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
204 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 21min
#452 — Is Wokeness Finally Dead?
In this fascinating conversation, linguist and cultural commentator John McWhorter delves into the waning influence of wokeness across academia and the arts. He argues that while the peak of woke ideology may have passed, its practices still persist under various guises, especially in hiring and training. They explore how social media fuels moral panic, the implications of identity in debates over Israel-Palestine, and McWhorter's reflections on the missteps following George Floyd's death. He emphasizes the need for ongoing dialogue amid the confusion surrounding race and ideology.
187 snips
Dec 31, 2025 • 9min
#451 — The One Resolution That Matters Most
In a world full of distractions, mindfulness emerges as a crucial skill for clarity and focus. Sam explains how caring for your mind sets the foundation for all resolutions. He delves into the battle against digital distraction and defines mindfulness as an attentiveness to consciousness. Through simple practices like observing thoughts, Sam reveals how awareness can transform experiences. He encourages starting small with daily mindfulness exercises and suggests using the Waking Up app for guidance.
151 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 28min
#450 — More From Sam: Resolutions, Conspiracies, Demonology, and the Fate of the World
Sam delves into his ambitious New Year's resolutions and the transformative power of meditation. He explores current AI risks and the urgent need for global cooperation to navigate this complex landscape. The conversation also touches on disturbing events like Tucker Carlson’s chilling experience and societal fractures stemming from antisemitism. Additionally, Sam critiques theological arguments while grappling with the collapse of shared reality—a major driver behind contemporary crises. It's a thought-provoking exploration of personal and global challenges.
86 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 23min
#449 — Dogma, Tribe, and Truth
In this engaging conversation, Ross Douthat, a New York Times columnist and author of "Believe," delves into the pressing issues of religion and modern culture. He argues for the necessity of faith amid digital disembodiment and declining birthrates. Sam and Ross explore the impact of AI on human purpose and solidarity, debating whether abundance could lead to societal issues. They also touch on the risks of leisure without restraint and reflect on the challenges of fostering communal ethics in a fragmented world.
127 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 25min
#448 — The Philosophy of Good and Evil
David Edmonds, a philosopher and former BBC journalist with a focus on moral philosophy, joins the conversation to delve into intriguing moral dilemmas. They explore Edmonds's book, 'Death in a Shallow Pond,' and the implications of Peter Singer's drowning child thought experiment. The discussion covers the challenges of consequentialism, the nuances of the trolley problem, and the moral complexities of earning to give. Edmonds also sheds light on criticisms of effective altruism and explores how practical ethics can shape our decisions.
206 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 20min
#447 — The Unraveling of American Power
In this thought-provoking conversation, geopolitical strategist Peter Zeihan dives into the fallout of Trump's potential second term, questioning its implications for American power. He reflects on his misjudged 2024 predictions and the alarming damage to U.S. global influence. Zeihan highlights the risks of tariffs on manufacturing, deglobalization, and inflation. He also discusses the complexities of AI development in a decoupled world and unpacks the chaotic dynamics of U.S. policymaking, revealing the perilous results of current trends in geopolitics.
108 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 22min
#446 — How to Do the Most Good
In this thought-provoking conversation, Michael Plant, a philosopher and the founder of the Happier Lives Institute, delves into the complexities of happiness and effective altruism. They tackle the nature of well-being through Nozick's 'Experience Machine' and discuss the significance of self-reported happiness. Michael emphasizes the impact of treating depression over mere financial aid, while critiquing the moral consequences of good intentions. Additionally, they explore the future implications of AI on human flourishing and address the meaning crisis in a world increasingly defined by technology.
160 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 19min
#445 — More From Sam: Marjorie Taylor Greene, Billionaires, Thanksgiving Political Debates, & Rapid Fire Questions
The discussion dives into Marjorie Taylor Greene’s skeptical apology and her history of divisive politics. Sam critiques the performances of political figures, labeling some as lacking empathy, with Trump as a notable example. They explore wealth inequality and challenge the myth of the self-made individual, emphasizing the role of luck. The conversation also touches on the importance of compassion for homelessness and mental illness, as well as strategies for navigating tricky political conversations during Thanksgiving gatherings.
150 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 21min
#444 — America's Zombie Democracy
George Packer, a renowned journalist and author, joins the discussion to delve into the complexities of American democracy. He describes the unsettling idea of a 'Zombie Democracy' and highlights the erosion of democratic institutions. They explore the problematic politicization of the Justice Department and the unprecedented corruption seen during the Trump era. Packer emphasizes how shamelessness has become a political superpower, shielding wrongdoing from public scrutiny, and discusses the escalating threats of hyperpartisanship and white nationalism.
289 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 1h 60min
#443 — What Is Christian Nationalism?
Douglas Wilson, a pastor and theologian, dives deep into the heart of Christian nationalism, challenging the narrative around secularism's failures. He differentiates his views on biblical absolutism and young-earth creationism, while embracing postmillennial optimism. The conversation touches on the importance of a moral foundation rooted in faith, the complexities of church-state separation, and the historical context of religious tests in governance. Expect thought-provoking insights into evangelicals' role in shaping public life and a rejection of extremism in faith.
