Dan Harris wants you to be happier — if only by 10%

? In 2004, ABC News anchor Dan Harris had a panic attack on air — an incident that caused a ripple effect that would eventually see the launch of his podcast Ten Percent Happier, a show meant to raise awareness about the importance of mental health. Now in its ninth year, the seasoned journalist’s podcast is closing in on 1k episodes, offering an expansive archive of in-depth conversations on mental health and how to introduce small changes to your daily life.

The premise is simple: utilizing both science and wisdom to change your life — even if you’re busy or skeptical. Episodes range from interviews with top meditation experts and leading researchers all the way to short, practical meditations. The podcast drops two or more episodes weekly, which see the host interview his guests with journalistic integrity, curiosity, and a dash of scepticism, which allows his guests to clarify certain complicated concepts head-on. While the show boasts scientific depth, it’s as accessible as they come.

In one particular episode published in May 2020, Harris hosts the Dalai Lama during the height of the Covid quarantine. Harris asks how one can cope with the anxiety and sorrow fueled by the pandemic, and the Dalai Lama’s answers offer a combination of invaluable advice and unexpectedly candid insights. The episode was made even more interesting with the introduction of another guest: American neuroscientist and psychologist Richard Davidson, who has often collaborated with the Dalai Lama himself.

Both guests shared ideas and interpreted one another’s, with Davidson translating spiritual concepts into scientific frameworks. This dual approach perfectly embodies the podcast’s ethos, and the episode serves as an intriguing reference for coping with crises beyond the pandemic.

The podcast has garnered audience acclaim for its accessible and research-backed nature — a feat apparent in its 4.7 star rating from over 19k reviews on Apple Podcasts, all thanks to Harris’ journalistic expertise and cordial personality. Ten Percent Happier has helped bring concepts of meditation and other similar practices to the limelight, offering a listening experience that stands out among other mental health podcasts.

WHERE TO LISTEN- You can tune in on Apple Podcasts | Deezer | Anghami | AmazonMusic | iHeart | YouTube | YouTube Music