10% Happier with Dan Harris

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.

Dr. Kerry Burnight, a board-certified gerontologist and founder of the Gerontology Institute at UC Irvine, shares vital insights into aging well from her new book, JoySpan. She discusses four core habits crucial for thriving in later life: Grow, Connect, Adapt, and Give. Burnight debunks myths from the anti-aging industry, emphasizing realistic approaches to well-being. The importance of cultivating meaningful relationships and adapting to change is highlighted, along with how humor and lifelong learning can enhance life satisfaction at any age.

Christiane Wolf, a physician and mindfulness teacher, shares her insights on navigating the everyday stress that keeps us in 'yellow mode.' She discusses the modern triggers for this low-level stress, the difference between being chill and being appropriately responsive, and shares quick techniques to calm the nervous system. Christiane explains how trauma can hinder relaxation and highlights the importance of community and mindfulness. Discover practical tools and her unique 'Butterfly Hug' technique to gently shift back to a grounded state.

Sebene Selassie, a meditation teacher and author, shares insights on cultivating non-attachment in high-stakes situations like health crises. She emphasizes the importance of meeting chronic pain with compassion, rather than falling into self-pity. The conversation dives into the psychology of building a meditation habit, addressing common hurdles like motivation and group accountability. Sebene also explores Buddhist concepts of impermanence and rebirth, offering a fresh perspective on how to navigate life's challenges with grace.

Soren Gordhamer, founder of Wisdom 2.0 and author of The Essential, dives into the balance of technology and mindfulness. He discusses the transformative potential of AI and the societal implications of its rapid advancement. Soren emphasizes the importance of ‘the essential’—focusing on relationships and purpose amid distractions. He offers practical strategies for managing technology use, urges embracing mindful boredom, and highlights the need for a collective human response to AI challenges. Are we ready to do the essential work before it's too late?

Diana Hill, a clinical psychologist and expert in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), shares her insights on tackling overwhelm and burnout. She introduces the concept of 'Wise Effort,' focusing energy on core values. Diana explains how to diffuse unhelpful thoughts and identifies common energy depleters in life. With practical exercises, she guides listeners to discover their 'genius energy' and emphasizes radical acceptance as a tool for action. Through engaging conversation, she highlights the importance of gratitude and valuing impermanence.

Christiane Wolf, a meditation teacher and featured 'teacher of the month,' shares insights on transforming obstacles into integral parts of the meditation experience. She emphasizes that distractions and racing thoughts can guide us towards deeper mindfulness. Christiane challenges common expectations about meditation, urging listeners to embrace restlessness and discomfort as opportunities for growth. Throughout the discussion, she provides practical techniques for navigating these distractions, making meditation more accessible and enriching.

Paula Faris, a former ABC News co-anchor and host of The Paula Faris Show, shares a lively conversation with Dan Harris. Their unlikely friendship highlights the power of empathy despite their contrasting backgrounds. They discuss how media homogeneity can skew perspectives and the importance of diverse friendships in combating prejudice. Tips on engaging in discussions across divides are shared, along with insights on managing news anxiety. With humor and sincerity, they explore how different viewpoints enrich our understanding.

GuoGu, also known as Dr. Jimmy Yu, is a Buddhist teacher and professor specializing in Chan/Zen practices. In this conversation, he shares insights on embodied experiencing as a way to combat overthinking and discusses how our senses influence judgments. GuoGu introduces the practice of wonderment to foster curiosity over fear. He also offers practical relaxation techniques for pain relief during meditation, and highlights how to integrate mindfulness into daily life. Transforming challenges into opportunities for growth is a key takeaway.