Stephanie Wagner, Meditation Teacher, Coach, and Mentor

04/14/2026

I recently had the opportunity to write an essay for the Tergar Institute called The Power of a Compassionate and Supportive Community.

In it, I reflect on the difference between empathy and compassion, especially in moments of collective distress. Drawing on Buddhist teachings, neuroscience, and my own lived experience, I explore how meditation practice can gradually shift the way we respond to injustice.

Again and again, I’ve seen how easy it is to become overwhelmed. But with practice, something begins to change. We can learn to stay present without shutting down, to care deeply without burning out. Over time, that inner shift supports a more grounded, compassionate kind of action.

And perhaps most importantly, it shapes the kinds of communities we create together--ones rooted in care, resilience, and genuine connection.
I’m grateful to share this piece, and I hope it offers something helpful to you.

In this timely essay, meditation teacher and well-being coach Stephanie Wagner draws on years of contemplative training to explore the distinction between empathy and compassion in moments of collective distress. Weaving together Buddhist insight, neuroscience, and lived experience, she reflects on....

07/14/2025

This is a great article from the team at Healthy Minds Innovations on social media—how it impacts well-being and how we can change our relationship to it.

Social media promised us creativity and global connection. But today, many of us open our feeds only to feel worse—and it’s not an accident.

So why are we drawn to negative content in the first place? And what can be done by users, educators, and tech leaders to change the course—one that we’re accelerating through accessible tech? In this article, our experts break it down from a wellbeing science perspective.

➡️ Read the article here: https://hmiwbss.docsend.com/view/km95bhb224wsgdxg

Featured experts: Dr. Joanna Hong, Daniela Labra, Dr. Raquel Tatar, Jay Vidyarthi, and Stephanie Wagner.

05/06/2025

Consider joining us for this free event today!

Is there a science to organizational wellbeing? Yes, there is—literally. Learn how measuring employee and customer wellbeing can strengthen your culture and improve business outcomes with insights from our dynamic team of scientists. In this free webinar for business leaders and innovators, our te...

05/01/2025

🎮🧠 What if your favorite cozy game could actually train your brain for mindfulness, empathy, and overall wellbeing?
As we kick off Health Awareness Month, we’re celebrating the work of Dr. Tammi Kral, senior scientist at Healthy Minds Innovations, whose research was just featured in Mashable. Her insights reveal how certain game mechanics—like those found in cozy games—may support mental wellness in a meaningful, measurable way.
From Wellness Day (5/2) to Meditation Day (5/21), and through ’s Health Month, we’re calling on game developers and streaming platforms to reimagine how games can support wellbeing through rigorous science.
📩 Let’s build a healthier digital future. Feel free to reach out to explore partnership or research collaborations. Details in the comments!
➡️ Check out the full article https://mashable.com/article/cozy-games-mindfulness-mental-health

Meditative hits like 'Stardew Valley' and 'Animal Crossing' are helping a generation of gamers foster helpful habits.

03/19/2025

Did you know that we can experience structural changes in the brain in as little as 20 hours of meditation? Learn more about the power of training the mind in skills of wellbeing by reading this incredibly insightful and inspiring interview with my dear friend and colleague at Healthy Minds Innovations and Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Richard J. Davidson

Our world is changing, and so is our work. Last year, our team began integrating with industry-leading organizations to understand, address, and impact dimensions of wellbeing that support flourishing companies and customers.

Today, we’re grateful to for mentioning our critical work with organizations in this founder-featured article, where Dr. Richard J. Davidson reveals scientific insights on how and why to rewire your brain by “microdosing” wellbeing.

Read the article & explore our business services at the links in our bio! 🔗

01/01/2025

Are you looking to create a wellbeing practice this year? If so, start by discovering your unique emotional strengths with our Emotional Styles Quiz!

This 24-question quiz is designed to help you understand your unique emotional style with personalized results and practice recommendations. Take the quiz at the link in our bio! 🔗

12/26/2024

Check out this playlist of meditations to support working with emotions in the Healthy Minds Program app!

To support you through the holidays and beyond, our team has curated a new collection of practices in the Healthy Minds Program app designed to help you find emotional balance.

Head to the Explore tab of our free app to check out ‘Our World of Emotions’ here ➡️ https://www.portal.hminnovations.org/launch

12/03/2024

Last chance! Register below to receive access to this exclusive interview on the science behind your emotions with Dr. Richard J. Davidson and me!

All registrants will receive this recorded interview, an invitation to a live Q&A session with Dr. Richie on January 30, 2025, and an entry to win a signed copy of Dr. Richie’s The New York Times bestseller, The Emotional Life of your Brain.

Hear insights from renowned neuroscientist Dr. Richard J. Davidson about the fascinating science of your emotions.

12/01/2024

11/04/2024

On the night before the US elections, join our Healthy Minds Program guides for a LIVE, interactive dialogue & community meditation session.

10/28/2024

I can't wait to join my fellow guides at Healthy Minds Innovations to support you all on the evening before the election in the United States! We hope you will join us for this special, interactive event.

The 2024 election has many Americans on edge, anxious and fearful for the future. Here’s how to cope as the race for the White House goes into its final stretch.