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
66 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.
113 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.
186 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.
109 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 18min
#442 — More From Sam: Public Speaking, Nuclear War, & Christian Nationalism
In this discussion, Sam reveals how he conquered his fear of public speaking through exposure techniques. They explore the alarming threat of nuclear war, critiquing the current doctrine and highlighting a new Netflix film as a crucial awareness tool. The conversation also touches on the recent surge of right-wing intellectuals embracing Christianity. Lastly, a lightning round of questions adds a fun twist, keeping the dialogue both engaging and thought-provoking.
234 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 22min
#441 — The Threat of Civil War
In this engaging discussion, journalist Stephen Marche, author of The Next Civil War, delves into the precarious state of political polarization in the U.S. He explores the potential dynamics of a modern civil war, weighing various risk factors like inequality and hyper-partisanship. Marche discusses Canada’s perspective on American politics and the serious implications of U.S. aggression. The conversation covers extremism on both sides and how diversity may influence social stability. A thought-provoking dialogue on navigating the future!
257 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 25min
#440 — A World in Crisis
Robert D. Kaplan, a renowned geopolitical analyst and author, dives into pressing global issues. He discusses the profound impacts of climate change and demographics on migration and security. Kaplan warns that the primacy of order is crucial to preserve freedom, echoing historical lessons. He critiques globalization and social media's role in modern political instability. Addressing the decline of Russia under Putin, he analyzes its implications for global dynamics, while pondering the future of U.S.-China relations amidst rising tensions.
