Unlocking Us with Brené Brown

22,819

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.

Recent Episodes

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Recent Reviews

Radiance 🌟

Always brilliant and grounded information!

Perhaps because her information is grounded in research I am so drawn to her platforms. BB has a human depth, intelligence and honesty that I find so inspiring. Out of all the “personal development influencers” today I personally find her lectures the most compelling, grounded and thought provoking. I feel so grateful her voice is in the sea of our culture today. I can’t wait to witness and hope she develops her voice even stronger in our confused culture. She is so needed 💕
NSJFost

Love the Combination of Academic Expertise and Personal Experience

What a great joy it is to listen to Brene interview the scholars who have shaped her work about what is important about theirs and make that accessible to a wider audience. Not always as drawn to the elements of spirituality but definitely owe my trying pickleball to her promotion. Quite the influencer. Don’t let the trolls get you down!!!!
Contradictorychances

We all fail when we don't adhere to the pillars of the SW practice

I used to absorb everything Brene Brown said & wrote. The fact she had the background, education & training as a social worker was inspiring for all of us who have that background as well. But with fame and attention, she appears to have strayed from the ethical pillars of our profession. It's not just that she has picked up & touted the typical woke talking points, it's that she has become willfully blinded to anything that does not adhere to those talking g points. So the books will stay in the bookshelf but these new podcasts - nah. We always turned to Brene because she gave voice to new ideas like looking at shame. Each of these podcasts is the same as every buzz feed, NYT, WAPO article - wagging their finger and invoking shame
whaddup12

My favorite podcast!

Brene + your amazing team, thank you for the best podcast out there! Always so thought-provoking and insightful. I missed it so much when it took a break and am truly overjoyed it is back. The intro music puts me at ease like an old friend. Thanks for all the hard work that goes into making each episode packed full of great content and conversation!
Sarah221308

Thought provoking and validating

Coming of age in the 90s, I’ve found so much validation re: my experience. I’ve also learned so much about what is happening in my kids’ lives and has helped me be more proactive as a parent.
Yaditexas

All talk no action

She only speaks out when it's convenient for her
Locutis0fBorg

Kind of Cheesy

Just listen to one show, but won’t again
73):):$:

Love it

Became a reader and listener of your work about 2 years ago and so excited I found this podcast to be able to continue to listen to you and your guests to allow me to work on myself and deal with life’s issues and speed bumps. I always walk away with at least one but usually more ideas or ways to cope with human interactions and your ideas have tremendously helped me become a better person but seems the work is never done and that’s okay. Thank you so much for existing and sharing your vast knowledge!
Lizonvvvv

Welcome back

I’m so excited that Brene is back. She is such a great teacher it would be a loss not having her. Thank you for coming back. We love you❤️
Deb Indiana

Unlocking Us

I have consumed all things Brene Brown since I was a young mom (my oldest now 28). However her episodes with Fr Richard Rohr really resonated and is haunting me. I have re-listened to it and read and re-read the transcripts! This morning I wrote down some of the lines that continue to play through my mind. Thank you for dissecting things into smaller units - so we can focus on big topics ! I love getting granualr and feeling like I’m contributing and LEARNING. Cheers, from Indiana
Jassberry1

So important

I’ve been a fan of Brene’s work for years. I’m especially grateful to see her take on the issues in Palestine and with care and concern. Well done. I’m sure it’s not easy but this is the type of work needed
red_curlz_girl

Such an important and engaging show

I just finished the Episode with Robi and Ali on the parent’s circle. I loved the show before- but even more so now. This is compelling, hard, thoughtful stuff. I wish people engaged in more thoughtful discussions with people from different perspectives as is on display here. Fantastic stuff.
JasonSuperPisces

Ignorant.

The host and show should not focus on politics she does not understand, nor bring in guests with their own upside down agendas. This podcast used to be so very good and authentic during the pandemic but it’s over. Then again, what do you expect when she sells out to Spotify and then Vox Media. Brene, you disappoint again and again.
meeranator

Always appreciated

In a world where it’s easier to unfriend, unfollow, and write people off, I appreciate Brene Brown for admitting her shortcomings and using that as a foundation to having tough conversations and becoming better educated. I know the latest episode helped open my eyes, even if just a little. I’m looking forward to the other episodes in this series. Welcome back!
Red state lib

Recent Episodes re: Israel/Palestine

I cannot thank you enough for these episodes which are so insightful and helpful in seeing this devastation from the people who live it. Providing a means to help out and also hearing their thoughts on the upcoming US election are a “must hear” for all of us! Thank you so much!!!
carotemp

Thank you!

Thank you for trusting us. Thank you for coming back. You are a beautiful leader- inside and out. The more you bring your heart and mind forward, the more we learn. This first episode (after your hiatus) is pitch perfect, if there is such a thing. These two are poet warriors, and the answer to all the prayers for anyone who has learned to live through their heart. May all those who are united in their humanity find a loving way forward.
Anon12333566

What a let down

She used to be amazing and someone who would stand up for justice for all. Her work spoke to me personally and helped me a lot so it was such a downer to hear that she is unable to practice her own work in order to support the Palestinian people. I cannot recommend her work anymore sadly.
Livhypnoswag

SO disappointed in Brene Brown’s Palestine cowardice

I honestly couldn’t believe the opinion that Brene Brown wrote on the “both-sidesism” of Israel’s ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people. Just so so disappointing. A failure of white supremacy culture rearing its head. Brene, you need to go back to the basics and catch up on your Angela Davis, you are not ready to meet this moment. Disappointing.
craigspofford

Thanks for coming back

I had stopped listening and really missed it. Not enough to start listening on that other podcast platform because of other podcasters exclusively there. Thanks for coming back. Ready to listen and learn
Meg Reynolds1983

Love love love

I loved the episode on the guideposts about certainty and intuition and silence and the gut feeling. This really spoke to me and I would love it if you talked more about it! All of the women I know struggle with our gut feelings verses reality and when we can’t always explain our intuition but we just know something. Love this topic!! Yay you’re back!!! Can’t wait for the new episodes! Very sorry to hear about the passing of your mom- my heart goes out to all of you, sending love and peace.
Kopuiop45

Yay

I’m so happy that your podcast is coming back!
Camille Virginia

A gifted master of vulnerability + deep connection

Brené is the master (mistress?) of vulnerability and connection! I love the unique, refreshing topics she brings up, and the depth of her interviews - she knows exactly what questions to ask to get her guests top open and share amazing insights and stories - sometimes that the guest has never shared with anyone else. Highly recommended.
Duffkorz

Love this podcast

I have read your books, seen your Netflix special, folllow on IG. I think you are amazing, intelligent, an amazing writer! You ask great questions, are such a great teacher, able to explain things in a way that makes so much sense! Make it understandable. You get so much right! I listened to your “shame and accountability” podcast today and now am binging your podcasts. I was driving along listening and feeling so much of what you were saying. Amazing! Thank you for your work and for your sharing your knowledge with all of us. You are helping me and many and impacting lives and our thinking more than you’ll ever know.
Nisa1958

Overall Show

Thank you Brené and team! Congratulations on the new book, I will pre-order it asap. I’m also excited about this accomplishment because now you will have new episodes on both your Shows. I so look forward to listening to each every Monday and Wednesday. Happy end of summer!
Meremaid12

Internal Resonation

Hi! I am at work listening to your conversation with Glennon Doyle and I am in tears. This is a powerful conversation that has spoken to the deep depths of my heart and mind. I titled this internal resonation because Glennon’s words & story echoed in my core - a familiar feeling and it sparked some sort of anxiousness, an immediate gut reaction. I am ALMOST afraid of what will happen to my life if I read Untamed and I know that I shouldn’t be because I AM frickin’ Cheetah too! Much Love to both of you. Mere
hrose2132

I love it!

This podcast is SO good!
sb-c

Digging deep before school starts

Thank you for these two episodes! I teach - first grade right now, but usually middle school math. This information took me into my classroom at different times throughout my career. Me versus others or just me. Loved the comparisons and the discussion.
Cups217

Please more of these!

Thank you for these two episodes!! I was really contemplating my leadership and armor as I transition into a new occupation. The concrete examples and dialog around these concepts are priceless and, probably even more important, your humility around your own work creates the space to see and question it in myself. It makes it less intimidating and gives me the space to allow myself to be open and curious. Thank you.
jannw65

Sickening

I never believed in white privilege until I listened to this crap and I am a middle aged white woman.
loveace100908

Yes please!!!

In part 2 of Armored versus Daring Leadership you mentioned that if this was helpful you could do another. Yes please!!! For me, to make it even more actionable, it is helpful when you provide the context and the words through examples. Thank you for sharing you heart, your knowledge and for challenging others to strive to be better.
jumpingbengalslady

What the?

Where did all your episodes go from last year??? I loved them! And wanted to listen to them again!
SuzieO74

Must listen

I’m always learning something and love the authenticity factor….. beautiful soul!
wilhelmina a.

Coffee talk

Way too much chit chat, “cussing,” and navel-gazing happening here, with little to no insight. At the end of this teaser (with the remaining episodes on Spotify) someone wonders whether listeners will keep listening. Hard to imagine why they would.
Amyjosmile

Love it so much!

I love all of your books and now we get to hear you every week, live!!! So amazing!
Medievalmave

I forget it’s on Spotify

I saw this new episode for the book and was so excited. Nope only a “freebie” given to us to get us to listen to Spotify. So I can skip this one. Boo Spotify for refusing to let Apple podcasts upload new episodes. I knew the podcast was moving to Spotify, but thought new episodes would still be available here. They are not. So I’ve stopped listening. I keep meaning to open Spotify and listen. But all the podcasts I listen to are here on my podcast app and ready to cue up. Sorry, Brene. Someday I’ll catch up.
Gee34512

Change to Spotify

Hmm... not sure why! Would also like to see a few more authentic guests like Mystic Michaela.
Zoeli Baby

Commercials on Spotify

I listen to dare to lead on Spotify. I pay for premium and hate the commercials on this podcast. Why exactly are they needed here. No wants to hear these. Love the show hate the ads. It is hard to reconcile why these are necessary.
tlblev

Untamed and Glennon Doyle

I just listened to Brene and Glennon together talking about Untamed. Oh my gosh, the back and forth about the incredible truth telling in Glennon’s story was right on. I loved every minute of it! You’re in for a treat! Don’t miss it!
BonBon2214

Love Brene, but

Love Brene, but not moving to Spotify. Feels like she cares more about money than reaching out to all her fans and followers. I realize it’s still free to listen, but I hate Spotify.
kimrayb

With great gratitude

Thank you for the continued reminder to check in and be more self aware. Love love armor off = curiosity on!
LeadingandLearning

Armored vs Daring leadership

These episodes were so incredibly helpful and informative! Please do more like these!!
Crazy4celebriteez

Spotify

Love the show- all the episodes are on Spotify now
KHASL

Love Brené, but ...

The podcast has become exclusive to Spotify with no notice or warning. People are still confused, months later! There’s a weird celebrity-insider element to newer episodes that feels very at odds with Brene’s core message. On the flip side, Brené at her best is a great service to humanity.
Northsidesoxgirl

Life changing

Giving me the power to go to work tomorrow. Thank you.
YellowTandy

Pretty good

Some hits, some misses. I appreciate the subject matter and the selection of guests.
sc022308

Why do I have access to 4 episodes?

I’ve been a supporter from the very beginning but have access to 4 episodes. Why?
serafina13

Where is the episode with Oprah about trauma and vulnerability?

I would like to hear the episode you did with Oprah. Where do I access it ?
PeaceLoveKB011

Lovely

Why aren’t there a million more episodes!!?!
Bigkitty100

Queen Brene

Her wisdom feeds my soul!
G_Chere

Brené is A Hero/Heroine

Words are hardly enough to express my admiration and respect to Brené Brown. She is an extremely hardworking researcher, author, and gifted storyteller. I pray and hope that some of the online negativity won’t dim her bright light that’s shining on the majority of her followers all over the world. She is one of the very few heroes and luminaries we are blessed to have in our life time. Thanks to Oprah for introducing us to BB through “Super Soul Sunday” pod-community. My soul, will forever recognize Brené’s deep insight and compelling voice. She is pure joy. What a blessing to be chosen for this wonderful calling!!! Thank you!!! Much Blessings & Love!!!🙏💕👍

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