Good Work is a curated exploration of the inner journey of outward success. Through deeply researched, long-form conversations with founders, authors, artists, and adventurers, host Barrett Brooks goes beyond surface-level stories to uncover the psychology of meaningful work. Each episode gives you rare access to the courage, identity shifts, and lessons that shape remarkable lives—insights you can use to navigate your own path with greater clarity and purpose.
All content for Good Work with Barrett Brooks is the property of Barrett Brooks and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Good Work is a curated exploration of the inner journey of outward success. Through deeply researched, long-form conversations with founders, authors, artists, and adventurers, host Barrett Brooks goes beyond surface-level stories to uncover the psychology of meaningful work. Each episode gives you rare access to the courage, identity shifts, and lessons that shape remarkable lives—insights you can use to navigate your own path with greater clarity and purpose.
The Inner Work of Outward Success: Barrett Brooks on Mastery, Fatherhood, and Emotional Growth
Good Work with Barrett Brooks
1 hour 48 minutes
1 month ago
The Inner Work of Outward Success: Barrett Brooks on Mastery, Fatherhood, and Emotional Growth
This episode is a special one. After a year of interviewing thoughtful, world-class guests, I wanted to share more of my own story. So I asked my dear friend, and episode 01 guest, James Clear, to turn the mic on me. We talk about the formative moments in my life— from childhood patterns and baseball memories to the inner work I’ve done to stop striving without purpose and start accepting myself more fully. I share why I believe that most successful people already know what to do—they just need help getting past their individual emotional blockers. We explore the coaching frameworks I use, the lessons I’m still learning, and why I no longer believe I have to suffer to do good in the world. This is the most personal conversation I’ve ever had on the show, and I’m incredibly grateful to James for holding it with so much care. Let’s get to it!
Partner DealsProper: Save $500 off onboarding when you mention Good Work at https://workwithproper.com.
In this episode:
(00:00) - Intro
(04:37) - Barrett’s favorite exercises for processing change and transition
(15:12) - How self-awareness evolves
(20:59) - Barrett's early years and why the Discovery program was so meaningful
(28:06) - How baseball taught Barrett to deal with pressure
(37:45) - A compliment Barrett still carries—and what it taught him about self-worth
(40:18) - What Barrett learned from his dad
(45:59) - Why Barrett used to wait to ask for help
(50:04) - Learning to hear “no” without rewriting your self-worth
(52:23) - Can you do good work and still want credit?
(55:59) - What shaped Barrett’s curiosity about the world
(01:00:28) - Seeing the cost of inherited patterns
(01:04:07) - Reflections on adolescence, faith, and finding purpose
(01:11:51) - When others see your strengths before you do
(01:15:01) - Why Barrett left a dream job with no plan
(01:18:00) - Surrendering to the work you’re made to do
(01:25:02) - Leading with thoughts or feelings?
(01:27:13) - What Barrett imagined fatherhood would be—and what it became
(01:29:02) - Modeling emotional health and growth
(01:31:27) - What Barrett would learn by trading places with his wife
(01:32:47) - The truth about balancing family and entrepreneurship
(01:37:51) - The kinds of people Barrett is best at coaching
(01:41:07) - What Barrett would teach if given a mic and 30 minutes to prep
(01:42:22) - Barrett’s proudest achievement—and what’s next
Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.
Good Work with Barrett Brooks
Good Work is a curated exploration of the inner journey of outward success. Through deeply researched, long-form conversations with founders, authors, artists, and adventurers, host Barrett Brooks goes beyond surface-level stories to uncover the psychology of meaningful work. Each episode gives you rare access to the courage, identity shifts, and lessons that shape remarkable lives—insights you can use to navigate your own path with greater clarity and purpose.
