10% Happier with Dan Harris

Manoush Zomorodi, tech journalist and host of TED Radio Hour, dives into her innovative series, Body Electric. She discusses how our tech habits—like endless screen time—affect our physical and mental health. Zomorodi traces the historical ties between electricity and human biology, explores the health consequences of sedentary lifestyles, and emphasizes the importance of movement to combat these issues. Listeners can even join an interactive study aimed at fostering a more active lifestyle. Get ready to rethink your relationship with technology!

In this episode, Alex Toussaint, a renowned Peloton instructor and Puma athlete, shares his inspiring journey from adversity to success. He discusses the importance of internal validation over external accolades and how his military upbringing shaped his character. Alex introduces the concept of 'activating your greatness' through gratitude and establishing a motivational 'starting five.' He reflects on his experience as a Black fitness leader amid social justice movements, emphasizing the need for authenticity and support in the community.

Matt Gutman, ABC News’s chief national correspondent and author, shares his journey through anxiety and panic attacks. He reveals the high-stress realities journalists face and how they often mask their struggles. Gutman introduces the concept of imposter syndrome and discusses his personal evolution through grief and the use of psychedelics. He delves into the duality of facing physical challenges while managing social anxiety and highlights the emotional liberation found in relinquishing control through therapy and self-exploration.

Join writer and comedian Sarah Cooper, known for her viral Trump lip syncs and Netflix special, as she dives into her journey through humiliation and perfectionism. She shares candid insights on loving oneself while balancing family expectations and the immigrant experience. Discover her thoughts on self-acceptance, vulnerability, and the importance of humor in overcoming life's challenges. Plus, get a sneak peek into her new book 'Foolish' and the creative risks she's taking in her latest projects.

Naomi Klein, an award-winning journalist and bestselling author known for her critiques of capitalism, dives deep into the digital age's chaos. She shares her unsettling experience with a conspiracy-driven digital doppelgänger and explores how conspiracy culture often misrepresents facts but resonates emotionally. Klein discusses the convergence of wellness culture and right-wing ideology, the importance of engaging with opposing viewpoints, and the need to maintain calm in turbulent discussions, all while navigating the fragile nature of identity in a polarized world.

Aparna Nancherla, a talented writer and stand-up comedian known for her role in 'The Great North,' dives into her struggles with imposter syndrome and anxiety. She shares how procrastination fuels her creativity while discussing the pressures of representing South Asians in entertainment. Alongside Dr. Bianca Harris, they dissect the 'agreeability industrial complex' and the challenges of saying no. With candid insights into the link between comedy and therapy, they highlight the power of storytelling in navigating personal challenges.

Ross Gay, acclaimed poet and essayist known for his bestselling work "The Book of Delights," dives into the transformative power of delight and joy as acts of resistance. He shares insights on how recognizing delight can counteract negativity bias and the ethical implications of joy. Through personal anecdotes, he discusses the connection between grief and joy, emphasizing that these emotions can be survival mechanisms. With a focus on meaningful human connections, Gay advocates for cultivating moments of joy in everyday life.

In a warm conversation at the Aspen Ideas Festival, Kelly Corrigan, a New York Times bestselling author and insightful podcast host, joins Dan Harris to explore the beauty of humility and connection. They dive into the nuances of uncertainty and the importance of storytelling in shaping our identities. Parenting is discussed as a journey focused on instilling kindness, while mindfulness practices are highlighted as pathways to deeper connections. Their reflections weave the intricate challenges of life with moments of humor and compassion.

In this discussion, Carrie Wilkens, Co-founder and CEO of the Center for Motivation and Change, tackles the stigma surrounding addiction and the differences between addiction and substance use disorder. She emphasizes the importance of positive communication and empathy in recovery while exploring alternatives to traditional abstinence. Wilkens highlights that many individuals naturally recover without formal treatment and presents effective strategies for supporting loved ones facing substance challenges, encouraging open dialogue and mindfulness.

Duncan Trussell, a versatile actor and comedian known for his podcast and animated series, explores the fusion of comedy and spirituality. He discusses how meditation aids his mental health amid Hollywood's chaos and shares insights on depression, psychedelics, and the nuances of belief. Trussell reflects on the Buddhist conception of hell as psychological states and the complexities of loving oneself while thriving in a spiritual journey. His humor shines as he navigates the relationship between ambition and personal growth, enriching the conversation with profound yet relatable experiences.