YA
You Are Heroic with Brian Johnson
Brian Johnson
The best big ideas from life-changing books, plus the tools to live them. Brian Johnson helps you move from Theory to Practice to Mastery and flourish in Energy, Work, and Love. More wisdom in less time so you can activate your best, every day.
More at heroic.us
- 46 episodes
- Avg 7 min
- English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
- YA
Yesterday · 2 minBe That Guy: Celebratory Love (Again!) (Heroic +1 #2016)
🚀 Start your FREE 7-day trial of Heroic OS: → https://go.heroic.us/heroic-os-app Today's +1: Be the person who genuinely celebrates other people's wins. When someone shares something they're proud of or excited about, slow down and really celebrate with them. Let them know you're stoked for them, smile together, and make it a game to look for more opportunities to celebrate the people around you. #Heroic #PlusOne #Love
- YA
Tuesday · 16 minPNTV: Building a Life Worth Living by Marsha M. Linehan
🚀 Start your FREE 7-day trial of Heroic OS: → https://go.heroic.us/heroic-os-app 👇 Get my Notes on Building a Life Worth Living for FREE to follow along: → https://go.heroic.us/building-a-life-worth-living Brian is back at the chalkboard with the ultimate playbook for escaping despair and creating a life of deep meaning: Building a Life Worth Living by Marsha Linehan. Written by the founder of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), this extraordinary memoir reveals how an 18-year-old in suicidal despair made a sacred vow to escape her personal hell and spend the rest of her life helping others do the same. If you are struggling through dark times, fighting emotional overwhelm, or ready to transform your greatest trials into strength, this episode is for you. Grab the book on Amazon: → https://amzn.to/3YTtWTu ⏱️ Chapters: 0:00 — Introduction: Building a Life Worth Living 1:31 — Meet Marsha Linehan: The Heroic Vow & 50 Years Later 4:41 — Idea 1: What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy? (DBT 101) 7:40 — Idea 2: The 4 Core Skills of DBT 10:20 — Idea 3: Opposite Action (Force Yourself to Act) 12:00 — Idea 4: Play the Hand You've Been Dealt & Walk Through the Fire 14:45 — Summary & Plus One: Taking Opposite Action Today 🧠 The big shift: The moment you completely accept reality as it is, you unlock the power to change. Stop waiting for your feelings to align with your values—when fear or self-doubt barks at you, use "opposite action" and force yourself to do what's right anyway.
- YA
Tuesday · 2 minTake the Burr Out: Pro Tip for the Day (Heroic +1 #2015)
🚀 Start your FREE 7-day trial of Heroic OS: → https://go.heroic.us/heroic-os-app Today's +1: Pull the burr out. We all have habits that create little pockets of unnecessary pain, and the longer we leave them alone, the more they can hurt. Identify your #1 metaphorical burr today, stop doing what's not serving you, and carry on. #Heroic #PlusOne #Habits
- YA
Monday · 2 minWho's YOUR Angel?: Appreciate How Blessed You Are (Heroic +1 #2014)
🚀 Take Heroic OS for a free 7-day spin, see what changes: → https://go.heroic.us/heroic-os-app Today's +1: Remember the angels who helped make you who you are. Think of someone who has supported, loved, or shaped you in a meaningful way. Pause to appreciate them, then reach out if they're still here, or simply send some love their way if they're not. #Heroic #PlusOne #Gratitude
- YA
Sunday · 1 minMundane Miracles: & The Broken Pump (Heroic +1 #2013)
🚀 Start your FREE 7-day trial of Heroic OS: → https://go.heroic.us/heroic-os-app Today's +1: Let little glitches remind you of life's little miracles. The next time something doesn't work the way you expect, pause before getting frustrated and notice how often that same thing normally works without you giving it a thought. Use the glitch as a cue to appreciate all the mundane miracles you usually take for granted. #Heroic #PlusOne #Gratitude
- YA
Saturday · 18 minPNTV: The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
🚀 Start your FREE 7-day trial of Heroic OS: → https://go.heroic.us/heroic-os-app 👇 Get my Notes on The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins for FREE to follow along: → https://go.heroic.us/the-let-them-theory In this episode of Philosopher's Notes TV, Brian is back at the chalkboard to unpack a viral sensation that is revolutionizing how we handle stress and relationships. We invite you into the virtual classroom to look inside the Philosopher's Note on The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins. Subtitled A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About, this book delivers a powerful mental framework for dropping micromanagement and regaining your peace of mind. If you are exhausted from trying to control or change the people around you, this episode outlines a simple two-part philosophy to reclaim your agency, step out of frustration, and focus on what truly matters. If you are ready to quit wasting energy on things you cannot control, step out of your comfort zone, and go all-in on living your own best life, this episode is your roadmap! Grab a copy of the book on Amazon here: → https://amzn.to/4qWS5Uk ⏱️ Chapters: 0:00 — Introduction: Stop Micromanaging the World Around You[cite: 1, 6] 1:09 — Mel Robbins' Collection & The Prom Night Origin Story 2:58 — Idea 1: Let Them (The Rain, Sneakers, and Taco Stand Origin Story) 4:28 — Idea 2: Let Them as a Tool (Ancient Philosophy & Modern Science) 8:45 — Idea 3: Let Me (Taking Proactive Agency Over Your Own Life) 11:42 — Idea 4: Influence Over Motivation (Being the Change You Want to See) 15:13 — Idea 5: A Love Note (You Are the Hero We've Been Waiting For) 16:38 — Summary & Plus One: Moving from Theory to Practice to Mastery 🧠 Deep Dive: The Core Concepts Let Them as a Mind Tool: In ancient Sanskrit, the word mantra literally translates to "a tool of the mind." Repeating "let them" acts as an immediate mental circuit-breaker whenever you find yourself trying to control external situations or people. This connects deeply with Stoicism's core rule—focusing exclusively on what is within your direct power—as well as the Buddhist equation that suffering equals pain times resistance. Let Them + Let Me: The "Let Them" mindset is only the first half of the equation. Once you grant others the freedom to be who they are, you must activate the second part: "Let Me." Rather than staying trapped in criticism or complaining, step into Viktor Frankl's gap between stimulus and response, take proactive agency over your life, and use targeted thinking to define who you aspire to be.
- YA
Saturday · 3 minEfficient vs. Effective: Tasks vs. People (Heroic +1 #2012)
🚀 Start your FREE 7-day trial of Heroic OS: → https://go.heroic.us/heroic-os-app Today's +1: Be efficient with tasks, but effective with people. Getting things done quickly is great, but relationships aren't tasks to check off a list. Today, notice where you're rushing through an interaction and slow down for a moment to connect, listen, and be genuinely present. #Heroic #PlusOne #Connection
- YA
Friday · 2 minReceiving Celebratory Love: Sure Feels Good (Heroic +1 #2011)
🚀 Take Heroic OS for a free 7-day spin, see what changes: → https://go.heroic.us/heroic-os-app Today's +1: Let yourself receive celebratory love. Connection feels even better when we slow down enough to receive it. Put your phone away, step out of your own little cocoon, and find something to genuinely celebrate about another person. You might be surprised by how good it feels to receive that same energy in return. #Heroic #PlusOne #Connection
- YA
October 1 · 24 minPNTV: How Life Imitates Chess by Garry Kasparov
🚀 Start your FREE 7-day trial of Heroic OS: → https://go.heroic.us/heroic-os-app 👇 Get my Notes on How Life Imitates Chess by Garry Kasparov for FREE to follow along: → https://go.heroic.us/how-life-imitates-chess In this episode of Philosopher's Notes TV, Brian is back at the chalkboard to unpack the ultimate playbook for applying grandmaster strategy directly to your life. We invite you into the virtual classroom to look inside the Philosopher's Note on How Life Imitates Chess by Garry Kasparov. Written by the legendary world champion and advisor to Netflix's The Queen's Gambit, this book explores how the deep tactics of the chessboard can help us navigate life's ultimate game. If you are tired of playing on autopilot and ready to learn how to recover your center under intense pressure, refine your personal rating system, and turn setbacks into strategic victories, this episode is for you. If you are ready to quit waiting for talent to carry you, step out of your comfort zone, and go all-in on a life of deep mastery, this episode is your roadmap! Grab a copy of the book on Amazon here: → https://amzn.to/4amzjA0 ⏱️ Chapters: 0:00 — Introduction: Playing the Ultimate Game to Win 1:28 — Garry Kasparov's Legacy & The Johnson Family Chess Addiction 2:41 — Idea 1: Overalls & Effort (Why Talent Only Counts for a Fraction) 7:00 — Idea 2: The Inner Game (Recovering Your Center in Under Five Seconds) 10:24 — Idea 3: Rating Systems (Applying Grandmaster Performance Metrics to Daily Life) 12:43 — Idea 4: The Fastest Way to Improve (Reviewing Your Most Painful Losses) 18:21 — Idea 5: The Ultimate Game (A Heartwarming Ritual on the Drive to Tournaments) 22:00 — Summary & Plus One: Unleashing the Heroic Grandmaster Within 🧠 Deep Dive: The Core Concepts Overalls and Effort: Thomas Edison famously remarked that opportunity is often missed because it comes dressed in overalls and looks a lot like hard work. When looking at grandmasters or elite performers, we often fall into the trap of assuming their success is entirely due to natural talent. While talent determines the speed at which we pick up a skill, it is effort that translates talent into skill, and further effort that turns skill into outstanding achievement. Effort ultimately counts twice. The Painful Loss Strategy: If you want to systematically elevate your life, the fastest way to improve is not by adding new habits—it is by identifying and removing your existing mistakes. When working with his grandmaster coach Tamás, the very first homework assignment Emerson was given was to produce his 10 worst, most painful chess losses. By facing our failures directly rather than avoiding them out of shame, we can vacuum up our personal kryptonites and free up immense reserves of human energy.
- YA
October 1 · 3 min"Ow. Ow. Ow. Ow. Ow!": Me Walking on Rocks (Heroic +1 #2010)
🚀 Start your FREE 7-day trial of Heroic OS: → https://go.heroic.us/heroic-os-app Today's +1: The rocks hurt, but you're getting stronger. Life is going to put some wonderfully not-wonderful rocks in your path. Don't pretend they don't hurt, but remember that the challenges you're walking through can also be making you stronger. When things get tough today, remind yourself: we're getting stronger. #Heroic #PlusOne #Growth
- YA
September 30 · 3 min"Hey Kids!": "Have I Told You About…" (Heroic +1 #2009)
🚀 Ready to build a life you don't need to escape from? Start your FREE 7-day trial of Heroic OS: → https://go.heroic.us/heroic-os-app Today's +1: Be the fire. Wish for the wind. Challenges can either weaken us or become fuel for growth. Think of one challenge you're facing today and ask yourself: How can I use this to become stronger? #Heroic #PlusOne #Antifragile
- YA
September 29 · 18 minPNTV: Get Out of Your Mind & Into Your Life by Steven C. Hayes
🚀 Start your FREE 7-day trial of Heroic OS: → https://go.heroic.us/heroic-os-app 👇 Get my Notes on Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life for FREE to follow along: → https://go.heroic.us/get-out-of-your-mind-and-into-your-life Brian is back at the chalkboard with the ultimate playbook for conquering anxiety, depression, and psychological suffering: Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life by Steven Hayes. Written by the founder of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), this book reveals how to stop running from life's unavoidable challenges and start living in alignment with your deepest values. If you are tired of getting trapped in your own head, avoiding discomfort, or feeling stuck, this episode is for you. Grab the book on Amazon: → https://amzn.to/3Mn74US ⏱️ Chapters: 0:00 — Introduction: Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life 1:50 — Meet Steven Hayes: Turning Panic Attacks into ACT 3:42 — Idea 1: Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT 101) 5:23 — Idea 2: Suffering Is Universal & Inevitable 7:40 — Idea 3: Experiential Avoidance vs. Approach 11:55 — Idea 4: The Funeral & Eulogy Exercise 16:15 — Summary & Plus One: 4% Steps to the Impossible 🧠 The big shift: Pain is inevitable, but suffering is multiplied by resistance and avoidance. Trying to escape discomfort only shrinks your life. Stop avoiding the swamps, radically accept reality, and take committed action toward your highest values—even when it's uncomfortable.
- YA
September 29 · 4 min"Dude! Put That Away!": FOCUS, Solving Life Puzzles and Deep Connections (Heroic +1 #2008)
🚀 Start your FREE 7-day trial of Heroic OS: → https://go.heroic.us/heroic-os-app Today's +1: Your attention is one of your most valuable resources. Multitasking weakens your ability to focus and can even pull you away from the people right in front of you. Put your phone and other distractions away, then give your full attention to whatever you're doing, whether you're solving a life puzzle or connecting with someone you love. #Heroic #PlusOne #Focus
- YA
September 28 · 3 minDon't Be a Jerk!: Enforcer Wise Mentor (Heroic +1 #2007)
🚀 Take Heroic OS for a free 7-day spin, see what changes: → https://go.heroic.us/heroic-os-app Today's +1: High standards work better with high warmth. If you push someone to improve without making it clear that you believe in them, you can easily become an enforcer instead of a wise mentor. Today, notice where you might be pushing too hard and pair your standards with warmth, transparency, and genuine support. #Heroic #PlusOne #Mentorship
- YA
September 27 · 2 minRaising Heroes: As a Wise Mentor (Heroic +1 #2006)
🚀 Start your FREE 7-day trial of Heroic OS: → https://go.heroic.us/heroic-os-app Today's +1: Raise the bar while helping them believe they can reach it. Wise mentors hold both high standards and high support. Today, think about someone you're helping grow and ask yourself: Am I challenging them to become more while making it clear that I believe in them and will support them along the way? #Heroic #PlusOne #Mentorship
- YA
September 26 · 16 minPNTV: Stoicism for Dummies by Tom Morris
🚀 Start your FREE 7-day trial of Heroic OS: → https://go.heroic.us/heroic-os-app 👇 Get my Notes on Stoicism for Dummies for FREE to follow along: → https://go.heroic.us/stoicism-for-dummies In this episode of Philosopher's Notes TV, Brian is back at the chalkboard exploring the ultimate playbook for ancient wisdom and modern resilience. We invite you into the virtual classroom to look inside the Philosopher's Note on Stoicism for Dummies by Tom Morris. Written by one of Notre Dame's most beloved former professors turned public philosophers, this book is an extraordinary deep dive into blending classical philosophy with practical self-development. Far from being a dry academic lecture, it outlines how you can turn life's inevitable setbacks into high-octane fuel to express your truest, best self. If you are ready to stop breaking under pressure and learn how to close the gap between who you are capable of being and who you are actually being, this roadmap is for you. If you are ready to quit reacting to life's chaos, step out of your comfort zone, and build unshakable, antifragile confidence, this episode is your roadmap! Grab a copy of the book on Amazon here: → https://amzn.to/3R0Q5xR ⏱️ Chapters: 0:00 — Introduction: Forging Ancient Resilience for Modern Life 1:07 — Meet Tom Morris & The Hidden Barn Library 3:06 — Idea 1: The Big Three Roman Stoics & The Shipwreck Origin 5:24 — Idea 2: The One-Word Answer to the Good Life (Arete & The Gap) 6:37 — Idea 3: The Greatest Good (Eudaimonia vs. Shallow Flourishing) 8:09 — Idea 4: Antifragile Fuel (Knowing Your Protocol When Life Hits You) 13:07 — Idea 5: The Ideal Sage Practice (Whispering Wisdom from Your Studio Wall) 14:49 — Summary & Plus One: Moving from Theory to Practice to Mastery 🧠 Deep Dive: The Core Concepts Arete and Eudaimonia: If you asked the ancient Stoic philosophers how to live a good life, they would give you a single, one-word answer: arete. While often translated as virtue or excellence, it truly means closing the gap between who you are capable of being in any given moment and who you are actually being. When you close that gap, you banish regret and anxiety, allowing your soul to enter a state of eudaimonia—the profound, purposeful flourishing that represents the greatest good of the human experience. Antifragile Fuel: Marcus Aurelius famously noted that while a small flame is extinguished by trash dumped on it, a massive fire consumes obstacles to burn hotter and rise higher. To be truly antifragile means that life's challenges become your weights at the gym. The secret to taking this off the bumper sticker is clarifying your best-self protocol: knowing exactly what you do when you are on fire so that when the wind blows hard, you can double down on those exact behaviors to grow stronger.
- YA
September 26 · 4 minEarned Prestige: Trophies, Cash, & The Ultimate Prize (Heroic +1 #2005)
🚀 Take Heroic OS for a free 7-day spin, see what changes: → https://go.heroic.us/heroic-os-app Today's +1: Help the people you love earn their prestige. The trophy and prize money are fun, but the deeper win is helping someone experience what they're capable of through their own effort. Give the young people in your life opportunities to work toward meaningful goals, earn respect, and discover that they have what it takes to flourish. #Heroic #PlusOne #Parenting
- YA
September 25 · 3 min"Happy Birthday!": Family Ties (Heroic +1 #2004)
🚀 Ready to build a life you don't need to escape from? Start your FREE 7-day trial of Heroic OS: → https://go.heroic.us/heroic-os-app Today's +1: Put someone else first and create a moment of connection. You don't need a big conversation to connect with another person. Look for a tiny opportunity today to let someone go first, ask a genuine question, or celebrate something in their life, and notice how a 90-second interaction can leave everyone smiling. #Heroic #PlusOne #Connection
- YA
September 24 · 18 minPNTV: Rise Above by Scott Barry Kaufman
🚀 Start your FREE 7-day trial of Heroic OS: → https://go.heroic.us/heroic-os-app 👇 Get my Notes on Rise Above for FREE to follow along: → https://go.heroic.us/rise-above Brian is back at the chalkboard with the ultimate playbook for overcoming a victim mindset and empowering yourself: Rise Above by Scott Barry Kaufman. Written by one of the world's top positive psychologists, this book hands you a science-backed framework for ditching toxic passivity, embracing life's inevitable challenges, and realizing your full potential. If you are tired of feeling stuck, making excuses, or waiting for life to get easy, this episode is for you. Grab the book on Amazon: → https://amzn.to/3Mz3BXi ⏱️ Chapters: 0:00 — Introduction: Overcome a Victim Mindset 1:17 — Meet Scott Barry Kaufman: From Special Ed to Top Psychologist 5:14 — Idea 1: Warning: You Have a Case of Life 6:37 — Idea 2: Life Acceptance (The #1 Skill) 10:14 — Idea 3: The 6 ACT Practices & Taking Action 13:26 — Idea 4: Ignite the Light Within & Embody Your Virtues 17:02 — Summary & Plus One: Moving from Theory to Practice to Mastery 🧠 The big shift: Life isn't supposed to be easy, and nothing is wrong with you because you face challenges. The story that life should be hard-free is your greatest obstacle. Stop waiting for someone to save you, radically accept reality, and take committed action aligned with your highest values.