(BEST OF) Tracee Ellis Ross: Holding On to Joy In Hard Times

(BEST OF) Tracee Ellis Ross: Holding On to Joy In Hard Times

Author: Treat Media and Glennon Doyle March 17, 2026 Duration: 1:02:35
In this deeply moving — and one of our all-time favorite — conversations, we take a beautiful, funny, honest dive inside the “wonderful, dangerous” mind of Tracee Ellis Ross. As the world asks us to stay engaged without burning out, Tracee offers a powerful model for how to show up fully without losing yourself. This conversation is about love — not just romantic love, but the kind that changes everything: choosing yourself, holding fast to joy, building deep connection, and being in charge of your own life. Tracee reflects on approaching 50 and what it means to step into a new decade rooted in freedom, depth, and aliveness — not hustle. She shares the unforgettable story of her 50th birthday, standing in her mother’s dress, surrounded by her cauldron people, and singing, “I’m 50 and I’m free.” A true lighthouse moment for all of us learning how to stay whole while we show up. -Tracee’s go-to tools for quieting self-doubt and staying tethered to her truest self-How she made peace with not being everyone’s cup of tea-The story behind becoming “Fifty and Free” in her mother’s dress-Why she rejected the lie that women exist to be chosen-How to find your cauldron people — the ones who hold your fire About Tracee: Tracee Ellis Ross is an award-winning actress and producer best known for her roles in ABC’s award-winning comedy series BLACK-ISH and GIRLFRIENDS. For her role as “Rainbow Johnson” in BLACK-ISH, as a comedic leading actress, Ross won the Golden Globe Award in 2017 as well as nine NAACP Image Awards. She was nominated for five Emmys and two Critics Choice Awards.  Ross is the CEO and Founder of Pattern, a haircare brand for the curly, coily and tight textured masses.  Ross executive produced and narrates Hulu’s THE HAIR TALES, a docuseries about Black women, beauty and identity through the distinctive lens of Black hair.  Ross will be producing a ten-episode podcast “I Am America,” which aims to break through the noise during this divided time in our country in an effort to create space and to heal.  Follow We Can Do Hard Things on:  Instagram — ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wecandohardthings⁠ TikTok — ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@wecandohardthingsshow⁠

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
Pre-Red Card Debacle: Abby & Julie Foudy Soccersplain the World Cup [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:21
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 anyo…
(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…