

10% Happier with Dan Harris
10% Happier
Self-help for smart people. World-class insights and practices from experts in modern science and ancient wisdom. Hosted by veteran journalist and best-selling author, Dan Harris.
Episodes
Mentioned books

14 snips
May 25, 2020 • 46min
Holding it Together When Things Fall Apart | Pema Chodron
Pema Chodron, a renowned Buddhist nun and teacher, shares wisdom on navigating life's uncertainties with humor and grace. She emphasizes that groundlessness is a fundamental life fact and encourages welcoming chaos as an opportunity for growth. Pema discusses practical mindfulness techniques for befriending fears and releasing anger for emotional liberation. With heartfelt stories, she highlights resilience, compassion, and the importance of self-awareness, proving that even in turmoil, there’s room for lightness and connection.

May 20, 2020 • 1h 12min
Don't Let This Crisis Go To Waste | Roshi Joan Halifax
Roshi Joan Halifax, a Buddhist teacher and pioneer in end-of-life care, argues that while the pandemic isn't a boon, it is a pivotal moment for self-reflection. She shares her motto: 'strong back, soft front,' urging us to develop resilience and compassion amidst adversity. The conversation explores the transformative power of love, the need for empathy towards one another, and the importance of slowing down to reassess values. Her insights provoke thoughts on privilege, societal change, and the essential role of kindness in fostering community.

May 18, 2020 • 60min
How to Be a Good and Sane Citizen in Ugly Times | Ezra Klein
Ezra Klein, founder and editor-at-large of Vox.com and author of 'Why We're Polarized,' shares insights on maintaining sanity during tumultuous political times. He explores the 'Coronavirus culture war' and discusses how mindfulness can help individuals depolarize. Klein candidly addresses his own anxieties and struggles with meditation amid crisis. The conversation emphasizes the importance of engaging with local politics and cultivating empathy, advocating for a balanced approach to navigating our increasingly divided society.

May 13, 2020 • 1h 9min
Weird Dreams, Family Relationships, and Collective Trauma | Dr. Mark Epstein
Dr. Mark Epstein, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist, delves into the rise of bizarre dreams and the strain on family relationships during lockdowns. He discusses how collective trauma is reshaping our emotional landscapes and the importance of mindfulness in navigating these challenges. The interplay between meditation and therapy is explored, shedding light on how dreams can aid emotional clarity. With humor and vulnerability, Mark emphasizes the need for compassion and self-acceptance in these uncertain times.

May 11, 2020 • 1h 27min
Losing Your Patience? Here's How to Get it Back
Dr. Sarah Schnitker and Dr. Kate Sweeny, researchers on patience and coping with uncertainty, team up with meditation legend Sharon Salzberg. They discuss how patience can be nurtured through practices like meditation and cognitive strategies. The trio dives into the emotional challenges of waiting during stressful times and explores the role of mindfulness in fostering emotional well-being. They also touch on the balance between optimism and a healthy dose of pessimism, emphasizing that patience is a skill that can be developed, not merely an innate trait.

May 6, 2020 • 1h 9min
The Other Side of the Pandemic | Rev. angel Kyodo williams
Rev. angel Kyodo williams, an influential Zen teacher and author of "Radical Dharma" and "Being Black," dives deep into the societal impacts of the pandemic. She challenges the notion of guilt as a barrier to authentic compassion while advocating for loving-kindness meditation to foster empathy. The conversation shifts from broad issues of societal division to personal reflections, emphasizing that inner change is essential for outer transformation. As the dialogue evolves, she reveals how meditation can bridge personal and social struggles, urging listeners to embrace awareness and connection.

May 4, 2020 • 53min
Small Ways to Improve Your Everyday Life Right Now | Gretchen Rubin
Gretchen Rubin, a celebrated author and lawyer known for her best-selling books on happiness, joins the conversation with practical strategies for everyday life. She emphasizes the importance of decluttering to boost mental well-being and offers insights on managing family dynamics and technology use. Rubin discusses the balance between self-care and ambition, encouraging a compassionate approach to expectations. Her lighthearted tips on treating oneself without overindulgence make this chat both engaging and relatable.

Apr 29, 2020 • 1h 14min
Can You Be OK With Uncertainty? | Jack Kornfield
Jack Kornfield, a pioneering meditation teacher and former Buddhist monk, discusses the human struggle with uncertainty, especially during crises like a pandemic. He emphasizes how meditation can help ease anxiety and foster resilience. Kornfield highlights the importance of self-compassion, encouraging listeners to cultivate mindfulness as an act of love. He shares insights on navigating divisiveness and embracing life's challenges, reminding us that acknowledging our fears can lead to deeper connections and personal growth.

Apr 27, 2020 • 1h 12min
A Buddhist Approach to Money Worries | Ethan Nichtern
Ethan Nichtern, a Buddhist teacher and author known for merging ancient teachings with modern life, joins the discussion on financial anxieties heightened by the pandemic. They explore how Buddhist principles can alleviate money worries through mindfulness and generosity. Topics include embracing uncertainty, finding equanimity amid economic struggles, and the importance of compassion in financial decisions. The conversation highlights practical meditative techniques and the transformative power of kindness in navigating financial challenges.

Apr 22, 2020 • 1h 16min
Crisis Advice from "Meditation MacGyver" | Jeff Warren
Jeff Warren, a Toronto-based meditation teacher and co-author of 'Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics,' shares his unique insights on adapting meditation practices during tough times. Known as 'Meditation MacGyver,' he discusses the transformative power of meditation in fostering connections and enhancing everyday life. The conversation delves into integrating mindfulness into activities like knitting and filmmaking, navigating pandemic parenting challenges, and embracing the absurdity of life while promoting communal mental health and well-being.