The Curiosity Shop with Brené Brown and Adam Grant
Vox Media Podcast Network
Research professor Brené Brown and organizational psychologist Adam Grant are partnering on a new weekly podcast grounded in an unflinching commitment to learning and unlearning. At a time when public discourse rewards certainty over inquiry, The Curiosity Shop features two of the world's most sought-after experts on connection, change, and leadership making the case for slowing down, asking better questions, and embracing informed complexity over easy answers. Bringing together their left and right brain sensibilities — she’s a qualitative researcher; he’s a quantitative researcher — they explore some of the defining questions of our time, unpack the research reshaping how we live, lead, and love, and dive deep into the ideas, evidence, and cultural moments intriguing them the most. New episodes drop every Thursday. Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Episodes
Mentioned books
242 snips
Oct 8, 2026 • 1h 3min
The Four Kinds of Connections We Need
Brené Brown and Adam Grant explore four kinds of connection: associates, allies, pals, and companions. They unpack mismatched friendship expectations, meaningful one-time interactions, and the mystery of other people’s inner worlds through the idea of sonder. They also reflect on how their own purposeful partnership grew through play, shared goals, and curiosity.
241 snips
Oct 1, 2026 • 49min
Resisting Influence in an Over-Influenced World
Why do fear, authority, and belonging make misinformation so persuasive? Brené Brown and Adam Grant unpack a vintage beauty tip, caregiving anxiety, conspiracy theories, AI panic, and the psychology of influence. They explore why memorable claims outlast their sources and how social identity can turn bad information into a badge of connection.
409 snips
Sep 24, 2026 • 1h 4min
Why Grit Isn’t Always Enough with Angela Duckworth
Angela Duckworth, psychologist, researcher, and author of Grit, joins the conversation to explore her new book, Situated. They discuss how physical spaces, relationships, culture, and geography shape motivation, creativity, habits, and achievement. Topics include the limits of willpower, designing environments for self-control, asking for help, and knowing when perseverance means changing direction.
385 snips
Sep 17, 2026 • 37min
Rethinking Leadership, Work, and Human Connection in the Age of AI
Adam Grant tackles leadership, careers, and the future of work, from making employee voice matter to learning from hiring mistakes and rethinking tradition and political loyalty. He explores human connection in the age of AI, the promise and pitfalls of hybrid work, and how to shape jobs around strengths. Along the way: magic, favorite foods, scientific role models, and Tom Brady.
348 snips
Sep 10, 2026 • 1h 9min
Can Conflict Actually Make Our Relationships Stronger? with Priya Parker
Priya Parker, a facilitator and author of The Art of Gathering and The Art of Fighting, reimagines conflict as a route to belonging. She explores “healthy heat,” toxic politeness, low-stakes practice, and how preparation can prevent escalation. Brené Brown and Adam Grant reflect on how hard conversations, honesty, and a willingness to change have deepened their friendship.
154 snips
Sep 3, 2026 • 1h 26min
What Chimpanzees Reveal About How We Connect and Divide with Aaron Sandel
Aaron Sandel, an anthropologist and primatologist who studies wild chimpanzees, takes us into Ngogo’s extraordinary social world. He recounts how friendships, family bonds, hierarchy, and mentorship shaped a vast community before former companions became enemies. Their split, lethal conflict, and subtle emotional signals illuminate polarization, belonging, communication, and the bonds shared across species.
257 snips
Aug 27, 2026 • 1h 3min
Building Integrity in the Age of Normalized Cheating
They unpack a story about students building an LLM to game an exam and how that reveals widespread rationalizing. They debate whether AI use counts as cheating and whether proctoring can solve the problem. They explore moral identity, why guilt (not shame) nudges honesty, when pledges backfire, and how inconsistent enforcement erodes trust.
315 snips
Aug 20, 2026 • 41min
Brené Brown on Protecting our Attention, Time, and Humanity in a World that Won’t Slow Down
A deep dive into protecting attention and humanity amid nonstop busyness. Conversations about how AI can draft while human discernment stays essential. The hidden cost of polished but shallow work and why grief often precedes real change. Reflections on presence, preparation, pausing, active listening, and a quirky two-watch metaphor.
204 snips
Aug 13, 2026 • 57min
Can We Build an “Us” Without a “Them”? with John Green
John Green, author and creator behind The Fault in Our Stars and CrashCourse, joins to talk community and belonging. He shares why football and the World Cup build collective energy. Conversations move from lifelong friendships and shared projects to chaplaincy lessons about sitting with pain. He previews his new novel Hollywood, Ending and explores whether an inclusive “us” can exist without a “them.”
205 snips
Aug 6, 2026 • 1h 25min
Leading Under Pressure with Rebecca Lowe
Rebecca Lowe, veteran TV presenter known for NBC Premier League and Fox’s 2026 World Cup coverage. She talks about why preparation beats performative confidence. She recalls breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry. She explains tactics for keeping live broadcasts calm and focused, from timing cues to intentional interruptions. She also reflects on representation, safety on the job, and adapting to superstar personalities.
