He Had a PANIC Attack LIVE On-Air...Mindfulness and Buddhism SAVED Him

A live, on-air panic attack changed everything for Dan Harris. As a war journalist, he thrived in high-stress environments—but beneath the surface, anxiety and undiagnosed depression led him to self-destructive coping mechanisms. In 2004, his breaking point came on Good Morning America when a panic attack forced him to confront his mental health in front of millions.   Initially skeptical of spirituality, he turned to mindfulness as a science-backed tool for resilience. His interest in meditation deepened into Buddhist philosophy, particularly the idea that the mind can be trained to reduce suffering and cultivate happiness. Through his bestselling book 10% Happier, his podcast, and his meditation app, Harris has helped skeptics embrace meditation as a practical path to mental clarity. Jim and Dan discuss his journey from war reporting to mindfulness, the intersection of faith and mental health, and why meditation is more than just a wellness trend.