Unlocking Us with Brené Brown
Education
Society & Culture
Vox Media Podcast Network
I’ve spent over 20 years studying the emotions and experiences that bring meaning and purpose to our lives, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s this: we are hardwired for connection, and connecting requires courage, vulnerability, and conversation. I want this to be a podcast that’s real, unpolished, honest, and reflects both the magic and the messiness of what it means to be human. Episodes will include conversations with the people who are teaching me, challenging me, confusing me, or maybe even ticking me off a little. I'll also have direct conversations with you about what I’m learning from new research, and we'll do some episodes dedicated to answering your questions. We don’t have to do life alone. We were never meant to. Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Total 132 episodes
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VP Kamala Harris on Courageous Leadership and Winning in 2024
VP Kamala Harris on Courageous Leadership and Winning in 2024
A conversation with Vice President Kamala Harris about the strength and fragility of democracy, the power of strong coalitions and collaborations, and how a commitment to justice and fairness can both ground us and drive action.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
01:03:5828/10/2024
Grief, Laughter, and Sisterhood: Losing Our Mom and Holding On to Each Other
Grief, Laughter, and Sisterhood: Losing Our Mom and Holding On to Each Other
The sisters are back and we're talking about loss, dementia, grief, and how we try to choose laughter and therapy over a fist fight when things get really tough. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
52:5123/10/2024
Dr. Heather Cox Richardson on Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America, Part 2 of 2
Dr. Heather Cox Richardson on Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America, Part 2 of 2
In Part 2 of my conversation with historian Dr. Heather Cox Richardson, we unpack the history and mythology that's driving some of the biggest issues in our country. Leaning into the power of narrative and story, she explains how democracies die more often through the ballot box than with guns and tanks. It’s a hard and hopeful conversation and absolutely critical listening at this point in our history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
43:4516/10/2024
Dr. Heather Cox Richardson on Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America, Part 1 of 2
Dr. Heather Cox Richardson on Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America, Part 1 of 2
In Part 1 of my conversation with historian Dr. Heather Cox Richardson, we talk about the current threats to American democracy, what's at stake in November, and how we can strengthen our country if we can find the political will. They say don’t meet your heroes, but I’m so glad I did — this is one of my all time favorite conversations. I love how Heather doesn’t just look at history as a sequence of failures — she also finds the possibilities, creativity, and hope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
01:06:2509/10/2024
Dr. Mary Claire Haver on the New Menopause
Dr. Mary Claire Haver on the New Menopause
Dr. Mary Claire Haver is a board-certified OB/GYN who has helped thousands of women through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. In this conversation, we discuss the power of unlearning and relearning and her ongoing fight for women’s health in every decade of their lives. We also talk about the growing “menoposse” — a group of thought leaders and clinicians who are using their platforms to change the outdated narrative around menopause. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
01:01:4702/10/2024
Roxane Gay on “Stand Your Ground: A Black Feminist Reckoning with America’s Gun Problem”
Roxane Gay on “Stand Your Ground: A Black Feminist Reckoning with America’s Gun Problem”
I talk with one of my favorite cultural critics, Roxane Gay, about her long-form essay on Black gun ownership. We discuss how the gun industry frames women as victims in waiting and the importance of dismantling the trope of the “good man with a gun." We also delve into the societal cost of our resisting, rejecting, and resenting nuance and the importance of holding the tension of competing ideas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
01:11:3825/09/2024
Dr. Sarah Lewis on The Unseen Truth: When Race Changed Sight in America
Dr. Sarah Lewis on The Unseen Truth: When Race Changed Sight in America
In this episode, Dr. Sarah Lewis joins me again to talk about her new book, The Unseen Truth: When Race Changed Sight in America. With examples from her historical research, she walks me through the power of visual culture in generating equity and justice. We talk about how what we see and what’s left unseen shapes everything we believe about ourselves and other people — and how we can start changing the narrative about who counts and who belongs in America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
54:5518/09/2024
Valarie Kaur on Sage Warrior: Wake to Oneness, Practice Pleasure, Choose Courage, Become Victory
Valarie Kaur on Sage Warrior: Wake to Oneness, Practice Pleasure, Choose Courage, Become Victory
Civil rights leader Valarie Kaur is building a movement to reclaim love as a force for justice, healing, and transformation in America. In this episode, we talk about what led Valarie to courageously explore Sikh ancestral wisdom, how her ancestors’ truths parallel what I’ve learned from the research, and how we need both the eyes of a sage and the heart of a warrior to live a fully meaningful life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
01:12:1311/09/2024
Brené and Barrett reflect on the "Living Beyond Human Scale" Podcast Series
Brené and Barrett reflect on the "Living Beyond Human Scale" Podcast Series
In this episode Brené and Barrett discuss their learnings on AI and social media and some of their favorite nuggets from each of the guests in the series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
44:1415/05/2024
Futurist Amy Webb on What's Coming (and What's Here)
Futurist Amy Webb on What's Coming (and What's Here)
Quantitative futurist Amy Webb talks to us about the three technologies that make up the "super cycle" that we're all living through right now: artificial intelligence, wearable devices, and biotechnology, and why, despite the unnerving change, we still need to do some serious future planning.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
01:13:4324/04/2024
New York Times Journalists Jennifer Valentino-DeVries and Michael H. Keller on "A Marketplace of Girl Influencers Managed by Moms and Stalked by Men"
New York Times Journalists Jennifer Valentino-DeVries and Michael H. Keller on "A Marketplace of Girl Influencers Managed by Moms and Stalked by Men"
Brené interviews New York Times journalists Jennifer Valentino-DeVries and Michael H. Keller, who talk about their investigation into girl influencers and what's driving the larger influencer culture across social media. This is the fourth episode in our series on the possibilities and costs of living beyond human scale. Please note: As part of this conversation, we talk about the pervasive sexualization of young girl influencers (and girls in general) and the predatory nature of the comments they receive online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
01:10:3710/04/2024
Dr. S. Craig Watkins on Why AI’s Potential to Combat or Scale Systemic Injustice Still Comes Down to Humans
Dr. S. Craig Watkins on Why AI’s Potential to Combat or Scale Systemic Injustice Still Comes Down to Humans
In this episode, Brené and Craig discuss what is known in the AI community as the “alignment problem” — who needs to be at the table in order to build systems that are aligned with our values as a democratic society? And, when we start unleashing these systems in high stakes environments like education, healthcare, and criminal justice, what guardrails, policies, and ethical principles do we need to make sure that we’re not scaling injustice? This is the third episode in our series on the possibilities and costs of living beyond human scale, and it is a must-listen!  Please note: In this podcast, Dr. Watkins and Brené talk about how AI is being used across healthcare. One topic discussed is how AI is being used to identify suicidal ideation. If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, please call or text the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 (24/7 in the US). If calling 911 or the police in your area, it is important to notify the operator that it is a psychiatric emergency and ask for police officers trained in crisis intervention or trained to assist people experiencing a psychiatric emergency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
01:13:4503/04/2024
Dr. William Brady on Social Media, Moral Outrage and Polarization
Dr. William Brady on Social Media, Moral Outrage and Polarization
This is the second episode in our series on the possibilities and costs of living beyond human scale. In this episode, Brené and William discuss group behavior on social media and how we show up with each other online versus offline. We’ll also learn about the specific types of content that fuel algorithms to amplify moral outrage and how they tie to our search for belonging. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
01:05:3027/03/2024
Esther Perel on New AI – Artificial Intimacy
Esther Perel on New AI – Artificial Intimacy
In this first episode in a series on the possibilities and costs of living beyond human scale, Brené and Esther Perel discuss how we manage the paradox of exploring the world of social media and emerging technologies while staying tethered to our humanness. How do we create IRL relationships where we see and value others and feel seen and valued in the context of constant scrolling and using digital technology as armor? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
01:05:4020/03/2024
Khaled Elgindy on his book: Blind Spot: America and the Palestinians, from Balfour to Trump
Khaled Elgindy on his book: Blind Spot: America and the Palestinians, from Balfour to Trump
Khaled Elgindy is a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute where he also directs MEI’s Program on Palestine and Israeli-Palestinian Affairs. He is the author of the book, Blind Spot: America and the Palestinians, from Balfour to Trump. In this episode we talk about the internal political struggles among Palestinian leadership and the US’s involvement in the failed peace agreements between Israel and Palestine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
01:03:3501/03/2024
Rula Daood and Alon-Lee Green on Standing Together
Rula Daood and Alon-Lee Green on Standing Together
Standing Together is a grassroots movement mobilizing Jewish and Palestinian citizens of Israel in pursuit of peace, equality, social, and climate justice. In this podcast, we talk to National co-director Rula Daood and Founding National co-director Alon-Lee Green on what it means to build a movement, to organize people, and what it means to build political will to end the occupation and create equity for all people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
01:05:4429/02/2024
Ali Abu Awwad and Robi Damelin on Nonviolence as The Path to Freedom for Palestinians and Israelis
Ali Abu Awwad and Robi Damelin on Nonviolence as The Path to Freedom for Palestinians and Israelis
The Parents Circle – Families Forum (PCFF) is a joint Israeli-Palestinian organization of over 600 families, all of whom have lost an immediate family member to the ongoing conflict. In this podcast, we talk to their spokesperson and bereaved mother, Robi Damelin, and Ali Abu Awwad. Ali was imprisoned by Israel for his resistance, bereaved of his brother by a soldier’s gun, and is the founding leader of Taghyeer, a nonviolent movement for social and political change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
01:11:1828/02/2024
Brené and Ashley on Living BIG, Part 2 of 2
Brené and Ashley on Living BIG, Part 2 of 2
In this second of a two-parter on Living BIG, Ashley and I take on the topics of generosity, resentment, boundaries and grief. And we explore this critical question: What boundaries need to be in place for me to be in my integrity and to be generous in my assumptions about others? I’m grateful to rumble on this — and so many other questions — with this awkward, brave, and kind community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
30:0004/01/2023
Brené and Ashley on Living BIG, Part 1 of 2
Brené and Ashley on Living BIG, Part 1 of 2
In this first of a two-parter with Ashley, I tell a story from Rising Strong that kicked off our Living BIG strategy. Spoiler alert: I am very, very, very pissed-off in this story. But I eventually come around to finding and seeing the connection between boundaries, integrity, and generosity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
48:2928/12/2022
Brené with Father Richard Rohr on Breathing Under Water, Falling Upward, and Unlearning Certainty, Part 2 of 2
Brené with Father Richard Rohr on Breathing Under Water, Falling Upward, and Unlearning Certainty, Part 2 of 2
In Part 2 of my conversation with Father Richard Rohr, we talk about facing our shadows and living and loving through the second half of life, and we laugh. A lot. What a gift to be with him at the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque. A deep and true blessing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
26:4221/12/2022
Brené with Father Richard Rohr on Breathing Under Water, Falling Upward, and Unlearning Certainty, Part 1 of 2
Brené with Father Richard Rohr on Breathing Under Water, Falling Upward, and Unlearning Certainty, Part 1 of 2
I flew to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to spend the day with Father Richard Rohr. We laughed, I cried a little, we laughed some more, and I told him why his work pisses me off sometimes. He thoroughly delighted in that last part. In Part 1 of this special two-part series recorded at the Center for Action and Contemplation, we focus on his writing in Breathing Under Water: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps and just a few of the quotes — on spirituality, suffering, gratitude, and grace — that have changed and rearranged me over the years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
42:4514/12/2022
Brené with Chris Germer on the Near and Far Enemies of Fierce Compassion, Part 2 of 2
Brené with Chris Germer on the Near and Far Enemies of Fierce Compassion, Part 2 of 2
We’re back with Part 2 of my conversation with Chris Germer, a clinical psychologist and lecturer on psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, and we’re talking about fierce compassion, which is something so many of us are trying to figure out right now. When there’s so much pain and hurt in the world, we want to be a voice. We want to speak up and speak out. We want to take action, and we want to do so from a place where we are healing pain. In this episode, Chris and I talk about what’s actually possible for us as humans and how we can respond to pain and hurt without causing more of it and without self-protecting and distancing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
30:1807/12/2022
Brené with Chris Germer on the Near and Far Enemies of Fierce Compassion, Part 1 of 2
Brené with Chris Germer on the Near and Far Enemies of Fierce Compassion, Part 1 of 2
I’ve been waiting my whole life to talk to Chris Germer. He is a clinical psychologist and lecturer on psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, and he co-developed the Mindful Self-Compassion program with Kristin Neff, which has been taught to 200,000 people worldwide. I recently read an article written by Chris called “The Near and Far Enemies of Fierce Compassion,” and as soon as I read it, I said, “Put him on the podcast list. I’ve gotta talk to him.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
41:5330/11/2022
Brené with Bono on Songs of Surrender and Carrying the Weight of Our Contradictions, Part 2 of 2
Brené with Bono on Songs of Surrender and Carrying the Weight of Our Contradictions, Part 2 of 2
We’re back with Part 2 of my conversation with Bono, recorded live at the historic Paramount Theatre and presented by Austin City Limits Festival’s Bonus Tracks. In this episode, we take it back to Bono’s early days in Ireland — most notably the school where he’d meet his future bandmates, his future wife, and a headmaster who modeled what it was to live in the radical center, in a space forged by complication and contradiction. “How casually our destiny arrives,” Bono writes of this formative era. From there, our conversation rolls through matters of faith, creativity, and what it means to truly surrender. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
40:5023/11/2022
Brené with Bono on Songs of Surrender and Carrying the Weight of Our Contradictions, Part 1 of 2
Brené with Bono on Songs of Surrender and Carrying the Weight of Our Contradictions, Part 1 of 2
Welcome to Part 1 of my conversation with Bono, recorded live at the historic Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas. I have been a U2 fan since the very beginning, and this event, presented by Austin City Limits Festival’s Bonus Tracks, was sheer magic. I don’t know what happened, but we got mentally in sync, spiritually locked in together, and we talked about everything from rock and roll to love and faith. His new memoir, Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story, is the ultimate love story — to his wife, Ali; to his family; and to all of us who’ve found all kinds of peace and challenges in the music and the lyrics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
52:2316/11/2022
Brené with Attica Locke and Tembi Locke on Life, Loss, and All Kinds of Love, Part 2 of 2
Brené with Attica Locke and Tembi Locke on Life, Loss, and All Kinds of Love, Part 2 of 2
It’s Part 2 of my conversation with Attica and Tembi Locke, writers, showrunners, executive producers, and the creative sister duo behind the Netflix series From Scratch, based on Tembi’s 2019 memoir of the same name, about love, Sicily, and finding home. In Part 1, we talked about the series and their story, and as we jump back into our conversation, we are talking about the success of this show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
39:3309/11/2022
Brené with Attica Locke and Tembi Locke on Life, Loss, and All Kinds of Love, Part 1 of 2
Brené with Attica Locke and Tembi Locke on Life, Loss, and All Kinds of Love, Part 1 of 2
I’m talking with Attica and Tembi Locke, writers, showrunners, executive producers, and the creative sister duo behind the Netflix series From Scratch, based on Tembi’s 2019 memoir of the same name, about love, Sicily, and finding home. We started talking about the series and their story, and then we really went everywhere from there — this turned into a full-blown LIFE conversation. Which, if you’ve seen the series, will not surprise you at all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
01:02:2202/11/2022
Brené with Anand Giridharadas on The Persuaders, Part 2 of 2
Brené with Anand Giridharadas on The Persuaders, Part 2 of 2
It’s Part 2 of our two-part series with Anand Giridharadas, author of The Persuaders: At the Front Lines of the Fight for Hearts, Minds, and Democracy. I’m still thinking about Anand’s story and how his experiences informed this concept of persuasion as being the heart of democracy. In this episode, we talk more specifically about the real stories included in the book — some scary, some incredibly inspiring — and he shares more about the individuals behind this meaningful work, which is built on meeting people where they are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
01:01:5426/10/2022
Brené with Anand Giridharadas on The Persuaders, Part 1 of 2
Brené with Anand Giridharadas on The Persuaders, Part 1 of 2
I love this two-part series with Anand Giridharadas, author of The Persuaders: At the Front Lines of the Fight for Hearts, Minds, and Democracy. Every now and then, I come across something that makes me think in a completely new way, and this was one of those times. We talk about this concept of persuasion — the ability to reach across differences and believe that others are movable, as well as the idea that I have the capacity to be moved — as being the heart of democracy. I’m so glad you’re here for this conversation, and get ready to be persuaded. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
01:01:2119/10/2022
Brené with Beto O’Rourke on Brave Leadership
Brené with Beto O’Rourke on Brave Leadership
I think y’all know that I’m a fifth-generation Texan, and I have another Texan with me today: Beto O’Rourke. He is running for governor of Texas, and early voting starts next week on October 24th, with Election Day coming up on November 8th. But beyond the timeliness of voting, I wanted to connect on the timeliness of brave leadership — because we really need courageous, real, authentic, empathic leaders right now. So I wanted to have him on the podcast to learn a little bit more about his approach, his vision, and what he wants for us in our state. And, you know, if you’re not in Texas, there’s a saying, “As Texas goes, so goes the nation.” I think you’ll find this interesting. Whether you agree or disagree with Beto’s position on things, I think he’s a strong leader with a different approach — and I love the authenticity. I think you’ll find his story and his vision for politics and life in general compelling. We need to be talking to more and more leaders about what their vision is, what their concerns are, who they are as people. You know, we always say on Dare to Lead, who you are is how you lead, and I think we got a really good picture of that in this conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
56:4417/10/2022
Brené, Ashley, and Barrett on The Love Prescription, Part 3 of 3
Brené, Ashley, and Barrett on The Love Prescription, Part 3 of 3
The sisters are here for our final installment in a three-part series on The Love Prescription: Seven Days to More Intimacy, Connection, and Joy, from Drs. John and Julie Gottman. And we’re talking about our reaction to the book and what we learned from the Gottmans in Parts 1 and 2. Their tactical, practical, get-your-vulnerability-on work calls us to action, so we commit to doing some specific things over the next weeks. It’s scary. It’s vulnerable. But we’re ready to take on this seven-day journey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
29:3312/10/2022
Brené with Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman on The Love Prescription, Part 2 of 3
Brené with Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman on The Love Prescription, Part 2 of 3
We’re back with Part 2 in our three-part series with Drs. John and Julie Gottman, respected, expert clinicians and researchers who’ve been studying couples and relationships for decades. We’re talking about their new book, The Love Prescription: Seven Days to More Intimacy, Connection, and Joy. And I’m telling y’all, this is the real deal. To love somebody and to ask to be loved — to want to be seen and to show your inner self — this is courage and vulnerability. This is bravery. This is love. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
50:5505/10/2022
Brené with Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman on The Love Prescription, Part 1 of 3
Brené with Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman on The Love Prescription, Part 1 of 3
Think you can’t make relationship changes in a week? Drs. John and Julie Gottman say, yes, actually, you can — and they have 40 years of breakthrough research on marital stability and divorce prediction to prove it. The Gottmans are back, by popular demand, and they’re here to talk about their new book, The Love Prescription: Seven Days to More Intimacy, Connection, and Joy. In this first of a three-part series, we talk about their work, their findings, and some huge hacks that were mind-blowing for me. This book feels so hopeful because it’s direct, it’s really honest, and it’s so actionable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
53:4128/09/2022
Reflection From My Summer Sabbatical
Reflection From My Summer Sabbatical
If there’s one thing that I’ve learned over the past, maybe, 50 years, but specifically, research-wise, over the past 25, it’s that every time we think we’re completely alone in struggle, that is exactly when we need to remember that the human experience is never a singular experience. I’m sharing this reflection in the hopes that it resonates with some and to remind myself that I’m not alone. I’m glad you’re here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
28:5921/09/2022
Brené, Ashley, and Barrett on Atlas of the Heart, Audience Q&A, Part 2 of 2
Brené, Ashley, and Barrett on Atlas of the Heart, Audience Q&A, Part 2 of 2
We are back with Part 2 of our reader and audience Q&A on Atlas of the Heart, with questions from both the book and the HBO Max series. If you listened to Part 1, oh wow, these questions are hard — and I don’t have all the answers, which I love. Because that means I get to learn more, and I’m learning right along with my sisters, Ashley and Barrett. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
34:2825/05/2022
Brené, Ashley, and Barrett on Atlas of the Heart, Audience Q&A, Part 1 of 2
Brené, Ashley, and Barrett on Atlas of the Heart, Audience Q&A, Part 1 of 2
In this first episode of a three-part Sisters Book Club series, Ashley and Barrett turn the tables and interview me about Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience. They ask all the questions everyone wants to know, and they pull no punches — starting with stories about childhood superpowers, to matters of biology, biography, behavior, and backstory in the context of emotions and the book itself. We also talk about how Atlas is broken up into three sections, how the data was collected and analyzed to present the 87 emotions covered, and how powerful it is to have vocabulary that’s as expansive as our experiences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
46:1718/05/2022
Brené with Viola Davis on Being Brave, Speaking Truth, and Finding Me
Brené with Viola Davis on Being Brave, Speaking Truth, and Finding Me
I’m talking with none other than the amazing, singular Viola Davis about her new memoir, Finding Me. This book, and this conversation, are gifts — deep reflections on a turbulent childhood, the journey to overcoming trauma, and how she found her voice in the often brutal entertainment industry. She shares some extraordinary experiences that have changed her, and because of who she is, they’ve in turn changed us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
58:3911/05/2022
Brené with Domee Shi on Creativity, Curiosity, and Turning Red
Brené with Domee Shi on Creativity, Curiosity, and Turning Red
I’m smiling from ear to ear about this conversation with Domee Shi, a Chinese-born, Academy Award–winning Canadian animator, storyboard artist, and director for Pixar. With Bao, Domee became the first woman to direct a short film for Pixar, and with Turning Red — which was released on Disney+ in March 2022 — Domee became the first woman to direct a feature-length project for the animation studio. It was so fun to connect with her about creativity, learning, curiosity, and her incredible, groundbreaking work. Also, she may have inspired my new life motto. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
52:1904/05/2022
Brené with Father Richard Rohr on Spirituality, Certitude, and Infinite Love, Part 2 of 2
Brené with Father Richard Rohr on Spirituality, Certitude, and Infinite Love, Part 2 of 2
In Part 2 of an unforgettable and transformative conversation with Father Richard Rohr, the Franciscan friar and I really go there — asking and answering hard questions about certainty and the ego, a cosmic God who’s bigger than what Christianity often espouses, and the spiritual yearning of today’s up-and-coming generations. It’s a deeply holy discussion that I hope will resonate with you no matter where you fall on the spiritual spectrum. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
28:3427/04/2022
Brené with Father Richard Rohr on Spirituality, Certitude, and Infinite Love, Part 1 of 2
Brené with Father Richard Rohr on Spirituality, Certitude, and Infinite Love, Part 1 of 2
Anyone who knows me or my work knows the immeasurable influence Father Richard Rohr has had on my life. Rohr is a Franciscan friar and ecumenical teacher, and his words live on Post-it notes all around my house; his numerous books are tattered and torn, as I’ve returned to them time and again, especially in the past couple years. In this magical two-part conversation, Father Richard graciously expands on just a few of the quotes that have turned my world upside down, sharing his thoughts on what it means to be humbled by the mysteries of faith; how we often misinterpret God as a dictator, not a lover; and how we’re ill-equipped to grasp the infinite nature of God and his love. This truly unforgettable conversation left me speechless — and filled me to the brim with love and connection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
33:5120/04/2022
Brené with Emmanuel Acho on Being Illogical
Brené with Emmanuel Acho on Being Illogical
I’m talking again with my friend Emmanuel Acho about his new book, Illogical: Saying Yes to a Life Without Limits. True to form, Emmanuel shows up with pure energy and thought-provoking opinions — which may seem illogical but actually make so much sense. He also shares some real wisdom around how to handle naysayers and critics while also staying open, being receptive, and taking care of ourselves in the process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
01:04:5706/04/2022
Brené with Susan Cain on How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole, Part 2 of 2
Brené with Susan Cain on How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole, Part 2 of 2
Welcome to Part 2 of my conversation with Susan Cain, the bestselling author of Quiet, about her new book, Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole. This book is giving me life right now. I feel deeply seen in this needed counterbalance to our society’s push for constant positivity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
40:4630/03/2022
Brené with Susan Cain on How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole, Part 1 of 2
Brené with Susan Cain on How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole, Part 1 of 2
This conversation is a bittersweet breath of fresh air for me. It’s the first of two episodes with Susan Cain, the bestselling author of Quiet, about her new book, Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole, a needed counterbalance to our society’s toxic push for constant positivity. It gives a high five to those of us who know that melancholy is our secret strength, and it gives the rest of us permission to lean into our bittersweet feelings, which actually make us more hopeful and more whole. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
50:0323/03/2022
Brené with Karen Walrond on Accessing Joy and Finding Connection in the Midst of Struggle
Brené with Karen Walrond on Accessing Joy and Finding Connection in the Midst of Struggle
In this episode, I’m sitting across from my friend Karen Walrond and she’s helping me access joy. You may remember Karen from a two-part podcast we did last year on her book The Lightmaker’s Manifesto, which is all about working for change without losing your joy. And I literally just called her and said, “Will you be on the podcast this week, because I’m in such deep struggle and I can’t access any joy? I feel guilty if I’m happy about something because the world is such a shit show right now and people are in so much pain.” If you’re struggling with how to be fully connected in your life and feel joy and acknowledge beauty and also fight for the things that we need to fight for right now, this will be a great podcast for you. It was a game changer for me. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
37:5909/03/2022
Brené with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway on Pivot, Reverence, and What’s Behind Big Tech
Brené with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway on Pivot, Reverence, and What’s Behind Big Tech
I’m talking with tech journalist Kara Swisher and NYU professor Scott Galloway, co-hosts of the podcast Pivot, a weekly discussion on the latest news as it relates to the worlds of business and tech. I start to do some word association with them, but we quickly go deep and take a hard, illuminating look at Big Tech. This is a great conversation for those of us who regularly engage with tech platforms but maybe who don’t understand their motivations, what they’re up to next, and the myriad ways they shape our lives and democracies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
01:12:5702/03/2022
Brené with Dr. Shawn Ginwright on The Four Pivots: Reimagining Justice, Reimagining Ourselves
Brené with Dr. Shawn Ginwright on The Four Pivots: Reimagining Justice, Reimagining Ourselves
In his brave new book, The Four Pivots: Reimagining Justice, Reimagining Ourselves, Shawn Ginwright asks a simple but profound question, “Can we heal the world without healing ourselves?” I’ve always believed the answer is no, but I’ve never seen anyone propose a more daring solution than what’s in this book and conversation. There is so much wisdom in these four pivots. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
01:08:0623/02/2022
Brené with Jason Reynolds on Masterpieces and Messes
Brené with Jason Reynolds on Masterpieces and Messes
In this episode, I’m talking with Jason Reynolds, #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than a dozen books for young people, about where he draws inspiration for his characters, his role as the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, and his latest book, Ain’t Burned All the Bright. I’m deeply inspired by Jason’s art and craft — I loved every minute of this conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
01:20:3316/02/2022
Brené on Places We Go When the Heart Is Open from Atlas of the Heart
Brené on Places We Go When the Heart Is Open from Atlas of the Heart
We’re celebrating the audiobook release of Atlas of the Heart with a bonus Unlocking Us episode! The excerpt in this episode is from chapter 10, titled “Places We Go When the Heart Is Open.” We’re talking about love, lovelessness, and heartbreak. I’m excited to give you a first listen here, and I’m grateful that we’re learning and working to reconnect with ourselves and with each other, together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
40:5014/02/2022
Brené with Ben Wizner on Free Speech, Misinformation, and the Case for Nuance
Brené with Ben Wizner on Free Speech, Misinformation, and the Case for Nuance
I was looking for some certainty around the tough issues of censorship and misinformation — legal definitions, rules, and clear lines — so I called Ben Wizner, a lawyer with the ACLU and the director of its Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project. I’d hoped we’d have a Free Speech 101–type conversation, with tidy resolutions and a clear path forward. But what I suspected, and Ben confirmed, is that the law gives us very few answers to the hardest questions that we have. So in this episode, the two of us grapple with issues of balance and boundaries, unpacking the harms that speech can cause and the harms that censorship can cause. I’m glad that we had over an hour to talk, because as tempting as it is to approach issues like this with firm certainty or with 140 characters, it’s much more important to unpack the nuances and unlock the opportunity for growth and learning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
01:15:0409/02/2022
Brené and Barrett on Living Into Our Values
Brené and Barrett on Living Into Our Values
We’re back, and we are starting the year with a deep dive into values. I’m not a fan of resolutions, but I absolutely believe in the power of resetting. I can’t think of a more powerful way to double down on ourselves than getting clear on our values and the behaviors that support them — and the shit that gets in the way. Join us as Barrett and I talk through a values exercise PDF that we made for you to do your own values work. Of all the work we do with leaders and teams, this is probably the biggest game changer. Let’s go! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
50:4526/01/2022