122 episodes

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.

Unlocking Us with Brené Brown Vox Media Podcast Network

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.6 • 22.9K Ratings

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.

    Dr. William Brady on Social Media, Moral Outrage and Polarization

    Dr. William Brady on Social Media, Moral Outrage and Polarization

    This is the second episode in our series on the possibilities and costs of living beyond human scale. In this episode, Brené and William discuss group behavior on social media and how we show up with each other online versus offline. We’ll also learn about the specific types of content that fuel algorithms to amplify moral outrage and how they tie to our search for belonging.
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    • 1 hr 5 min
    Esther Perel on New AI – Artificial Intimacy

    Esther Perel on New AI – Artificial Intimacy

    In this first episode in a series on the possibilities and costs of living beyond human scale, Brené and Esther Perel discuss how we manage the paradox of exploring the world of social media and emerging technologies while staying tethered to our humanness. How do we create IRL relationships where we see and value others and feel seen and valued in the context of constant scrolling and using digital technology as armor?
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    • 1 hr 5 min
    Khaled Elgindy on his book: Blind Spot: America and the Palestinians, from Balfour to Trump

    Khaled Elgindy on his book: Blind Spot: America and the Palestinians, from Balfour to Trump

    Khaled Elgindy is a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute where he also directs MEI’s Program on Palestine and Israeli-Palestinian Affairs. He is the author of the book, Blind Spot: America and the Palestinians, from Balfour to Trump. In this episode we talk about the internal political struggles among Palestinian leadership and the US’s involvement in the failed peace agreements between Israel and Palestine.
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    • 1 hr 3 min
    Rula Daood and Alon-Lee Green on Standing Together

    Rula Daood and Alon-Lee Green on Standing Together

    Standing Together is a grassroots movement mobilizing Jewish and Palestinian citizens of Israel in pursuit of peace, equality, social, and climate justice. In this podcast, we talk to National co-director Rula Daood and Founding National co-director Alon-Lee Green on what it means to build a movement, to organize people, and what it means to build political will to end the occupation and create equity for all people.
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    • 1 hr 5 min
    Ali Abu Awwad and Robi Damelin on Nonviolence as The Path to Freedom for Palestinians and Israelis

    Ali Abu Awwad and Robi Damelin on Nonviolence as The Path to Freedom for Palestinians and Israelis

    The Parents Circle – Families Forum (PCFF) is a joint Israeli-Palestinian organization of over 600 families, all of whom have lost an immediate family member to the ongoing conflict. In this podcast, we talk to their spokesperson and bereaved mother, Robi Damelin, and Ali Abu Awwad. Ali was imprisoned by Israel for his resistance, bereaved of his brother by a soldier’s gun, and is the founding leader of Taghyeer, a nonviolent movement for social and political change.
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    • 1 hr 11 min
    Unlocking Us is Back

    Unlocking Us is Back

    We're coming back with new episodes starting February 28th. Get episodes as soon as they're published by following Unlocking Us on your favorite podcast app.
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    • 1 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
22.9K Ratings

22.9K Ratings

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!

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