How a Panic Attack Sparked a Midlife Awakening | Dan Harris
How a Panic Attack Sparked a Midlife Awakening | Dan Harris  
Podcast: The Midlife Chrysalis
Published On: Mon Feb 02 2026
Description: He had everything going for him, until his body shut him down on live TV.In this episode, Dan Harris sits down with Chip Conley for a warm, honest conversation about ambition, anxiety, and what really changes in midlife. Dan opens up about the panic attack that forced him to slow down, his years inside high-pressure newsrooms at ABC, and the quiet realization that productivity, without presence, was costing him more than it gave. What follows is not a polished mindfulness pitch, but a deeply human reflection on letting go, growing wiser, and redefining success in the second half of life. In this conversation, you’ll hear Dan reflect on:Why anxiety and ambition are often two sides of the same coinHow meditation helped him step out of the productivity trap—not optimize itWhat he had to release after becoming outwardly “successful”Why midlife is better understood as a chrysalis, not a crisisHow relationships, presence, and character shape a more meaningful future If you’re navigating midlife, questioning old definitions of success, or simply craving a more spacious way to live, this conversation will feel like sitting down with two thoughtful friends who’ve been there. Watch now and join the conversation. Timestamps:02:17 Defining midlife and Dan Harris’s journey03:50 Panic attack on live TV05:31 From panic attack to meditation06:46 Family background and anxiety08:31 Decade between crisis and mindfulness advocacy09:33 Therapy spirituality and discovering meditation13:37 Writing 10% Happier14:22 Origin of the 10% happier idea16:43 Science and benefits of meditation19:47 Skepticism identity and cognitive dissonance22:14 Life after the book’s success26:06 Productivity versus presence29:47 Burnout hyper productivity and 360 review33:06 Letting go of roles and redefining life35:59 Midlife as chrysalis not crisis39:36 Favorite meditation practices42:09 Wisdom midlife and modern elderhood45:08 Character skills in the age of AI47:07 Personal wisdom and life lessons49:10 Closing reflections and goodbye Learn more about MEA at ⁠https://www.meawisdom.com/