Best Percent Happier Podcasts (2024)

1
Our Top Takeaways From A Year Of Trying To Get Fit Sanely | Behind The Scenes with 10% Producer DJ Cashmere 49:24

14h ago49:24

49:24

How to pursue fitness without succumbing to the “subtle aggression of self-improvement.” The kickoff episode for the latest installment of an occasional series we do here on the show, called Get Fit Sanely (listen to past – and future – episodes here). In this candid conversation, managing producer DJ Cashmere talks with Dan about how they manage t…

1
Janine Benyus and Azita Ardakani Walton — On Nature's Wisdom for Humanity 1:16:20

24h ago1:16:20

1:16:20

In this all-new episode, Krista engages biomimicry pioneer Janine Benyus in a second, urgent conversation, alongside creative biomimicry practitioner Azita Ardakani Walton. Together they trace precise guidance and applied wisdom from the natural world for the civilizational callings before us now. What does nature have to teach us about healing fro…

1
How To Escape Your Brain's Default Mode Network | Zindel Segal and Norman Farb 1:04:15

3d ago1:04:15

1:04:15

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 Ass…

1
The Secret to Supercharging your Energy and Feeling Better Than Ever. With Dr. Molly Maloof 51:21

3d ago51:21

51:21

Today’s guest is Dr. Molly Maloof. She is the author of The Spark Factor. The Secret to Supercharging Energy, Becoming Resilient, and Feeling Better Than Ever. In this interview, she shares her research and insights on the key pillars of women’s health and wellbeing. I found this to be like an encyclopedia chock full of information and data related…

1
This Neurobiologist Wants You To Ask One Question To Reframe Anxiety, Depression, And Trauma | Dr. Bruce Perry (Co-Interviewed by Dan's Wife, Bianca!) 1:16:08

5d ago1:16:08

1:16:08

The radical shift in perspective that can come when we change our question from “what’s wrong with you” to “what happened to you?” Dr. Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D. is the Principal of the Neurosequential Network and a Professor (Adjunct) at the School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria Australia. Ove…

1
Befriend Your Body: A Compassionate Body Scan 11:16

7d ago11:16

11:16

In a time of stress, uncertainty, and isolation, Christine Runyan turns our attention to what often evades our awareness — the response of our nervous systems. As part of On Being’s 2021 Midwinter Gathering, she offered this brief, practical, gently guided practice as an invitation to befriend your beleaguered body, to “blanket it with a little bit…

1
A Meditation For When You Need To Make A Big Decision | Bonus Meditation with Oren Jay Sofer 6:58

8d ago6:58

6:58

When you feel anxious about a difficult decision, meditation can help take the edge off and put you in touch with your own wisdom as a guide. About Oren Jay Sofer: Oren Jay Sofer teaches mindfulness, meditation and Nonviolent Communication. He has practiced meditation since 1997, beginning his studies in Bodh Gaya, India and is a long-time student …

1
Christine Runyan — On Healing Our Distressed Nervous Systems 1:01:11

8d ago1:01:11

1:01:11

The years of pandemic and lockdown are still working powerfully on us from the inside. But we have trouble acknowledging this, much less metabolizing it. This conversation with Christine Runyan, which took place in the dark middle of those years, helps make sense of our present of still-unfolding epidemic distress — as individuals, as communities, …

1
Rethinking Success | Mia Birdsong 1:06:17

9d ago1:06:17

1:06:17

Radical advice on rethinking success, individualism, and the American dream. Mia Birdsong is a pathfinder, culture change visionary, and futurist. She is the founding Executive Director of Next River, a think tank and culture change lab for interconnected freedom. In her book How We Show Up: Reclaiming Family, Friendship, and Community, Mia maps sw…

1
There is (actually!) a Science of Happiness and Wellbeing. With Laurie Santos 31:35

10d ago31:35

31:35

Today's encore episode is with Yale Psychology Professor and Happiness Lab podcast host, Laurie Santos. Laurie taught "Psychology and the Good Life" first in spring 2018 in response to concerning levels of student depression, anxiety, and stress on campus. It became the most popular class in Yale's history. Laurie Santos has definitely hit a nerve.…

1
What Happened When A Skeptical Reporter Decided To Investigate The Afterlife | Sebastian Junger 1:11:36

12d ago1:11:36

1:11:36

The surprisingly common experience of near death experiences and what science still can't explain about them. Sebastian Junger is the #1 New York Times Bestselling author of The Perfect Storm, Fire, A Death in Belmont, War and Tribe, and In My Time of Dying. As an award-winning journalist, a contributing editor to Vanity Fair and a special correspo…

1
“Joy is the Justice (We Give Ourselves)” by J. Drew Lanham 14:26

14d ago14:26

14:26

We are overjoyed to share this heart-stirring performance with you, which transpired when we invited the ornithologist/poet/former On Being guest J. Drew Lanham to offer some poetry at a live On Being event in January 2024. We could not have imagined the lightning in a bottle that unfolded — a live adaptation of the title poem that appears in Drew'…

1
For When You Have Trouble Getting Out Of Bed | Bonus Meditation with Alexis Santos 6:48

15d ago6:48

6:48

Explore the preciousness of a new day with greater joy and ease while giving plenty of space to feel grumpy about it all. About Alexis Santos: Alexis has practiced and taught Insight Meditation in both the East and West since 2001. He has been a long-time student of Sayadaw U Tejaniya (a well respected meditation teacher in Burma whose teachings ha…

1
Lyndsey Stonebridge and Lucas Johnson — On Love, Politics, and Violence (Channeling Hannah Arendt) 1:15:26

15d ago1:15:26

1:15:26

Here is a stunning sentence for you, written by Lyndsey Stonebridge, our guest this hour, channeling the 20th-century political thinker and journalist Hannah Arendt: "Loneliness is the bully that coerces us into giving up on democracy." This conversation is a kind of guide to generative shared deliberations we might be having with each other and ou…

1
The Science Of Speaking Up For Yourself | Elaine Lin Hering (Co-Hosted By Dan's Wife, Bianca!) 1:10:11

17d ago1:10:11

1:10:11

How to find your voice when you need to be heard, learn when it's smart to choose silence, and communicate better with the people who matter most. Elaine Lin Hering is a former Lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School. She works with organizations and individuals to build skills in communication, collaboration, and conflict management. She has served …

1
New From Poetry Unbound: A Series on Conflict and the Human Condition 11:09

17d ago11:09

11:09

A taste of a special mini-season of Poetry Unbound — bringing contemplative curiosity and the life-nurturing tether of poetry to the very present matter of conflict in our world. In this first offering, Pádraig introduces the intriguing idea of poems as teachers and ponders Wisława Szymborska’s “A Word on Statistics," translated by Joanna Trzeciak.…

1
Oprah's Life Coach is Back! Slow that Anxiety Spiral Down with a Dose of Curiosity and Creativity. With Martha Beck 1:01:51

18d ago1:01:51

1:01:51

Today’s guest is the amazing Martha Beck. I know why Oprah loved working with her! She’s back on Untangle for the second time, and her last interview was our number 1 top listened to episode…so we are thrilled to have her back. Her next book is called Beyond Anxiety: Curiosity, Creativity and Finding Your Life’s Purpose. This is the 10th book from …

1
The Science Of Getting Out Of Your Head | Annie Murphy Paul 57:22

19d ago57:22

57:22

An acclaimed science writer on how to upgrade your mind by using more than your head. When you think about thinking, most of us think of it as a supremely solo pursuit. You’re in your head, concentrating and cogitating, all by yourself. But the science shows that if you want to improve your thinking, you need to get out of your head. Today we’re go…

1
On Having Your Own Back | Bonus Meditation with Jess Morey 7:41

22d ago7:41

7:41

Connecting to self-compassion can be really tough. Ease the struggle by imagining your loved ones sending care & support your way. About Jess Morey: Jess Morey is a lead teacher, cofounder and former executive director of Inward Bound Mindfulness Education which runs in-depth mindfulness programming for youth, and the parents and professionals who …

1
Colette Pichon Battle — On Knowing What We're Called To 1:02:38

22d ago1:02:38

1:02:38

There is an ecological transformation unfolding in the places we love and come from. On a front edge of this reality, which will affect us all, Colette Pichon Battle is a singular model of brilliance and graciousness of mind and spirit and action. And to be with her is to open to the way the stories we tell have blunted us to the courage we’re call…

1
Three Buddhist Practices For Getting Your Sh*t Together | Vinny Ferraro 1:06:26

24d ago1:06:26

1:06:26

Practical advice from a straight-talking former criminal and occasionally profane dharma teacher. Vinny Ferraro is the Guiding Teacher of the Big Heart City Sangha in San Francisco and has led a weekly sitting group for almost two decades. As a fully empowered Dharma Teacher thru Spirit Rock/IMS, he has taught residential retreats at Spirit Rock, I…

1
Time to Rethink Your Sleep? Try these New Tools for Rest and Recovery. With Natalie Pennicotte-Collier 40:34

25d ago40:34

40:34

Today's guest Natalie Pennicotte-Collier, a Sleep Expert, Clinical Therapist and Author of the book Sleep Reset, The New Tools for Rest and Recovery. Over the past decade, she has developed a mind-body approach to enhance sleep, performance and overall well-being. She discusses the book and its five week program that uses a blend of mindfulness bas…

1
The Science Of Overcoming Perfectionism | Thomas Curran 1:11:18

26d ago1:11:18

1:11:18

Actionable advice on working with one of the few socially acceptable vices. Whilst striving for perfection might seem logical on some level, it’s not actually attainable. And the research shows it can lead to burnout, stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, reduced productivity, and reduced resilience. Thomas Curran is a professor in th…

1
What Is Happiness Anyway? | Bonus Meditation with Jay Michaelson 7:13

27d ago7:13

7:13

What is happiness? Investigate how happiness is created, what it’s really like, and learn to access the simple happiness of right now. About Jay Michaelson: Rabbi Dr. Jay Michaelson is the author of ten books, including his newest, The Secret That Is Not A Secret: Ten Heretical Tales. In his “other career,” Jay is a columnist for The Daily Beast, a…

1
Dua Lipa On: Radical Optimism, Falling On Stage, And “Writing Yourself Into A Good Idea” 58:24

29d ago58:24

58:24

Talking creativity and sanity with one of the world’s biggest pop stars. British-Albanian singer-songwriter Dua Lipa emerged as a global pop sensation with her captivating blend of sultry vocals, empowering lyrics, and infectious beats. Born in London in 1995 to Albanian parents, Lipa's musical journey began at a young age, inspired by her father's…

1
Kate DiCamillo — On Nurturing Capacious Hearts 54:16

29d ago54:16

54:16

In her writing, it is Kate DiCamillo's gift to make bearable the fact that joy and sorrow live so close, side by side, in life as it is (if not as we wish it to be). In this conversation, along with good measures of raucous laughter and a few tears, Kate summons us to hearts "capacious enough to contain the complexities and mysteries of ourselves a…

1
The Neuroscience Of: Emotional Regulation, Relationships, Body Image, And Intuition | Emma Seppälä 1:03:37

1M ago1:03:37

1:03:37

A research-backed plan for getting your sh*t together in every possible sphere. We’re going to talk about some smart strategies today with Emma Seppälä, Ph.D. She is a psychologist and research scientist, with an expertise in the science of happiness, emotional intelligence, and social connection. She is the Science Director of Stanford University’…

1
Unwind Anxiety: Practical Tools using Neuroscience, Habit and Behavioral Change, With Judson Brewer 46:40

1M ago46:40

46:40

This week we’re got a popular encore episode with Judson Brewer, a Psychiatrist, Neuroscientist, and Author of the book, Unwinding Anxiety: New Science Shows How to Break the Cycles of Worry and Fear to Heal your Mind. He has combined his expertise in mindfulness, habit, and behavioral change, and neuroscience to create practical tools to help unwi…

1
How To Regulate Your Nervous System For Stress, Anxiety, And Trauma | Peter Levine 1:07:49

1M ago1:07:49

1:07:49

The creator of somatic experiencing shows Dan how to heal trauma through the body. Peter A. Levine, Ph.D., has spent the past 50 years developing Somatic Experiencing. He holds a doctorate in Biophysics from UC Berkeley and a doctorate in Psychology from International University. His work has been taught to over 30,000 therapists in over 42 countri…

1
How To Meditate If You Have ADHD (Or Are Simply Fidgety And Distractible) | Bonus Meditation with Jeff Warren 7:18

1M ago7:18

7:18

Tap into your ADHD superpowers with a meditation that celebrates your unique wiring. Embrace exploration and self-acceptance. About Jeff Warren: Jeff is an incredibly gifted meditation teacher. He's trained in multiple traditions, including with renowned teacher Shinzen Young. Jeff is the co-author of NY Times Bestseller "Meditation for Fidgety Ske…

1
Wisdom, Solace, and Courage for 2024 2:58

1M ago2:58

2:58

A special two-month season of On Being starts May 9. Freshly curated conversations from across the On Being archive. Big new conversations and extra offerings. To be present to the suffering and sorrow of this world from a place of love. To accompany each other in this — and accompany the young. To honor the fragility of being human. To keep our ca…

1
Rewire How You Talk To Yourself | Ofosu Jones-Quartey 1:04:21

1M ago1:04:21

1:04:21

Buddhist strategies for taming that nagging voice in your head. Ofosu Jones-Quartey, a meditation teacher, author, and musician hailing from the Washington DC area brings over 17 years of experience in sharing mindfulness, meditation and self-compassion practices with the world. Holding a bachelor’s degree from American University and certified by …

1
The Power of Breath to Energize, Calm, Shift Your Mood and More. With James Nestor 45:49

1M ago45:49

45:49

This is a favorite encore…with Ariel interviewing James Nestor — Author of Breath…The New Science of a Lost Art. . There are so many great nuggets in this episode. You’ll learn that the way you breathe can energize or relax you? That a simple hack can help with snoring and sleep apnea? That your lung volume can relate to your longevity, and that yo…

1
The Science Of Self-Compassion | Serena Chen 1:11:06

1M ago1:11:06

1:11:06

How self compassion works, how to practice it, and what the research says about the benefits. GUEST BIO: Dr. Serena Chen is Professor of Psychology and the Marian E. and Daniel E. Koshland, Jr. Distinguished Chair for Innovative Teaching and Research at the University of California, Berkeley. Her research focuses on the self and identity, interpers…

1
A Very Simple, Very Effective Meditation | Bonus Meditation with Cara Lai 6:25

1M ago6:25

6:25

Cara introduces you to the magic of doing less. These gentle no-frills instructions get right to the heart of meditation practice. About Cara Lai: Cara Lai spent most of her life trying to figure out how to be happy, or at least avoid total misery, which landed her on a meditation cushion for the majority of her adulthood. Throughout many conscious…

1
How To Handle Literally Anything | Sebene Selassie and Jeff Warren 1:01:25

1M ago1:01:25

1:01:25

Debating the cliche: Does everything happen for a reason? Plus, the Meditation Party crew tackles equanimity, work/life balance, and meditation vs napping. Sebene Selassie describes herself as a “writer, teacher, and immigrant-weirdo.” She teaches meditation on the ten percent happier app and is the author of a great book called You Belong. She’s b…

1
Ideas, Inspiration and Tools to Build a Life Rich in Experiences and Die With No Regrets, With Bridget Hilton and Joe Huff 50:07

2M ago50:07

50:07

Today's guests are Bridget Hilton and Joe Huff, co-authors of a book called Experiential Billionaire. Build a Life Rich in Experiences and with No Regrets. Intriguing, right? I was curious to hear their stories and what led them to this perspective. Armed with a sense of urgency after his dad died young, Joe became painfully aware that there was no…

1
Ancient Strategies For Managing Stress And Anxiety | Ryan Holiday 1:11:09

2M ago1:11:09

1:11:09

Digging into the nuts and bolts of Stoicism with one of its best-known modern proponents. Ryan Holiday is a prolific author, whose books include The Obstacle Is the Way, Ego Is the Enemy, and Discipline is Destiny. His newest book, Right Thing, Right Now, comes out in June, and is available for pre-order now. Ryan is also the host of the Daily Stoi…

1
Stop Trying To Control Everything | Bonus Meditation with Sebene Selassie 6:58

2M ago6:58

6:58

New episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for free, with 1-week early access for Wondery+ subscribers. --- Get comfortable with uncertainty and cultivate trust in life, even in the most turbulent times. About Sebene Selassie: Growing up, Sebene felt like a big weirdo. Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and raised in white neighborhoods i…

1
How Thinking About Death Can Improve Your Life | Alua Arthur 51:06

2M ago51:06

51:06

Death isn’t the most appetizing topic, but contemplating mortality can be a massive source of motivation, perspective, and even stress relief. In this episode, life lessons from a death doula, who helps people at the end. Description: There seems to be one clear bug in the human operating system — most of us do not like talking about death. Yet whe…

1
Optimize Health, Heart and Reduce Stress with These Lifestyle Changes. With Dr. Dean Ornish. 46:53

2M ago46:53

46:53

This week we’re got a popular encore episode that aired in 2019 with Ariel and Dr. Dean Ornish. The focus? How you can optimize your health and heart by making lifestyle changes. Ornish Lifestyle Medicine was created to reverse heart disease without surgery or medicine…but the benefits beyond that are significant. Dean Ornish, M.D., is the founder …

1
The Science Of Building The Life You Want | Arthur Brooks 1:17:17

2M ago1:17:17

1:17:17

Professor and writer Arthur Brooks on his recent book (co-authored with Oprah Winfrey): Build The Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier. Arthur has seen the themes of this book play out in his own life. He started his career as a classical French horn player, then got his PhD in public policy analysis, and went on to run a think tan…

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