Episode · The Mel Robbins Podcast · 2025-11-10
Books mentioned on The Secret to Stopping Fear & Creating the Future You Want with Shonda Rhimes
This episode is a MUST listen. If you’ve ever felt stuck, small, or tired of letting fear dictate your life, you need to hit play.
Mel Robbins recommended Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes. Shonda Rhimes discussed Becoming by Michelle Obama, Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, Open by Andre Agassi, and Shoe Dog by Phil Knight and others.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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Year of Yes
Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes is a candid and humorous memoir in which the acclaimed television creator chronicles her transformative personal journey of stepping out of her comfort zone by accepting every frightening opportunity and challenge that came her way over the course of a year.
Recommended“You know, I tore through your book. I want you to go out and buy this book. It is absolutely fabulous. It is going to be absolutely everywhere. Everyone's going to be talking about it.”
Where to get it
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Becoming
Becoming is a widely discussed memoir by Michelle Obama that details her life, public journey, and transition through various stages, including her time as First Lady of the United States.
Discussed“And so what I did was is I started reading books about people, memoirs, autobiographies about people who had done extraordinary things and really decided that those were going to be my mentors. I was going to take my lessons from those books. And it was everything from Shoe Dog by Phil Knight to Bird by Bird by Ann Lamont”
Where to get it
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Bird by Bird
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott is a widely celebrated guide to the craft of writing that offers practical advice on overcoming creative obstacles while doubling as a reflection on life.
Discussed“And so what I did was is I started reading books about people, memoirs, autobiographies about people who had done extraordinary things and really decided that those were going to be my mentors. I was going to take my lessons from those books. And it was everything from Shoe Dog by Phil Knight to Bird by Bird by Ann Lamont”
Where to get it
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Open
Open by Andre Agassi is a candid and acclaimed memoir detailing the tennis legend's turbulent athletic career, complex relationship with his father, and internal psychological battles.
Discussed“And so what I did was is I started reading books about people, memoirs, autobiographies about people who had done extraordinary things and really decided that those were going to be my mentors. I was going to take my lessons from those books. And it was everything from Shoe Dog by Phil Knight to Bird by Bird by Ann Lamont”
Where to get it
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Shoe Dog
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight is a candid and gripping memoir by the co-founder of Nike that chronicles the harrowing early struggles, relentless perseverance, and eventual global success of the iconic athletic brand.
Discussed“And so what I did was is I started reading books about people, memoirs, autobiographies about people who had done extraordinary things and really decided that those were going to be my mentors. I was going to take my lessons from those books. And it was everything from Shoe Dog by Phil Knight to Bird by Bird by Ann Lamont”
Where to get it
