10% Happier with Dan Harris

Jennifer Aaker, a professor at Stanford specializing in well-being, joins Naomi Bagdonas, an executive coach with improv training, to explore the importance of humor in life and work. They discuss the 'humor cliff' phenomenon, where laughter declines post-23, and outline four humor styles to help listeners identify their own. Aaker and Bagdonas emphasize humor's role in authentic communication and its transformative power for leadership. Practical tips on integrating humor into everyday interactions make for an enlightening and entertaining conversation.

Deb Dana, a licensed clinical social worker and expert in complex trauma, shares insights from her book, "Anchored." She delves into polyvagal theory, explaining how our nervous systems shape our emotional states. Listeners learn practical tools to regulate their nervous systems and the importance of co-regulation for healthier relationships. Dana emphasizes that our nervous systems are not isolated; they are tied to social interactions, urging self-awareness and community connection as ways to foster emotional well-being.

In this engaging discussion, Bhikkhu Anālayo, a renowned scholar-monk and expert in Buddhist studies, shares insights on confronting climate change through meditation. He emphasizes four meditation techniques that encourage mindfulness about our environmental impact. Anālayo challenges the belief that individual actions are insignificant in the crisis and advocates for death contemplation as a means to inspire action. He intertwines Buddhist philosophy with environmental responsibility, urging listeners to cultivate compassion and personal responsibility for a sustainable future.

Jeff Warren, a longtime meditation teacher and founder of the Consciousness Explorers Club, discusses how to turn your entire life into a meditation practice. He emphasizes integrating mindfulness into daily activities, transforming routine into intentional experiences. Warren shares insights on self-teaching, the impact of mindfulness on communication and relationships, and managing ADHD with compassion and creativity. He inspires listeners to explore running as a practice and to make mindfulness a social endeavor for deeper connection and growth.

Christopher Ford, a lay chaplain in the Soto tradition of Zen Buddhism and former Assistant Secretary of State for International Security under Trump, dives into the intriguing intersection of Buddhism and conservatism. He discusses navigating political polarization, sharing personal experiences from the Trump administration and advocating for moderation. Ford also offers practical mindfulness techniques for stress relief and emphasizes the importance of intellectual humility in political discourse, blending compassion with governance.

Arthur Brooks, a Harvard professor and author of "From Strength to Strength," shares insights on navigating life's changes. He explores how age brings both declines and new strengths, emphasizing the importance of foresight and habits for happiness in later life. The conversation tackles concepts like success addiction and the difference between fluid and crystallized intelligence. Listeners will discover how to redefine self-worth through love and connection, and practical tips for enhancing happiness through daily indulgences and meaningful relationships.

Drs. John and Julie Gottman, co-founders of The Gottman Institute, share invaluable insights on nurturing relationships. They discuss how love is a skill that can be developed, emphasizing effective communication and managing conflicts. The couple explains their 'Sound Relationship House' theory, highlighting trust, intimacy, and responding to each other's needs as key to a strong partnership. They also delve into betrayal prevention, the healing power of humor, and offer resources to further enhance relationship health. Perfect for anyone wanting to improve their connections!

Join Evan Thompson, a writer and philosophy professor at the University of British Columbia, as he critiques the concepts of 'Buddhist exceptionalism' and 'neural Buddhism.' He unpacks why Buddhism captivates the Western world and challenges the trend of 'McMindfulness.' Thompson advocates for a cosmopolitan approach to understand Buddhism, bridging it with science while emphasizing the importance of community and collective suffering. Discover his insights on how mindfulness can intersect with social justice and reshape our understanding of the self.

Swami Tyagananda, a Hindu monk and chaplain at MIT and Harvard, dives into the heart of Hinduism, blending history with philosophy. He shares insights on meditation, karma, and the cycle of rebirth, urging an understanding of personal responsibility. Swami discusses the power of letting go, the significance of spiritual names, and the quest for clarity in life. He explores the connections between Hinduism and Buddhism, revealing how to tackle feelings of incompleteness. Practical tips for reducing stress are also shared, making spirituality accessible to all.

In a thought-provoking discussion, clinical social worker Matthew Brensilver dives into the concept of self-hatred versus self-love, questioning the very nature of the self as an illusion. He shares insights on viewing anger skeptically, the connection between self-love and ethical conduct, and how we can confront moral dilemmas. Matthew also discusses his own journey towards accepting mortality, promoting a compassionate approach to self-acceptance and the importance of loving-kindness meditation in overcoming negative emotions.