10% Happier with Dan Harris

James Kimmel, Jr. is a Yale psychiatry lecturer and the author of The Science of Revenge. He discusses the deep-seated neuroscience behind revenge, revealing how it can activate addiction-like cravings in our brains. James shares his own childhood bullying experience and the link between revenge and empathy. He also offers practical strategies for letting go of grudges, advocating for forgiveness as a healthier alternative. Listeners learn about his innovative Miracle Court app, designed to facilitate the emotional release from revenge desires.

In this conversation, Sebene Selassie, a Buddhist teacher and author of You Belong, shares her transformative journey into meditation, spurred by her cancer diagnosis. She discusses the profound link between suffering and personal growth, emphasizing how individual paths to resilience can emerge from shared experiences of hardship. Sebene explains her innovative teaching style, rooted in lived experience, and introduces her unique meditation practices focused on present awareness and exploring embodied tension. A truly insightful dialogue!

David Gelles, a New York Times reporter and author of *Dirtbag Billionaire*, dives into the innovative ethos of Yvon Chouinard and Patagonia. He explores the concept of being a 'dirtbag' as a minimalistic lifestyle and how Chouinard has revolutionized ethical capitalism. Gelles discusses challenges within traditional capitalism, ways to nurture young minds about wealth, and the coexistence of Buddhism and business ethics. He offers practical advice for living sustainably while pushing for a more equitable future amid environmental crises.

Trudy Goodman, a mindfulness expert and voice of Trudy the Love Barbarian in The Midnight Gospel, discusses the importance of self-trust and staying calm in uncertainty. She shares her insights on rethinking enlightenment as an ongoing journey and emphasizes the role of compassion in building self-love. Trudy delves into intuition, recounting how it has guided her life, and highlights the vital support of community in enhancing self-trust. Listeners also get a glimpse of her playful side and her journey of self-discovery.

Shankar Vedantam, a journalist and the host of Hidden Brain, explores the unexpected benefits of self-deception in his latest book, Useful Delusions. He argues that our brains' ability to filter reality enhances relationships and supports empathy, even amid modern chaos. Shankar discusses the evolutionary roots of self-deception, its adaptive role in parenting, and when it becomes harmful. He provides insights on how understanding our own delusions can foster compassion towards others and improve communication, especially in challenging situations like vaccine hesitancy.

Join writer and leadership coach Jo Confino along with Brother Chan Phap Huu, a Zen monk and former attendant to Thich Nhat Hanh, as they explore the essence of Zen. They delve into mindfulness and humility, revealing how simple routines can hold profound meaning. Discover the beauty in mundane tasks, the sacredness of everyday objects, and the balance between sophistication and simplicity in spiritual practice. The conversation culminates with a heartfelt guided meditation, inviting listeners to embrace gratitude and presence.

In this enlightening conversation, Kamala Masters, a renowned Dharma teacher and meditation instructor, dives into the art of equanimity and mindfulness. She highlights how everyday tasks, like doing the dishes, can become moments of awakening. Kamala offers practical advice for parents navigating the 'hell realm' of raising children, emphasizing self-compassion and realistic expectations. With a focus on adapting equanimity phrases for personal interactions, she encourages listeners to find balance to maintain presence and meaningful connections in their lives.

Brené Brown, a research professor and bestselling author known for her insights on courage and leadership, discusses her new book, Strong Ground. She shares how a pickleball injury inspired her work on finding a strong core. Topics include achieving nervous system sovereignty and the significance of values in personal and organizational contexts. Brown introduces the 'above vs below the line' framework, explaining how our language reflects emotional states. She underscores the importance of paradoxical thinking for creativity and leadership.

Kieran Setiya, a philosophy professor at MIT and author known for exploring practical philosophy, dives into how to live well amidst life's challenges. He discusses the importance of engaging with reality rather than chasing happiness, offers insights on dealing with grief and the inevitability of missing out, and critiques stoic approaches to loss. Setiya shares personal strategies for managing chronic pain and reframing failure, encouraging a focus on the process rather than outcomes. His philosophy challenges us to navigate life with resilience and hope.

Vinny Ferraro, a meditation teacher and this month's featured educator, shares his insights on mindfulness and time management. He challenges the common excuse of not having time by emphasizing the importance of living in the moment. Vinny offers practical tips like two-minute resets and morning meditation practices that are non-negotiable. His refreshing approach encourages listeners to prioritize presence over productivity, proving that meditation can fit into even the busiest of schedules.