Making Sense with Sam Harris
Sam Harris
Join neuroscientist, philosopher, and five-time New York Times best-selling author Sam Harris as he explores important and controversial questions about the mind, society, current events, moral philosophy, religion, and rationality—with an overarching focus on how a growing understanding of ourselves and the world is changing our sense of how we should live.
Sam is also the creator of the Waking Up app. Combining Sam’s decades of mindfulness practice, profound wisdom from varied philosophical and contemplative traditions, and a commitment to a secular, scientific worldview, Waking Up is a resource for anyone interested in living a more examined, fulfilling life—and a new operating system for the mind.
Waking Up offers free subscriptions to anyone who can’t afford one, and donates a minimum of 10% of profits to the most effective charities around the world. To learn more, please go to WakingUp.com.
Sam Harris received a degree in philosophy from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in neuroscience from UCLA.
Sam is also the creator of the Waking Up app. Combining Sam’s decades of mindfulness practice, profound wisdom from varied philosophical and contemplative traditions, and a commitment to a secular, scientific worldview, Waking Up is a resource for anyone interested in living a more examined, fulfilling life—and a new operating system for the mind.
Waking Up offers free subscriptions to anyone who can’t afford one, and donates a minimum of 10% of profits to the most effective charities around the world. To learn more, please go to WakingUp.com.
Sam Harris received a degree in philosophy from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in neuroscience from UCLA.
Episodes
Mentioned books
101 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 27min
#429 — The New World Order
Anne Applebaum, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, dives deep into the erosion of democracy both domestically and globally. She and Sam discuss the Sudanese civil war and the detrimental role of foreign powers. They examine America's diminishing leadership and the implications of USAID cuts on humanitarian efforts. The conversation also touches on gerrymandering, the integrity of U.S. elections, and the potential aftermath of Trump's influence on politics, including rising figures like JD Vance.
111 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 27min
#428 — Political Extremism
Jonah Goldberg, Editor-in-chief of The Dispatch and host of The Remnant, joins to dissect the current political landscape. They explore the implications of Trump 2.0 and delve into wealth inequality. Goldberg discusses the horseshoe theory and the rise of illiberalism on both sides of the aisle. He highlights the complexities within the MAGA movement and the ongoing struggles faced by the Democratic Party. Their candid conversation sheds light on the erosion of classical liberal principles and the urgent need for accountability in today’s political discourse.
174 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 23min
#427 — AI Friends & Enemies
In this discussion, Paul Bloom, a psychology professor at Yale and the University of Toronto, explores the intriguing complexities of AI. They dissect the psychological and ethical ramifications of AI companionship, highlighting its potential to alleviate loneliness yet raising concerns over genuine human connection. Bloom also examines the potential dangers of attributing consciousness to AI and reflects on the societal impact of technology. Additionally, they touch on Trump’s controversial connections to science and conspiracy theories, making for a thought-provoking conversation.
176 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 28min
#426 — How Bad Is It?
David Frum, a Canadian-American political commentator and journalist at The Atlantic, joins the discussion on the troubling state of American politics. They explore Trump's corruption and immigration policies, pointing out how personal scandals shape public perception. The conversation shifts to U.S. foreign policy, focusing on the dynamic situations in Ukraine and Israel. Frum offers insights into the implications of Trump's protectionist trade policies and addresses how recent leadership changes have affected international trust and credibility.
90 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 27min
#425 — Are We Prepared for the Next Pandemic?
Sam Harris hosts infectious disease expert Marc Lipsitch, Director of the Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics at Harvard. They dive into pandemic preparedness, reflecting on lessons learned from COVID-19. Topics include the erosion of trust in institutions and the critical need for clear scientific communication. Lipsitch addresses vaccine hesitancy and the safety of mRNA vaccines, while also discussing the implications of gain-of-function research and the importance of being ready for future pandemic threats.
149 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 27min
#424 — "More From Sam": Nazi Grok, ICE, Epstein, Social Media, Rapid Fire Questions
Current events take center stage as they delve into the complexities of AI ethics and immigration, critiquing strict enforcement tactics by ICE. The conversation shifts to the murky legacy of Jeffrey Epstein, exposing the troubling connections to powerful figures while navigating conspiracy theories. Personal reflections offer insights into trust issues stemming from high-profile allegations. To top it off, rapid-fire questions keep the dialogue lively, mixing humor with serious contemplation in our distraction-filled world.
125 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 19min
#423 — “More From Sam”: Democracy, Populism, Wealth Inequality, News-Induced Anxiety, & Rapid Fire Questions
Explore the murky waters of conspiracy theories surrounding Epstein and public fascination with celebrity scandals. Delve into how we can safeguard democracy in the face of rising populism and examine accountability in independent media. Wealth inequality takes center stage, with discussions on capitalism's future and urban disparities. Plus, learn strategies to cope with the overwhelming nature of current events while enjoying rapid-fire questions that keep the conversation lively and thought-provoking!
557 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 2h 4min
#422 — Zionism & Jihadism
Haviv Rettig Gur, a journalist and history teacher, shares his insights on the complexities of Israeli affairs and the conflict with Iran. They discuss Israel's military capabilities and innovative strategies, like the Iron Dome, in the face of regional threats. The conversation also touches on the rise of antisemitism, the historical roots of Zionism, and the sociopolitical dynamics of Iran. Gur sheds light on the challenges of public perception during the Gaza war and the impact of Israeli settlements on the ongoing conflict.
106 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 18min
#421 — “More From Sam”: Political Violence, Iran, Deportations, Protests, & Rapid Fire Questions
The discussion dives into the alarming rise of political violence in the U.S., calling for a return to civility. It critically examines the moral integrity of figures like Elon Musk and Trump, unpacking the implications of their actions on society. The podcast also highlights the geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran, focusing on the threats posed by a nuclear-armed Iran. With a mix of insights and humor, the hosts tackle hot topics, including protests in LA and recent political moves, while answering listener questions.
288 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 20min
#420 — Countdown to Superintelligence
In a compelling discussion, AI researcher Daniel Kokotaljo, previously with OpenAI, shares insights on the future of superintelligent AI. He elaborates on the alignment problem, exploring the challenges of ensuring AI systems reflect human values. The conversation delves into the potential economic impacts and the urgency of global cooperation to avoid an AI arms race. Kokotaljo also highlights the concerning capacity of AI to mislead intentionally and the critical need for safety testing and regulation as we approach unprecedented technological advancements.
