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
84 snips
Sep 18, 2023 • 50min
#334 — The Low-Trust Society
David Brooks, a contributing writer for The Atlantic and commentator for PBS, dives into the complexities of American democracy with Sam Harris. They discuss the decline of social trust and the dangers of identity politics. Brooks reflects on the evolving political landscape, including the implications of the 2024 presidential election and the impacts of economic inequality. They also critique the moral challenges faced by both political parties and offer insights on the Biden administration's performance amidst rising skepticism and controversy.
158 snips
Sep 5, 2023 • 1h 8min
#333 — Sanity Check on Climate Change
In this engaging discussion, Chris Field, director of the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment and a leading climate change expert, joins to explore critical climate issues. They tackle the skepticism surrounding climate change, the evolution and accuracy of climate models, and the alarming realities of rising temperatures and wildfires. Chris emphasizes the importance of transitioning to renewable energy while discussing the role of nuclear power and carbon taxes. He also highlights the need for equitable support for developing nations in their fight against climate change.
151 snips
Aug 28, 2023 • 55min
#332 — Can We Contain Artificial Intelligence?
Mustafa Suleyman, Co-founder and CEO of Inflection AI and former co-founder of DeepMind, shares insights from his new book, "The Coming Wave." He discusses the journey of DeepMind and groundbreaking AI achievements like AlphaGo and AlphaFold. Suleyman highlights the urgent need for ethical oversight as AI evolves, emphasizing risks to the labor market and societal structures. He explores the 'containment problem' and stresses balancing innovation with caution to navigate the challenges posed by powerful technologies.
60 snips
Aug 20, 2023 • 9min
#331 — A Golden Age for Assholes
Dive into the cultural upheaval driven by social media and the emergence of provocative figures like Andrew Tate and Donald Trump. Explore how the concept of an 'asshole' has evolved, shedding light on our societal values. The podcast also delves into self-absorbed behavior and the necessity for self-awareness, urging a shift towards compassion. Furthermore, it examines our fascination with shamelessness and its implications for moral accountability in today's world.
60 snips
Aug 16, 2023 • 1h 36min
#330 — The Doomsday Machine
Carl Robichaud, co-leader of Longview Philanthropy’s nuclear weapons policy program, dives deep into the looming threat of nuclear war. He reflects on the morality of the bombings at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and critiques the lessons learned from the Cuban Missile Crisis. The conversation touches on modern challenges like cyber vulnerabilities and escalating U.S.-China tensions, along with the role of private citizens in mitigating nuclear risks. Robichaud emphasizes the need for philanthropy in addressing these existential threats, blending urgency with hope.
68 snips
Aug 12, 2023 • 1h 1min
#329 — What Happened to the Republican Party?
Bret Stephens, a New York Times columnist and author of "America in Retreat," joins to discuss the Republican Party's tumultuous landscape. They dive into shifting attitudes towards Putin, the controversies surrounding Tucker Carlson, and the implications of the Hunter Biden laptop narrative. They also analyze the party's future in light of Trump’s influence and upcoming elections. Additionally, they explore the complicated relationship between misinformation, media ethics, and free speech, painting a vivid picture of modern conservatism's challenges.
396 snips
Aug 2, 2023 • 1h 3min
#328 — Health & Longevity
In this conversation, Peter Attia, a physician and founder of Early Medical, dives into his book, 'Outlive.' He discusses vital concepts like 'healthspan' and insights from centenarians about diet and exercise. Attia emphasizes the importance of protein for aging, the role of fasting, and the implications of macronutrients on health. The episode further explores preventative medicine, the effects of alcohol, and proactive health measures, painting a comprehensive picture of how to live a longer, healthier life.
91 snips
Jul 21, 2023 • 50min
#327 — Transformative Experiences
In this fascinating dialogue, L.A. Paul, a Yale professor specializing in metaphysics and cognitive science, delves into transformative experiences that reshape our identities. They explore the intricacies of decision-making, emphasizing how significant choices like parenthood redefine desires and self-perception. The conversation touches on the balance between empathy and rational charity, and the moral complexities tied to regret and future selves. A thought-provoking discussion on how personal experiences impact our values and ethical beliefs unfolds, leaving listeners reflecting on their own transformative moments.
116 snips
Jul 6, 2023 • 49min
#326 — AI & Information Integrity
In this engaging conversation, Nina Schick, an expert on generative AI, dives into the complex world of information integrity. She discusses the challenges of regulating AI, highlighting deepfakes and misinformation's societal impacts. The talk includes insights on hyper-personalization in our digital experiences and its ramifications on relationships and mental health. Nina also explores the ethical dilemmas posed by advanced technologies and the urgent need for transparency in combating misinformation. A thought-provoking look into AI's role in our future!
14 snips
Jul 3, 2023 • 27min
#325 — A Few Thoughts About RFK Jr.
The discussion dives into Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s heightened media presence and the ethics of giving him a platform. It tackles the tricky balancing act journalists face when platforming controversial figures, especially concerning divisive topics like vaccines and climate change. The harmful spread of misinformation around vaccines, particularly the debunked claims linking the MMR vaccine to autism, is carefully examined, shedding light on the broader implications for public health and trust in institutions.
