Making Sense with Sam Harris

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.

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.

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.

In this thought-provoking conversation, Iain McGilchrist, a renowned neuropsychiatrist and author, shares insights on brain lateralization. He delves into the distinct roles of the left and right hemispheres, revealing how the left often fabricates narratives to rationalize its knowledge gaps. They discuss the implications of this divide for consciousness and attention, and explore the intriguing idea that the brain may merely be a receiver of the mind. McGilchrist also touches on the societal dominance of the left hemisphere and its impact on our fragmented sense of self.

Zeynep Tufekci, an associate professor and opinion writer, dives into the chaotic world of misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss the early missteps of journalists and public health officials, the dynamics behind mask mandates, and the eroding trust in institutions. Tufekci highlights the complexities of public health messaging, the rise of alternative voices in media, and the need for reform in social media to combat misinformation. There's a pressing call for credible expertise to guide society through future crises.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Jack Goldstone, a sociologist and public policy expert, tackles the escalating social inequality and political instability in the U.S. They dive into the ramifications of wealth concentration on social mobility and the implications for community values. Goldstone critiques the reliance on philanthropy over taxation for addressing disparities. They also explore the intersection of local responsibilities with global citizenry and the long-term causes of revolution, advocating for systemic reforms like universal basic income to foster equity.

General Stanley McChrystal, a retired four-star general and military strategist, joins former Navy SEAL Chris Fussell in a compelling discussion on the radicalization of the far Right. They explore the events of January 6, 2021, shedding light on the Capitol police's actions and the historical underpinnings of white supremacy in the U.S. Their conversation tackles the consequences of social media censorship, the complexities of free speech, and urgent measures needed to prevent violence amid rising extremist ideologies. Their insights reveal a deeply troubled political landscape.

The podcast dives into the Capitol insurrection, revealing how years of misinformation fueled the chaos. It highlights the contrasting behaviors of protestors and law enforcement, while pondering the implications for democracy and its global standing. There's a compelling discussion on the intersection of mindfulness and civic responsibility, advocating for active engagement rather than apathy. Lastly, it critically examines racial narratives in the post-insurrection landscape and the role of social media in shaping public perception and accountability.

A new year brings reflection on personal challenges and global crises. The podcast delves into the dangerous effects of misinformation and societal division, likening them to cult-like factions. It emphasizes the need for principled individuals to build a saner future, addressing issues like wealth inequality and compassionate governance. Discussions also highlight the responsibilities of the wealthy in California regarding taxes and philanthropy. Additionally, the impact of the ad model on media accessibility is explored, promoting free access to philosophical lessons.

Will MacAskill, a philosopher and co-founder of Giving What We Can, dives into the effective altruism movement and how to maximize charitable giving. He discusses the ethics of philanthropy and the balance between wealth and generosity. The conversation critiques initiatives like the Play Pump, emphasizing the need for local insight. MacAskill also explores long-term giving, career choices that enhance altruism, and the significance of emotional connections in charitable actions, urging a systematic approach to doing good.