
Unlocking Us with Brené Brown
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.
Latest episodes

15 snips
Apr 10, 2024 • 1h 11min
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 discuss the sexualization of young girl influencers, societal pressures, parental roles in influencer culture, and online safety. They delve into data analysis on the over-sexualization of kids on social media, the blurred lines between business success and personal safety, and societal influences on appearance expectations for girls in sports and apparel.

32 snips
Apr 3, 2024 • 1h 14min
Dr. S. Craig Watkins on Why AI’s Potential to Combat or Scale Systemic Injustice Still Comes Down to Humans
Dr. S. Craig Watkins, an AI expert, talks with Brené Brown about the alignment problem in AI systems and the potential for scaling injustice. They discuss who needs to be involved in building AI systems aligned with democratic values, how to ensure ethical principles are in place to avoid scaling injustice in high-stakes environments, such as healthcare and criminal justice, and emphasize the importance of intentional policies and expert involvement to guide the future development of AI technologies.

51 snips
Mar 27, 2024 • 1h 6min
Dr. William Brady on Social Media, Moral Outrage and Polarization
Dr. William Brady, expert in group behavior on social media, discusses the influence of social media algorithms on moral outrage, the impact of social learning biases, and the challenges of counteracting extreme opinions online. They also explore personal bravery, individual preferences, and the complexities of balancing life roles in the digital age.

350 snips
Mar 20, 2024 • 1h 6min
Esther Perel on New AI – Artificial Intimacy
Brené Brown and Dr. Esther Perel explore the impact of social media and technology on human relationships, discussing modern loneliness, the power of attention in connections, bids for connection during conflicts, and navigating meaningful conversations to foster intimacy. They also touch on embracing vulnerability, building supportive communities, and reflecting on artificial intimacy in the digital age.

16 snips
Mar 1, 2024 • 1h 4min
Khaled Elgindy on his book: Blind Spot: America and the Palestinians, from Balfour to Trump
Exploring the US involvement in Israeli-Palestinian peace agreements, internal political struggles within Palestinian leadership, critiques of biased US involvement, advocating for equality and dignity for both Israelis and Palestinians, and analyzing the impacts of political administrations on the conflict

Feb 29, 2024 • 1h 6min
Rula Daood and Alon-Lee Green on Standing Together
Exploring the grassroots movement Standing Together in Israel for peace and equality, with insights from national co-directors Rula Daood and Alon-Lee Green. Discusses challenges faced by Palestinians and Israelis, transformational activism amidst conflict, and the importance of building political will to end the occupation and create equity for all.

4 snips
Feb 28, 2024 • 1h 11min
Ali Abu Awwad and Robi Damelin on Nonviolence as The Path to Freedom for Palestinians and Israelis
A deep dive into the powerful journeys of individuals impacted by loss in the Israel-Palestine conflict, focusing on nonviolence, reconciliation, and transformative storytelling. Touching on the significance of grief, compassion, grassroots peace-building, and the shared struggles and intertwined histories of Israelis and Palestinians.

Feb 14, 2024 • 2min
Unlocking Us is Back
Brené Brown returns with exciting new episodes of her podcast, Unlocking Us, where she explores the human experience through engaging conversations.

Jan 4, 2023 • 30min
Brené and Ashley on Living BIG, Part 2 of 2
Ashley and Brené dive into topics of generosity, resentment, boundaries, and grief. They explore the importance of setting boundaries for integrity and being generous in assumptions. The conversation delves into personal growth, acceptance, and transforming relationships with clear communication and self-awareness.

Dec 28, 2022 • 48min
Brené and Ashley on Living BIG, Part 1 of 2
Brené and Ashley discuss the importance of assuming positive intent, setting boundaries, managing anger through therapy, and the transformative journey of self-discovery. They also explore the notion of doing one's best, living big through integrity and generosity, and client reactions in therapy sessions.