Making Sense with Sam Harris

In this engaging discussion, Rener Gracie, a third-generation member of the renowned Gracie family and instructor of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, explores the intersection of martial arts and modern policing. He argues that incorporating jiu-jitsu into police training can significantly improve officer skills, reduce excessive force, and enhance community relations. The conversation delves into the critical gaps in current police training, highlighting real-life success stories and the potential for transformative change in law enforcement practices.

Join bioethics luminary Peter Singer and Francesca Minerva, a research fellow at the University of Milan, as they unpack the launching of the Journal of Controversial Ideas. They dive into the ethics surrounding taboo topics like race and IQ, and explore whether individuals should be allowed to sell their vaccine slots. The discussion also touches on the dangerous tug-of-war between activism and academia, and the implications of free speech amidst a culture of political correctness, urging a robust dialogue on sensitive issues.

Sam Harris chats with Bruce Friedrich and Liz Specht from the Good Food Institute, experts in transforming protein production for a sustainable future. They discuss the shocking connection between animal agriculture, climate change, and pandemic risks. The conversation highlights the rise of alternative proteins, the psychological barriers to accepting new food technologies, and the crucial role of biotechnology in ensuring global health. They emphasize the need for appealing solutions to make sustainable options accessible and desirable to consumers.

Explore the transformative power of meditation and how misconceptions can hinder its true benefits. Delve into the intersection of personal growth and capitalism, highlighting the role of luck and compassion in success. Discover how insights gained from meditation can deepen our understanding of identity and spirituality, enriching both personal and societal perceptions.

Sam Harris hosts James Fadiman, a Harvard and Stanford-educated psychologist and early psychedelic researcher, known for his work in microdosing. They delve into who should safely take psychedelics and the crucial aspect of 'set and setting.' Fadiman shares insights on microdosing's antidepressant properties and cognitive benefits. They explore the distinctions between MDMA and true psychedelics, the transformative effects of psychedelics on self-identity, and the necessity of compassionate guidance in these experiences.

Dive into a thought-provoking discussion that questions the very fabric of free will. The conversation explores how our choices are influenced by unconscious elements, challenging the notion of individual authorship. Discover the moral implications of realizing free will may be an illusion, which could foster compassion in how we judge others. This exploration nuances our understanding of identity, ethics, and social justice, inviting listeners to reconsider the complex interplay between determinism and desire.

In this engaging conversation, poet David Whyte shares his insights on everyday words and their deeper meanings, drawn from his work 'Consolations.' He explores the essence of fundamental concepts like friendship and ambition, describing how they shape our lives. The discussion delves into the transformative power of true friendship and the vulnerability needed to foster authentic connections. Whyte highlights the interplay of honesty, grief, and self-identity, emphasizing the importance of embracing our vulnerabilities for personal growth.

Ricky Gervais, the witty comedian known for The Office and After Life, chats with Sam about the future of comedy in an AI-dominated world. They ponder on the nature of free will and whether a chimp might ever existentially question life. Ricky also humorously underscores the notion that bears are dangerous creatures. Delving into thought-provoking ideas, their banter weaves through consciousness, moral responsibility, and the peculiar comparisons of human and chimp intelligence, all while keeping the conversation lively and entertaining.

Frank Wilczek, a Nobel laureate and MIT professor, dives into the essence of reality and the universe's mysterious workings. He passionately distinguishes between science and non-science, shedding light on astrology's flaws. The conversation explores the perplexities of time, quantum mechanics, and the nature of space-time. Wilczek also discusses the 'unreasonable effectiveness' of mathematics and entertains the simulation hypothesis, questioning if our reality is an illusion. It's a captivating journey through the depths of theoretical physics.

Ricky Gervais, a celebrated comedian and actor known for his work on The Office and After Life, joins the conversation to delve into the world of comedy. He discusses his monster joke from a previous chat, highlighting the intricate nuances of humor. Gervais shares anecdotes about crafting jokes for diverse audiences at high-profile events like the Golden Globes, balancing societal issues with comedic expression. The talk also explores playful euphemisms in British comedy and the pressures comedians face in today’s polarized landscape.