, Amanda sits down with Tennessee Representative Justin J. Pearson t…
(BEST OF) The Secret to Surviving Criticism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:55
If you dare to create something, say something, do something, or be something, criticism is coming. In this episode, Glennon shares her "Sort Your Mail" strategy for handling criticism without letting it quiet you. Learn…
(BEST OF) The Boundary Fix for Burnout with Nedra Glover Tawwab [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:41
In a moment when everything feels urgent, this conversation with boundary expert Nedra Glover Tawwab is your reminder: you can care deeply about the world without abandoning yourself. Because burnout isn’t always a perso…
(BEST OF) Esther Perel: Protecting Your Relationships During Chaos [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:54
The stress, fear, and uncertainty of the world right now are seeping into our closest relationships. When collective pain goes unprocessed, it often shows up as distance, resentment, or disconnection with the people we l…
Do You Ever Feel Like a Total Loser? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:50
Today we’re talking about the thing underneath everything: our feelings—and how hard we work to avoid them. Why is it easier to get mad than admit we’re scared? Why can a feeling that lasts 90 seconds keep us stuck for h…
(BEST OF) Mothers & Sons with Ocean Vuong and Chase Melton [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:30
This conversation will stay with you. When Glennon and her son Chase sit down with his hero, Ocean Vuong, something shifts: mothering reveals itself as more than a role—it’s a force that finds our kids through books, voi…
(BEST OF) How to Get Your Joy Back: Ross Gay [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:07
Today, we’re sharing our conversation with poet Ross Gay, who reminds us that joy isn’t denial—it’s connection. Not a way out of the world, but a way back into it. Together, we explore how to keep noticing what’s still b…