Sam Harris speaks with Tim Urban about his new book, What’s Our Problem: A Self-Help Book for Societies. They discuss Tim’s unusual career, the finitude of life, existential risk, exponential technological change, political tribalism, the corruption of the media, how one thinks vs what one thinks, trust in institutions, the firing of James Bennet at the New York Times, digital mobs, the mechanics of cancellation, Alex Jones, election integrity, and other topics. Tim Urban is a writer, illustrator, and co-founder of the blog Wait But Why, best known for its long-form articles on a wide range of topics, many of which have gone viral. His TED Talk “Inside the mind of a master procrastinator” is the third most viewed talk of all time. Website: waitbutwhy.com Twitter: @waitbutwhy   Learning how to train your mind is the single greatest investment you can make in life. That’s why Sam Harris created the Waking Up app. From rational mindfulness practice to lessons on some of life’s most important topics, join Sam as he demystifies the practice of meditation and explores the theory behind it.

In this engaging discussion, James Bennet, a senior editor at The Economist and former Jerusalem Bureau Chief at The New York Times, shares his insights on media bias during turbulent times. He examines the ethical dilemmas journalists confront, particularly in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Bennet reflects on how cultural ties shape reporting and illuminates the challenges of maintaining objectivity amidst political pressures. His experiences provide a poignant lens on the emotional toll of conflict reporting and the urgent need for nuanced media discourse.

Guests include Ron Karenga discussing various topics, Matt talks about musicology being dumb and hip-hop appropriation, Method Man thinks the Stones and Bootsy are the same. Other topics include revisiting the Chauvin trial, an 800,000 word reflection, firing those dopes, and the many dead in Ukraine.

James Bennet, Lexington columnist for The Economist and former editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, joins the conversation on the Democratic National Convention. They delve into Hillary Clinton's powerful speech about female representation and Joe Biden's heartfelt farewell. The electric oratory of the Obamas is examined, showcasing their narrative style versus the current Republican landscape. Bennet highlights the evolving dynamics in the Democratic Party, including support shifts and personal stories from Doug Emhoff, all while reflecting on the significance of vulnerability in political discourse.

Former New York Times editor James Bennet spills the tea on the infamous Tom Cotton column that got him fired. Controversy and fallout surrounding Bennet and Donald McNeil Jr. discussed. The influence of social media on media organizations and power dynamics explored.