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
  • Jewlezita
    Harriet Lerner Part 1
    I just finished listening to the Harriet Lerner Part 1 episode, and it was just an absolute delight. I wish I could listen to Brené and Harriet talk all day, every day. Looking forward to part 2!
  • Seeeeeking
    Listen to the first year of content.
    I absolutely loved what this podcast was before politics. If the creators could brand their political episodes as such it would be nice to listen to. I’d give the other information a top review sans politics. It’s difficult to wade through the misinformation and lack of awareness, while simultaneously interesting to see the perspective of people living in a glass house.
  • maeganrachelle
    no longer interested
    everything was great until this election. so sad and truly disappointed.
  • KCobabe
    Downhill
    No longer interesting, discerning or objective.
  • Girldragontattoo
    ADY
    I agree with others on this review site. I have read Brene’s books and followed her podcast religiously and have loved her. However, it is post election and the discussion needs to be about finding common ground and “listening” to what the American people want…
  • Adventure Thinking Mom
    Awful Kamala interview-Beyond Disappointing in Brene Brown going woke-
    I’m done with Brené Brown now after a this one-sided, hate-filled propaganda “interview of Kamala”— even the View show was better— and that’s saying something. You were Just repeating Democratic talking points and you’re so divisive. It’s so sad. OK so Kamala believes in abortion. What else? Women care about a lot more than that. For someone who is known for her research, Brene Brown, this is beyond disappointing. Stopped being a fan after this and will not listen anymore.- Her audience and others should listen to the election results and ask “what can we learn from it?”
  • Lin Gassaway
    Help
    Enjoyed your episodes running up to the election. Now, post-election, I am not okay. Will you be doing some episodes on coping and moving forward. I’m a mom, a daughter, a sister, an aunt. And so much more.
  • KyAnZaJ
    Disappointed longtime listener
    I have read majority of Brene’s books, joined her past Courage Works Team and enjoyed her research. However, I am disappointed with the lack of research on some of the current topics she’s covered. Her biases are blatant and in many cases boarder line lies. As a top notch researcher, I expect better from her.
  • Grateful 93
    Kamala VP
    Love her leadership skill set & know it will help us once the cult is defeated on Election Day!
  • Jackiejack Bmore
    people in glass houses
    i’m a huge fan and this was disappointing, divisive and one sided. standard same word for word kamala quotes we’ve heard in every interview. the divisive rhetoric and anger is coming from the left all while you point fingers at the right. we get it, she’s running on abortion. what else does she stand for??? specific policies please!? you’re exacerbating narratives out of context and it’s dangerous. “the enemy within” is not referring to what you say it is, and it’s scary that you would want to instill fear in Americans by perpetuating this lie. she’s been in office 3.5 years, she has not been a leader. please research more on what she has accomplished and why her contract should be renewed
  • Pass and Cut
    Disappointed and disillusioned.
    You’re way to bright of a mind to fall behind the Harris camp. I totally understand that you struggle, or can’t do, the other option; but you have to see through the charade of Harris. I’m very disappointed and disheartened to see you go this route. Don’t sink to this level. Stick to your standard and level of behavioral expectation, compassion and empathy standards, and truthful authenticity and vulnerability. Don’t get frustrated and accept and promote this just because you don’t like the other choice. Again I’m disappointed and disillusioned. You’re better than this. Had you pegged as being above and beyond being influenced by low level, political manipulation.
  • AbbyG97
    I normally don’t announce my departure but here we go…
    Man, this is rough to do but the episode with Kamala was filled with so much hate and so many lies. I hope people fact check what she said and they make the right choice next week. Save democracy by voting her out of her vp role and send her back home.
  • krittir
    Conversation with Kamala
    I specifically use the word conversation and not interview. I am a Kamala/Walz supporter. Just yesterday I watched a reel from the lincoln project. It was a speech by Hitler. A chilling speech. One where he was not shouting, but eerily steady and almost verbatim are the words that DJT uses now. Scary. But, hearing this conversation. Knowing that there are so many that are choosing a different path. Having leaders, like Brene and Kamala gives me hope. I live in an area that is heavily far right. I’m afraid to speak up or speak out. I’m afraid of the backlash to my business, home and wellbeing. I have donated and am voting. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! Thank you for being my voice. BTW, my Mom was born in 1930’s Germany. My grandfather went back to germany at Hitler’s calling. My grandmother, aunt & mother were the ones that suffered the most. Long story, but I have a strong dna connection. Shew, I can keep going, but I won’t. This episode has meant so much on so many levels.
  • Rs927
    Interview with VP Harris
    This is an incredible episode with thought provoking conversations. The nation will be lucky to have her as president.
  • krizforjesus
    Snoozefest
    This is the most boring podcast. Truly awful.
  • Funnygirlnyc
    I love Brené Brown
    The interview with Kamala was one of the most uplifting and hopeful discussions I’ve heard in a very long time. My soul needed to hear these two brilliant & caring women’s discussions so badly. Thank you!
  • KatieC12179
    Up-levels my day and life
    Dr Brown inspires me to both 1) be more accepting of myself 2) constantly do better
  • Breezy7210
    So disappointing
    When I found Brene years ago, it was like a lightbulb turned on & I was mesmerized by her talks. Now that she’s decided to inject her political opinions into the podcast, every episode is more woke than the next, and listening (or trying to listen) to them just infuriates me. I just can’t do it anymore.
  • JesusSavesByGraceThroughFaith
    Showing her political Bias!
    Going to interview Trump or JD Vance without a biased spin? Lost a lot of respect for Brene after hearing very beginning of Kamala podcast. What positive things did Kamala do as VP? I don’t know of anything either. All she did was mess things up!
  • Smweathers
    Great conversations
    This podcast is like being part of the conversations. I love how she’ll frequently stop her guest and have them say something important again. There’s such great wisdom with all of her guests.
  • Meg Reynolds1983
    Love love love yay Harris!
    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. So glad you had Kamala on yesss!
  • Jingalls73
    Kamala Harris??
    Of all people to have on, why her? Nonsensical gibberish from an unintelligent person!
  • brettelizabeth
    Palliative Care & Celebrating Mom✨
    Love this podcast! I was a hospital palliative care social worker and really loved my work. I’m so so glad you had a good experience with your palliative care team. AND… to Brene’s sister/s - your idea of wearing your moms jewelry and going to her favorite restaurant is SO fun and meaningful! I just listened to the episode with Brene and David Kessler and they were talking about how there’s no right or wrong way to grieve. That concept should apply here too: celebrate your ma however you’re inspired to🥰
  • Burdyblue
    On your mother’s Death and Grieving
    So, now that you’ve experienced how hard this was and how you didn’t want to do it a lot of times, caretaking that is…how are you going to do things when you get old and Ellen takes care of you? What will you do the same or differently? As an older person myself, I sometimes winced or felt cringeworthy moments listening to you three girls whine and chortle about how hard it was. You all were a PIA to raise I bet by your parents. In spite of that, it makes me feel terrible to think I would put my daughter through all that miserable caretaking you experienced. I don’t have the answer but you all make me feel that my future is really depressing in old age. Hope I just have a heart attack and die. How about you Brene, Ashley, or Barrett? Are you going to be a burden when you get old? Will your kids say, thank god she’s gone? I found this episode a little weird. I am like your mother listening.
  • PositiveSpinDr
    Grateful for honest conversations
    I’m so grateful for this show. It has been a go-to podcast for me since the first show in 2020. This most recent episode on grief was timely, authentic & heartwarming. As a palliative care physician practicing in Texas, I loved hearing about your positive experiences with both palliative medicine and hospice. Thank you for sharing so openly about the hard, hard work of supporting a loved one with a serious illness and the very real challenges of caregiving in our current (broken) healthcare system. Thank you, also, for acknowledging and elevating this sacred work we do for people & families living with serious illness.
  • Emily Lindberg Design
    Dr Heather Cox Richardson
    Dr Heather Cox Richardson has given me more of a history lesson than my entire childhood education. Thanks for making space for such clear, reflective, and encouraging conversations!
  • ARandomGuy2024
    Always better when Brene stays in her lane
    The political commentary is biased, to put it nicely. I suppose the books are worth reading but will warn folks that the podcast is worthless.
  • Gina Crook
    Thank you Brenè
    I love you & am so thankful you’re back! You & HCR together, chef’s kiss! What a treat to listen to two of the wisest thought leaders of our time unpack what’s weighing on our hearts & minds. The last stand explanation has always rung true for me, & was so glad HCR concurred.
  • LD💛
    Shame how woke this has gone.
    It’s really sad to see how blind and brainwashed Brene’ and nearly all the thought leaders like her have gone. Their sentiments can no longer be relied upon.
  • Karins_MnMs
    Love Brene and Team
    I hav loved every podcast and learned so much. Truly incredible. Thank you ♥️
  • LisaRLee
    Heart centered
    I love Brene’s approach to topics. She brings a voice of love and compassion and gives me hope that we can evolve into a world that can collectively heal itself.
  • JasonSuperPisces
    What Happened?
    Lost its dynamic magic. No longer the smart environment it was when the podcast launched. Pity.
  • 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.
  • 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
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