10% Happier with Dan Harris

Beth Upton, a meditation teacher and former Buddhist nun who now leads the Sanditthika Meditation Community in Spain, delves into Buddhist psychology to explore happiness. She describes Kusala, or wholesome mind states, as the key to a fulfilling life and offers practical strategies to cultivate these positive qualities. Upton shares her transformative journey from nunhood, insights on advanced meditation practices, and the balance between wholesome and unwholesome states of mind, all aimed at enhancing well-being and mindfulness.

Dr. Amir Raz, a renowned expert in suggestion, shares his journey from magic to neuroscience, exploring how suggestibility impacts our health and well-being. He discusses the differences between stage and medical hypnosis, and reveals the therapeutic potential of suggestion. Practical techniques for thought control and harnessing the power of hope are highlighted. Raz also explains why placebos can be effective even when we know they're not real, enhancing our understanding of mental influences on physical health.

Dawn Mauricio, a meditation teacher and mindfulness expert, shares her calming techniques to help manage stress. Listeners learn about the importance of taking mindful breaks during chaotic moments. Dawn guides a transformative meditation designed to interrupt spiraling thoughts and foster tranquility. She emphasizes embracing stillness and connecting with the senses, enhancing overall mindfulness and self-care. With practical insights and gentle guidance, Dawn offers tools to find clarity in the midst of life’s chaos.

Bill Hader, a comedian and actor famed for his roles in Saturday Night Live and HBO's Barry, shares his candid experiences with anxiety and mindfulness. He reveals how humor has helped him navigate overthinking and emphasizes the importance of meditation in self-care. Hader reflects on the old wisdom that 'the hippies were right' regarding mental wellness. The conversation also touches on the concept of 'propuncha,' showing how awareness can help alleviate mental pressure and offer clearer perspectives on life's challenges.

In a thought-provoking conversation, Dr. James R. Doty, a Stanford neurosurgeon and compassion researcher, shares his journey into the science of manifestation. He presents six practical steps to harness the mind's power, emphasizing the importance of intention and self-belief. Doty explains how caring can activate our parasympathetic nervous system, enhancing our manifestation abilities. He also contrasts superficial desires with deeper needs, advocating for meaningful connections and a collective approach to happiness. Practical tips abound for embedding intentions into our subconscious.

Ezra Klein, an opinion columnist and host of The Ezra Klein Show at The New York Times, dives into the importance of mental clarity amidst chaotic news cycles. He discusses digital hygiene techniques and the role of meditation in maintaining sanity. Ezra shares insights on intellectual humility, revealed through his meaningful tattoo, and introduces a new end-of-day ritual. The conversation also explores the future of humanity and the psychological impacts of AI on relationships, emphasizing the need for mindful engagement and emotional resilience.

Dawn Mauricio, a dedicated teacher in the Insight Meditation tradition, shares her journey into meditation sparked by transformative travel experiences. She discusses the emotional challenges faced in her first Vipassana retreat and how it deepened her commitment to mindfulness. Dawn highlights the positive aspects of dealing with her current injury, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and emotional resilience through meditation. Listeners gain insights into building a sustainable meditation practice and making mindfulness an enjoyable part of life.

Allison Williams, renowned for roles in HBO’s GIRLS and the film GET OUT, discusses the intersection of perfectionism and parenting. She shares insights on the 'friendship recession' among men and the importance of authentic connections as we age. The conversation touches on managing anxieties in parenthood and ensuring these don’t affect children. Williams also talks about the making of her upcoming film, M3GAN 2.0, and how horror often reflects our inner fears, making us confront the psychological battles we face in everyday life.

Brother Chân Pháp Hữu, a Zen monk trained by the renowned Thích Nhất Hạnh, shares personal insights on burnout, emphasizing that even monastics can feel overwhelmed. He discusses how modern busyness is often a response to emotions we want to avoid. Practical tools for combating burnout are shared, including mindfulness, the art of doing nothing, and creating healthy boundaries. Reflecting on mortality is presented as a unique way to gain perspective, while acceptance and self-kindness become crucial in dealing with stress and fostering personal growth.

PJ Vogt, host of the Search Engine podcast, teams up with psychiatrist Mark Epstein to explore the intriguing realm of psychic mediums. They discuss how many meditation teachers consult clairvoyants, blending skepticism with open-mindedness. Personal stories from their journeys reveal the balance between belief and doubt in spirituality. The conversation touches on psychic abilities, auras, and the comforting role of spirit guides, ultimately inviting listeners to reflect on their own perceptions of the supernatural.