10% Happier with Dan Harris

Spring Washam, author and founding teacher at the East Bay Meditation Center, shares her insights on meditation retreats, diving into the misconceptions surrounding them. She addresses whether skipping a retreat makes you a bad meditator and explains the unique structures of these immersive experiences. Zev Borow, an accomplished screenwriter and Dan's friend, shares his personal journey after completing his first retreat. Together, they explore the challenges of silence, the transformative power of self-reflection, and the importance of integrating these practices into everyday life.

Join Deepak Chopra, the founder of the Chopra Foundation and a leading voice in self-help, as he explores profound concepts blending science and spirituality. He shares insights on the quantum field and the transformative power of consciousness. Discover breathing techniques like vagal breathing, and the importance of contemplating mortality. Chopra discusses navigating criticism and his unique perspective on identity, highlighting how the body functions as a verb and urging listeners to embrace life as a dynamic experience.

DJ Cashmere and Lauren Smith, producers of the hit podcast, sit down with Dan Harris to dive into his journey of writing a transformative book on meditation. They discuss Dan's panic attack on live television and how it reshaped his perspective on mental health. The conversation highlights themes like responding versus reacting, the capacity for change, and the myth-busting of meditation practices. Dan opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome and embracing authenticity, making meditation accessible to skeptics. It's a candid and enlightening dialogue!

Charles Duhigg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author, dives into the art of communication. He outlines the four essential rules for meaningful conversations and discusses the power of vulnerability in fostering deeper connections. Duhigg shares transformative techniques like the fast friends procedure to help turn superficial questions into rich dialogues. With insights on forming effective communication habits, he empowers listeners to become supercommunicators in their personal and professional lives.

In this discussion, Chris Anderson, Curator of TED and author of "Infectious Generosity," shares insights on cultivating a generous mindset that goes beyond financial giving. He emphasizes the transformative power of small acts of kindness and how they can lead to greater happiness and community connection. Anderson also highlights the role of modern media in amplifying generosity and the importance of genuine intentions behind charitable acts. Listeners are encouraged to embrace creativity and mindfulness in their approach to generosity for meaningful impact.

John R. Miles, a former naval officer and corporate titan, shares insights on finding passion and purpose in your life. He discusses three essential tools for living passionately, including a powerful visualization technique for setting priorities. Miles critiques the notion of living on 'autopilot' and emphasizes the importance of conscious engagement. He also breaks down five pivotal stages in the journey to becoming 'passion struck,' offering valuable resources for personal growth and transformation.

Join Sebene Selassie, a meditation instructor and author of 'You Belong,' alongside Jeff Warren, a writer and co-author of 'Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics.' They dive into the art of staying calm amid life’s chaos, sharing personal stories and insights. Discover how acceptance and mindfulness can transform challenges into opportunities for growth. The duo humorously explores attachment and non-attachment, emphasizing the importance of resilience in meditation. Their engaging reflection on balancing tranquility with distractions offers practical advice for navigating stress.

Dr. Jenny Taitz, a clinical psychologist and UCLA professor, shares her expertise on managing stress and anxiety. She discusses the critical difference between stress and anxiety, and the importance of understanding their roots. Taitz explores how to prepare for stressful situations and even suggests embracing panic attacks as a learning experience. Practical tools for quick stress resets are shared, alongside insights on overcoming negative beliefs and the value of acceptance for a meaningful life.

Join renowned relationship experts John and Julie Gottman as they share over 40 years of groundbreaking research on marital stability. Discover effective communication strategies to tackle conflicts, and learn why constructive criticism may not be as helpful as you think. The Gottmans delve into their Sound Relationship House Theory, emphasizing trust and commitment. They also explore the complexities of betrayal, the unique role of humor, and how mindfulness can enhance emotional connections in relationships.

Drs. John and Julie Gottman, co-founders of The Gottman Institute, share their decades of research on relationship dynamics. They discuss the three conflict styles essential for navigating disagreements, emphasizing that conflicts can lead to deeper connections. The couple reveals why the first moments of a fight are crucial and debunks the myth of constructive criticism. They also clarify the difference between solvable and perpetual problems, providing insights on how to approach arguments with compassion and effective communication.