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The Buddha and modern neuroscience agree on something fundamental—your thoughts aren’t actually “yours.”
The voice in your head that endlessly narrates, judges, and schemes isn’t your identity but a natural phenomenon that can be observed rather than obeyed.
My guest today is Dan Harris, a former ABC News anchor, bestselling author, and creator of the “10% Happier” podcast that has transformed millions of lives. After experiencing a panic attack on live television in 2004, Dan embarked on a reluctant exploration of meditation that eventually became his life’s work. During his 21 years as an anchor and correspondent for ABC News, hosting shows like Nightline and weekend editions of Good Morning America, Dan simultaneously built a reputation as meditation’s most relatable ambassador. Now, having left the network behind, he has reinvented himself as one of the most accessible voices in modern spirituality. Back for his third appearance on the show (Episodes 97 & 346), he’s here to share fresh insights on how his practice has evolved from stress management to a deep exploration of the non-negotiable nature of uncertainty and change.
“Happiness is a skill you can develop. We can all get 10% happier every year, and the interest will compound annually. That’s really good news.”
– DAN HARRIS
Today, we discuss:
- The Evolution from Skeptic to Teacher
- Meeting the Dalai Lama (& Witnessing Breakdowns)
- Rebuilding After Business Collapse
- Why Meditation Actually Works in Crisis
- The Compounding Returns of Practice
For those who prefer a visual experience, the conversation is available on YouTube. As always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Peace + Plants,
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- Connect with Dan: Substack | Facebook | Instagram
- 10% Happier: Podcast
- Book: 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works–A True Story* by Dan Harris
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Thank The Team: I do not do this alone. Send your love to Jason Camiolo for audio engineering, production, show notes and interstitial music; with additional audio engineering by Cale Curtis and additional music by Moby; Dan Drake & Morgan McCrae for video, & editing; graphics by graphics by Alejandro Ribadeneira & Bryan Lawrence; portraits by Davy Greenberg; copywriting by Ben Pryor; and theme music by Tyler Piatt, Trapper Piatt & Hari Mathis.
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