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
5 snips
Sep 24, 2021 • 17min
Absolutely Mental Season Two
Engaging conversations between the co-hosts highlight unique recording formats and invite listeners to enjoy the series further. They share humorous anecdotes on anesthesia, comparing traditional methods to contemporary options. A deep dive into consciousness explores REM sleep, paralysis, and the quirks of hypnosis. The discussion delves into hypnotizability and how it can suppress pain, challenging the scientific legitimacy of hypnosis. Ultimately, they unveil how belief shapes our sensory experiences, especially in terms of pain perception.
Sep 20, 2021 • 28min
Ask Me Anything #18
The discussion dives into the complexities of misinformation, particularly surrounding COVID-19 and vaccines. It also critiques modern tribalism's influence on discourse, from politics to sports. Questions about the ethical implications of social media censorship versus misinformation are raised. The conversation touches on the fine line between aiding developing nations and potential negative consequences. Lastly, there's a reflective take on the impact of identity politics on honest dialogue and critical thinking in society.
12 snips
Sep 9, 2021 • 16min
#260 — The Second Plane
Reflecting on September 11, 2001, the discussion captures the shock and fear of the moment the second plane hit. It dives deep into the extremist ideologies that motivated the hijackers, urging a better understanding of the complex nature of terrorism. Conspiracy theories that emerged post-9/11 are also examined, contrasting irrational beliefs with historical facts, and shedding light on how social media plays a role in shaping public perceptions.
7 snips
Sep 1, 2021 • 1h 13min
#259 — The Reckoning to Come
Balaji Srinivasan, a serial entrepreneur and former CTO of Coinbase, delves into critical civilizational challenges and potential solutions. He explores the evidence of American decline and the rising powers of India and China. They discuss how outdated regulations preserve monopolies and the transformative potential of blockchain technology. Srinivasan highlights cybersecurity issues and the implications of U.S. cryptocurrency regulation. The conversation also touches on wealth inequality, decentralized journalism, and the future of governance amid rapid technological advancements.
5 snips
Aug 23, 2021 • 47min
#258 — The Fall of Afghanistan
Peter Bergen, author and national security analyst, dives into the chaos following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. He critiques the fall of the Afghan military and the resurgence of the Taliban, questioning America's ethical responsibilities towards Afghan allies. The conversation touches on bin Laden's rise within al-Qaeda and the complexities of global jihadism. Bergen also dissects the historical narratives around the Taliban and their relationship with ISIS, emphasizing the nuanced dynamics shaping modern terrorism.
Aug 13, 2021 • 1h 1min
#257 — The State of the World
Dambisa Moyo, a renowned economist and author, joins the discussion to unpack the complex state of the world. She dives into the pitfalls of public policy and capitalism, exploring the widening chasm of inequality and its repercussions. Moyo sheds light on our voting system's inefficiencies and proposes mandatory voting as a fix. The conversation also touches on automation's looming impact on employment and the intricate dynamics of identity politics, emphasizing the urgent need for reforms to foster genuine democratic engagement.
Aug 8, 2021 • 24min
Ask Me Anything #17
The podcast dives into the backlash from a discussion on vaccine hesitancy, unpacking the crucial role of public health trust. It tackles identity politics and the challenges faced by biracial children in today's climate. Journalism’s failures and the potential fix are highlighted, alongside the controversial effects of microdosing psychedelics. Sam discusses the Buddhist community’s political leanings and offers strategies for Democrats against Trumpism. Finally, he reflects on life’s ingredients and the ethics of government transparency in an unpredictable future.
22 snips
Jul 23, 2021 • 1h 27min
#256 — A Contagion of Bad Ideas
Eric Topol, a prominent cardiologist and medical researcher, joins to discuss pressing vaccine hesitancy issues. They explore how misinformation fuels public skepticism, especially regarding mRNA vaccines and their efficacy. The conversation highlights the dangers of political silos and the misuse of reporting systems like VAERS. Topol emphasizes the urgency of accurate data interpretation to combat misconceptions surrounding vaccines and the need for rebuilding trust in public health systems.
Jul 9, 2021 • 58min
#255 — The Future of Intelligence
Jeff Hawkins, co-founder of Numenta and a leading figure in neuroscience, dives into the fascinating nature of intelligence. He explains how the neocortex constructs models of our world, emphasizing the brain's predictive power. The discussion covers the alignment problem in artificial intelligence, the complexities of truth and belief, and the challenges posed by superintelligent AI. Hawkins challenges listeners to rethink human cognition and the future implications of AI, offering deep insights into the evolving relationship between technology and intelligence.
12 snips
Jun 25, 2021 • 49min
#254 — The Mating Strategies of Earthlings
In this engaging discussion, David Buss, a prominent evolutionary psychologist and author, dives into the fascinating world of human mating strategies. He unpacks the biological and social underpinnings of sex differences in jealousy and infidelity. The conversation touches on the impact of dating apps, the nuances of polyamory, and the complexities surrounding the replication crisis in psychology. From ovulatory shifts in mate choice to the challenges of stepfamily dynamics, Buss shares insights that challenge stereotypes and reveal the intricacies of modern relationships.
