Unlocking Us with Brené Brown

I’ve been struggling lately (as so many of us are), and wanted something different to listen to (beyond my usual mix of politics, true crime, and ghost stories), and I am SO grateful I found this podcast. I’m skeptical of people whom I would loosely categorize as purveyors of “self help” - so many of them are grifters or cult-adjacent - but Brown is neither of these things. She is so authentic and real, and I connect with her words in so many ways. But the thing that pushed me over the edge into being a true fan was her interview with Alicia Keys … having her read out things that she found meaningful and profound, and then being able to hear Keys’ reactions … it was clear that Brown was giving something beautiful to Keys, in addition to bringing attention to More Myself to listeners. This was so amazing to hear, and I think we need more of this type of authenticity and reciprocity in the world. Love this podcast, AND I’m inspired to read More Myself, as well. What a gift to all of us.

I’ve been wanting to write this for a while now, and I hope it finds its way to you. Unlocking Us has been more than just a podcast for so many of us—it’s been a sanctuary. Your voice has always felt like a lighthouse, guiding us through the fog of our own insecurities, fears, and hopes. You’ve taught us how to embrace imperfection, how to be brave with our stories, and, on some days, how to just keep going. Since the election, you’ve been quiet, and I get it. I really do. Your fears and frustrations are shared by so many of us. The world feels heavy right now, and as women, we are still so often shackled by systems built to keep us small. I imagine you’re feeling some of that weight too. But I want you to know that you are not alone. Even if it feels that way because your voice is so unique and your message so powerful, there are women everywhere who listen to you, who hear you, and who gain strength from your words. You may not see us, but we are here—mothers, teachers, leaders, friends—carrying the lessons you’ve given us into our own little corners of the world. We’re not on podcasts. Most of us don’t have a platform. We might not even be known outside of our own circles. But every day, we try to stand up for what we believe in, to speak up when it’s hard, and to be a small part of a much larger wave of change. And so much of that courage comes from you. I just wanted you to know that. I hope you come back when you’re ready, and until then, know that your voice is missed, your impact is real, and your community is here—holding space for you, just as you’ve always done for us.

As John Green reminds nerdfighteria constantly, hope is the thing with feathers. And, to the tune of Auld Lang Syne, we’re here, because we’re here, because we’re here, because we’re here. I hope you find your spark of hope and bring this podcast back soon, Brené. I didn’t listen in the pandemic because I just couldn’t bear it, but I’m listening now and it’s putting me back together piece by piece. It would be a tremendous loss to us all if disillusionment stopped you from continuing this work. I know you love hard work and you know hard work is good work. 💙 (I wouldn’t be upset if you reached out to John and Hank Green, either, because I think that you all three have coalescing interests and experiences that would lead to a truly profound series of conversations, precisely in the spirit of this podcast, as well as Dare to Lead.)

Loved her research on shame and perfection. Read most of her books. Stopped listening when she slandered Christianity and church.