Episode 45 – Brené Brown




Smart People Podcast show

Summary: "Know Thyself".  It was inscribed on the Temple of Apollo, it has been referenced by everyone from Plato, to Benjamin Franklin and Ralph Waldo Emerson.  It's an idea that is deeply ingrained in our culture...and rightfully so.  Perhaps no other journey is as important as trying to figure out who you are and who you want to become.  However, as with most things in life worth their salt, you gotta eat a lot of pepper to figure it out. You will learn a better description of what shame is and how it creeps into all of our lives.  You will realize that EVERYONE has their insecurities, everyone has the same worries as you and it's ok to embrace these insecurities and learn from them.  When you walk into a room full of people that you don't know, does it feel like everyone is looking at you, judging you? Well don't worry, because they aren't! We will discuss different guideposts such as letting go of what you're supposed to do, perfectionism and fear that have been established over years of research.  I say it in the intro and I say it again now, this is one of my favorite episodes to date! This week, Jon and I try to help you in this journey as we speak with researcher, writer, and professor Dr. Brene Brown and discuss her AMAZING new book, The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are. Dr. Brown is a member of the research faculty at the University of Houston Graduate College, where she has spent the past ten years studying a concept that she calls Wholeheartedness.  Her work has been featured on PBS, Oprah, Self magazine and Elle magazine.  She was recently named one of the "50 Most Influential Women of 2009" and she gave an amazing Ted talk that we recommend you check out as well. Spread the love!