Andy Puddicombe

Andy Puddicombe is a globally recognized meditation and mindfulness teacher, author, and speaker best known as the co‑founder and voice of Headspace, one of the world’s most popular mindfulness and well‑being platforms. Born in London in 1972, Puddicombe’s passion for the mind and human performance emerged early. While studying sports science at university, he made a life‑changing decision in his early 20s to travel to the Himalayas to study meditation full‑time. That journey led him through a decade of immersive training with Buddhist masters across Asia, culminating in his ordination as a Tibetan Buddhist monk in Northern India.

After returning to lay life in 2004, Puddicombe pursued an eclectic path that included training briefly at the Moscow State Circus and completing a degree in Circus Arts with the Conservatoire of Dance and Drama in London. These experiences—combining discipline, creativity, and physical awareness—influenced his unique approach to teaching mindfulness. It was during this period that he began developing the foundational ideas that would become Headspace, blending ancient contemplative practices with accessible, modern guidance.

In 2010, Puddicombe co‑founded Headspace with Rich Pierson, and over the following decade the app grew into a global phenomenon, helping millions of users worldwide to reduce stress, improve focus, and build resilience through guided meditation. Puddicombe’s clear, calming voice and practical teaching style have defined Headspace’s signature sound and helped bring mindfulness into mainstream culture.

Puddicombe is also the author of three books on mindfulness and well‑being, published in more than 25 countries and translated into multiple languages. His work has been featured in international publications including The New York Times, Vogue, Financial Times, Entrepreneur, Men’s Health, and Esquire, and he has appeared on platforms such as TED, BBC television, and Netflix.

He currently lives in Venice, California, with his wife Lucinda and their son, continuing to teach, speak, and advocate for mental health awareness and mindful living around the world.