Born: 1976 (Burke, Virginia)
Biography:
Glennon Doyle (born March 20, 1976) is an American author, activist, and speaker who has made a significant impact on society through her inspiring and heartfelt writings. Known for her candid and honest approach, Doyle has become a prominent voice in the feminist movement, advocating for self-acceptance, empowerment, and the dismantling of societal expectations. Her work resonates deeply with readers, particularly women, as she fearlessly explores topics such as addiction, mental health, faith, and the complexities of relationships.
Doyle was born in Burke, Virginia, and grew up with her sister, Amanda Doyle. From a young age, she faced personal struggles with bulimia and addiction, which greatly influenced her later work. In her 2013 TEDx talk, Lessons from the Mental Hospital, Doyle courageously shared her experience of being hospitalized as a teenager. This talk showcased her ability to connect with others by bravely discussing taboo subjects and shedding light on the importance of mental health.
After completing her Bachelor of Arts degree at James Madison University in 1999, Doyle pursued a career in teaching in Northern Virginia. However, it was her decision to start a blog called Momastery in 2009 that would serve as a turning point in her life and career. Through this online platform, Doyle shared her perspectives on motherhood, faith, and social justice, gaining a dedicated following and fostering an inclusive community of women. The success of Momastery led to the publication of her first memoir, Carry On, Warrior, in 2013.
Carry On, Warrior received critical acclaim and propelled Doyle into the literary spotlight. The memoir beautifully blended her faith with themes of honesty, vulnerability, and embracing imperfections. This unique perspective resonated with readers and established Doyle as a relatable and empowering figure. Building on this success, she released Love Warrior in 2016, a follow-up memoir that delved deeper into themes of marriage, forgiveness, and personal growth. The book was chosen for Oprah’s Book Club 2.0, further exposing Doyle’s writings to a wider audience.
In 2020, Doyle released her highly anticipated third memoir, Untamed, which quickly became a literary sensation. Untamed expanded on her previous works, challenging societal norms and encouraging readers to listen to their inner voice and pursue their authentic selves. The book struck a chord with readers, particularly women, who found solace and inspiration in Doyle’s unapologetic approach to life.
Untamed’s immense success solidified Doyle’s position as a trailblazing voice in the literary world. The book has sold over two million copies as of February 2021, solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon. In recognition of her literary achievements, Doyle’s book was selected to be a part of Reese Witherspoon’s Reese’s Book Club in April 2020.
Aside from her literary accomplishments, Doyle is the creator of the online community Momastery, which continues to foster a supportive and inclusive space for women around the world. She is also the founder and president of Together Rising, an all-women-led nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting women, families, and children facing crisis situations.
Doyle’s impact extends beyond her writing and activism. In May 2021, she launched a podcast titled We Can Do Hard Things, co-hosted by her wife, Abby Wambach, and sister, Amanda. The podcast tackles various topics, mirroring the themes explored in her memoirs and offering guidance and solace to its listeners.
Furthermore, Doyle has made significant contributions to the Together Live Tour, a storytelling event aimed at fostering connections and finding purpose. Alongside other notable figures such as Latham Thomas, Connie Britton, and Sophia Bush, Doyle’s appearances on the tour have further solidified her as a leading advocate for self-discovery and personal empowerment.
Awards:
– Parents’ Best All-Around at Social Media Award in 2014.
– Included in the Fast Company Queer 50 in 2021.
Glennon Doyle’s remarkable journey from personal struggles to becoming an influential author and activist highlights the power of vulnerability, self-discovery, and embracing one’s true self. Through her writings and advocacy, she continues to inspire countless individuals, particularly women, to challenge societal expectations, find their voices, and create meaningful change.