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
127 snips
Feb 4, 2026 • 21min
#456 — American Fascism
Jonathan Rauch, journalist and author who wrote the piece 'Yes, It's Fascism.' He explains why he adopted the term and outlines 18 traits he sees in American politics. They discuss norm demolition as a deliberate strategy. They examine the glamorization of state violence and how clownish theatrics can mask dangerous ambitions.
95 snips
Jan 30, 2026 • 12min
#455 — More From Sam: Guns, Propaganda, AI, and Power Unbound
Jaron, regular conversational partner who co-hosts 'More From Sam' segments, joins Sam for wide-ranging current-events talk. They tackle the Minneapolis killing and gun-culture silence. They discuss Iran's escalating humanitarian crisis. They touch on AI-driven job displacement, political propaganda, and cultural oddities. The conversation jumps between urgent geopolitical concerns and media spectacle.
135 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 17min
#454 — More From Sam: Minnesota, Greenland, Iran, S**thole Countries, and More
Chaos in early 2026 is front and center as discussions range from the unjust killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis to the muddled Greenland controversy. The duo critiques federal government responses and the failures of ICE, highlighting misguided tactics and harsh immigration policies. The potential fracturing of NATO raises concerns, while the humanitarian crisis in Iran adds urgency to the debate. Listeners can look forward to insights on the radicalization of figures like Scott Adams and a future conversation with Ben Shapiro.
121 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 22min
#453 — AI and the New Face of Antisemitism
Judea Pearl, a computer scientist and philosopher known for his work on causality, dives into the complexities of AI and its relationship with sociopolitical issues. He argues that LLMs will not lead to AGI, highlighting the limits of deriving causation from mere correlation. Pearl reflects on the rise of anti-Zionism and its intersection with antisemitism, sharing his experiences engaging in public dialogue after the tragic loss of his son. The conversation also touches on the challenges of aligning AGI and the barriers to meaningful East-West dialogue.
227 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.
212 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.
168 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.
94 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.
130 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.
