10% Happier with Dan Harris

Episode: An Update From Dan
Date: December 19, 2025
Host: Dan Harris

Episode Overview

In this concise solo episode, Dan Harris updates listeners about a significant new development: the launch of his new meditation app, “10% with Dan Harris.” Sharing a personal and professional milestone, Dan reflects on his journey since leaving his previous meditation app and Substack, explains what makes the new offering unique, and invites listeners to explore community-driven meditation and upcoming events. The tone is candid, warm, and encouraging, aiming to keep the podcast community informed and engaged.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dan’s Personal Journey & Context (00:21)

• Reflects on the last 15 months since he left the original 10% Happier meditation app and launched his Substack newsletter.
• Describes initial uncertainty and vulnerability:

  “To be completely honest, I was a little bit shaken up about the parting of ways from my old app and casting around for what to do next.” (00:33)

• The Substack quickly evolved from a simple newsletter to a vibrant community with live meditations, Q&As, chats, guided meditations, and special events.

2. Why Launch a New App? (01:31)

• Listener/subscriber feedback revealed a desire for a centralized app experience.
• After initial hesitation, Dan realized the opportunity to innovate:

  “I never thought I would do another meditation app... I was more than a little bit burned by my first experience in the app game. But what I’ve come to see, again through listening to you, is that my team and I have an opportunity now to create a next generation meditation app.” (02:07)

3. Differentiating Features: Community and Connection (03:06)

• Critiques current meditation apps as “one way content libraries.”
• Emphasizes a return to meditation’s communal roots:

  “This instinct toward connection is deeply wise. For millennia, meditation was practiced in community. However, in our tech drenched, hyper individualized, extremely lonely culture, meditation has too often become a solo pursuit.” (03:28)

• Notes that community/support is key to habit formation.

Notable Quote:

“Life is better in the carpool lane.” (04:20)

• Reassures introverts: community features are opt-in, not obligatory:

  “You can skip all the community stuff or just join the group meditations with your camera off.” (04:41)

4. What’s in the New App? (04:53)

Dan outlines the five main app offerings:

• Guided meditations: Address stress, anxiety, sleep, focus, self-compassion, difficult relationships, and more.
• Weekly live events: Every Tuesday at 4 PM EST with Dan and guest teachers; includes Q&A and replays.
• Ad-free podcast access: Full catalog (10+ years), transcripts, and timestamped summaries.
• Community interaction: Open discussions, reflections, practice updates, or just "lurking."
• Special events: Includes meditation challenges (see below).

5. How to Join or Transition (06:13)

• Paid danharris.com subscribers get automatic access at no extra cost.

• Step-by-step signup details available in show notes.

• Support via real human:

  “There’s a real live person there taking your questions. His name is Roy. He’s very nice.” (07:11)

• New signups get a 30-day free trial.

6. Upcoming Highlight: Joseph Goldstein’s New Year’s Meditation Challenge (07:40)

• Seven progressive guided meditations, January 5–11, 2026.
• Described as “the ultimate on ramp to Buddhist meditation”—for both beginners and experienced practitioners.
• Dan raves about participating:

  “I was in the room with Joseph as he recorded the meditations and I learned an enormous amount and I’ve been studying with this guy for years. It really is a masterclass in dealing with thoughts, emotions, and the general insanity of being alive these days.” (08:26)

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Candid Acknowledgment:

  “Most of the existing offerings out there are one way content libraries. And again, what you’re telling us is that you want more than that.” (02:42)

• Encouragement for All:

  “…please keep telling us what is working and what is not working. We are listening.” (09:58)

• Gratitude for Support:

  “If you’ve traveled from the old app to Substack and now to this new app, I’m especially grateful.” (09:29)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:21 – Dan’s personal update: leaving old app, launching Substack
• 01:31 – Listener feedback realigns focus; the call for an app
• 03:06 – Importance of community in meditation practice
• 04:53 – Detailed breakdown of new app features
• 06:13 – Instructions for current and new subscribers
• 07:40 – Details on Joseph Goldstein’s meditation challenge
• 09:17 – Dan’s gratitude and closing encouragement

Tone & Closing

The episode is short, authentic, and enthusiastic, offering transparency about Dan’s motivations and vulnerabilities. The overall message is one of gratitude and partnership with the community, underlining the app as a collaborative, evolving project.

Final words:

"This new app is a living organism that will continue to grow based on your feedback." (09:10)

Dan signs off with appreciation and an open invitation for ongoing input, urging listeners to join the next phase of 10% Happier’s journey together.