PODCAST OVERVIEW
- Embracing mindfulness practices: Incorporate meditation into daily life.
- Challenging conventional happiness beliefs: Recognize happiness as a journey.
- Learning from diverse experts: Gain insights from varied perspectives.
- Finding incremental improvement: Aim for small, manageable changes.
- Cultivating self-compassion: Practice kindness toward oneself.
DESCRIPTION
10% Happier” is a podcast hosted by Dan Harris, a seasoned journalist and co-anchor of ABC’s Nightline. After experiencing a panic attack on live television, Harris embarks on a journey to explore mindfulness and meditation, ultimately leading him to create this insightful podcast. In each episode, he interviews a diverse array of guests, including renowned meditation teachers, scientists, and authors, who share their insights and expertise on the benefits of mindfulness and emotional well-being.
Harris approaches the subject matter with a healthy dose of skepticism, making the podcast relatable and accessible for listeners who may feel overwhelmed by the concept of meditation. He blends humor and candidness, drawing on his own experiences as he navigates the often daunting world of self-improvement. The podcast is structured around discussions that cover various topics, from the science of happiness to practical tips for integrating mindfulness into everyday life.
Listeners can expect a rich tapestry of stories and advice that challenge conventional notions of happiness. Harris often emphasizes that meditation is not about achieving a perfect state of bliss but about finding incremental improvements—hence the title “10% Happier.” The podcast encourages individuals to embrace their imperfections and cultivate a more compassionate relationship with themselves.
With its engaging format and thoughtful discussions, “10% Happier” has garnered a loyal following, making mindfulness and meditation more approachable for a broader audience. Dan Harris’s unique background as a journalist and his personal journey make him an authoritative and relatable host, inviting listeners to explore the transformative potential of mindfulness in their own lives.
TOPICS
- Mindfulness
- Happiness
- Meditation
EXTRA DETAILS
HOST: Dan HarrisAVG LENGTH: 1.0 hours
FORMATS: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music
SCHEDULE: Once a week
FORMAT: InterviewsINFLUENCER
- About
- Challenges

Dan doesn’t usually sit in the interviewee’s chair — but when journalist and author Allison Gilbert invited him to speak at the 92nd Street Y as part of their Connected Lives series, he said yes. What followed was one of the more wide-ranging conversations Dan has had about his own practice, his own anxieties, and why he’s become convinced that inner work divorced from relationships is just selfishness dressed up as self-care. The evening also included a guided loving-kindness meditation — metta practice — that Dan led live with the audience.
They talked about:
- Why Dan thinks the meditation world’s PR problem has shifted — it’s no longer “this is weird hippie stuff,” it’s “I get it, but I personally can’t do it”
- The upward spiral: how taking care of your mind improves your relationships, which improves your inner weather, which improves your relationships further — and the “toilet vortex” that runs in the opposite direction
- Free-range mindfulness: why brushing your teeth or standing in a grocery line can rewire your brain just like formal seated practice
- The self-compassion toolkit — Kristin Neff’s three-step practice, distanced self-talk, and why putting your hand on your heart is “cheesy as f*ck” but actually works
- Joseph Goldstein’s single best question for breaking an anxiety loop: “Is this useful?”
- Why micro-interactions — with your doorman, your barista, a stranger on the elevator — are one of the most underrated sources of happiness
Allison Gilbert is a journalist, author, and the creator of The Joy of Connections, a book and companion app designed to help people build more meaningful relationships. She writes and speaks about human connection, grief, and resilience. Learn more at allisongilbert.com.
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Additional Resources:
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Check out Allison’s new app at beingmoreconnected.com
This episode is sponsored by: Notion: Learn more about how Notion can support your business, at notion.com/happier.
To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/10HappierwithDanHarris




