10% Happier with Dan Harris

Join Pete Docter, Chief Creative Officer of Pixar and the brilliant mind behind films like 'Inside Out,' 'Up,' and 'Soul.' He discusses the deep questions that inspire his storytelling and how personal experiences shape his creative process. Pete dives into the metaphysical themes of 'Soul' and explores the balance between artistic integrity and commercial demands. He reflects on the role of meditation in creativity and shares insights on world-building, emotional authenticity, and the power of vulnerability in making masterpieces.

Annie Grace, author of 'This Naked Mind,' takes a fresh approach to overcoming addiction. She challenges traditional methods like cold turkey, advocating for harnessing the brain's pleasure centers instead. Grace discusses her personal journey with alcohol, promoting self-compassion and curiosity in recovery. She connects her ideas to intuitive eating and explores various addictions, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing beliefs behind behaviors. Her insights offer new hope for those struggling with dependencies.

Kevin Griffin, a longtime Buddhist practitioner and founder of the Buddhist Recovery Network, dives into the complex world of addiction, addressing both substance use and societal issues like racism. He shares insights on how our minds can create cravings and attachments, discussing the transformative power of mindfulness and meditation. By integrating Buddhist principles with the 12 Steps of recovery, Griffin offers unique perspectives on personal growth and overcoming negative patterns, encouraging self-compassion and awareness in the journey to healing.

Tara Brach, a renowned author and meditation teacher with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, dives into the transformative RAIN acronym—Recognize, Allow, Investigate, and Nurture. She shares how this practice can enhance emotional awareness and improve relationships. The conversation explores embracing vulnerability, the interplay of compassion and mindfulness, and the significance of shared meditation experiences. With warmth and openness, Brach also touches on confronting fears to foster authentic living, making for an insightful discussion on personal growth and connection.

Pema Chödrön, a renowned Buddhist nun and mindfulness teacher, shares her journey from a conventional life to embracing Tibetan Buddhism. She discusses the impact of the pandemic on mental health and emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in cultivating resilience. Pema offers insights on embracing uncertainty and letting go of anger for personal growth. Through humor and grace, she encourages listeners to face fear and adversity with compassion, highlighting the journey of personal growth amidst chaos.

In this conversation, Dr. Richard Schwartz, a renowned psychotherapist and founder of the Internal Family Systems model, dives deep into the complexities of our inner selves. He advocates for embracing rather than fighting our darker traits, viewing them as protective parts shaped by past traumas. The discussion merges IFS therapy with elements of Buddhism and highlights why meditation alone may not suffice for true healing. They even engage in IFS therapy practice, exploring the importance of compassion in understanding one's internal dialogue.

Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, an ordained Tibetan Buddhist nun who spent 12 years in a Himalayan cave, shares profound insights on perfectionism. She discusses the six paramitas, emphasizing that while they are never truly perfect, striving towards them brings immense benefits. Topics include the vital role of patience as armor, the necessity of challenging interactions for growth, and the importance of humor as a seventh perfection. With her unique journey, she illustrates how dissolving the ego can lead to deeper spiritual awareness and connection.

In this engaging discussion, Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and bestselling author, argues for a new perspective on intelligence: the ability to rethink and unlearn. He emphasizes the critical art of rethinking as essential for success and wisdom in our rapidly changing world. Grant highlights the irony that those who speak most confidently often lack true competence. He also shares insights on the surprising benefits of imposter syndrome and the importance of open-minded communication in bridging societal divides.

Brother Pháp Dung, a monk trained in architecture and a student of Thich Nhat Hanh, delves into the Buddha's Eightfold Path as a roadmap for a fulfilling life. He shares his personal journey from skepticism to spiritual engagement, critiquing capitalist culture while promoting mindfulness. The conversation emphasizes how right intention and action can reshape our relationship with materialism. Pháp Dung also highlights the transformative power of meditation and ethical living, encouraging listeners to find deeper connections and greater happiness.

Join Jenny Odell, a Stanford lecturer and author of *How to Do Nothing*, as she champions the art of embracing stillness in our hectic, productivity-driven lives. She delves into the joy of observing the world without an agenda, suggesting that true idleness can be a form of rebellion. Odell highlights the significance of engaging with nature and discusses how letting go of constant busyness can lead to deeper understanding and connection. Her insights reveal that moments of existential despair might actually pave the way for profound personal growth.