10% Happier with Dan Harris

Ellen J. Langer, a Harvard psychologist and author, explores the critical link between mindset and physical health. She challenges conventional views on positive thinking, placing emphasis on mindfulness and being present. Langer discusses intriguing studies on placebos and the impact of perceptions on healing, particularly in chronic conditions. She also shares insights on reframing aging, highlighting how a mindful approach can transform our understanding of growing older and enhance our overall well-being. Tune in for practical tips on incorporating mindfulness into daily life!

Join a journey from skepticism to enlightenment as a guided loving-kindness meditation unfolds. Experience the warmth of compassion for yourself and others through engaging visualizations and comforting phrases. Discover mindful techniques that enhance focus and playfully navigate distractions. Delve into the clunkiness of self-love and learn to cultivate it as a valuable skill. Finally, explore how embracing empathy can strengthen human connections, even in challenging emotional moments.

Natasha Rothwell, an Emmy-nominated actress and creator known for her roles in HBO’s The White Lotus and How To Die Alone, dives deep into the nuances of loneliness versus being alone. She shares her struggles with people-pleasing and burnout, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries. The conversation touches on envy, the scarcity mindset, and how therapy and self-love can lead to personal growth. Natasha also reflects on her creative journey, providing insight into her upcoming projects while championing authentic storytelling.

In this enlightening conversation, Joseph Goldstein, a co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society and seasoned meditation teacher, shares profound insights from a recent 10-day silent retreat. Senior producer Marissa Schneiderman, fresh from her own retreat, joins him to discuss the emotional complexities and transformative experiences of silent meditation. They explore concepts like 'cowboy dharma' for playful mindfulness, the significance of community support, and the transient nature of thoughts. Listeners also get helpful tips for overcoming meditation challenges.

Join a candid discussion about navigating a major career shift. Discover practical strategies to handle conflict, anger, and insomnia while embracing self-compassion. Explore the power of failure as a catalyst for creativity and learn how to find purpose during tough times. Delve into the balance between altruism and personal motivations, all wrapped in personal anecdotes and insightful reflections. It's a journey of resilience, growth, and the importance of community.

Tali Sharot, a cognitive neuroscience professor at University College London and MIT, dives into the phenomenon of habituation and its effects on our joy and relationships. She discusses the brain's response to constant stimuli and how breaking routines can rekindle excitement in life. Sharot emphasizes the relationship between creativity and slower habituation while warning against emotional numbing in societal issues like dishonesty. She offers strategies to disrupt this trend, advocating for varied experiences and mindful interactions to enhance emotional awareness.

Sebene Selassie, a writer and meditation leader, joins Jeff Warren, a dynamic meditation instructor, for an engaging conversation on mindfulness. They explore the notion of 'failed meditators' and discuss how to navigate anxiety and grief with compassion. The duo emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in meditation and the value of community support. They also share practical meditation tips tailored for parents, encouraging quick mindful moments within family life. Their insights on connecting with emotions provide a relatable guide for personal growth.

Meditation teacher Jeff Warren, known for making meditation accessible to all, guides listeners through two unique approaches to attention during a live session. He discusses the power of mindfulness in shaping experiences and shares techniques to cultivate calm awareness. Warren and his co-hosts reflect on their personal journeys with meditation, highlighting the balance between goals and acceptance of distractions. The conversation invites listeners to navigate the ups and downs of practice while embracing meditation as an enriching lifelong journey.

Dr. Jamil Zaki, a Stanford psychology professor and author of 'The War for Kindness', explores the dangers of cynicism and its adverse effects on health and relationships. He shares his journey as a 'recovering cynic' and introduces the concept of 'hopeful skepticism' as a healthier alternative. Zaki provides practical advice on recognizing cynicism in ourselves and navigating constructive disagreements. He emphasizes the importance of promoting trust and empathy, especially in the younger generation, to counter the negativity pervasive in society.

Kaira Jewel Lingo, a Dharma teacher and author, shares her journey of blending spirituality with social justice. She discusses how to navigate life's inevitable turbulence using ten practical Buddhist strategies. Themes of mindfulness, gratitude, and acceptance come to life through her personal anecdotes. Lingo encourages embracing impermanence as a way to foster resilience and inner peace. Her insights reveal that becoming fully present can deepen our connections and transform our challenges into growth opportunities.