
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

Jan 26, 2022 • 51min
Brené and Barrett on Living Into Our Values
Brené Brown and Barrett dive into the power of values, discussing accountability, authenticity, and aligning actions with core beliefs. They explore vulnerability, growth, and the importance of self-compassion in personal development. The conversation emphasizes the transformative impact of living by one's values and the need for self-reflection.

86 snips
Jan 19, 2022 • 54min
Brené with James Clear on Atomic Habits, Part 2 of 2
Brené Brown talks with James Clear about atomic habits, focusing on building and breaking habits. They discuss the importance of our environment in supporting habits, organizational habits, and creating habits that last. James shares insights on self-awareness, prioritizing, experimentation, and effort in forming successful habits.

93 snips
Jan 12, 2022 • 50min
Brené with James Clear on Atomic Habits, Part 1 of 2
Author James Clear, known for his bestselling book Atomic Habits, discusses identity-based habits and the importance of consistency over intensity. They explore how habits can shape our identities, the power of building systems for success, and the impact of long-term behavioral change. The conversation delves into forming habits aligned with our desired identities and prioritizing systems over goals for lasting change.

Dec 15, 2021 • 43min
Brené, Ashley, and Barrett on Atlas of the Heart: A Sisters Book Club, Part 3 of 3
Join Ashley Ruiz, a seasoned voice on vulnerability and emotional intelligence, and Barrett Guillen, a co-host and collaborator with Brené Brown, as they tackle over 1,500 listener questions about emotional literacy. They delve into how family dynamics shape emotions and decision-making, and explore creative family activities to boost emotional awareness. The trio also discusses the profound link between art and emotions, and how parents can support their teenagers in navigating feelings, all while celebrating their book's success.

Dec 8, 2021 • 58min
Brené, Ashley, and Barrett on Atlas of the Heart: A Sisters Book Club, Part 2 of 3
In this lively discussion, sisters Ashley Brown-Ruiz, a clinical social worker, and Barrett Guillen, chief of staff at the Brené Brown Education and Research Group, interview Brené about her book, *Atlas of the Heart*. They explore 87 emotions, emphasizing the power of language in understanding feelings. Personal anecdotes reveal distinctions between stress and overwhelm, plus the importance of humor and boundaries in relationships. A rapid-fire Q&A offers a glimpse into Brené's favorite songs and unexpected insights, fostering warmth and connection.

Dec 1, 2021 • 60min
Brené, Ashley, and Barrett on Atlas of the Heart: A Sisters Book Club, Part 1 of 3
Brené Brown's sisters interview her about her book 'Atlas of the Heart', discussing childhood superpowers, emotions, data collection, and the power of emotional vocabulary.

15 snips
Nov 24, 2021 • 36min
Brené on the Anatomy of Trust
Brené Brown delves into the Anatomy of Trust, breaking it down into practical components with the BRAVING checklist. She discusses the importance of vulnerability and courage in trusting oneself and others, emphasizing the significance of small gestures in building trust. The podcast explores the impact of betrayal on trust and the key elements of trust: boundaries, reliability, accountability, vault, integrity, non-judgment, and generosity.

Nov 17, 2021 • 42min
Brené with Lukas and Willie Nelson on Family, Love, and Music
Willie Nelson, the legendary singer-songwriter with a remarkable seven-decade legacy, joins his son Lukas Nelson, a rising talent with his band, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real. Together, they delve into their latest album, exploring how music intertwines with faith, family, and love. They share heartfelt insights on overcoming fear, the healing power of gospel music, and the importance of kindness in tough times. Expect a delightful musical surprise at the end that will stick with you for days!

Nov 10, 2021 • 44min
Brené with Karen Walrond on The Lightmaker’s Manifesto, Part 2 of 2
In a heartfelt conversation, Karen Walrond, a writer and activist, shares insights from her book, The Lightmaker’s Manifesto. They explore the connection between activism and spirituality, emphasizing the importance of inner guidance and joy in avoiding burnout. Topics like performative activism, the balance between public engagement and personal values, and the complexities of navigating activism with compassion are discussed. This enlightening dialogue highlights how activism can be a spiritual practice that fosters unity and encourages meaningful change.

Nov 3, 2021 • 60min
Brené with Karen Walrond on The Lightmaker’s Manifesto, Part 1 of 2
Karen Walrond, a lawyer, leadership coach, and activist, joins her longtime friend to discuss her captivating book, 'The Lightmaker's Manifesto.' They explore how activism can be approached with joy, sharing personal stories from Hurricane Harvey that highlight resilience and community. The duo delves into the essence of personal empowerment, the difference between joy and happiness, and the transformative power of creative connections. Their conversation is a heartfelt reminder of finding strength and purpose through small, intentional acts.