10% Happier with Dan Harris

Dan Harris, a former network news journalist turned wellness advocate, shares inspiring insights with fellow journalist Hoda Kotb. They delve into practical strategies for maintaining sanity amid chaos, emphasizing that joy can be cultivated like a skill. Dan discusses the importance of setting healthy boundaries and the necessity to let go of unrealistic self-improvement fantasies. He also reflects on his transformative journey through anxiety, meditation, and embracing change, aiming to normalize these experiences for others.

Join Jack Kornfield, a renowned Buddhist teacher and author who trained as a monk in Asia, as he shares wisdom on navigating today’s chaotic world. He discusses the paradox of finding opportunity in suffering and how to act from love instead of fear. Kornfield emphasizes the importance of intention, offering practical strategies for cultivating joy and courage while managing anxiety. He shares insights on community support and staying steady amid chaos, encouraging listeners to surround themselves with symbols of compassion and to see the bigger picture in their actions.

Dr. Ingrid Clayton, a trauma specialist and author of 'Fawning', explores the concept of fawning as a relational trauma response that drives people-pleasing behaviors. She details the differences between chronic and situational fawning, discussing how it affects our daily lives and workplace dynamics. Clayton emphasizes the importance of recognizing and owning anger, as well as practical strategies to set boundaries and regulate the nervous system. She highlights that while wounding occurs in relationships, so does healing, advocating for deeper self-awareness and vulnerability.

In this enlightening conversation, Jeff Warren, a meditation teacher and author, shares his unique journey from journalist to consciousness researcher, sparked by a life-altering head injury. He discusses the importance of creating a 'home base' in meditation to help manage a scattered mind, offering practical tools for emotional regulation. Jeff also delves into the struggles of ADHD and bipolarity, emphasizing the power of meditation to enhance creativity and focus. Listeners gain valuable insights into integrating mindfulness into daily life, especially for neurodivergent individuals.

Vinny Ferraro, a Dharma teacher and meditation instructor, shares his practical insights on mindfulness and emotional regulation. He leads a calming soft-belly meditation and discusses the power of online meditation communities. Vinny explores the importance of returning to body awareness and overcoming resistance to self-compassion. He highlights walking meditation as a tool for restless minds and emphasizes the significance of forgiving harmful individuals while fostering compassion. His humor and wisdom make this conversation both enlightening and heartwarming.

Michael Easter, a bestselling author and journalist known for exploring human behavior, delves into the evolutionary roots of our craving for more and the challenges of modern abundance. He reveals the concept of the 'scarcity loop' that hooks us into overconsumption, and shares tactical strategies to rewire our habits. Discussing his previous work, he emphasizes how embracing discomfort can spur growth and creativity. Michael also highlights the benefits of small daily challenges and nature retreats in combating anxiety and enhancing mental clarity.

Join John Makransky, a Buddhist professor and lama, and Paul Condon, a psychologist who integrates compassion into mental health, as they explore how ancient Buddhist practices can address modern anxieties. They discuss compassion as our natural state and its power against anger and burnout. With insights into attachment theory and brain science, they offer techniques for cultivating well-being without forcing emotions. Discover how sustainable compassion training can transform daily life and foster deeper connections.

Explore why work can feel draining even in fulfilling jobs. Discover the power of radical acceptance and mindfulness practices to help navigate stress. Dive into the concept of 'wise selfishness' and how helping others enhances happiness. Learn about combating comparison with joy for others, and the importance of psychological safety in workplace culture. Dan shares insights on fostering connection among teams and the significance of small gestures in leadership. Uncover ways to thrive and find purpose in your work life.

In a candid discussion, meditation teacher Leslie Booker opens up about her lifelong battles with depression and ADHD, sharing how mindfulness and community support have been game-changers. They explore the impact of childhood anxiety and the lessons learned from accepting help. Leslie also reflects on her traumatic brain injury's effect on her mental health and the societal pressures of perfectionism, particularly as a Black queer woman. Their honest talk offers hope, humor, and practical strategies for self-care and managing anxiety.

Sam Harris, a neuroscientist and founder of the Waking Up app, engages with Joseph Goldstein, co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society, in a riveting discussion on the paths to meditation freedom. They explore the concept of non-duality and its practical relevance, delve into different Buddhist traditions' interpretations of samsara and nirvana, and debate the impact of non-clinging on reducing suffering. Their insights challenge perspectives on meditation methodology, emphasizing both gradual and direct approaches to achieving mental clarity and emotional resilience.