10% Happier with Dan Harris

In this conversation, Jerry Colonna, the CEO of Reboot.io and author of 'Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up,' dives deep into the intersection of leadership and personal growth. He discusses how our work can expose internal struggles and drive self-discovery. Colonna shares the importance of confronting childhood memories and the impact of family dynamics on our approach to anxiety and finances. Exploring the balance between emotional well-being and high performance, he emphasizes the need for self-reflection and the transformative power of empathy.

Chris Ruane, a British MP since 1997, and Jamie Bristow, Director of The Mindfulness Initiative, discuss the integration of mindfulness in politics. They reveal how mindfulness training has transformed interactions in the UK Parliament, fostering decorum and understanding among legislators. Ruane shares personal stories of its impact on decision-making and political discourse. They highlight the need for mindfulness to tackle societal issues and contrast intrinsic vs. extrinsic values, advocating for a shift toward deeper human connections in political systems.

In this engaging conversation, Annaka Harris, author of "Conscious: A Brief Guide to the Fundamental Mystery of the Mind," shares her journey from dealing with childhood migraines to exploring the depths of consciousness. She discusses how meditation can transform our understanding of the mind and self-awareness. The dialogue delves into philosophical inquiries, the complexities of perception, and even the concept of panpsychism. Listeners are encouraged to appreciate curiosity and compassion in their meditation practices.

Diana Winston, the Director of Mindfulness Education at UCLA, shares her extensive journey with meditation, including her time as a Buddhist nun. She discusses the challenges of integrating mindfulness into parenting while raising her nine-year-old daughter. Winston highlights the importance of emotional regulation and offers practical techniques like the 'STOP' method to navigate daily parenting difficulties. The conversation also explores the transformative power of mindful awareness and the benefits of teaching mindfulness to children, enhancing their emotional well-being.

Cal Newport, a computer science professor and author of "Digital Minimalism," dives into the challenges of our tech-dependent lives. He highlights how our reliance on devices creates addictive behaviors and offers a transformative 30-day digital detox plan. Newport discusses the importance of solitude and intentional tech use, while introducing concepts like 'productive meditation' to boost focus. The conversation also touches on minimizing distractions at home and navigating email overload, emphasizing the need for mindfulness in a connected world.

Daniel M. Ingram, an Alabama emergency room doctor and author of 'Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha,' challenges conventional Buddhist norms by boldly declaring himself an arahat. He delves into the structured stages of enlightenment, arguing it's accessible to everyone. Ingram shares transformative moments from his meditation journey, such as the 'explosion of consciousness' and discusses the impact of ego dissolution. Highlighting the importance of mindfulness and the acceptance of impermanence, he paints a compelling picture of spiritual growth for all seekers.

Helen Tworkov, the founding editor of Tricycle and author of 'In Love with the World,' shares her profound journey through Buddhism that began in the 1960s. She discusses the monk's transformative retreat, exploring what it means to die before you die. Tworkov also dives into themes of letting go, embracing impermanence, and the continual journey toward enlightenment. The conversation highlights the complexities faced by the Buddhist community today and the intersection of Western and Eastern spiritual practices, offering rich insights into meditation and personal growth.

Brené Brown, a renowned research professor and bestselling author, dives deep into the essence of vulnerability and its crucial link to courage. She shares personal anecdotes that debunk myths around vulnerability, revealing how it fosters growth and authentic connections. The conversation explores vulnerability in leadership, emphasizing its power in emotional exposure and setting boundaries. Brown advocates for nurturing environments where open dialogue thrives, highlighting that true courage requires embracing fear, especially in parenting and professional settings.

Marc Lesser, a Zen priest and MBA, dives into integrating mindfulness into business. He shares his transformative journey, starting from a decade-long meditation retreat to leading innovative mindfulness programs at Google. The conversation highlights emotional intelligence's role in leadership, the necessity of simplicity in work, and embracing self-awareness. Lesser also discusses fostering connection in the workplace, particularly in light of the Me Too movement, and how mindful practices can revolutionize corporate culture.

Join social scientist and author Johann Hari as he shares his personal struggles with depression and reveals the societal roots behind it. He discusses the importance of social connections and holistic approaches, highlighting meditation, nature, and community as effective remedies. Hari delves into the limitations of medication, illustrating the need for deeper solutions like social prescribing. With insights from global studies, he advocates for change in cultural narratives surrounding mental health, emphasizing empathy and genuine connection as vital for healing.