10% Happier with Dan Harris

Bill Hader, a comedian and actor famed for his roles in Saturday Night Live and HBO's Barry, shares his candid experiences with anxiety and mindfulness. He reveals how humor has helped him navigate overthinking and emphasizes the importance of meditation in self-care. Hader reflects on the old wisdom that 'the hippies were right' regarding mental wellness. The conversation also touches on the concept of 'propuncha,' showing how awareness can help alleviate mental pressure and offer clearer perspectives on life's challenges.

In a thought-provoking conversation, Dr. James R. Doty, a Stanford neurosurgeon and compassion researcher, shares his journey into the science of manifestation. He presents six practical steps to harness the mind's power, emphasizing the importance of intention and self-belief. Doty explains how caring can activate our parasympathetic nervous system, enhancing our manifestation abilities. He also contrasts superficial desires with deeper needs, advocating for meaningful connections and a collective approach to happiness. Practical tips abound for embedding intentions into our subconscious.

Ezra Klein, an opinion columnist and host of The Ezra Klein Show at The New York Times, dives into the importance of mental clarity amidst chaotic news cycles. He discusses digital hygiene techniques and the role of meditation in maintaining sanity. Ezra shares insights on intellectual humility, revealed through his meaningful tattoo, and introduces a new end-of-day ritual. The conversation also explores the future of humanity and the psychological impacts of AI on relationships, emphasizing the need for mindful engagement and emotional resilience.

Dawn Mauricio, a dedicated teacher in the Insight Meditation tradition, shares her journey into meditation sparked by transformative travel experiences. She discusses the emotional challenges faced in her first Vipassana retreat and how it deepened her commitment to mindfulness. Dawn highlights the positive aspects of dealing with her current injury, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and emotional resilience through meditation. Listeners gain insights into building a sustainable meditation practice and making mindfulness an enjoyable part of life.

Allison Williams, renowned for roles in HBO’s GIRLS and the film GET OUT, discusses the intersection of perfectionism and parenting. She shares insights on the 'friendship recession' among men and the importance of authentic connections as we age. The conversation touches on managing anxieties in parenthood and ensuring these don’t affect children. Williams also talks about the making of her upcoming film, M3GAN 2.0, and how horror often reflects our inner fears, making us confront the psychological battles we face in everyday life.

Brother Chân Pháp Hữu, a Zen monk trained by the renowned Thích Nhất Hạnh, shares personal insights on burnout, emphasizing that even monastics can feel overwhelmed. He discusses how modern busyness is often a response to emotions we want to avoid. Practical tools for combating burnout are shared, including mindfulness, the art of doing nothing, and creating healthy boundaries. Reflecting on mortality is presented as a unique way to gain perspective, while acceptance and self-kindness become crucial in dealing with stress and fostering personal growth.

PJ Vogt, host of the Search Engine podcast, teams up with psychiatrist Mark Epstein to explore the intriguing realm of psychic mediums. They discuss how many meditation teachers consult clairvoyants, blending skepticism with open-mindedness. Personal stories from their journeys reveal the balance between belief and doubt in spirituality. The conversation touches on psychic abilities, auras, and the comforting role of spirit guides, ultimately inviting listeners to reflect on their own perceptions of the supernatural.

Brother Pháp Lưu, an ordained monk in the Plum Village tradition, shares insights on mindful eating that can enhance your relationship with food. He discusses the importance of tuning into hunger cues and transforming meals into meaningful rituals. The episode highlights communal dining's power to build connections and combat loneliness, alongside practices inspired by Buddhist traditions. By fostering gratitude and awareness in eating, he encourages listeners to rethink their food choices and embrace the joy of eating mindfully.

T. Morgan Dixon, Founder of GirlTrek, leads a health movement for Black women, while Dr. Gary Bennett, Dean at Duke University, specializes in psychology and neuroscience. Together, they explore motivation, emphasizing the importance of community in sustaining healthy habits. They delve into strategies for overcoming inertia, finding your 'why,' and the impact of social connections on well-being. Draped in personal anecdotes, they share how grassroots initiatives and self-reflection can ignite a more active lifestyle, pushing past psychological barriers.

Jeff Krasno, co-founder and CEO of Commune and author of Good Stress, dives into how to embrace 'good stress' for better health. He shares practical strategies for integrating beneficial stress and discusses the pitfalls of modern convenience on well-being. Krasno reveals his personal battles with chronic health issues and emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with nature, along with fasting and mindful practices. The conversation also explores the balance between comfort and health, inspired by Eastern philosophies, for a more resilient lifestyle.