Ask Me Anything #5

Sam addresses questions regarding his Brazilian jiu-jitsu practice: Do I still train? What belt do I have? Why do I think the sport is so addictive?

Can you expand on the topic of free will?

What is the difference between Eckhart Tolle and Osho? According to Dan Harris' book, you seem to give credence to the idea that Tolle might actually have had a true spiritual experience while Osho is your go-to example for the fake guru and yet their books and ideas seem almost identical.

Why podcast rather than just spend the time writing? And why ask for listener support rather than read ads like most podcasters do?

What's your opinion of Milo Yiannopoulos and the alt-right?

Describe your political beliefs.

Chomsky says New Atheism is state worship in disguise. You don't subscribe to state communism or fascism, but at the same time, I don't see anything in your writings against the concept of the state. To believe states are necessary evils–would that count as state worship?

How is your diet going? Are you still a vegetarian?

I really want to do a 10-day retreat, but can I just go camping alone and do it? Is there a huge value in an organized retreat?

Please comment on the Hannibal Buress podcast fiasco.