Exploring the Fundamental Questions of the Universe and Living a Good Life

For the holiday stretch, we're publishing a few of our favorite episodes from this year. Today, we’re airing Erik's solo interview with Sam Harris over on his Upstream podcast. This discussion covers Sam’s concerns about populism, polarization, and inequality. We also discuss why Sam is hated by the left and the right. Moment of Zen will return with a new episode this weekend.

This episode originally aired on May 29th, 2023

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RECOMMENDED PODCAST: History 102 with WhatifAltHist

Every week, creator of WhatifAltHist Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg cover a major topic in history in depth -- in under an hour. This season will cover classical Greece, early America, the Vikings, medieval Islam, ancient China, the fall of the Roman Empire, and more.

Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/36Kqo3BMMUBGTDo1IEYihm

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/history-102-with-whatifalthists-rudyard-lynch-and/id1730633913

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@History102-qg5oj

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Check out Erik's new show Request for Startups featuring a rotating cast of founders and investors (including Dan) sharing their requests for startups they want to exist in the world, and also their stories of navigating the idea maze in different sectors so founders don’t have to reinvent the wheel anymore. The first episode is out now - we over better dating apps, references as a service, and WeWork for productivity

• Watch and Subscribe on Substack: https://requestforstartups.substack.com/p/receipt-based-dating-reference-checks
• Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/request-for-startups-with-erik-torenberg/id1728659822
• Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/739L1LR32QI2XyoZlRh5nv

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SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | SHOPIFY | NETSUITE

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Sign up for our newsletter to receive the full shownotes: https://momentofzen.substack.com/

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X / TWITTER:

@eriktorenberg (Erik)

@moz_podcast (Moment of Zen)

@TurpentineMedia

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(05:07) Discussion on Misinformation and Social Media

(07:34) Sam Harris's Decision to Leave Twitter

(14:43) SPONSORS: SHOPIFY | NETSUITE

(19:30) Exploring the Conflict Between Left and Right

(22:27) Debate on Equality, Disparities, and Discrimination

(28:54) Continuation of the Discussion on Equality and Discrimination

(46:57) The Rise of Contrarianism and its Impact on Politics

(51:55) The Dangers of Conspiracy Theories and Misinformation

(55:19) The Impact of Online Politics and Misinformation

(01:00:28) The Influence of Wealth and Power on Society

(01:06:03) The Dangers of Polarization

(01:25:19) The Role of Capitalism and the Need for Reform

(01:28:28) Wrap