• 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 (50,612 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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LOVE LOVE LOVE

I was introduced to Brene' Brown by one of my coworkers and by the end of the first sentence, I was HOOKED! This book is an amazing read for anyone, in any walk of life. It opens up so many doors that were once closed, and helps you to take on a new perspective! I recommend this book to anyone on the path to finding themselves, and becoming ultimately happy with their lives!

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Each book by Brene Brown is perfectly done!

Totally loved this. Brene is amazing to say the least. I'm so grateful that she has put so much time and effort into her work so that we can all benefit from it.

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Amazing Book!!

I have listened to the book twice and I tell you I got even more nuggets the second time around. Brene's work is life changing and spot on for what we need to make it in this world. It helps to refocus us in the right ways and I loved every minute of it.

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Ground breaking piece

The best Book so far with insights on how to detect , manage and deal positively with shame in our daily lives. I highly recommended it

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very interesting

Great story teller and learned so much doesn't get boring at all keeps your attention

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amazing

read it!!! listen to it!!! then do it again!!! absolutely loved this book!!! oh, and be sure to share it with everyone you care about.

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Amazing and insightful

Great lecture (not her book, but on the same content). You get Brené's awesome personality and her wisdom all in one!

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whoa...I am going to listen to it again!

what a great audiobook to listen to. I am both challenged and changed by brene Brown.

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wow...This is power!

Can't stop listening. at every turn I'm like how dies she know my story. Thank you brene!

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Excellent Listen-Full of Flavor!

Love Brene's sense of humor, stories & points in this talk. I'm determined to listen to this 10times over to chew on the material more! I'd highly recommend this to anyone!

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