#100 - Sam Harris, Ph.D.: COVID-19—Comprehending the crisis and managing our emotions

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Mar 24, 2020

Sam Harris, a neuroscientist and author, shares his insights on navigating the complex emotional landscape during the COVID-19 crisis. He discusses the critical differences between COVID-19 and influenza, shedding light on the economic impact of lockdowns and the dire situation in New York. Drawing from his meditation practice, Harris offers strategies to manage anxiety and stress, emphasizing mindfulness's role in coping. He also touches on how to communicate effectively with children about the pandemic without adding to their worries.

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INSIGHT

Uniqueness of the Pandemic

This current situation is unlike any other in our lifetime, making analogies like 9/11 inadequate.
The scale and impact of this pandemic are unprecedented and require a unique approach.

INSIGHT

COVID-19 vs. Flu

Comparing COVID-19 to the flu is misleading due to the exponential growth of the virus.
Sam Harris's personal experience with severe cases highlights the potential severity of COVID-19.

INSIGHT

Unpredictability of COVID-19

The unpredictable and exponential nature of COVID-19 makes it different from the flu.
The flu's mortality is spread predictably, but COVID-19's is still unfolding, making comparisons inaccurate.

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In this episode, Sam Harris, neuroscientist, author, and host of the Making Sense Podcast, joins Peter to discuss this unprecedented coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. The discussion includes the important distinction between COVID-19 and influenza, the impact on the economy, the dire situation in New York, and the challenge of creating a safe and effective vaccine. Additionally, Sam brings insights from his extensive meditation practice to help those struggling with stress, anxiety, and fear in this extraordinary situation. We discuss:

A time unlike any other—why many people don’t seem to fully grasp the magnitude of this situation [2:00];
Why comparing COVID-19 to influenza is a bad analogy [10:45]
The impact on the economy of measures like shelter-in-place—Is the “cure” worse than the disease? [16:45];
Why are some places, like New York, getting hit so much worse? [24:45];
The trickle down effect of an overrun healthcare system on non-COVID-19 related health issues [34:45];
How to calm our minds and manage our emotions during this craziness [38:00];
Talking to kids about this situation without burdening them with undue stress [50:15];
Insights from meditation practice—Recognize and unhook yourself from a heightened emotional state [52:00];
How to make the most of a situation where you let your emotions get the best of you [59:15];
What are some potential positive things that Sam hopes could be learned from this crisis and applied to the future? [1:09:30];
The unfortunate politics being layered on top of this crisis [1:15:30];
The challenge of creating a safe and effective vaccine for COVID-19 [1:20:00]; and
More.

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