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
67 snips
Apr 6, 2021 • 1h 13min
#244 — Food, Climate, and Pandemic Risk
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.
Mar 28, 2021 • 10min
#243 — A Few Points of Confusion
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.
11 snips
Mar 23, 2021 • 1h 4min
#242 — Psychedelics and the Self
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.
4 snips
Mar 12, 2021 • 44min
#241 — Final Thoughts on Free Will
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.
11 snips
Mar 7, 2021 • 44min
#240 — The Boundaries of Self
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.
Feb 24, 2021 • 22min
#239 — Yet Another Call from Ricky Gervais
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.
Feb 23, 2021 • 59min
#238 — How to Build a Universe
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.
Feb 16, 2021 • 42min
#237 — Another Call from Ricky Gervais
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.
Feb 11, 2021 • 48min
#236 — Rebooting New York City
In a thought-provoking discussion, Andrew Yang, a former presidential candidate and mayoral hopeful, dives into the future of New York City. He shares his personal experience with COVID-19, emphasizing the importance of empathy during crisis. Yang tackles pressing issues like rising crime rates, homelessness, and the city's economic recovery, suggesting innovative solutions such as universal basic income. He also promotes political reforms like ranked choice voting to enhance democracy, revealing his vision for a revitalized, progressive city.
Feb 10, 2021 • 29min
#235 — A Call from Ricky Gervais
Ricky Gervais, the acclaimed comedian behind The Office and After Life, joins for a lively chat about the intrigue of dreams. He and Sam explore if dreaming serves a deeper purpose or is merely brain chaos during sleep. From reflecting on the absurdities of dreams to dissecting the nuances of humor, Gervais shares his take on why puns fall flat. Their discussion delves into the emotional responses elicited by comedy, illustrating how shared experiences shape our laughter and understanding of humor.
