Making Sense with Sam Harris

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.

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.

Ian Bremmer, a noted political scientist and founder of Eurasia Group, delves into the complexities of the Ukraine conflict. He discusses the intricate dynamics of sanctions and their impact on Russia’s economy. The conversation touches on Biden’s controversial remarks about regime change and the looming threat of nuclear war. Bremmer also explores China's role in the crisis and the potential outcomes for the region, emphasizing the delicate balance needed in international diplomacy to avoid escalation.

In this engaging discussion, historian and author Yuval Noah Harari dives deep into the implications of Russia’s war in Ukraine. He unpacks Putin's strategic miscalculations and the internal divisions within the West. The conversation navigates global issues like misinformation, the rising influence of China and India, and the importance of trust in international relations. Harari warns of nuclear risks and highlights the fragility of global institutions, stressing the need to adapt our understanding of warfare and cooperation in a rapidly changing world.

Garry Kasparov, chess grandmaster and fierce advocate for democracy, joins for a riveting discussion on Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. They dive into Putin's true ambitions and the troubling public sentiment shaped by Russian propaganda. Kasparov critiques the hesitancy of Western sanctions, urging stronger measures to uphold democracy. The conversation also tackles the controversial notions of a no-fly zone and regime change, weighing their risks against the backdrop of potential global conflict.

In a lively discussion, comedian Ricky Gervais shares his witty insights on the emotional complexities of pet ownership, comparing cats and dogs. They explore the unique bonds formed with pets and the grief that follows their loss. The humor continues as they chat about pet allergies and the trends in pet adoption. They also dive deep into the psychology of lying, morality, and its implications in relationships and parenting, emphasizing the delicate balance between honesty and compassion.

Rob Reid, a venture capitalist and science fiction author, joins Kevin Esvelt, an MIT professor known for his work on CRISPR, to discuss urgent pandemic-related issues. They delve into the controversial Deep VZN program, which aims to identify and share new pandemic-grade viruses. Reid highlights the alarming number of individuals who could exploit this information. The conversation raises ethical concerns regarding viral genome sharing, the risks of synthetic biology, and the crucial balance between scientific progress and global security.

In this thought-provoking discussion, journalist Anne Applebaum, historian David Frum, and reporters Barton Gellman and George Packer examine the precarious state of American democracy. They dive into the impact of misinformation from the 2020 election and the Capitol attack on January 6th, 2021. The group highlights the urgent need for electoral reforms, the growing threats of extremism, and the role civic education plays in nurturing future democratic engagement. Their insights paint a vivid picture of democracy's crossroads and the power of informed discourse.

Dive into the recent controversy surrounding a well-known podcast host and his public apology for past remarks. Explore the intricate nuances of racism and how individual perceptions shape biases. Discover the challenges public figures face in today's hypersensitive climate when navigating apologies. The conversation emphasizes the need for genuine remorse and advocates for a culture that allows for forgiveness and growth.

The discussion dives into the complexities surrounding COVID-19 vaccine mandates, weighing public health against economic impacts. Mindfulness emerges as a tool for processing painful memories and fostering forgiveness. There’s a deep exploration into effective altruism, questioning ethical philanthropy in a capitalist world. The sensitive topic of transgender women in sports is thoughtfully navigated, emphasizing the importance of ongoing dialogue. Overall, the conversation challenges listeners to reconsider their views on wealth and its societal contributions.