10% Happier with Dan Harris

Oliver Burkeman, author of "Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals," shares his insights on transforming our relationship with time. He emphasizes that accepting our mortality can improve how we prioritize life’s endeavors. Rather than chasing productivity, Burkeman advocates for recognizing what to neglect and embracing patience. He introduces concepts like cosmic insignificance therapy and strategic underachievement, while encouraging a redefinition of leisure that values personal fulfillment over efficiency.

In this discussion, Alicia Menendez, an award-winning journalist and author of "The Likeability Trap," tackles the complex dynamics of likability in the workplace. She reveals how women often juggle societal expectations of being both assertive and warm, leading to criticism regardless of their approach. Menendez offers insights on the need for equitable feedback and the importance of psychological safety in teams. She also shares strategies for navigating communication while maintaining authenticity, making a compelling case for change in workplace dynamics.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Jacob Ham, a clinical expert in trauma, shares profound insights from his work at the Center for Child Trauma and Resilience. He discusses the importance of therapeutic relationships and how feeling seen can aid healing. Dr. Ham explains the significance of mentalization and the balance between self-love and love for others. He intriguingly connects the Incredible Hulk to our emotional struggles, highlighting the need for compassion and vulnerability in therapy, ultimately paving the way for deeper personal growth.

Stephanie Foo, a journalist and radio producer known for her work with The New York Times and her memoir 'What My Bones Know,' shares her journey of grappling with complex PTSD. She discusses the various therapeutic practices she explored, emphasizing what truly aided her healing. The conversation dives into the importance of self-love, gratitude, and community, as well as her transformative experiences with therapy. Foo highlights how understanding trauma can help foster healthier relationships and personal growth.

Mary-Frances O’Connor, an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology and author of "The Grieving Brain," shares her insights on grief stemming from various forms of loss. She differentiates between grief and mourning while discussing how her Buddhist practice shapes her view on grief's impermanence. O’Connor emphasizes the importance of diverse coping strategies and explores prolonged grief disorder, especially relevant during the pandemic. Her reflections reveal grief as a profound teacher of empathy and resilience.

In this engaging conversation, Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Kathryn Schulz discusses her memoir, 'Lost and Found,' reflecting on the duality of life's gains and losses. She shares insights on processing grief, the emotional complexities of love and mourning, and why the word 'and' in her title is pivotal. Schulz emphasizes the importance of enjoying the moment, the notion of loss as a broad concept, and how relationships require compromise. Her profound understanding invites listeners to embrace both joy and sorrow as intertwined aspects of life.

In this conversation, Jonathan Van Ness, hairstylist, comedian, and beloved Queer Eye star, shares his journey through trauma and the importance of finding hope. He discusses the universality of grief and how curiosity can transform shame into love and resilience. Jonathan opens up about his body image struggles and the captivating connection between joy and healing. He also touches on shopping's complex role in self-identity and emphasizes the need for community advocacy, especially for LGBTQIA+ rights. A heartfelt dive into mental well-being!

Join clinical psychologist Dr. Jacqueline Mattis, a Dean at Rutgers University, as she unpacks the science of hope. She reveals how hope can be cultivated as a mental skill and shares insights from her research on spirituality in African-American and Afri-Caribbean communities. Explore the balance between genuine hope and unrealistic optimism, and the transformative power of belief. Dr. Mattis also shares practical strategies for setting goals and embracing uncertainty to foster resilience amid challenges.

Dr. Sara Mednick, a cognitive neuroscientist and author, shares her insights on sleep science. She emphasizes that improving sleep goes beyond just nighttime rest, advocating for a holistic approach that includes light exposure and napping. The conversation dives into the surprising connection between sex and better sleep, the significance of heart rate variability, and when to effectively use melatonin. Mednick also highlights how restorative practices can greatly enhance sleep quality and overall well-being.

In this insightful discussion, Diane Macedo, an ABC News anchor and author of 'The Sleep Fix', shares her personal journey to combat insomnia. She dives into the key signs of poor sleep, the effectiveness of sleeping pills, and when to consult a specialist. Diane reveals mind-bending sleep myths and explores cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to enhance rest. With a fascinating look at the connection between food and sleep, she encourages listeners to embrace mindfulness practices for a healthier sleep routine.