10% Happier with Dan Harris

A.J. Jacobs, a writer and host of 'The Puzzler', discusses the intriguing benefits of adopting a puzzle mindset to enhance mental well-being. He shares his thoughts on how puzzles, meditation, and creativity can alleviate stress. The conversation also explores the joy of reframing challenges as fun puzzles. The nostalgia of summer camp adventures adds a playful touch, while a lively word puzzle challenge invites listeners to engage their creativity. Prepare for a delightful mix of humor and insight!

James Nestor, a science journalist and author of "Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art," reveals that many of us may be breathing incorrectly. He discusses the surprising idea that humans are the worst breathers in the animal kingdom. Nestor highlights the detrimental effects of mouth breathing and the need for proper posture and chewing. The conversation explores the profound connections between breathing, anxiety, and sleep quality. He also shares practical breathing exercises to enhance overall health and well-being.

Dan Savage, renowned author and sex advice columnist, brings his frank insights to the discussion. He tackles how to handle disappointment and jealousy in relationships, emphasizing the importance of communication. Savage reveals why couples often lose their spark and offers tips to regain intimacy, particularly in the age of dating apps. He challenges the conventional notion of a 'couple' being an illusion and highlights the communication differences between gay and straight relationships, advocating for openness and negotiation in love.

Julia Keller, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of "Quitting: A Life Strategy," shares her insights on the often-misunderstood art of quitting. She discusses the societal stigma surrounding quitting and why it's a crucial, strategic choice rather than a sign of failure. Keller delves into the psychological effects of quitting, challenges the myth of perseverance, and emphasizes the importance of community support. She also offers advice on teaching children about healthy quitting and promotes a more nuanced understanding of success and personal growth.

In a fascinating discussion, Gloria Mark, a Chancellor’s Professor of Informatics at UC Irvine and a researcher at Microsoft, delves into the alarming decline of attention spans—now averaging just 47 seconds. She debunks myths about technology's role and the impact of task-switching, sharing surprising benefits of mindless activities. Mark offers practical strategies for regaining focus, like designing daily routines and practicing forethought. Her insights challenge us to rethink our relationship with digital distractions and reclaim our attention.

Amy Edmondson, a Harvard Business School professor and author of "The Right Kind of Wrong," dives into the fascinating world of intelligent failure. She discusses how shame, perfectionism, and social media hinder personal growth. Emphasizing the value of psychological safety, she explores how teams can learn from setbacks without blame. Amy also highlights the importance of self-compassion and a growth mindset, advocating for mindful engagement and understanding societal disparities in risk-taking. This thought-provoking conversation reshapes our view of failure.

Daniel Goleman, a Harvard-trained psychologist and author of 'Emotional Intelligence,' shares insights on boosting productivity and emotional awareness. He discusses practical techniques to maintain energy and focus, while combating burnout and perfectionism. Goleman emphasizes the importance of empathy and active listening in the workplace, offering strategies for giving feedback with compassion. He also reflects on the future of emotional intelligence in a world increasingly driven by AI, advocating for a balanced approach to personal and professional growth.

Glennon Doyle, an acclaimed author and activist, shares her journey through personal transformation as she navigates the complexities of social media and hustle culture. She emphasizes the importance of establishing non-negotiables and self-awareness while letting go of rigid rules. Doyle discusses her recovery from anorexia and critiques societal pressures related to productivity. Through reflections on embodiment and intuition, she urges listeners to embrace their true selves, heal generational trauma, and find a balanced relationship with their bodies and food.

Virginia Sole-Smith, bestselling author of Fat Talk and The Eating Instinct, discusses the toxic influence of diet culture on body image. She argues for a compassionate view of food and exercise, exploring the flawed connections between health and body size. Sole-Smith offers strategies for fostering healthier relationships with food and exercise while addressing the pressures children face in today’s society. She also highlights the overlooked struggles men encounter with body image and encourages a more inclusive dialogue around body acceptance.

Judson Brewer, an internationally renowned addiction psychiatrist and neuroscientist, dives into the science of eating habits. He reveals how emotional triggers often lead us to eat when we're not hungry, emphasizing mindfulness as a key to breaking this cycle. Brewer discusses the differences between satisfaction and contentment, and introduces intriguing concepts like the 'hunger test' and 'pleasure plateau.' His insights challenge traditional dieting methods, promoting intuitive eating and self-compassion as paths toward healthier choices and a better relationship with food.