After more than a year off the air, Dr. Brené Brown is making a comeback with her popular podcasts, “Unlocking Us” and “Dare to Lead.” Following the end of her exclusive podcast deal with Spotify, Brown has forged a new partnership with Vox Media to bring her shows back to life.
Reviving the Podcasts
Brown, a renowned researcher, author, and speaker known for her exploration of the emotional aspects of the human experience, announced the collaboration with Vox Media. In January 2023, she had abruptly halted the podcasts without providing an explanation. However, on February 14, 2024, all past episodes of “Unlocking Us” and “Dare to Lead” became widely available on all major podcast platforms.
Under the new partnership, Vox Media will take charge of sales, marketing, and distribution for both shows. Additionally, exciting new seasons are on the horizon. “Unlocking Us” will return with fresh episodes on February 28, delving into the “magic and messiness of being human.” Meanwhile, “Dare to Lead” will resume on March 20, featuring conversations with “change-catalysts, culture-shifters, and troublemakers.” Notably, Brown will also be joining Vox Media at South by Southwest for a live recording of “Dare to Lead.”
Brown’s Valuable Contributions
Dr. Brené Brown holds the Huffington Foundation Endowed Chair at the Graduate College of Social Work at the University of Houston. Her impressive resume includes six No. 1 New York Times bestselling books, which have been translated into over 30 languages. Brown’s TED talk on “The Power of Vulnerability” stands as one of the world’s top five most-viewed TED talks, boasting over 60 million views. She is also recognized as the first researcher to have a filmed lecture on Netflix. In 2022, she launched a show on Max based on her latest book, “Atlas of the Heart.”
The Perfect Partnership
Commenting on the collaboration, Brown expressed her excitement, stating, “Vox Media is the perfect creative podcast partner for the relaunch of Unlocking Us and Dare to Lead. I’ve missed the learning, the unlearning, and the laughter – I think we need more of all three right now!” Ray Chao, Vox Media’s SVP and general manager for audio and digital video, also shared his delight, praising Brown’s inspiring work and storytelling abilities.
As a research professor and influential figure, Brown’s voice resonates with many, helping them live more authentic and wholehearted lives. Vox Media is proud to welcome her to their podcast network, acting as an ideal platform to amplify her research, insights, and powerful storytelling.
In a noteworthy development, Penske Media Corp., the owner of Variety, became Vox Media’s largest single shareholder in 2023. PMC invested $100 million, acquiring a 20% stake in Vox Media, as reported by The New York Times.
To catch up on Brown’s podcasts and enjoy her thought-provoking conversations, visit the Vox Media Podcast Network or follow Brené Brown on her new journey with Vox Media.