Glennon Doyle is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, activist, and founder of Together Rising. She is celebrated for her transformative memoirs, including Untamed, a Reese’s Book Club pick that has sold over two million copies worldwide. Her other bestsellers include Love Warrior, selected for Oprah’s Book Club, and Carry On, Warrior, praised for its raw honesty and empowering narrative.
Described by People magazine as the “patron saint of female empowerment,” Glennon is the host of the widely acclaimed We Can Do Hard Things podcast, where she dives into conversations about resilience, relationships, and radical self-acceptance.
As founder and president of Together Rising, an all-women-led nonprofit, Glennon has redefined grassroots philanthropy. Under her leadership, the organization has raised over $50 million to support women, families, and children in crisis. Its innovative fundraising model, driven by small, collective donations, has set a new standard for compassionate activism and community-driven impact.
Glennon lives in California with her wife, soccer icon Abby Wambach, and their three children. Through her writing, activism, and advocacy, she continues to inspire people worldwide to embrace vulnerability, rise from adversity, and live authentically.
Early Life and Education
Doyle was raised in Burke, Virginia, alongside her sister, Amanda. During her teenage years, she faced challenges with bulimia and addiction, experiences she later shared openly to inspire others. In her 2013 TEDx talk, "Lessons from the Mental Hospital," she delved into these struggles and her time spent in a mental health facility. Doyle graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from James Madison University in 1999 and subsequently worked as a teacher in Northern Virginia.
Literary Career
Doyle's writing journey began with the creation of Momastery, a blog where she shared personal stories and reflections. This platform's success led to her debut memoir, Carry On, Warrior (2013), which received critical acclaim for its authenticity and humor.
Her second memoir, Love Warrior (2016), was a deeply personal account of her marital challenges and path to self-discovery. The book was selected for Oprah's Book Club, further elevating its prominence.
In 2020, Doyle released Untamed, a memoir that explores themes of identity, love, and personal freedom. The book became a #1 New York Times bestseller and a Reese's Book Club selection, selling over two million copies and resonating with readers worldwide.
Activism and Philanthropy
In 2012, Doyle founded Together Rising, a nonprofit organization aimed at "transforming collective heartbreak into effective action." The organization has raised over $25 million to support various causes, including aiding women, families, and children in crisis. Together Rising's unique approach involves time-limited, crowd-sourced fundraisers with a maximum donation of $25, fostering community involvement and democratizing giving.
Personal Life
Doyle was previously married to Craig Melton, with whom she has three children. In 2016, she announced her relationship with retired soccer player Abby Wambach. The couple married in 2017 and reside in Florida.
Recent Endeavors
Expanding her influence, Doyle launched the podcast "We Can Do Hard Things," where she discusses a range of topics, including personal growth, relationships, and social issues. In 2020, she became a co-owner of the Angel City Football Club in Los Angeles, California, reflecting her commitment to promoting women's sports.
Through her writing, activism, and public speaking, Glennon Doyle continues to inspire individuals to embrace authenticity, confront challenges, and contribute positively to society.
I admire her ability to share even the not-so-great moments and decisions she's made in her life, and find a way to make it still, somehow... admirable? I about died laughing when she shared the story about lying in high school to fit in. Not because it was bad. But because we've all done something like this a time or two or three, and yet, no one dares to admit it. Bravo to her for having the guts to talk about those things and make us all feel a little bit more human!
Glennon Doyle is an absolute icon. Her seamless transition from memoir to self-help is truly fascinating—I feel like she was one of the first authors to blend the two genres so effectively. Thoughts?