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
78 snips
Jul 5, 2022 • 50min
#287 — Why Wealth Matters
Morgan Housel, a Partner at Collaborative Fund and former columnist, delves into the psychology of money and investing. He discusses how personal history shapes our views on economic risk and the distinction between being rich and truly wealthy. Housel highlights the problem of social comparison and its impact on happiness. The conversation explores the role of luck, the power of compounding, and the importance of saving and investing wisely, revealing that genuine financial freedom is a crucial pillar of life satisfaction.
43 snips
Jun 28, 2022 • 42min
#286 — The Paradox of Psychedelics
Dive into the intriguing world of psychedelics and their potential to expand consciousness beyond the confines of the mind. Explore how these substances offer immediate insights, contrasting with the gradual journey of meditation. Discover the transformative power of mindfulness, shaping attention and awareness, and learn how cultural pressures affect our pursuit of meaning. Delve into the ethical dimensions of meditation, highlighting the importance of self-awareness, forgiveness, and genuine presence in everyday life.
23 snips
Jun 24, 2022 • 47min
#285 — American Division
David French, a Senior Editor at The Dispatch and author of *Divided We Fall*, joins the discussion on America's growing divisions. He shares his unique perspective as a former military officer and the challenges of navigating political grievances. The conversation highlights the parallels between today's polarization and sectarian violence, the surprising support for Trump among evangelicals, and the dangers of online activism. French also reflects on the ideological transformations within the Republican Party and the moral complexities of gun ownership.
Jun 7, 2022 • 40min
#284 — The Funny Business
Judd Apatow, an Emmy Award-winning director and comedian, dives into his illustrious career in comedy and reflects on the legacy of George Carlin in a new documentary. He discusses why certain comedic styles become outdated and how improv plays a crucial role in his films. The conversation touches on parenting in the digital age, navigating fame, and the significance of free speech in comedy. Judd also shares insights on the changing nature of humor, from political commentary to more nihilistic perspectives, revealing the complexities of creativity.
71 snips
May 30, 2022 • 1h 35min
#283 — Gun Violence in America
Graeme Wood, a staff writer for The Atlantic and Yale teacher, dives into the urgent problem of gun violence in America, notably after the Uvalde shooting. He discusses the complexities of gun culture, legislation, and the psychological effects of mass shootings on children. The conversation highlights the need for stricter gun regulations while examining the societal implications of personal safety. Wood also critiques current emergency response strategies and advocates for cultural shifts to enhance gun safety and accountability.
66 snips
May 23, 2022 • 54min
#282 — Do You Really Have a Self?
Jay Garfield, a professor of philosophy and author, shares his expertise on the illusion of self. He delves into how our perception of selfhood is an interdependent construct, integrating Buddhist and Western philosophies. The discussion challenges traditional notions of identity and free will, advocating for a deeper understanding of consciousness separate from the self. Garfield emphasizes the role of meditation in reshaping our experience of reality, encouraging listeners to reflect on the complexities of personal identity.
51 snips
May 2, 2022 • 1h 12min
#281 — Western Culture and Its Discontents
Douglas Murray, an author and associate editor for The Spectator, joins to discuss his new book, 'The War on the West.' They dive into the cultural implications of hyper partisanship, dissecting the roles of identity politics and media bias in today's society. Murray critiques contemporary anti-racist movements and explores the unsettling topics of the Hunter Biden laptop scandal and political polarization. The conversation highlights the urgent need for constructive dialogue in an increasingly divided landscape.
70 snips
Apr 22, 2022 • 38min
#280 — The Future of Artificial Intelligence
In this discussion, Eric Schmidt, a technologist and former CEO of Google, dives into the transformative potential and existential risks posed by artificial intelligence. He highlights parallels between today's AI advancements and past challenges like nuclear proliferation. The conversation touches on AI's impact on professions, the ethical dilemmas it presents, and the critical threat of misinformation, especially from deepfakes. Schmidt emphasizes the urgent need for multidisciplinary dialogue to navigate the complexities of AI's future in society.
6 snips
Apr 18, 2022 • 35min
#279 — The Rules of the Stage
Ricky Gervais, the comedic genius known for his roles in The Office and After Life, dives deep into the controversial Oscars incident involving Will Smith and Chris Rock. He shares humorous reflections on alcohol and aging, discussing how these impact personal experiences and health. The conversation navigates the complexities of public outbursts and societal norms, questioning the line between valor and recklessness. Gervais also tackles the cultural confusion surrounding public apologies and the evolving expectations of accountability in celebrity culture.
5 snips
Apr 13, 2022 • 38min
#278 — The Man Who Will Be King
Graeme Wood, a staff writer at The Atlantic and expert on the Islamic State, joins the discussion. They dig into the controversial reign of Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, including the high-profile murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the Ritz-Carlton imprisonments. The talk covers Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, relationships with Israel, and ongoing reform efforts. They also explore the complexities of U.S.-Saudi relations, jihadist deprogramming in prisons, and how the geopolitical landscape is shifting in the region amidst these challenges.
