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
Jun 2, 2023 • 2min
Mattis's Instinct Cycle: "You Must Decide, Act, and Move On" (Heroic +1 #1,533)
A tight look at a simple command principle: make choices, act on them, accept the outcomes, and move forward. Exploration of an instinct cycle that pairs trust with repeated decision and action. A rallying call to identify your next move and practice the cycle today.
5 snips
Jun 1, 2023 • 3min
The Will Must Be Stronger: Than the Skill (Heroic +1 #1,532)
Highlights from Muhammad Ali's Soul of a Butterfly about how greatness grows from desire, vision, and relentless will. Discussion of why will must outweigh skill for lasting success. Reflections on learning from loss, running past fatigue, and what actions matter after exhaustion.
4 snips
May 31, 2023 • 4min
Fight the Fear: We Can't Be Brave Without the Fear (Heroic +1 #1,531)
A look at Muhammad Ali's fear of flying and the choice that changed his destiny. Reflections on how bravery depends on fear and the pivotal decisions that shape life. Stories of champions who act despite intense nerves. A prompt to notice the moments fear almost stopped you and step beyond the comfort zone.
5 snips
May 30, 2023 • 4min
Black Superheroes: In a White World (Heroic +1 #1,530)
A reflection on Muhammad Ali's early life, Olympic glory, and the racist reception he faced at home. Stories about representation, including a girl who painted her face white because she believed no Black superheroes existed. Exploration of how media shaped identity and Ali's drive to help his community by speaking on poverty, pride, and self-determination.
6 snips
May 29, 2023 • 5min
A Gold Medal in 1960: But No Meal In Your Hometown Restaurant (Heroic +1 #1,529)
A look at Cassius Clay winning 1960 Olympic gold and returning to a segregated hometown. Reflection on why a medal felt hollow without racial equality. A bold choice to discard material symbols in defense of pride and principle. Contextual history of 1960s racism and roots of a lifelong commitment to justice.
4 snips
May 28, 2023 • 3min
The Soul of a Butterfly: Truly Great People in History (Heroic +1 #1,528)
Highlights from Muhammad Ali's life, legacy, and moral convictions. Reflections on segregation, integrity, and striving for justice. A focus on what makes someone truly great through service to others and spiritual closeness. A nightly self-check about living a life to be proud of, with a challenge to act with purpose today.
May 27, 2023 • 2min
A Recipe for a Good Life: By Muhammad Ali (Heroic +1 #1,527)
A short reading of Muhammad Ali’s poetic checklist of virtues like kindness, humility, courage and forgiveness. Brief reflections on how to mix those qualities into daily life. A concise wrap-up encouraging practical, bite-sized wisdom for becoming better each day.
5 snips
May 26, 2023 • 3min
Invictus: By William Ernest Henley (Heroic +1 #1,526)
A brisk tour of William Ernest Henley’s poem Invictus and the life that shaped it. The podcast traces the poem’s historical impact and notable admirers. A full reading brings the text to life. Reflections invite listeners to stand unbowed and take charge of their fate.
4 snips
May 25, 2023 • 3min
The Road Not Taken: By Robert Frost (Heroic +1 #1,525)
A reading of Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken” sparks reflection on choice and paths in life. Discussion weaves in Joseph Campbell’s idea of entering the unmarked forest. Suggestions of further poems by Maya Angelou round out a brief tour of poetic inspiration. Listeners are invited to explore practical resources for personal growth.
5 snips
May 24, 2023 • 3min
Advance Confidently!: Thoreau on Dreams (Heroic +1 #1,524)
Short reflections on Thoreau and other thinkers about pursuing dreams and building real foundations. Discussions on advancing confidently toward an imagined life and the unexpected successes that follow. Considerations of the costs of goals and the need to commit and pay the price today.
