10% Happier with Dan Harris

Dr. Uma Naidoo, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and professional chef, dives into the fascinating connection between food and mental health. She discusses how our dietary choices directly influence our emotions and offers insights into nutritional psychiatry. From managing anxiety and depression with specific foods to the importance of gut health, she emphasizes intuitive eating without the risk of orthorexia. Dr. Naidoo also shares practical tips for improving mental well-being through mindful nutrition, blending personal experiences with clinical expertise.

Cara Lai, a former social worker and marathon runner turned Buddhist teacher, shares profound insights on exercising without self-loathing. She discusses the mental hurdles we face when confronting our bodies, especially post-exercise hiatus. Lai recommends mindfulness techniques to replace judgment with compassion and explores why embracing our bodies is essential for true wellness. She candidly reflects on the balance between self-discipline and kindness, advocating for a healthier relationship with fitness that prioritizes self-acceptance over societal expectations.

Kelly and Juliet Starrett, co-authors of "Built to Move," share their expertise on improving mobility and body durability. They discuss the limitations of the fitness industry and emphasize the importance of simple habits like getting up off the ground unassisted. The couple advocates for daily walking, recommending a goal of 8,000 steps, and introduces tests to assess mobility. They also touch on the significance of nutrition, proper sleep, and breathing techniques to enhance vitality and well-being.

In this engaging conversation, DJ Cashmere, a senior producer and dedicated Buddhist practitioner, shares his personal journey with body image and wellness. He discusses the motivation behind the upcoming 'Get Fit Sanely' series, including his insights on intuitive eating and the importance of self-acceptance. DJ delves into the intricate relationship between food and mental health, advocating for an individualized approach to fitness. With a blend of humor and heartfelt reflection, he emphasizes self-compassion in the pursuit of health.

Dr. Mark Hyman, a family physician and best-selling author, shares his revolutionary ideas on aging and health. He argues that biological age can be reversed, raising questions about the possibility of living to 150. The conversation explores the balance between embracing mortality and striving for longevity, along with the significance of intuitive eating and exercise. Hyman also discusses the importance of social connections and critiques of functional medicine, all while promoting his new book, 'Young Forever,' and his podcast, 'The Doctor's Pharmacy.'

Dr. Peter Attia, a physician educated at Stanford and Johns Hopkins, shares his insights on achieving a healthier, longer life. He critiques the term 'longevity' and emphasizes the importance of both lifespan and healthspan. Listeners will learn practical strategies for exercise, nutrition, and sleep, including tips on intuitive eating and the role of genes. Attia advocates for quality of life over mere longevity while addressing emotional health and the complexity of nutritional choices.

Rohan Gunatilaka, creator of the Buddhify app and host of Meditative Story, joins for a heartfelt discussion. He shares a transformative tale about a father-son trip that reshaped his relationship with his young son. They dive into the challenges of balancing work and connection, highlighting parenting's emotional complexities. Joyful moments, like visiting Legoland and the New England Aquarium, are emphasized as critical for bonding. Mindfulness practices are woven throughout, showcasing the power of connection in nurturing relationships.

Sister Dang Nghiem, a Buddhist nun and disciple of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, shares her journey from trauma to healing. Born during the Vietnam War, she transformed personal loss into spiritual strength. She discusses the Five Strengths of Applied Zen Buddhism: trust, diligence, mindfulness, concentration, and insight. Sister D emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in rebuilding trust and fostering resilience. Her insights illuminate how embracing the present can lead to inner peace and compassion, even in the face of life's challenges.

In this engaging discussion, Laura Vanderkam, a celebrated time management author and podcast host, shares her insights on making the most of our schedules. She emphasizes that time is a great equalizer and outlines nine strategies for effective time management. Laura discusses the benefits of flexible scheduling, giving yourself a bedtime, and blending work with personal time. She also highlights using exercise as a daily reset and the importance of prioritizing joyful experiences to create a more fulfilling life.

Dr. Luana Marques, an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School and former president of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, candidly discusses her journey from a chaotic childhood in Brazil to becoming a mental health expert. She reveals a three-step plan to transform anxiety into power, emphasizing the importance of confronting fears rather than avoiding them. Listeners learn about aligning daily actions with core values, the role of social support, and how to turn anxiety into a catalyst for personal growth.