“I love it when a good framework yields results.” No, this is not a quote from Brené Brown’s new HBO Max TV series based on her book of the same name. Instead, it was what I told my wife a few months ago when we started a new parenting strategy to teach my stepson responsibility.
With that said, the above quote could easily be in ATLAS OF THE HEART. In the show, Brené Brown builds on four solid episodes that each capture human emotion with the “empathy machine” (movie/TV). And by the fifth and final episode, she provides a framework that will allow the audience to cultivate more meaningful connections with ourselves and others.
If this sounds like a self-help TED Talk, it essentially is one. Yet, her teachings are incredibly relevant in today’s “disembodied” reality. As I binged the series with my wife this past weekend, it helped stem meaningful conversations for us to practice “cognitive” and “affective” empathy listening techniques. And yes, I went into “solving” mode right after learning that I should’ve instead asked her, “how can I support you?” 🤦♂️
I’ve been obsessed with Brené Brown in 2022. Her DARE TO LEAD and UNLOCKING US podcasts have helped shape who I’m trying to be as a parent, friend, co-worker, and partner. For me, Brené Brown is the best type of self-help instructor. She uses self-deprecating humor and “bittersweet” content to drive home her points. The perfect example of humor is her take on mindfulness, which she describes as simply “active listening.” I don’t know about you, but pretty much everyone could be more mindful… sorry, a more active listener these days.
Our language may be limited to shaping how we feel every day because we don’t always have the words. But I’m grateful that Brené Brown has the words that allow audiences to be the best version of themselves.
It’s available on HBO Max.
