

You Are Heroic with Brian Johnson
Brian Johnson
You Are Heroic with Brian Johnson features the best big ideas from life-changing books and practical tools to help you move from Theory to Practice to Mastery and flourish in Energy, Work, and Love. Get more wisdom in less time so you can activate your best, every day—so that we can change the world, one person at a time, together, starting with you and me and us, today! (Learn more about Heroic Public Benefit Corporation at https://heroic.us)
Episodes
Mentioned books

5 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 1min
The Passion Paradox by Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness (Heroic Wisdom Daily)
Discover how passion is a double-edged force that can inspire greatness or lead to burnout if left unchecked. Learn about the biology behind passion, particularly the role of dopamine in making it feel like a relentless chase. Explore practical strategies for managing your enthusiasm through reflection, self-distancing, and pacing. Finally, take on the challenge to implement one actionable step today to ensure your passion remains sustainable and fulfilling.

5 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 2min
Raise Your Game by Alan Stein Jr. (Heroic Wisdom Daily)
Discover how top performers hone their skills by mastering the basics, exemplified by an inspiring Kobe Bryant story. Explore the Player, Coach, Team framework that emphasizes unity and culture in achieving excellence. Learn actionable tips to enhance your performance by making small tweaks to your daily routine. This engaging discussion is packed with wisdom that motivates listeners to level up their game in every aspect of life.

8 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 2min
Parenting Champions by Lanny Bassham (Heroic Wisdom Daily)
Explore how parents can be the first mental coaches for their kids, shaping their mindsets beyond mere competition. Discover the importance of building a strong self-image in children to foster resilience and reduce shame. Learn why consistency in parenting is key, as kids model their behavior after their parents' resilience and growth mindset. Plus, find out one actionable mental habit to kickstart today for a positive impact. Dive into various notes and resources for further inspiration!

5 snips
Dec 7, 2025 • 2min
The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem by Nathaniel Branden (Heroic Wisdom Daily)
Discover the powerful insights from Nathaniel Branden's work on self-esteem. Personal integrity is highlighted as essential for aligning actions with values. Learn how this alignment is a daily test of your self-worth. Unlock a treasure trove of wisdom through premium resources that offer daily inspiration and actionable tools. Dive into the journey of enhancing your energy, work, and love, and explore personalized coaching features designed for consistency and focus.

5 snips
Dec 6, 2025 • 2min
The Pursuit of Perfect by Tal Ben-Shahar (Heroic Wisdom Daily)
Exploring the traps of perfectionism, the discussion highlights how it fosters a sense of unworthiness by rejecting failure and success. In contrast, optimalism promotes growth by viewing failures as feedback. Listeners learn to aim for 'good enough' rather than a straight path to goals. The podcast also underscores the balance between joy and sorrow, advocating for embracing the full range of emotions. Ultimately, it champions a life led by excellence rather than the stress of perfection.

16 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 2min
The Art of Learning by Josh Waitzkin (Heroic Wisdom Daily)
Discover the fascinating journey of Josh Waitzkin, from chess prodigy to martial arts champion. Learn how mastering deep fundamentals allows for creativity and improvisation. Explore the idea that investing in loss can lead to growth and resilience. Find out how to stay calm under pressure and be in the 'soft zone' during chaos. Balance intensity with recovery to enhance your performance. Embrace the importance of unique styles and lifelong learning to continue evolving.

7 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 2min
The As If Principle by Richard Wiseman (Heroic Wisdom Daily)
Explore the fascinating concept of the As If Principle, revealing how our actions shape our feelings and identities. Discover simple yet powerful behaviors, like adjusting your posture and smiling, that can lead to significant emotional shifts. Dive into intriguing research showing that action, rather than just motivation, drives change. Learn the distinction between genuinely acting to grow and merely pretending. Challenge yourself to choose one 'as if' action today to start transforming your identity.

6 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 2min
To Sell Is Human by Daniel H. Pink (Heroic Wisdom Daily)
Explore the idea that everyone is involved in sales, whether it's selling ideas or actions. Discover the new essential skills: attunement, buoyancy, and clarity, that enhance effective communication. Learn how asking questions can open doors and create impactful pitches. Understand that true selling is about helping others transition from one stage to another with respect and purpose. Dive into practical insights that empower you in work and life.

9 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 2min
Peak Performance by Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness (Heroic Wisdom Daily)
Unlock the secrets of peak performance with insights on how stress combined with intentional rest can transform challenges into strengths. Discover why working in focused cycles trumps constant effort, and why single-tasking is crucial for achieving exceptional results. The focus shifts to aiming for sustainable excellence instead of striving for perfection, encouraging listeners to embrace progress over flawlessness. Join in on a weekly challenge that inspires personal growth and lasting change.

7 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 2min
Your Brain at Work by David Rock (Heroic Wisdom Daily)
Discover the fascinating dynamics of mental energy and task prioritization. Learn why high-level thinking requires you to tackle important decisions when your mind is fresh. Uncover how multitasking can derail your creativity and accuracy. Explore the impact of status threats on focus and leadership. Gain insights on managing expectations to enhance performance. Finally, Brian encourages you to adopt a single impactful change to boost your brain's effectiveness.


