10% Happier with Dan Harris

Dr. Alison Gopnik, a UC Berkeley psychologist and author, explores happiness through the lens of childhood. She discusses how helping others can enhance our own happiness, emphasizing that care is a skill we can all develop. Gopnik reveals the differences in attention between adults and children, introducing the concept of 'lantern consciousness'. She also critiques modern parenting, suggesting we could learn much by embracing a more childlike approach to exploration and creativity. Discover how play and curiosity are essential for personal and societal growth!

Leslie Booker, a leading dharma teacher with extensive experience in mindfulness for at-risk youth, shares insightful lessons on managing anxiety. She emphasizes the life-saving power of connection and explains how understanding anxiety’s impermanence can help us relate to it more skillfully. Booker advocates for body awareness to ground ourselves during anxious moments and discusses the importance of compassion and vulnerability. She also highlights the role of mindfulness and breath work in alleviating anxiety, pointing out how shared human struggles foster empathy.

Dr. Judson Brewer, a psychiatrist and mindfulness expert, shares insights on unwinding anxiety as a learned habit. He delves into distinguishing worry from awareness, emphasizing the role of mindfulness in managing anxiety. Brewer discusses various anxiety levels and introduces the GAD7 questionnaire for self-assessment. He highlights practical strategies from his book, 'Unwinding Anxiety,' while encouraging curiosity and self-compassion as tools for emotional well-being. The conversation also touches on embracing discomfort as a pathway for personal growth.

Sara Bareilles, acclaimed singer, songwriter, and Broadway composer, candidly shares her battles with anxiety and depression. She explores the tension between creativity and suffering, revealing how her art helps process emotions. Sara discusses the role of meditation in her life, the complexities of social media, and the journey of reclaiming anger. She reflects on the importance of vulnerability in relationships and the healing power of community support, offering listeners profound insights into navigating mental health while embracing imperfection.

Dr. Sona Dimidjian, a renowned psychology professor and expert in depression, discusses the impact of seasonal changes on mental health. She shares insights on how meditation and mindfulness can serve as effective tools in combating depression. The conversation explores the significance of self-compassion and loving-kindness practices, particularly for vulnerable populations like pregnant women. Listeners will also learn about the promising outcomes of structured mindfulness programs in reducing depressive symptoms, while emphasizing the vital role of community support in mental health.

In a thought-provoking conversation, psychiatrist Mark Epstein delves into his new book, exploring how Buddhism has enriched his therapeutic practice. He discusses the importance of embracing one's dysfunctions and how anger can pave the way to compassion. Mark shares insights from his relationship with spiritual teacher Ram Dass, emphasizing spontaneity in therapy and the liberating power of mindfulness. He also touches on the vital connection between meditation and self-discovery, showcasing the transformative potential of understanding our emotions.

Join Robert Wright, author of "Why Buddhism Is True" and founder of the Apocalypse Aversion Project, as he tackles why questioning tribal beliefs can be so daunting. He explores how mindfulness meditation can help us confront biases and build empathy. Discover the difference between cognitive and emotional empathy, and why meaningful connections across ideological lines are crucial for humanity's future. Wright also discusses overcoming confirmation bias and the joy of engaging with differing views to foster global harmony.

Join science and culture journalist Jessica Nordell as she dives into the complexities of unconscious bias. With a background in physics and poetry, Nordell discusses why humans evolved biases and the surprising physiological effects of challenging them. She critiques popular strategies for addressing bias, revealing their shortcomings. Mindfulness and community engagement emerge as key tools for fostering understanding. This engaging conversation also highlights how studying history can inform our present and promote happiness.

Emily and Amelia Nagoski, best-selling authors and experts in burnout and stress, dive into the nuances of emotional exhaustion, particularly among women. They share Amelia's personal journey through stress-related illness and reveal the 'human giver syndrome' that many women face. Listeners learn practical tools for completing the stress cycle and navigating burnout. With humor and empathy, the sisters tackle heavy topics and offer evidence-based strategies for self-care, creativity, and community connection, making the discussion both relatable and actionable.

Tara Brach, a clinical psychologist and meditation expert with over forty years of experience, shares insights from her book, "Trusting the Gold: Uncovering Your Natural Goodness." She emphasizes breaking free from the "trance of unworthiness" and discovering our inherent goodness or "gold." The conversation explores actionable tools for self-acceptance and the challenges of emotional resilience. Tara also reflects on her personal journey toward compassion and loving-kindness as a means to heal and connect, encouraging a deeper understanding of our true selves.