10% Happier with Dan Harris

Catherine Price, author of 'How To Break Up With Your Phone' and a renowned expert on screen/life balance, explores the idea that fun is a trainable skill essential for a fulfilling life. She discusses creative strategies to achieve screen/life balance, shares personal insights on rediscovering fun through movement, and emphasizes the importance of play in adulthood. Catherine also offers practical tips to combat smartphone dependence, encouraging listeners to prioritize real-life experiences and mindful joy over digital distractions.

JoAnna Hardy, an Insight meditation teacher and author, dives into the importance of loving-kindness amidst a tumultuous election season. She discusses the Four Brahma Viharas and how they can transform fear and anxiety into compassion and connection. Hardy emphasizes the need for emotional awareness and the practice of metta, particularly when faced with differing views. With practical strategies for navigating negativity, she advocates for mindful media consumption and taking breaks during emotionally charged times. This conversation offers a refreshing perspective on fostering positivity.

Dr. Abigail Marsh, an Associate Professor at Georgetown University and author of "Fear Factor," delves into the nature of fear and its transformative potential. She discusses the trainable aspects of courage and how overcoming fear can enhance altruistic behavior. Marsh explores the connection between personal suffering, empathy, and altruism, while highlighting the role of fear in fostering human connection. Through relatable examples, she challenges perceptions of bravery, advocating for compassion and community resilience, especially in the face of societal challenges.

Dr. Mark Hyman, a leader in Functional Medicine and author of thirteen bestselling books, dives into the connection between food and mental health. He discusses how nutrition affects not just our bodies but our minds, advocating for food as a social justice issue. Hyman emphasizes the gut-brain relationship and promotes the 'pegan' diet, combining health with ethical eating. The conversation shines a light on systemic changes needed to ensure access to healthy food, highlighting the challenges facing marginalized communities.

James Baraz, co-founder of Spirit Rock Meditation Center and author of Awakening Joy, shares insights on the true nature of joy. He argues that joy isn't just about feeling good but involves embracing all emotions, especially during tough times. The conversation delves into the role of meditation in addressing social issues like climate change and racial injustice. Baraz emphasizes that genuine happiness can emerge through understanding suffering, gratitude, and love, highlighting the importance of mindfulness in cultivating a fulfilling life.

In this conversation, Keith Campbell, a researcher of narcissism for over 30 years, dives into the complexities of narcissism in relationships, especially distinguishing between grandiose and vulnerable types. He shares strategies for dealing with narcissists, including the CPR method—Compassion, Passion, and Responsibility. Campbell also discusses how narcissism has evolved in the age of social media and offers insights on identifying narcissistic traits, promoting self-awareness, and managing one's ego for healthier relationships.

Phillip Moffitt, a Dharma teacher and former Esquire editor, delves into how the Buddha's teachings can guide us through life's changes. He discusses the significance of the Four Noble Truths as tools for navigating suffering and fostering empathy. Moffitt emphasizes mindfulness as a way to respond to challenges wisely. He also shares personal anecdotes about finding joy amid difficulties, illustrating the importance of cherishing moments in challenging times. His insights reveal how intentional living can transform our approach to life's unpredictability.

Bruce Feiler, bestselling author of *Life Is in the Transitions*, shares insights into navigating major life changes, or 'lifequakes,' like divorce and job loss. He emphasizes these upheavals are natural and offers seven practical tools for coping. Feiler discusses his personal experiences with transitions, the idea of resilience that irks him, and how life isn't a straight path but filled with nonlinear twists. He encourages embracing these moments as opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

In this enlightening discussion, Bhante Buddharakkhita, the Abbot of the Ugandan Buddhist Center, shares his remarkable journey from a devout Catholic childhood to becoming a Buddhist monk. He reflects on the near-assassination that propelled him to explore trauma treatment and the integration of African wisdom into his teachings. His philosophy of 'more dharma, less drama' resonates throughout, as he emphasizes the importance of adapting mindfulness practices for healing within African communities and highlights the interconnectedness celebrated in the African philosophy of Ubuntu.

Ravi Patel, an actor known for "Meet the Patels" and his HBO Max show, shares his candid journey through the complexities of work-life balance and modern marriage. He discusses the pressure of family responsibilities and how to navigate parenting challenges, balancing tradition with contemporary expectations. With humor and honesty, Ravi highlights the power of genuine relationships in finding happiness and addresses the importance of kindness and gratitude in our lives.