Tracee Ellis Ross: Holding On to Joy In Hard Times

Tracee Ellis Ross: Holding On to Joy In Hard Times

Author: Treat Media and Glennon Doyle March 17, 2026 Duration: 1:06:45
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: 100

We Can Do Hard Things
Podcast Episodes
What Psychedelics Taught Glennon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:58
Join us for the hilarious, unfiltered, and vulnerable story of the time Glennon tried therapeutic psychedelics. At last, Glennon reveals to the Pod Squad: - The mishap that turned a “micro-dose” macro; - What Glennon enc…
Katie Gavin: How to Know What You Want [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:34:03
We all have something inside us that knows exactly what we want. Katie Gavin joins us to talk about: How to identify that kernel of desire inside—and then have the courage to follow it; Why love addiction can feel like b…
The Trick G Uses to Make All Decisions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:41
Glennon shares the new way she’s making peace with her body—not through individual “wellness,” but through community care and collective action. Together, we explore why it’s more important than ever that we show up—even…
INDIGO GIRLS AND MELISSA ETHERIDGE!! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:19
Music icons, queer trailblazers, and our heroes—Indigo Girls and Melissa Etheridge—share the wisdom, humor, and heart that have carried them through decades of music and community. We talk about faith, the power of music…
How G’s Surviving Her Baby Leaving [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:12
Glennon, Abby, and Amanda share the bittersweet moment they dropped Tish off at college—and how they’re navigating the lucky grief of parenting older kids. If you, too, are in the middle of this landslide—learning how to…
Natasha Rothwell: The Third Doyle Sister?! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:07
Natasha Rothwell is here today to teach us not only how to survive this time, but how to absolutely stay alive—and hold onto our wild, precious humanity—during this time. During this magical hour, we discuss: - The parad…
Jen Hatmaker: What Are You Pretending Not to Know? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:51
Each of us has something we’re pretending not to know—an inner voice that whispers: We’re in trouble. Join us for a raw conversation with Jen Hatmaker on: the cost of ignoring the trouble in her 25-year marriage; the nig…
Come See Us On YouTube!!!! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:34
Pod Squad! Starting tomorrow, you'll be able to WATCH all of our We Can Do Hard Things conversations on YouTube! To make sure you don’t miss tomorrow’s FIRST video show, click over to the We Can Do Hard Things Show YouTu…
The New Era: LOVE, FURY, FREEDOM  (Watch on YouTube!) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:34
You’ve been asking for 4 years, and the day is finally here! You can now WATCH all We Can Do Hard Things conversations on YouTube!!! Click over to the We Can Do Hard Things Show YouTube channel and subscribe here now: ht…
Liz Gilbert on Loving Without Losing Yourself [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:30
443. Liz Gilbert on Loving Without Losing Yourself Glennon and Liz Gilbert go deeper into Liz’s relationship with Rayya, into the tender, messy, miraculous place where caring for someone else pushes hard against caring f…