10% Happier With Dan Harris

On short-circuiting anxiety, breaking thought loops, and learning how to talk to yourself. In this live Q&A, Dan covers: Why action is the best antidote to AI anxiety — and what's actually in your control How to use your meditation practice inside an MRI (and when it's okay to just get sedated) Joseph Goldstein's "dead end" technique for breaking out of repetitive thought loops Why certainty is not an indicator of truth — and how open-mindedness works in a polarized world The Buddhist take on alcohol, and Dan's surprisingly candid answer about his own relationship with substances How to stop feeding the need for external approval — without toxic positivity Why mindfulness in Pali literally means "remembering" — and why you'll always need to hear this stuff again Get the 10% with Dan Harris app here Sign up for Dan's free newsletter here Follow Dan on social: Instagram, TikTok Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Join Dan, Sebene Selassie and Jeff Warren for Meditation Party, a 3-day immersive

Why you'll never find happiness where you're looking for it–and where to look instead. Joseph Goldstein is a cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society and the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, both in Barre, Massachusetts. He is the author of many books including, most recently, Dreamscapes of the Mind.  In this episode we talk about: Why desire and wanting can keep us stuck in cycles of dissatisfaction The difference between momentary pleasure and deeper happiness A practical way to watch cravings arise and pass without reacting Why "not wanting" can feel surprisingly relieving The Buddhist framework of gratification, danger, and escape How to think about contentment and the question: how much is enough? The difference between guilt and wise remorse How desire, lust, and craving can distort judgment Join Dan, Sebene Selassie, and Jeff Warren for Meditation Party, a 3-day immersive retreat at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY, October 16–18. Grab your in-person spot here, or sign up to livestream here

Manage anxiety, rewire your inner critic, and never worry alone. Emma Seppälä, PhD is a psychologist and research scientist from Yale, and the author of two books, The Happiness Track and Sovereign.   Ethan Kross, PhD is a professor at the University of Michigan, where he leads the Institute for Mental Fitness. He is the author of two books, Chatter and Shift.  In this episode we talk about: What emotions actually are, and why even anxiety and anger serve a purpose Why self-criticism backfires, and what the research shows about self-compassion instead How chronic suppression makes your emotions stronger, not weaker Regulation tools you can use in the moment to shift emotional states Get the 10% with Dan Harris app here Sign up for Dan's free newsletter here Follow Dan on social: Instagram, TikTok Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Additional Resources:  Support Christina Feldman's Healing Journey Join Dan, Sebene Selassie, and Jeff Warren for Meditation Party, a 3-day immersive retreat at the Omega Institut

The simple practice and surprising benefits of yoga nidra, a guided lying-down meditation. Plus: parts work, core beliefs, and the blind spot effect. This episode originally aired in December 2022.  Kelly Boys is a mindfulness trainer and coach. She has helped design and deliver mindfulness and resilience programs for the UN, Google, and San Quentin State Prison. She is also the author of The Blind Spot Effect: How to Stop Missing What's Right in Front of You.  Today we're going to talk specifically about a type of meditation that Kelly teaches called Yoga Nidra, which has been shown to help you sleep, improve your working memory, and decrease cravings.  In this episode we talk about: The difference between Yoga Nidra and mindfulness meditation, and how Kelly seeks to combine them The value of being able to both observe and high-five your demons  Working with our "core beliefs" about ourselves and the world The calming power of drawing your attention to the back side of your body throughout the day Working

Sara Mednick is a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of California, Irvine, and the author of the book The Power of the Downstate. This episode is part of our month-long "Mental Health Reboot" series to mark Mental Health Awareness Month.  This episode is from our archives. In this episode we talk about: The nuances of napping Dr. Mednick's definition of the "downstate" Whether there are practices that can compensate for poor sleep Why heart rate variability is an important measurement of health Why sex is so helpful for sleep And when to take melatonin to best effect Join Dan and Emmy Award-winning journalist Allison Gilbert at 92NY on May 17th for a live conversation about how mindfulness can deepen connection and combat loneliness, available in person and via streaming. Register here. Join Dan, Sebene Selassie, and Jeff Warren for Meditation Party, a 3-day immersive retreat at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY, October 16–18. Grab your in-person spot here, or sign up to livestream here! Get t

Creatine, melatonin, peptides, protein powders, green powders, probiotics, multivitamins, and much more: A pharmaceutical scientist breaks down the evidence and busts the myths. Dr. Mahtab Jafari is a Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at the University of California, Irvine, and the Founding Director of the UC Irvine Center for Healthspan Sciences. She is the author of the award-winning book, The Truth About Dietary Supplements: An Evidence- Based Guide to a Safer Medicine Cabinet.   In this episode we talk about: Product quality, safety, and regulation The most important thing to do before starting dietary supplements Vitamins B, C, and D (and the multivitamin debate) The research on amino acids and peptides The truth behind sleep supplements The efficacy of herbs, botanicals, and green powders Heavy metal risk factors Supplements for brain health and muscle growth Probiotics and gut health Get the 10% with Dan Harris app here Sign up for Dan's free newsletter her

Escaping the productivity trap, silencing the inner nihilist, and finding awe in the most ordinary places. Lili Taylor is an award-winning movie, television, and theater actor. In the birding world, Lili is a board member of the National Audubon Society, the American Birding Association, and the New York City Bird Alliance. In this episode we talk about: Why humans are hardwired to connect with nature  What it means to "pay attention" The role of  listening and investigation  Antidotes to hopelessness How to overcome obstacles in your meditation practice Practical nature tips for city dwellers  The liberating concept of "autotelic" activities Related Episodes: This Scientist Says One Emotion Might Be the Key to Happiness. Can You Guess What It Is? The Science Of How Nature Changes Your Brain—From Sleep To Cognition To Your Nervous System The Science Of Walking Get the 10% with Dan Harris app here Sign up for Dan's free newsletter here Follow Dan on social: Instagram, TikTok Subscribe to our YouTube Cha

Manoush Zomorodi is an award-winning journalist, bestselling author, and host of NPR's "TED Radio Hour," where she explores fascinating ideas with the world's greatest thinkers. She is the author of a new book called BODY ELECTRIC: The Hidden Health Costs of the Digital Age and New Science to Reclaim Your Well-Being. You can also subscribe to her newsletter, Manoush Minutes. In this episode we talk about: What constant screen time is doing to your brain and body Why feeling tired all the time might not be what you think A simple shift that could boost your energy and focus The hidden ways tech is messing with your physical health What you're missing when you ignore your body's signals Why more productivity hacks might actually backfire Small changes that could make a big difference in how you feel Join Dan and Emmy Award-winning journalist Allison Gilbert at 92NY on May 17th for a live conversation about how mindfulness can deepen connection and combat loneliness, available in person and via streaming. Regi

A Harvard professor on the nine evidence-based tools for acting decisively when fear and uncertainty are telling you to do nothing. Ranjay Gulati is the Paul R. Lawrence MBA Class of 1942 Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School. His pioneering work focuses on unlocking organizational and individual potential—embracing courage, nurturing purpose-driven leaders, driving growth, and transforming businesses. He is the author of Deep Purpose and How to be Bold.  In this episode we talk about: The difference between courage and recklessness How to accept your fears without being controlled by them Tools for remaining calm in the face of a disaster How to find your moral anchors The importance of having a support squad How to inculcate courage into your family, workplace, and friend group Get the 10% with Dan Harris app here Sign up for Dan's free newsletter here Follow Dan on social: Instagram, TikTok Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Join Dan and Emmy Award-winning journalist Allison Gil

Practical advice for handling anxiety, envy, and that feeling that you're a bad person. What happens when a deck of cards controls the conversation? On Wild Card, hosted by Rachel Martin, that's the whole idea — and when Dan sat down as a guest, the cards led somewhere genuinely interesting. In this episode: why Dan keeps going on silent meditation retreats even though loneliness is the hardest part; what finally made him delete Instagram; the "good-ish" concept that unlocked a new relationship with self-criticism; and a deep dive into the Buddhist take on the soul — which turns out to be a lot more useful than it sounds. Wild Card is produced by NPR. Join Dan's online community here Follow Dan on social: Instagram, TikTok Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Join Dan and Emmy Award-winning journalist Allison Gilbert at 92NY on May 17th for a live conversation about how mindfulness can deepen connection and combat loneliness, available in person and via streaming. Register here. Join Dan, Sebene Selassie, and Je

Most people hesitate before answering. This episode is about what to do with that hesitation. James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and has written more than 200 novels since 1976. Patrick Leddin, PhD, is the author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller The 5‑Week Leadership Challenge: 35 Action Steps to Become the Leader You Were Meant to Be.  In this episode we talk about: Why we're living in an "age of disruption"  The five-step positive disruptor loop The one question to ask yourself when trying to identify your purpose And how disruption can improve your work, your relationships, and your family Get the 10% with Dan Harris app here Sign up for Dan's free newsletter here Follow Dan on social: Instagram, TikTok Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Additional Resources:  Disrupt Everything—and Win: Take Control of Your Future Judge Stone: A Novel (with Viola Davis) Join Dan and Emmy Award-winning journalist Allison Gilbert at 92NY on May 17th for a live conversation about how mindf

Plus: How to increase vagal tone, improve heart health, and reduce inflammation. Kevin J. Tracey, MD, is president and CEO of the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research at Northwell Health, a pioneer of vagus nerve research and author of the recent book, The Great Nerve: The New Science of the VagusNerve and How to Harness Its Healing Reflexes. Join Dan and Emmy Award-winning journalist Allison Gilbert at 92NY on May 17th for a live conversation about how mindfulness can deepen connection and combat loneliness, available in person and via streaming. Register here. Join Dan, Sebene Selassie, and Jeff Warren for Meditation Party, a 3-day immersive retreat at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY, October 16–18. Grab your in-person spot here, or sign up to livestream here! This episode is sponsored by: BetterHelp — Online therapy, matched to your needs. Get 10% off your first month at https://www.betterhelp.com/happier Spark — Clean energy and focus with zero sugar. Get 30% off and free shipping with cod

Why forcing the breath backfires and how to use the four elements to get out of your head. Breath meditation sounds simple in theory. In practice, many meditators find that the moment they pay attention to their breathing, it starts to feel forced, shallow, or just plain weird. In this live session, Dan and Sebene Selassie dig into why that happens — and what to do about it. They also answer subscriber questions on shame and how to work with it skillfully, the RAIN technique, breaking the cycle of rumination, and Sebene's beloved elements practice as a tool for embodiment. Plus: an unexpectedly lively digression on colonoscopy prep and the nature of being with discomfort. If you want to go deeper with Dan and Sebene, check out their Audible Original, Even You Can Meditate, available now.   Get the 10% with Dan Harris app here Sign up for Dan's free newsletter here Follow Dan on social: Instagram, TikTok Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Join Dan and Emmy Award-winning journalist Allison Gilbert at 92NY on Ma

Plus: Navigating the "dark night of the soul," the power of saying "no," and how to be more present. Rosa Lewis is a mystic, awakening guide, artist and writer. She is the author of many books, most recently Unlocking the Depths of Being: Wholehearted Presence for a Mystical Reality. The last two meditations on this playlist are related to her book.   Join Dan and Emmy Award-winning journalist Allison Gilbert at 92NY on May 17th for a live conversation about how mindfulness can deepen connection and combat loneliness, available in person and via streaming. Register here. Join Dan, Sebene Selassie and Jeff Warren for Meditation Party, a 3-day immersive retreat at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY, October 16–18, 2026. Register here.  This episode is sponsored by: Function Health — 160+ lab tests a year for $365. Check your health the way Dan does at https://www.functionhealth.com/happier — use code HAPPIER25 for a $25 credit Quo — The modern business phone system. Try free and get 20% off your first s

Using your senses to reduce overthinking, turn down the voice in your head, and get out of what these scientists call "the house of habit." Dr. Zindel Segal is Distinguished Professor of Psychology in Mood Disorders at the University of Toronto Scarborough and a cofounder of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy.  Professor Norman Farb, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto Mississauga, where he directs the Regulatory and Affective Dynamics laboratory. Together, they are the co-authors of Better In Every Sense: How the New Science of Sensation Can Help You Reclaim Your Life.  In this episode we talk about: How the brain's default mode network is essential to our survival but also can keep us stuck in rumination and overthinking  Segal and Farb's simple practice of "sense foraging" and why they say it can help break patterns and thoughts that aren't serving us  The differences and the similarities between sense foraging and mindfulness  Related Episodes: Depressio

How to do your best work, reframe life's bullshit, and stop making your happiness hostage to outcomes. Maria Semple is the bestselling author of Today Will Be Different, Where'd You Go, Bernadette, and This One Is Mine. Before writing fiction, Maria wrote for TV. Her newest book is called Go Gentle. In this episode we talk about: Cognitive reframing tools to shift your mindset  Maria's daily Stoic routine The limits of Stoicism What to do when mediating gives you anxiety The danger of "baited bounties"  How to "get shit done" with non-attachment Using fantasy as a coping mechanism Related Episodes: Stoic Practices for Getting Rid of Mental Junk, Your Morning Routine, and Talking to the Dead | Ryan Holiday Stoic Advice for Handling Setbacks, Insults, and Death | William Irvine Get the 10% with Dan Harris app here Sign up for Dan's free newsletter here Follow Dan on social: Instagram, TikTok Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Additional Resources:  William Irvine's "A Guide to the Good Life" Join Dan a

Plus: maximizing the benefits of sleep, exercise, and meditation. To celebrate the show's 10th anniversary, we're producing episodes that share top 10 lists of practices, strategies and more from our favorite experts. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has listened and supported the show over the years. None of this would be possible without you. Amishi Jha, PhD is the Director of Contemplative Neuroscience and a Professor of Psychology at the University of Miami. She is also the author of the bestselling book Peak Mind and the creator of the app Pushups for the Mind. Wendy Suzuki, PhD is the Dean of New York University College of Arts & Science and a Professor of Neural Science and Psychology at New York University. She is the author of the books Healthy Brain, Happy Life and Good Anxiety. In this episode: What neuroplasticity is, and why your brain is not fixed How exercise changes your brain, including mood, memory, and attention Reframing the burden of optimization  The minimum effective dose for

The way you talk to other people (and yourself) can reduce dysregulation and distraction--and lead to better decisions. Maryellen MacDonald is the Donald P. Hayes Professor (emerit) of Psychology and Language Sciences at the University of Wisconsin−Madison. She is a cognitive scientist with a focus on psycholinguistics, the study of how we comprehend, produce, and learn languages. Her latest book is More Than Words: How Talking Sharpens the Mind and Shapes Our World. In this episode we talk about: The hidden benefits of talking, including self-talk and writing How talking helps focus attention and clarify your thinking Why talking can help regulate emotions and improve decision-making Why talking is actually harder than listening Why we shouldn't rush to finish other people's sentences How deliberate talking can help protect against dementia Why understanding something doesn't necessarily mean you've learned it How talking about new information helps your brain remember it Why explaining things to other peo

What does it actually mean to "trust life" — especially when life is handing you something genuinely hard? In this Meditation Party episode (originally aired in 2024), Dan, Sebene Selassie, and Jeff Warren dig into that question from multiple angles: as a personal mantra, a philosophical stance, and a daily practice. Plus: listener questions on rumination, work-life balance, and the eternal napping-vs.-meditating debate. "Trust Life" vs. "This Is the Curriculum" — Sebene shares the origin of her tattoo and what the mantra has meant through years of health challenges.  The three timescales of practice — Jeff breaks down how meditation works in the moment, over months and years, and across the arc of a whole life. The third one is where things get interesting. Obsessive thinking / rumination — Practical tools from all three, including one from Sebene involving a trampoline, and one from a clinical psychologist that will make you feel ridiculous in the best way. Sebene Selassie describes herself as a "wr

Strategies for getting out of your head and thriving in a chaotic world. Prentis Hemphill is a writer, political organizer, therapist and somatic facilitator. They are the author of the national bestseller What It Takes to Heal: How Transforming Ourselves Can Change the World, and host of the acclaimed podcasts Finding Our Way and Becoming the People. Prentis is also the Co-founder of The Embodiment Institute (TEI), a training and research organization that applies somatic practices to individual, organizational and collective care through a healing justice framework. In this episode we talk about: What embodiment really means   How our bodies may be communicating more information to our brains than we realize Practices to feel more at home in your body and regulate your nervous system The "head, heart, gut" way of listening to different kinds of intelligence Why so many of us are pulled out of our center in modern life Micro-interdependence  Simple, everyday ways to humanize one another in an era of mass