Making Sense with Sam Harris

In this engaging discussion, Megan Phelps-Roper, a podcast host and former member of the Westboro Baptist Church, delves into the controversies surrounding J.K. Rowling's views on gender rights. They explore the delicate balance between trans rights and women's rights, the cultural backlash Rowling faced, and how social media amplifies polarized opinions. Phelps-Roper also shares her unique background and how it shapes her perspective on extremism, belief, and the importance of rational discourse in a heated public debate.

Bart Ehrman, a distinguished professor of religious studies and an expert on early Christianity, joins for a deep dive into the apocalypse themes in Revelation. They unravel the complexities of Armageddon and explore how modern Christian beliefs shape perceptions of the end times. Ehrman shares insights on the Book of Revelation’s authorship and language, while also contrasting premillennialism and postmillennialism. The discussion highlights how these eschatological views impact political attitudes and policies, especially within American Christian Zionism.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Sarah Haider, co-founder of Ex-Muslims of North America, critiques the constraints of religious texts on morality. Megan Phelps-Roper, a former member of the Westboro Baptist Church, opens up about her journey from fervent belief to a secular worldview. Yasmine Mohammed shares her harrowing escape from fundamentalist Islamism and emphasizes women's rights. The conversation unpacks belief, societal norms, and the power of dialogue in navigating personal transformations and challenging oppressive systems.

Stuart Russell, a UC Berkeley professor and author of 'Human Compatible,' and Gary Marcus, a renowned scientist and author, delve into the complexities of artificial intelligence. They explore the limitations of current AI technologies, especially ChatGPT, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding artificial general intelligence. The duo discusses the risks of misinformation, the need for human values in AI systems, and the urgent call for regulations to protect democracy and public safety amid evolving tech. They reveal how business models can exacerbate misinformation crises.

In this engaging discussion, writer and evolutionary biologist Matt Ridley, along with viral vector engineer Alina Chan, delve into the origins of COVID-19. They critically examine the lab leak theory, highlighting the evidence surrounding the Wuhan Institute of Virology. The conversation addresses media censorship, the risks of gain-of-function research, and China’s initial denial of human transmission. They also explore the history of lab leaks, the implications of scientific transparency, and the importance of understanding the virus's source to prevent future pandemics.

Neuroscientist Robert Sapolsky and philosopher Daniel Dennett dive deep into the enigma of free will. Sapolsky debunks the myth of libertarian free will, presenting a deterministic view of reality. Dennett counters with his own interpretations and wrestles with Sam Harris on this complex topic. The discussion further includes philosopher Sean Carroll's insights on quantum mechanics and comedian Ricky Gervais's humorous take while pondering free will. Ultimately, the conversation challenges perceptions of moral responsibility and accountability, reshaping how we view human behavior.

Bari Weiss, founder of The Free Press and former New York Times editor, joins Michael Schellenberger, an environmental advocate and author, and Renee DiResta, a Stanford expert on misinformation. They dive into the fallout from the Twitter files and the trust crisis in media and government. Discussion topics include the challenges of content moderation, the impact of misinformation on public perception, and the complexities of transparency in journalism. They also tackle political bias and the need for genuine dialogue in today's digital landscape.

This insightful discussion features Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator known for his expertise in conflict resolution, and Gavin de Becker, a security expert and author emphasizing intuition in safety. Voss shares practical negotiation tactics and the importance of 'tactical empathy' in violent situations. De Becker redefines fear as a vital survival signal. The conversation also navigates the ethical complexities of profiling and the responsibilities of gun ownership, alongside philosophical reflections on violence and societal notions of honor.

Martha C. Nussbaum, a distinguished Professor of law and ethics at the University of Chicago, delves into the critical intersection of philosophy, emotions, and politics. She highlights the relevance of ancient Greek and Roman thought, particularly Stoicism, in understanding modern emotional dynamics. The dialogue explores complex issues like moral luck, the fragility of goodness, and how honor cultures affect vulnerable groups. Nussbaum advocates for philosophy's role in fostering communal values and respectful dialogue amid divisive topics.

In a fascinating conversation, Robert Waldinger, a Harvard psychiatrist and director of the renowned Harvard Study of Adult Development, shares groundbreaking insights on well-being and fulfillment. They discuss how relationships are more crucial to happiness than wealth and the impact of habits like alcohol and exercise on longevity. Waldinger also highlights the importance of mindfulness and experiences over material possessions, as well as the complexities of memory in shaping our happiness. This engaging dialogue reveals profound truths about human connections and what truly makes life meaningful.