Overview of Why G & Abby Made Out on Stage at Brandi’s GJWW!
This episode of We Can Do Hard Things (hosts Glennon Doyle and Abby) is a debrief and celebration of Girls Just Want a Weekend in Mexico (GJWW), the music-and-community festival curated by Brandi Carlile and her partner Kath/Catherine. Glennon and Abby describe what the festival feels like, why it matters, and give a behind-the-scenes account of their intentionally choreographed on‑stage performance — a playful, defiant, and queer celebration of sexuality, community, and vulnerability.
What is Girls Just Want a Weekend (GJWW)?
- An annual, multi-day music and community festival curated by Brandi Carlile (and Kath/Catherine).
- Mixes legacy and new artists, community programming (dance classes, soccer, poolside stages), and nightly themed concerts (80s/90s nights).
- Held on-site at a hotel resort so attendees live and gather together; fosters a strong sense of safety, generosity, and belonging.
- Described by the hosts as spiritual, healing, and intentionally curated — “like bringing heaven to earth.”
The performance: Glennon & Abby — prep, intent, execution
Intent and vibe
- Purpose: model radical, joyful self-expression and queer desire; counter cultural shame about sexuality.
- Chosen vibe: defiant, joyful, queer, sexy, loving.
Choreography & training
- They hired a professional choreographer (Dana, who has worked with high-profile artists) and rehearsed in LA for several sessions.
- Glennon and Abby prepared deliberately: choosing a duet (“Come to My Window”), planning costumes, rehearsing lifts and choreography.
- The rehearsal experience surfaced relationship dynamics — leader/follower tensions, differences in physical agency, lyric recall — and became a form of embodied couples work.
Execution and aftermath
- They performed on the festival’s themed night; the performance was intentional, partly supported by other artists onstage (Sister Strings, etc.).
- Both described the experience as freeing, connective, and erotic in a wholesome way — reinforced intimacy and play in their marriage.
- Glennon notes the performance felt therapeutic and transformative, both individually and relationally.
Emotional and relational themes
- Safety and belonging: festival culture allowed people to drop defenses and “let their freak flag fly.”
- Vulnerability as healing: learning new physical skills together exposed habitual relationship patterns and invited gentleness and mutual support.
- Sexuality as resistance: claiming joyful desire and public queer affection as an act against cultural shame and control.
Notable moments & artists mentioned
- Brandi Carlile’s leadership as a curator and shepherd connecting generations of artists.
- Special mentions: Meg (Meg Foley / Meg?) and Andrea’s film Come See Me in the Good Light — Brandi and Kath helped executive produce and centered Meg at the weekend.
- Titans of Americana set: artists like Shawn Colvin (referred to as Sean Colvin in transcript) and Brandi Carlisle (Belinda Carlisle was mentioned jokingly) noted as emotional highlights.
- Sister Strings and other collaborators provided support during the performance.
Key takeaways
- Festivals that intentionally curate safety and belonging can catalyze radical self‑expression and collective healing.
- Trying something novel with a partner (dance, performance, art) can surface relationship dynamics in a constructive way and deepen intimacy.
- Preparation matters: professional help (choreographer), practice, and intentionality made the performance feel authentic rather than accidental.
- Visibility of queer joy and sexuality is political and restorative.
Notable quotes & lines
- “Girls Just Wanna is sort of a lesbian Lollapalooza.”
- “Brandi brings her version of heaven to earth.”
- “The kingdom of God is like a teleprompter.” (Glennon, playfully)
- “This community makes you take off your clothes and start singing.”
Practical suggestions / action items from the episode
- If you want relational refreshment: try a shared novel activity (dance class, art class, improv) with your partner to build vulnerability and play.
- If you can, attend festivals or gatherings that prioritize safety, intergenerational mentorship, and queer joy.
- If you plan a public performance: hire guidance (choreographer/coach), rehearse, and align an intention/theme.
Sponsors & episode logistics (brief)
- Episode contains ads/sponsors: NetSuite, Mitty (women’s telehealth), Strawberry.me (career coaching), Indeed Sponsored Jobs, Wayfair, Quince.
- Hosts: Glennon Doyle and Abby (likely Abby Wambach); production: Treat Media; show: We Can Do Hard Things.
If you want the core of the episode in one line: GJWW is a carefully curated, generative festival where community safety fuels bold, joyful performances — and Glennon and Abby’s choreographed duet became a playful, relational, and political act of claiming desire, vulnerability, and connection.