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
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.
Jun 17, 2021 • 45min
#253 — Corporate Courage
Jason Fried, co-founder and CEO of Basecamp, dives into the controversial 'no politics' policy at his company. He shares his views on the impact of social justice activism on institutions and critiques how politics has taken on a religious fervor. The conversation navigates the challenges of remote work, the parallels between social media use and smoking, and the complexities of hiring in a politically charged landscape. Fried also touches on antitrust issues and the implications of wealth tax proposals for the economic elite.
Jun 10, 2021 • 52min
#252 — Are We Alone in the Universe?
Neil deGrasse Tyson, an acclaimed astrophysicist and science communicator, joins the discussion on humanity's role in the cosmos. He elaborates on the intriguing Fermi Paradox and potential advanced civilizations. The conversation touches on the latest findings of exoplanets and amino acids in meteorites, hinting at the possibilities of extraterrestrial life. Tyson also critiques current media narratives around UFOs and examines societal issues, like the flat-Earth belief. This lively talk challenges listeners to expand their understanding of the universe.
May 26, 2021 • 39min
#251 — Corporate Cowardice
Antonio García-Martínez, a former Apple employee and author of 'Chaos Monkeys,' shares insights from his controversial tech career. He discusses the implications of cancel culture on free expression and personal identity in Silicon Valley. The conversation dives into corporate ethics, highlighting the reactions to his firing and the tech industry's accountability. García-Martínez also reflects on the challenges of artistic freedom in writing, tackling provocative subjects while navigating societal scrutiny and hypocrisy.
May 21, 2021 • 45min
#250 — Broken Conversations
Jesse Singal, a journalist and author of "The Quick Fix," dives into complex and controversial issues with Sam Harris. They tackle the fragmentation of media and the decline of traditional journalism, exploring how these changes affect societal discourse. Singal shares his experiences with cancel culture and discusses the nuanced debates around transgender youth and activism. They highlight the importance of intellectual humility in today’s polarized climate and examine the implications of corporate speech on free expression.
May 14, 2021 • 33min
#249 — Distance & Arrival
David Whyte, a renowned poet celebrated for his exploration of meaning and consolation, joins Sam Harris for a profound discussion. They dive into Whyte's book, 'Consolations', reflecting on the rich meanings behind everyday words. The conversation contrasts the profound journeys of pilgrimage with the superficiality of tourism, emphasizing self-forgiveness and personal destiny. Whyte also articulates how navigating conversations can mirror the dynamics of flight, shedding light on the complexities of human connection and understanding.
Apr 30, 2021 • 39min
#248 — Order & Freedom
Michele Gelfand, a renowned professor of psychology and author of "Rulemakers, Rule Breakers," dives into the intriguing dynamics of cultural norms. She discusses the stark differences between tight and loose cultures and their effect on behaviors and politics, particularly during the COVID pandemic. Gelfand also explores the delicate balance between order and individual freedom, revealing how societal expectations shape personal choices. The conversation touches on the impact of these norms on political polarization and the psychological implications of cultural expectations.
