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
29 snips
Mar 2, 2022 • 49min
Absolutely Mental Season 3
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.
6 snips
Feb 28, 2022 • 1h 58min
Special Episode: Recipes for Future Plagues
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.
57 snips
Feb 11, 2022 • 2h 20min
#274 — The Future of American Democracy
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.
42 snips
Feb 7, 2022 • 20min
#273 — Joe Rogan and the Ethics of Apology
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.
8 snips
Jan 31, 2022 • 29min
Vaccine Mandates, transgender athletes, billionaires… (AMA #19)
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.
10 snips
Jan 11, 2022 • 47min
#272 — On Disappointing My Audience
The podcast dives into the tension between audience expectations and the challenges of addressing divisive issues like COVID-19 and political disinformation. It emphasizes the importance of responsible dialogue during crises and the complications of vaccine safety discussions amidst rampant misinformation. The conversation also touches on free speech and the deplatforming debate, especially with the upcoming 2024 elections looming. Additionally, it explores the innovative potential of NFTs for philanthropy, presenting a new vision for digital ownership linked to charitable contributions.
Dec 24, 2021 • 1h 16min
#271 — Earning to Give
Sam Bankman-Fried, the Founder and CEO of FTX and Alameda Research, is known for his commitment to effective altruism. In this conversation, he shares insights on becoming a billionaire under 30 and the ethical implications of wealth. They explore the 'Giving What We Can' pledge, the complexities of philanthropy, and how not to stigmatize wealth. The impact of cryptocurrency on market dynamics and the lessons learned from the pandemic also feature prominently, alongside discussions about lobbying and maximizing charitable impact in society.
27 snips
Dec 14, 2021 • 2h 51min
#270 — What Have We Learned from the Pandemic?
Nicholas Christakis, a physician and sociologist from Yale, joins the discussion to unpack the multifaceted lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. He reflects on our failure to coordinate an effective response and the politics surrounding vaccination. They delve into the real-world implications of vaccine efficacy and safety, the excessive mortality rates, and the emergence of new variants. Christakis emphasizes the need for public trust and the complexities of vaccine mandates while examining the balance between skepticism and reliance on scientific authority in health communication.
21 snips
Dec 3, 2021 • 40min
#269 — Deep Time
Oliver Burkeman, a feature writer for The Guardian and author of '4,000 Weeks,' delves into our complicated relationship with time. He critiques the obsession with productivity, arguing that it steals away meaningful experiences. The conversation touches on the pressures of parenting and the importance of cherishing childhood moments. Burkeman also explores the balancing act of work and life, emphasizing the need to escape the modern trap of constant busyness and find true fulfillment in the present.
17 snips
Nov 24, 2021 • 36min
#268 — The Limits of Self-Knowledge
In this enlightening discussion, Stephen Fleming, a cognitive neuroscience professor at University College London and author of "Know Thyself: The Science of Self-Awareness," delves into the intricacies of self-awareness. They explore the fascinating yet flawed nature of metacognition and how it ties to intelligence. Topics include the challenges of error monitoring, self-deception, and maintaining self-awareness under stress. Fleming sheds light on the neural processes behind our inner dialogues and the crucial role of social interactions in shaping our self-perception.
