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
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 He discusses why certain comedic styles become outdated and how improv plays a crucial role in his films.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.
9 snips
Apr 3, 2022 • 38min
#277 — How Does the War in Ukraine End?
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.
19 snips
Mar 22, 2022 • 36min
#276 — Defending the Global Order
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.
10 snips
Mar 10, 2022 • 37min
#275 — The Russian War in Ukraine
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.
