• The Power of Vulnerability

  • Teachings of Authenticity, Connection, and Courage
  • By: Brené Brown
  • Narrated by: Brené Brown
  • Length: 6 hrs and 30 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (50,619 ratings)

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The Power of Vulnerability

By: Brené Brown
Narrated by: Brené Brown
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Publisher's summary

Show Up and Let Yourself be Seen

Is vulnerability the same as weakness? “In our culture,” teaches Dr. Brené Brown, “we associate vulnerability with emotions we want to avoid such as fear, shame, and uncertainty. Yet we too often lose sight of the fact that vulnerability is also the birthplace of joy, belonging, creativity, authenticity, and love.” On The Power of Vulnerability, Dr. Brown offers an invitation and a promise - that when we dare to drop the armor that protects us from feeling vulnerable, we open ourselves to the experiences that bring purpose and meaning to our lives. Here she dispels the cultural myth that vulnerability is weakness and reveals that it is, in truth, our most accurate measure of courage.

The Power of Vulnerability is a very personal project for me,” Brené explains. “This is the first place that all of my work comes together. This audio course draws from all three of my books - it’s the culmination of everything I’ve learned over the past twelve years. I'm very excited to weave it all into a truly comprehensive form that shows what these findings and insights can mean in our lives.”

Guidance and Insights for Wholehearted Living

Over the past twelve years, Dr. Brené Brown has interviewed hundreds of people as part of an ongoing study of vulnerability. “The research shows that we try to ward disappointment with a shield of cynicism, disarm shame by numbing ourselves against joy, and circumvent grief by shutting off our willingness to love,” explains Dr. Brown. When we become aware of these patterns, she teaches, we begin to become conscious of how much we sacrifice in the name of self-defense -and how much richer our lives become when we open ourselves to vulnerability.

“In my research,” Dr. Brown says, “the word I use to describe people who can live from a place of vulnerability is wholehearted.” Being wholehearted is a practice—one that we can choose to cultivate through empathy, gratitude, and awareness of our vulnerability armor. Join this engaging and heartfelt teacher on The Power of Vulnerability as she offers profound insights on leaning into the full spectrum of emotions—so we can show up, let ourselves be seen, and truly be all in.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Cultivating shame resilience—the key to developing a sense of worth and belonging.
  • Vulnerability as the origin point for innovation, adaptability, accountability, and visionary leadership.
  • Our emotional armory - how we use perfectionism, numbing, and other tactics to avoid feeling vulnerable.
  • The myths of vulnerability - common misconceptions about weakness, trust, and self-sufficiency.
  • Discovering your vulnerability armor - recognizing what makes us shut down, and how we can change.
  • The 10 guideposts of wholehearted living - essential skills for becoming fully engaged in life.
  • Six hours of stories, warm humor, and transformative insights for living a life of courage, authenticity, and compassion from Dr. Brené Brown.
©2012 Brené Brown (P)2012 Brené Brown

Featured Article: Our Editors Reveal—The Listen that Changed My Life


If you’re an avid listener, chances are you’ve run through more audiobooks than you can count. Whether your favorites are can’t-pause thrillers, eye-opening audio docs, or out-of-this-world sci-fi sagas, you’ve likely built up quite the listening library. But can you recall the listen that changed your life? Did it shape your worldview, offer up a new perspective, or bestow a pivotal life lesson? Read on for some listens that changed the Audible editors' lives.

Editor's Pick

Don’t just show your good side
"'Vulnerability' has become the self dev catchphrase of the moment, and with good reason—most of our issues of confidence, and of intimacy (two keys to personal growth), stem from how we’ve stifled our vulnerability. Brené Brown is the pioneer in this space, and this is her magnum opus on that topic (and not just because of the title). Delivered in her approachable, humorous, humble style, these lessons will make you understand why it’s time to let your guard down: at home, at work, and in love. "
Courtney R., Audible Editor

What listeners say about The Power of Vulnerability

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great

I loved it, now I want her to read the audiobooks ! I will deff read her books

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Memorable!!!!

I started with Rising Strong (which I LOVED) then I went to this one... Although this is not a book... It's a seminar... But it is super cool and impactful... She's super funny and poignant. Made me laugh, cry and inspired the hell out of me... Very recommended!!!

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There is Power to be had in being Vulnerable

Would you consider the audio edition of The Power of Vulnerability to be better than the print version?

This was actually a recorded live event so I can not answer that

What other book might you compare The Power of Vulnerability to and why?

Her book Daring Greatly is based of the research she shares in this event.

What does Brené Brown bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

You can hear her passion and her humor. The live event really impressed me and I don't think you could get that from just a book.

What’s an idea from the book that you will remember?

That to be authentic we must live whole heartedly and that Vulnerability is not a weakness it is a great power we can yield to live lives that are full of joy.

Any additional comments?

Dr. Brene Brown is a phenomenal speaker but she is also a thorough researcher and her ideas and thoughts on the subject matter are clear, concise and so powerful. I highly recommend her work.

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read it buy it. have a talk with your friends and

she was exciting and a joy to listening to. thank you for letting me know im not alone

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Over of the best audiobooks I've ever listened to

Brené Brown has a lot of insight into everyday life that is easy to digest. She's funny and a wonderful speaker. I would recommend this book to everyone.

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It will open your eyes and heart!!

I first became aware of Brene through Ted Talks where I immediately connected to not only what Brene was speaking about but the vulnerability in her which she allowed us to see. She was a in the moment example of what she was saying. Her narratipn is as good if not better than the content.

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Fantastic

This is such good content and it's well delivered. As a Christian it's great to see research and science back up the Bible and what Jesus taught about being whole hearted.

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Life changing book

This book was amazing. Her delivery amazing, the message amazing. I cried pretty much all the way through the book and can't wait to listen again and listen to more of her audiobooks.

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Eye Opening For Me

Moved 3 years ago from the comfort of the city I lived in for 25 years. Didn't really realize how much I wasn't living whole heartedly until I listened. I really did have a shell on, afraid people wouldn't like me "as me". I may just have to listen again. It was that good.

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An entertaining collage.

I'm glad I stumbled upon Brené's work. I've not been disappointed yet although I found this narration more refreshing than Daring Greatly. All in all though every book thus far has been a pleasure as well as a learning experience. Thanks Brené and I look forward to the next book which I believe is coming soon!

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