Logo

    You’re Breathing Wrong. Here’s How to Fix It | James Nestor

    enAugust 31, 2022
    What was the main topic of the podcast episode?
    Summarise the key points discussed in the episode?
    Were there any notable quotes or insights from the speakers?
    Which popular books were mentioned in this episode?
    Were there any points particularly controversial or thought-provoking discussed in the episode?
    Were any current events or trending topics addressed in the episode?

    Podcast Summary

    • The Importance of Correct BreathingCorrecting breathing can improve physical and psychological health, with benefits including better posture, reduced anxiety, and improved digestion. Incorrect breathing, such as mouth breathing, can lead to various issues.

      Many people may be breathing incorrectly, which can lead to various physical and psychological issues. This is according to James Nestor, a science journalist and author of the book "Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art." He argues that correcting breathing can bring numerous benefits. The discussion also covers the history of how breathing got misaligned, the importance of posture, the deleterious effects of mouth breathing, the relationship between breathing and anxiety, and the role of chewing. Additionally, the episode sponsors include Wondery Plus, Dell Technologies, Whole Foods Market, and DoorDash. Dell is celebrating its 40th anniversary with anniversary savings on tech products, while Whole Foods Market is the perfect place for Easter brunch supplies. DoorDash can help with Easter shopping by delivering groceries right to your door.

    • The Importance of Proper Breathing for HealthImproper breathing is common and can lead to various health issues including asthma, sinusitis, snoring, sleep apnea, and even stroke. Focusing on improving our breathing can enhance overall health and well-being.

      Breathing is often overlooked as a crucial component of overall health. The guest, a science journalist who struggled with respiratory issues for years despite being healthy in other ways, discovered the importance of proper breathing through personal experience. He found that dysfunctional breathing is common, affecting a large portion of the population, and can lead to various health issues such as asthma, sinusitis, snoring, sleep apnea, and even stroke. Humans, unfortunately, hold the title of the worst breathers in the animal kingdom, and this dysfunction can contribute to a range of health problems that are often attributed to other causes. By focusing on improving our breathing, we can enhance our overall health and well-being, making it an essential pillar alongside exercise, nutrition, and sleep.

    • Maintaining good posture for effective breathingImprove breathing by focusing on good posture, sitting up straight, keeping mouth closed, and practicing mindfulness throughout the day.

      Our posture significantly impacts our ability to breathe effectively. Many of us have poor posture due to modern living conditions and long hours spent sitting, which can restrict our lungs' ability to inflate fully and make it harder for the diaphragm to function optimally. This can lead to various breathing issues, including shallow breaths and chronic congestion. To improve our breathing, it's essential to focus on maintaining good posture, sitting up straight with shoulders back, and keeping our mouths closed and tongues in the proper position. By doing so, we can create more efficient breathing patterns and reduce stress on our bodies. Additionally, becoming more mindful of our posture and oral posture throughout the day can lead to better overall health and well-being.

    • Breathing and posture connectionImprove breathing by focusing on nose breathing during day and night, set reminders, use apps, stand and move regularly, and avoid prolonged sitting or standing. Better posture enhances breathing and overall health.

      Improving your breathing and posture go hand in hand. Many people breathe through their mouths, especially during sleep, which can negatively impact health. To determine if you're breathing through your mouth, try putting tape on your lips or noticing if you're constantly thirsty. To improve your breathing, focus on breathing through your nose during the day and night. Changing this habit takes awareness and consistency. You can set reminders, use apps, or try standing and moving around regularly. Additionally, try to avoid prolonged periods of sitting or standing in one position. Pollutants can also impact breathing, but avoiding them entirely isn't necessary. Instead, focus on improving your breathing and posture as much as possible, and consider using air filters or masks if needed. By making these changes, you can significantly improve your overall health and well-being.

    • Understanding the Impact of Modern Factors on Our Health and BreathingModern factors like polluted air and small mouths make breathing through our noses challenging, but practicing good breathing techniques and eating whole foods can help us improve our overall health and well-being.

      Our modern environment poses unique challenges to our health, and simple interventions, such as eating whole foods, getting enough exercise, and practicing good breathing techniques, can help us return to a more natural state. Our bodies are designed to breathe through our noses, but modern factors like polluted air and small mouths have made this more difficult. The nose is our first line of defense against environmental threats, and by breathing through it, we can improve our overall health and well-being. The shrinking size of our mouths, which has occurred over the past few centuries, is a result of cultural shifts in diet. By understanding these factors and making conscious efforts to address them, we can improve our health and thrive in the modern world.

    • The importance of proper chewing for oral and respiratory healthProper chewing of real foods strengthens facial muscles, skeletal structure, and enhances breathing. Avoiding processed foods and focusing on starchy roots, meat, and raw vegetables can improve health.

      The way we eat and chew food plays a significant role in our oral and respiratory health. Industrialized processed foods have contributed to teeth and mouth problems, shrinking mouths, and respiratory issues due to insufficient chewing. To improve our health, we should focus on eating real foods that require extensive chewing, like starchy roots, meat, and raw vegetables. This not only helps strengthen facial muscles and skeletal structure but also enhances breathing. Chewing gum can also be beneficial for those without TMJ issues. Additionally, nose hairs, which act as a filter for incoming air, should not be neglected. While it's not necessary for everyone to follow these recommendations strictly, understanding the connection between our eating habits and health can lead to better overall well-being.

    • The Importance of Proper Breathing and Nasal HairsProper breathing can reduce anxiety, improve lung function, and even protect lungs. Be mindful of removing nasal hairs excessively, as they help filter air and protect the lungs. Upgrade your wardrobe with affordable, high-quality essentials from brands like Quince.

      Proper breathing plays a crucial role in our overall health and wellbeing. While it's natural to trim nasal hairs for social reasons, completely removing nasal hairs can hinder the body's ability to protect lungs and facilitate easy oxygen intake. Proper breathing, as discussed in James Nestor's work, can help alleviate anxiety and stress, and even improve lung function. Moreover, investing in quality essentials from brands like Quince can contribute to a wardrobe upgrade without breaking the bank. Quince offers timeless pieces at unbeatable prices, and their cashmere sweaters, leather jackets, and activewear are just a few examples of their high-quality offerings. Lastly, the term "pulmonauts" refers to individuals with a deep interest in breathing, encompassing researchers, academics, and everyday people seeking to improve their respiratory health. This term highlights the importance of consciously changing the way we breathe and the potential benefits it can bring, from reducing anxiety to improving chronic respiratory conditions.

    • Breathing effectively involves focusing on exhalingFocusing on deep, slow exhales can improve diaphragm function, massage organs, and enhance overall health. Regular exercises like yoga or coherent breathing help establish this natural breathing pattern.

      Proper breathing goes beyond just inhaling and requires a focus on exhaling effectively. The diaphragm, a muscle beneath the lungs, plays a crucial role in both inhaling and exhaling, and allows us to take fewer breaths more easily when fully utilized. By practicing deep, slow breaths, we can improve diaphragm function, massage organs, and enhance overall health. Regular exercises like yoga or simple coherent breathing can help us acclimate to this natural breathing pattern, leading to increased efficiency and unconscious habit over time. It's essential to remember that this process takes time and should be practiced consistently, not as an additional chore but as a way to improve our daily lives.

    • Improve health outcomes with conscious breathingPracticing regular conscious breathing exercises, like coherent breathing, can make it an unconscious habit for improved health. Focus on nose breathing and slower rhythms to breathe naturally and explore advanced techniques for enhanced capabilities.

      Practicing regular conscious breathing exercises, such as coherent breathing, can help make it an unconscious habit, leading to improved health outcomes. This involves breathing through your nose most of the time, as it regulates the amount of air entering and exiting your body, and incorporating slower breathing. By doing so, you'll move closer to breathing naturally, which is essential for reaching the next level of human potential. Beyond this, there are more advanced breathing techniques like Pranayama, Wim Hof method, and holotropic breathwork, which require greater effort but offer additional benefits for both mind and body. Ultimately, the goal is to breathe normally and then explore the potential of breathing plus for enhanced capabilities.

    • Ancient breathing techniques benefit everyday peopleImprove breathing, reduce stress, alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other health issues with techniques like Pranayama or Wim Hof method

      Ancient breathing techniques, like Pranayama or the Wim Hof method, can have significant benefits for everyday people, even if they don't plan to do physically extraordinary feats. These techniques can help improve breathing, reduce stress, and alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other health issues. Many mental health professionals recommend these methods as a first step in treating these conditions. Consciously over-breathing for short periods can also act as a pressure release valve for the body and mind. These techniques have been practiced for thousands of years and have been shown to have positive effects on heart rate variability, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels. It's important to note that these techniques require dedication and practice, but the potential benefits make it worth the effort.

    • Mastering Proper Breathing TechniquesImprove overall health and stress resilience by focusing on nasal breathing and avoiding mouth breathing through simple exercises.

      Effective breathing techniques, such as rhythmic breathing patterns like Kundalini or the Wim Hof method, can have significant benefits for the body and mind. However, it's essential to master normal breathing first, focusing on nasal breathing and avoiding mouth breathing. This can be achieved through simple exercises like using tape to train yourself to keep your lips closed during quiet activities. By prioritizing proper breathing techniques, you can improve overall health, increase stress resilience, and prepare yourself for more advanced breathing practices.

    • Explore nasal breathing for better sleep and intensive practices, try GEDIFY shoes for pain relief, and discover quality candidates on Indeed.Improve sleep and breathing through nasal breathing, alleviate pain with GEDIFY shoes, and hire top talent on Indeed.

      Improving your breathing, specifically becoming a nasal breather at night, can lead to better sleep and potentially more intensive breathing practices. This may seem unusual, but it's a technique that has been recommended by respiratory therapists and doctors for decades. Meanwhile, when it comes to finding relief from knee and back pain, consider trying GEDIFY shoes. These shoes come with custom orthotics, patented shock absorption technology, and a design that improves posture and encourages proper muscle usage. And for those looking to hire, Indeed is a matching and hiring platform that can help find quality candidates quickly and efficiently. Regarding intensive breathing exercises, some people may feel overwhelmed with adding another practice to their daily routine, especially if they already meditate and focus on their breath. However, during meditation, the act of focusing on your breath naturally leads to coherent and beneficial breathing. Therefore, it's essential to understand that the benefits of meditation, such as improved breathing, can occur in the initial stages of the practice.

    • Boost overall well-being with effective breathing techniquesImprove focus, reduce stress, better sleep, and increase oxygenation through various breathing exercises. Complement meditation practice, enhance sleep quality, individual results may vary.

      Effective breathing techniques, whether through meditation or specialized practices like Kundalini or Wim Hof methods, can significantly enhance overall well-being, including improved focus, reduced stress, better sleep, and increased oxygenation. Breathing exercises can complement a meditation practice and should not be seen as a replacement, but rather as an addition to deepen the experience. For those struggling with sleep, focusing on proper breathing techniques before bedtime can help improve sleep quality. However, it's essential to remember that individual results may vary, and the best way to determine the benefits is to try it out for yourself.

    • The importance of healthy breathing during sleepExploring breathing exercises can improve sleep and overall health, including sleep-disordered breathing, asthma, anxiety, and depression.

      Ensuring healthy breathing during sleep is crucial for overall health and well-being. Many people struggle with sleep-disordered breathing, which can hinder the body's ability to restore itself. The speaker shared his personal experience with the Sudarshan Kriya breathing exercise, which has been scientifically proven to help with various health issues including sleep problems, asthma, anxiety, and depression. This ancient practice, which involves rhythmic breathing patterns, can lead to profound experiences and stress relief. While the speaker is not promoting this specific technique, he encourages exploring various breathing exercises to find what works best for individual needs. The importance of healthy breathing during sleep cannot be overstated, as it lays the foundation for better sleep and improved overall health.

    • Breathing exercises for transcendent experiencesSome breathing techniques like Tumo and Sudarshan Kriya can induce altered states of consciousness, increase body temperature, and potentially rewire brain areas related to anxiety and depression. However, they should be practiced under supervision due to their intensity.

      Certain breathing exercises, such as Tumo technique and Sudarshan Kriya, can produce transcendent or psychedelic experiences by increasing body temperature and potentially rewiring parts of the brain related to anxiety and depression. These practices have been scientifically studied, with research showing that they can create heat on demand and alter brain function. While individual experiences may vary, the overall benefit is a net gain. However, it's important to note that these practices are intense and should be done under careful supervision. The speaker, an objective science journalist, has personally experienced profound effects from these exercises, but also emphasizes the need for caution and proper guidance. These practices can give individuals control over their body's functions and provide a pathway to access altered states of consciousness.

    • Exploring the hidden health benefits of proper breathing techniquesProper breathing techniques may improve respiration, resolve respiratory ailments, and potentially benefit conditions like emphysema and scoliosis. Try them for yourself and explore the scientific evidence.

      Proper breathing techniques, as discussed with James Nestor, can have significant impacts on various aspects of health beyond what is commonly known. Nestor shares his personal experience of improving respiration leading to the resolution of respiratory ailments and even potential benefits for conditions like emphysema and scoliosis. However, he emphasizes that individual experiences may vary, and scientific proof is not definitive. Despite skepticism from some in the medical community, Nestor encourages readers to explore the scientific evidence and try these techniques for themselves. His book, website, and social media channels offer resources for learning more about the science of breathing and its potential health benefits.

    • Escape to a safer reality with The Last CityThe Last City invites listeners to join a climate-stable and crime-free haven, offering an escape from the chaos and danger of the outside world.

      The Last City, a new scripted audio series from Wondery, offers listeners an escape to a safe and climate-stable haven called Pura. This city, which is free to join, promises protection from natural disasters and crime. The series, which can be listened to on the Wondery app or wherever podcasts are available, invites listeners to leave behind a world filled with chaos and danger. The series' protagonist, who is an experienced traveler and Delta Sky Miles Platinum American Express card member, is seeking refuge in Pura after experiencing loss and danger. The city, which is described as pristine and climate-stable, is a contrast to the outside world, which is plagued by heat domes, super storms, and water bandits in the Outer Land. Listeners are encouraged to join the protagonist in this new world, where there is no crime, no murder, and no suicide. The series, which is available for free on Wondery Plus with a trial membership, invites listeners to immerse themselves in a story of safety and security amidst the chaos of the outside world. The Last City is a compelling invitation to escape the realities of the world and enter a new, safer reality. With its engaging storyline and captivating characters, the series promises to provide listeners with an escape from the impurities of the outside world. So, if you're looking for a new podcast series that offers a fresh perspective and a sense of safety, The Last City is worth checking out.

    Recent Episodes from Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris

    A Buddhist Recipe for Handling Turmoil | Kaira Jewel Lingo

    A Buddhist Recipe for Handling Turmoil | Kaira Jewel Lingo

    We all know that change is inevitable and impermanence is non-negotiable. But somehow it can feel surprising, maybe even wrong, when we personally hit turbulence. The Buddha had a lot to say about this, and so does our guest. 


    Kaira Jewel Lingo is a Dharma teacher who has a lifelong interest in blending spirituality and meditation with social justice. Having grown up in an ecumenical Christian community where families practiced a new kind of monasticism and worked with the poor, at the age of twenty-five she entered a Buddhist monastery in the Plum Village tradition and spent fifteen years living as a nun under the guidance of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. She received Lamp Transmission from Thich Nhat Hanh and became a Zen teacher in 2007, and is also a teacher in the Vipassana Insight lineage through Spirit Rock Meditation Center. Today she sees her work as a continuation of the Engaged Buddhism developed by Thich Nhat Hanh as well as the work of her parents, inspired by their stories and her dad’s work with Martin Luther King Jr. on desegregating the South. 


    In addition to writing We Were Made for These Times: Skilfully Moving through Change, Loss and Disruption, she is also the editor of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Planting Seeds: Practicing Mindfulness with Children. Now based in New York, she teaches and leads retreats internationally, provides spiritual mentoring, and interweaves art, play, nature, racial and earth justice, and embodied mindfulness practice in her teaching. She especially feels called to share the Dharma with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, as well as activists, educators, youth, artists, and families. Her newest book, co-written with Marisela B. Gomez and Valerie Brown, is  Healing Our Way Home: Black Buddhist Teachings on Ancestors, Joy, and Liberation.


    In this episode we talk about:

    • waking up to what’s happening right now
    • trusting the unknown (easier said than done) 
    • A Buddhist list called the five remembrances 
    • how gratitude helps us in times of disruption
    • And accepting what is (and why this is different from resignation or passivity)


    Please note: There are brief mentions of domestic violence, abuse, the suffering of refugees, and war in this episode.


    Related Episodes:

    3 Buddhist Strategies for When the News is Overwhelming | Kaira Jewel Lingo

    How to Keep Your Relationships On the Rails | Kaira Jewel Lingo


    Sign up for Dan’s weekly newsletter here

    Follow Dan on social: Instagram, TikTok

    Ten Percent Happier online bookstore

    Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

    Our favorite playlists on: Anxiety, Sleep, Relationships, Most Popular Episodes


    Full Shownotes: https://www.happierapp.com/podcast/tph/kaira-jewel-lingo-390


    Additional Resources:


    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    The Science of Handling Uncertainty | Maya Shankar

    The Science of Handling Uncertainty | Maya Shankar

    Cognitive scientist Maya Shankar talks about how to get comfortable with uncertainty in an ever-changing world. 

    It seems like a design flaw in our species that we live in a world of constant change yet most of us are not comfortable with uncertainty. 

    In this episode, we talk to Maya Shankar about how to get better at dealing with change and to stop seeking what scientists call “cognitive closure.”

    Shankar is a former Senior Advisor in the Obama White House, where she founded and served as Chair of the White House Behavioral Science Team. She also served as the first Behavioral Science Advisor to the United Nations, and is currently a Senior Director of Behavioral Economics at Google. She is the host of the Pushkin Industries podcast A Slight Change of Plans, which was named Best Show of the Year in 2021 by Apple. 

    In this episode we talk about: 

    • Why humans are so uncomfortable with uncertainty and change
    • What a behavioral scientist actually does in the world
    • Why even the host of a podcast about change isn’t immune to the uncertainties of life 
    • The benefits of cultivating a more malleable sense of self
    • Why humans are such bad forecasters
    • The importance of auditing yourself when you’re undergoing a big change
    • How to take advantage of big reset moments
    • The concept of cognitive closure and why encouraging an open mind can make us more resilient  


    Full Shownotes: https://www.tenpercent.com/podcast-episode/maya-shankar-466


    Where to find Maya Shankar online: 

    Website: mayashankar.com

    Social Media:


    Books Mentioned:


    Additional Resources:

    Download the Ten Percent Happier app today: https://10percenthappier.app.link/install

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Stop Turning The Miraculous Into The Mundane | Bonus Meditation with Pascal Auclair

    Stop Turning The Miraculous Into The Mundane | Bonus Meditation with Pascal Auclair

    This is the first time you’ve ever been here, now. Pascal invites you to discover the vivid and mysterious experience of this new moment.


    About Pascal Auclair:


    Pascal Auclair has been immersed in Buddhist practice and study since 1997, sitting retreats in Asia and America with revered monastics and lay teachers. He has been mentored by Joseph Goldstein and Jack Kornfield at the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) in Massachusetts and Spirit Rock Meditation Center in California, where he is now enjoying teaching retreats. Pascal teaches in North America and in Europe. He is a co-founder of True North Insight and one of TNI’s Guiding Teachers.


    To find this meditation in the Ten Percent Happier app, you can search for “Rediscover the Familiar.”



    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    A Buddhist Recipe For Confidence | Ethan Nichtern

    A Buddhist Recipe For Confidence | Ethan Nichtern

    Cultivating resilience in the face of whatever comes up.


    Ethan Nichtern is the author of Confidence: Holding Your Seat through Life’s Eight Worldly Winds and several other titles, including the widely acclaimed The Road Home: A Contemporary Exploration of the Buddhist Path. A renowned contemporary Buddhist teacher and the host of The Road Home Podcast, Nichtern has offered meditation and Buddhist psychology classes at conferences, meditation centers, yoga studios, and universities, including Brown, Yale, and NYU. He has been featured by CNN, NPR, the New York Times, Vogue, and Business Insider and has written for the Huffington Post, Beliefnet, Lion’s Roar, Tricycle, Buddhadharma, and more. He lives in Brooklyn. Visit him online at http://www.EthanNichtern.com.



    In this episode we talk about:

    • Authentic vs performative confidence
    • The line between humility and confidence
    • A Buddhist list called the Eight Worldly Winds
    • A slew of little practices you can do in order to boost your confidence (or resilience or equanimity)
    • The meaning of self-confidence in a tradition that argues the self is an illusion


    Related Episodes:


    Sign up for Dan’s weekly newsletter here

    Follow Dan on social: Instagram, TikTok

    Ten Percent Happier online bookstore

    Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

    Our favorite playlists on: Anxiety, Sleep, Relationships, Most Popular Episodes


    Full Shownotes: https://happierapp.com/podcast/tph/ethan-nichtern-819


    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Why Your Brain Turns The Miraculous Into The Mundane—And How To Fix It | Maria Popova

    Why Your Brain Turns The Miraculous Into The Mundane—And How To Fix It | Maria Popova

    Smart and practical strategies for living, in Maria's words, wonder-smitten by reality.


    Maria Popova thinks and writes about our search for meaning — sometimes through science and philosophy, sometimes through poetry and children's books, always through the lens of wonder. She is the creator of The Marginalian (born in 2006 under the name Brain Pickings), which is included in the Library of Congress permanent digital archive of culturally valuable materials, author of Figuring, and maker of the live show The Universe in Verse — a charitable celebration of the wonder of reality through stories of science winged with poetry, which is now also a book.



    In this episode we talk about:


    • Wonder as a tool for improving all of your relationships
    • The tyranny of the word should
    • How the hardest thing in life is not getting what you want, it's knowing what you want
    • Why she doesn't believe in making meditation a tool, even though she's been practicing for 14 years
    • The illusion of certainty
    • The immense value of intellectual humility
    • Strategies for outgrowing your old habits
    • Her new book, The Universe in Verse, which is a combination of science and poetry


    From The Marginalian: How to Love the World More: George Saunders on the Courage of Uncertainty


    Related Episodes:



    Sign up for Dan’s weekly newsletter here

    Follow Dan on social: Instagram, TikTok

    Ten Percent Happier online bookstore

    Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

    Our favorite playlists on: Anxiety, Sleep, Relationships, Most Popular Episodes


    Full Shownotes: https://happierapp.com/podcast/tph/maria-popova-818


    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    How To Be Less Judgmental: An On-The-Go Meditation | Bonus Meditation with Jay Michaelson

    How To Be Less Judgmental: An On-The-Go Meditation | Bonus Meditation with Jay Michaelson

    A busy city is an ideal place to cultivate loving-kindness and powerfully connect to those around you while you’re out & about.

    About Jay Michaelson:

    Jay Michaelson is a writer & journalist, rabbi & meditation teacher, keynote speaker, and scholar of religion. Jay is the author of ten books, most recently The Secret That Is Not A Secret: Ten Heretical Tales. His 2022 book, The Heresy of Jacob Frank: From Jewish Messianism to Esoteric Myth, won the National Jewish Book Award for scholarship. He holds a JD from Yale, a PhD in Jewish Thought from Hebrew University, and nondenominational rabbinic ordination.

    To find this meditation in the Ten Percent Happier app, you can search for “Loving-Kindness in the City.”



    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    From Wild Card with Rachel Martin: Taylor Tomlinson

    From Wild Card with Rachel Martin: Taylor Tomlinson

    There’s a great podcast we want to introduce you to today, hosted by our friend Rachel Martin at NPR. It’s her new show, called Wild Card, which she describes as “part-interview, part-existential game show.” It’s a different way of approaching a celebrity interview, with a special deck of cards that helps shape the conversation. It’s a really fun show, and she talks to some really big names, including David Lynch, LeVar Burton, Issa Rae, and US Poet Laureate Ada Limon. 

    Rachel was also a guest on this very podcast recently, and we had a great conversation and even played a little bit of the card game, so go back in your podcast feed and check that out. You can also listen to it here. 

    The Wild Card episode we’re sharing with you today features Taylor Tomlinson, who has found the kind of success many comedians dream about, with multiple Netflix specials and a late-night hosting gig — After Midnight on CBS. She tells Rachel that part of the secret to her success is fear. They also swap stories about their Christian upbringings, the search for validation and getting things stuck up their noses.

    So enjoy this episode, and check out Wild Card wherever you find your podcasts. 

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    NPR’s Rachel Martin On: Surviving The News, Making A Huge Career Pivot, And Hosting A Metaphysical Game Show

    NPR’s Rachel Martin On: Surviving The News, Making A Huge Career Pivot, And Hosting A Metaphysical Game Show

    The radio stalwart addresses life’s biggest questions.

    Rachel Martin is the co-creator and host of the podcast Wild Card, an interview game show about life's biggest questions. She invites notable guests to play a card game that lets them open up about the memories, insights, and beliefs that have shaped their lives.

    Martin spent six years as a host of Morning Edition, and was the founding host of NPR's award-winning morning news podcast Up First. She previously hosted Weekend Edition Sunday. She served as National Security Correspondent for NPR, where she covered both defense and intelligence issues, and also worked as a NPR foreign correspondent. Martin also previously served as NPR's religion correspondent. 


    In this episode we talk about:

    • How to survive the news
    • How to make a huge career pivot
    • What it’s like to become an orphan as an adult
    • Insomnia and meditation
    • How to decide what matters in your life
    • We play the game Wild Card!
    • We talk about how good we are at being wrong
    • And lastly, something light… mortality and the infinite universe.


    Related Episodes:

    3 Buddhist Strategies for When the News is Overwhelming | Kaira Jewel Lingo

    How To Find Meaningful Work in a Rapidly Changing World | Bruce Feiler

    Why We Panic: A Journalist Investigates Anxiety, Fear, and How To Deal With It | Matt Gutman


    Sign up for Dan’s weekly newsletter here

    Follow Dan on social: Instagram, TikTok

    Ten Percent Happier online bookstore

    Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

    Our favorite playlists on: Anxiety, Sleep, Relationships, Most Popular Episodes


    Full Shownotes: https://www.tenpercent.com/tph/podcast-episode/rachel-martin


    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    The Gulf Between Your Internal Life And How The World Sees You | Anna Marie Tendler

    The Gulf Between Your Internal Life And How The World Sees You | Anna Marie Tendler

    Lessons learned from the psychiatric hospital

    We’ve got a fascinating and very personal discussion today about the often very painful gap between the way you feel on the inside and the way the world perceives you. We also cover the urgency and difficulty of sitting with your own discomfort. 

    Anna Marie Tendler is an artist and writer. She is also the author of a new memoir called ‘Men Have Called Her Crazy’


    In this episode we talk about:

    • The circumstances of her checking into a psychiatric hospital in 2021
    • The difference between our interior emotions and our exterior selves
    • The help she found through Dialectical Behavior Therapy – DBT
    • We dive into a very specific theme of the book – and its title – the insidious ways in which men have impacted her life. 
    • And lastly, how she found a way to sit with discomfort and pain, while showing up in the world authentically to herself.


    Related Episodes:

    #510. Me, a Love Story: How Being OK With Yourself Makes You Better at Everything | Sharon Salzberg

    The Science Of Speaking Up For Yourself | Elaine Lin Hering (Co-interviewed by Dan's wife Bianca!)


    Sign up for Dan’s weekly newsletter here

    Follow Dan on social: Instagram, TikTok

    Ten Percent Happier online bookstore

    Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

    Our favorite playlists on: Anxiety, Sleep, Relationships, Most Popular Episodes


    Full Shownotes: https://www.tenpercent.com/tph/podcast-episode/anna-marie-tendler


    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Jeff Tweedy (From Wilco) On: Music As A Lifeline, Shame, Schadenfreude, And Freaking Out On Weed

    Jeff Tweedy (From Wilco) On: Music As A Lifeline, Shame, Schadenfreude, And Freaking Out On Weed

    Dan dweebs out with a dad rock icon.


    Jeff Tweedy is the lead singer and songwriter of the Grammy award winning rock band, Wilco. The band have put out 13 albums… and shortly after this interview was conducted, the band put out a new EP. Jeff has released two solo albums and has written three books, including his latest, which is called World Within A Song: Music That Changed My Life And Life That Changed My Music.


    This interview is part of an occasional series we do called Boldface, where we talk to well known people who are willing to go there. We’ve already dropped two Boldface episodes this week: the rapper and author Common and the actress, activist and author Goldie Hawn.



    Sign up for Dan’s weekly newsletter here

    Follow Dan on social: Instagram, TikTok

    Ten Percent Happier online bookstore

    Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

    Our favorite playlists on: Anxiety, Sleep, Relationships, Most Popular Episodes


    Full Shownotes: https://happierapp.com/podcast/tph/jeff-tweedy-813


    Additional Resources:


    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Related Episodes

    #99 How Breathing Through Your Nose Will Change Your Life with Patrick McKeown

    #99 How Breathing Through Your Nose Will Change Your Life with Patrick McKeown

    How do you breathe? It might not be something you’ve ever given much thought to, but my guest on this week’s episode is convinced you should. Patrick McKeown believes breathing correctly – that is, through your nose, lightly, and slowly – is the secret to better health, fitness and overall wellbeing. Yet many of us are breathing through our mouths, breathing fast and shallow, and our health is suffering as a result.

    Patrick’s talks me through the science of exactly why it is that nasal breathing is so fundamental to health and he shares how learning it himself transformed his sleep, his anxiety levels and drastically reduced his need for asthma medication.

    We talk about how our emotions, sleep and breathing are all interlinked. Patrick also shares some incredible insights on the connection between breast-feeding and diet, mouth breathing as a child, jaw development and malocclusion (crooked teeth).

    The good news is it’s never too late to correct your breathing. Whether you suffer from breathlessness, nasal congestion, snoring, stress, or anxiety – or if you simply want to improve your performance in any area of life – this episode is packed with practical tips on doing just that. In fact, you can get started right away with some of his techniques as you listen. 

    Show notes available at drchatterjee.com/99

    Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/

    Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/

    Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk

    DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    5 Ways to Improve Your Breathing for Better Health With the #1 Breath Expert in the World

    5 Ways to Improve Your Breathing for Better Health With the #1 Breath Expert in the World

    In today’s episode, the incredible Patrick McKeown, international bestselling author of ten books on breathing and founder and CEO of The Oxygen Advantage, a world-leading breathwork training program, breaks down all things breathing.

     

    This is not a lecture; it is a masterclass. His decades of research will blow you away, so let’s slow down and learn from the best in class.

     

    You need this, and I need this. Why? Because you and I have been breathing all wrong.

     

    Today Patrick is revealing the 5 ways breathing through your mouth hurts your health and leaves you feeling more anxious and stressed.

     

    You and I are getting coached by the world's leading expert on functional breathing for better health, more focus, less pain, better sleep, and, honestly, a better you.

     

    This is information that should be shouted from the rooftops. AND taught to parents, teachers, and health professionals everywhere.

     

    These steps are so simple, and yet they’re incredibly impactful on ALL parts of your life: your work, your ability to play and have fun, and your relationships.

     

    Best of all, this advice is ZERO-cost to you.

     

    You will learn:

     

    • What happens when you breathe through your nose.
    • How breathing through your mouth stresses you out.
    • How breathing through your nose improves your memory and focus.
    • What your breath has to do with back pain.
    • How nose-breathing boosts your immune system.
    • What sleep apnea in children has to do with special education needs.
    • 3 simple yet powerful exercises that will leave you breathing easier.
    • Why the hell should you want to tape your mouth shut.
    • The study that found shallow breathing can lead to anxiety.
    • An exercise that will help you get more oxygen into your lungs.
    • Why your exhalation is the most important part of relaxation.
    • How breathing the right way can stop snoring.
    • Why the way you breathe during the day impacts your sleep at night.

     

     

    The science proves that the quality of your breath determines the quality of your life.

     

    So let’s dive in.

     

    Xo, Mel

     

    In this episode:



     

    • 3:15: Why do we breathe, anyway? Seriously.
    • 4:50: HOW are we supposed to breathe?
    • 5:30: Ok, so what are we doing wrong when we breathe?
    • 6:45: So what’s so important about breathing in through your nose?
    • 7:55: Here’s what happens when your brain doesn’t get enough oxygen.
    • 8:30: The antiviral gas only produced when you breathe from your nose.
    • 10:00: How mouth breathing increased a child’s need for special education.
    • 12:45: This statistic about breathing and anxiety is still blowing my mind.
    • 16:00: 3 breathing exercises you’re not going to want to miss!
    • 24:00: The incredible results I had after trying these breathing exercises.
    • 25:20: Listen to what happens when I tape my mouth shut. 
    • 28:00: Breathing out through your mouth tells your brain this.
    • 30:00: The study that found your breath is linked to anxiety.
    • 31:15: How many times should you breathe in one minute?
    • 32:00: Patrick coaches me into a proper BIG breath.
    • 39:00: Why your exhalation is most important when it comes to reducing stress.
    • 43:00: Why you should keep your mouth closed when you exercise.
    • 45:00: What mouth breathing has to do with snoring.
    • 51:00: Can better breathing help with sleep apnea?

     

     

    Disclaimer

    #268 This Daily Breathing Technique Will Transform Your Body & Mind | James Nestor Re-Release

    #268 This Daily Breathing Technique Will Transform Your Body & Mind | James Nestor Re-Release

    In today’s episode, we’re revisiting one of our most popular episodes with James Nestor.


    Breathwork is where my personal and professional interests collide. How we breathe affects every body system we have and I’m excited to welcome James Nestor, science journalist and author of the book Breath, which explores the data behind this ancient, but some might say lost, art.


    And yes, it is an art. As we discuss, it doesn’t matter whether you follow a new or ancient technique to harness the potential of your breath, the principles are the same. What I love about James’ approach is he has no agenda to push. He hasn’t developed his own breathing technique, theory or product. He’s a journalist with an enquiring, sceptical mind. By his own admission, he came from a place where – like many of you, perhaps – he thought, ‘What’s all the fuss about breathing? It’s automatic, it’s easy, our bodies know what they’re doing’. But do they really?


    During this conversation, we cover some of the fascinating – objective – insights James has uncovered in his research. He explains the benefits of nasal breathing, the importance of masticating and how diet affects the skeletal development of our children’s mouths. James reveals how learning to chew more, chewing on one side and using mouth tape at night has changed the structure of his own mouth. His airways – and his wellbeing – have never been better. We discuss the long list of conditions breathing may improve; how athletes can benefit. And James reveals the therapeutic process behind some ‘super breathing’ techniques.


    Whether you’re already practising breathwork, you’re curious or yet to be convinced, James has a no-nonsense, rigorous approach we can all take something from. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!


    Thanks to our sponsors:

    https://www.vivobarefoot.com/livemore

    https://www.leafyard.com/livemore

    https://www.athleticgreens.com/livemore


    Order Dr Chatterjee's new book Happy Mind, Happy Life: UK version: https://amzn.to/304opgJ, US & Canada version: https://amzn.to/3DRxjgp


    Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3oAKmxi. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.


    Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/268


    DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    262: Let's Talk About Septums and Scrotums

    262: Let's Talk About Septums and Scrotums
    James Nestor, a NYT bestselling author whose book Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art inspired Mike to have a septoplasty, discusses the advantages of healthy breathing, the dangers of mouth breathing, and the reasons why our ancestors had larger mouths and straighter teeth. Then we share a song written by listener Bill Dumas in reaction to Mike’s request for a ballad about his deviated septum and his father’s swollen scrotum in Episode 203: There’s a Hole in Daddy’s Arm.

    Breathe Through Your Nose

    Breathe Through Your Nose

    Take a nice deep breath in… through your nose. It’s a simple way to get healthier gums, a better memory, and improved lung function. How? Well, it may partly be due to a special molecule called nitric oxide. Michael Mosley speaks to Professor Jon Lundberg from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden who made the fascinating discovery that nitric oxide is produced in your nose and travels to your lungs where it has some surprising benefits, including boosting oxygen uptake and possibly helping you fight off infections. Our volunteer Joe tries out a few tips to make nasal breathing a habit.

    New episodes will be released on Wednesdays, but if you’re in the UK, listen to new episodes, a week early, first on BBC Sounds: bbc.in/3zqa6BB

    Producer: Nija Dalal-Small Science Producer: Catherine Wyler Assistant Producer: Gulnar Mimaroglu Trainee Assistant Producer: Toni Arenyeka Executive Producer: Zoe Heron A BBC Studios production for BBC Sounds / BBC Radio 4.