You Are Heroic with Brian Johnson
Brian Johnson
You Are Heroic with Brian Johnson features the best big ideas from life-changing books and practical tools to help you move from Theory to Practice to Mastery and flourish in Energy, Work, and Love. Get more wisdom in less time so you can activate your best, every day—so that we can change the world, one person at a time, together, starting with you and me and us, today! (Learn more about Heroic Public Benefit Corporation at https://heroic.us)
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 13, 2023 • 6min
Is It Within Your Control?: Have This Wisdom Ready at Hand (Heroic +1 #1,424)
A compact tour of Stoic strategy through Epictetus and James Stockdale. The conversation traces how Stoic distinctions between what you can control and what you cannot shaped resilience in extreme circumstances. Practical mental habits for sorting will, judgments, and reactions get highlighted as ready-to-use wisdom for daily life.
Feb 12, 2023 • 5min
Living in Integrity: Requires Clear Standards—You Clear? (Heroic +1 #1,423)
They explore what integrity really means and why aligning ideals with actions matters. Listeners hear about closing the gap between potential and behavior to reduce regret and anxiety. Practical advice on clarifying standards for relationships, work, and daily energy appears. The discussion urges disciplined character work and embracing discomfort to live according to higher ideals.
Feb 11, 2023 • 7min
Chiseling Our Integrity: Delight with Life! (Heroic +1 #1,422)
Thoughtful takes on integrity, viewing it as inner wholeness rather than conflicting parts. A call to be authentic instead of merely appearing great. A contrast between living for moral purpose and chasing fleeting pleasure. The idea that character is sculpted by repeated choices. Reflection prompts to test whether your life aligns with your best self.
Feb 10, 2023 • 5min
You Are Your Brother's Keeper: The Flip Side of What's in It for Me? (Heroic +1 #1,421)
A reflection on James Stockdale's moral lesson that we are our brother's keeper. A critique of narrow self-interest and a prompt to ask, "How can I help?" Ancient and modern examples reframe heroism as compassion and protection. Love is presented as the practical strength for endurance and self-mastery.
Feb 9, 2023 • 5min
Let's Talk About Heroes: With Vice Admiral James Stockdale (Heroic +1 #1,420)
A dive into James Stockdale’s life, from his POW ordeal to the Medal of Honor and the books he wrote. A look at how Stoic philosophy sustained him through torture and leadership under duress. A defense of why heroes matter and what heroic aspiration requires. A short guided prompt to step into stronger posture, breath, and commitment.
Feb 8, 2023 • 4min
Hanging Out with Confucius: And Winning or Learning (Heroic +1 #1,419)
Reflections on goal-setting, practice, and why being a beginner matters. A look at growth mindset research and how it shapes learning and parenting. Ancient lessons from Confucius about choosing whom to imitate and turning every interaction into a chance to gain. Practical prompts for admiring virtues, spotting faults, and cultivating daily excellence.
Feb 7, 2023 • 4min
Raising Heroes: To Win or Learn! (Heroic +1 #1,418)
Practical parenting tips inspired by Lanny Bassham's Parenting Champions. Embracing being bad before getting good and teaching kids specific goal-setting. Involving children in real work and using rituals to track progress and celebrate wins. Fostering a growth mindset by encouraging challenges and learning from stronger opponents.
Feb 6, 2023 • 4min
To Become a Master: We Must Start as a Beginner (Heroic +1 #1,417)
A playful morning chess loss turns into a plan to chase a Candidate Master title with clear timelines. They explore how to set specific goals and map realities and obstacles using Rethinking Positive Thinking. The conversation highlights the power of starting as a humble beginner on the path to mastery.
Feb 5, 2023 • 3min
How to Be a Psychological Success: Maslow Says ANYONE Can Do This (Heroic +1 #1,416)
Reflections on perfectionism and why there are no perfect humans. A look at optimalism as a direction for living rather than a fixed goal. Exploration of Maslow's Future Visions and the idea that anyone can be a psychological success. A call to accept yourself and give your best right now.
5 snips
Feb 4, 2023 • 3min
Picasso Wasn't Perfect: And THAT's Perfect (Heroic +1 #1,415)
A lively take on Picasso’s messy genius and why perfectionism stalls creativity. Reflections on Maslow’s claim that humans are never perfect and what that means for personal growth. Questions about striving, action, and becoming more self-actualized. Practical pointers to move from theory to steady progress.
