• 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 (50,610 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: The 20 Best Psychology Audiobooks


Everyone is affected by human psychology and learning about the field is not only interesting; it can also impact our development. Comprehending psychology is a way for us to gain greater understanding of ourselves and others—whether it’s through basic connection or a deeper dive into our psyche. We’ve put together the 20 best psychology audiobooks to help you master the workings of the human mind and keep your thinking sharp, insightful, and aware.

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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Just great

One of the best books about what the hack is going on with us people

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Worth it!

Brene isn't actually reading the book, she is talking to a live audience. much more real to listen to her talking to actual people.

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The four L 's!!!

I am Laughing, Listening, Learning, and Loving this!!! 5 stars all the way. I think this should be a family learning actually. Maybe we could all cut the strings of our straight jackets if we all could just take Ms Brown's advice. Thank you for these pearls of wisdom!

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Life changing

This audible book was absolutely amazing! The way that Brene Brown talks about shame and vulnerable and teaches other to live that way is a beautiful message. I love that she is vulnerable herself in teaching us all how to do it in our lives. This book taught me so much about myself and how to not care what others think because in reality we all do. Now onto Daring Greatly.

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Must listen!!!

I can’t recommend this book enough. It blew me away. Looking forward to getting more of Brené Brown’s books.

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A really good listen

This listen validated my humanity. Showed me that its okay to be me... flaws and all... while I work towards being a wholehearted person, enjoying life to its fullest.

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Great stories

just listen... you will find (hear) what you need the thread that ties play, joy, creativity, shame, judgment, scarcity and restrictions is so enlightening

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EVERY Brene is awesome!

I have all the books, and I still got so much out of this recording. I love Brene's energy and candidness of the live performance. She is awesome always.

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Amazing Book!

What I love about this book is that Brene Brown is not actually reading the book but speaking at a conference. It makes you feel like you are there engaged in her stories and her sharing her research. Lots of powerful insight on how to live wholeheartedly in order to connect with people and not miss out what life’s joy can bring.

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loved this book 💗

loved everything about this audiobook, Brene is a master storyteller. so many good takeaways - seems straight forward and simple but the book really packs a punch

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