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
Jan 23, 2020 • 40min
#182 — Unlearning Race
Thomas Chatterton Williams, a thought-provoking author known for his works on race and identity, dives deep into the complexities surrounding racial constructs. He shares insights from his interracial upbringing, highlighting the challenges of navigating identity in a racially charged society. The discussion critiques the obsession with racial identities and advocates for authentic human connections. Williams emphasizes the fluidity of race as a social construct and envisions a future where racial distinctions become less significant, fostering a truly post-racial society.
Jan 13, 2020 • 1h 32min
#181 — The Illusory Self
In this conversation, Richard Lang, a longtime student of Douglas Harding, dives into the intriguing concept of the 'illusory self.' He challenges listeners to explore awareness beyond personal identity, sharing insights from his experiences in meditation. Lang discusses how examining this illusion can reveal deeper truths about consciousness and free will. Highlighting the profound idea of living with 'no head,' he emphasizes how such realizations can transform one’s perception of self and foster profound connections with others.
Dec 30, 2019 • 48min
#180 — Sex & Power
Megan Daum, an accomplished author and columnist, dives deep into contemporary feminism and cultural hypocrisy. She examines the contradictions in dress codes and societal norms, particularly in the airline industry. The discussion pivots to generational perspectives on feminism, with a focus on how different age groups perceive gender roles. The exploration of power dynamics in sexual assault cases emphasizes the complexity of these issues. Daum also critiques the cult of outrage fueled by social media, advocating for more rational discourse in today's heated debates.
Dec 17, 2019 • 34min
#179 — The Unquiet Mind
Judson Brewer, an addiction psychiatrist and neuroscientist, dives deep into the intricacies of addiction and mindfulness. He discusses the neuroscience behind craving and how mindfulness can alter our relationship with addiction. Brewer highlights the difference between dopamine-driven rewards and true happiness, giving insights into smoking cessation through mindfulness. He also shares techniques to make meditation a habit and explores the impact of meditation on brain activity, unraveling the complexities of self-identity and effortlessness in practice.
13 snips
Dec 11, 2019 • 1h 7min
#178 — The Reality Illusion
In this engaging discussion, cognitive scientist Donald Hoffman, known for his groundbreaking work on perception and consciousness, shares his revolutionary ideas on how evolution shapes our understanding of reality. He challenges the notion that our perceptions accurately reflect the world, introducing his 'interface theory.' They dive into the implications of consciousness, the nature of free will, and the connection between mathematics and reality. The conversation also probes philosophical themes like panpsychism and the essence of existence itself.
24 snips
Dec 2, 2019 • 1h 27min
#177 — Psychedelic Science
Roland Griffiths, a leading researcher at Johns Hopkins University, discusses the fascinating world of psychedelics. He breaks down the therapeutic potential of compounds like psilocybin and MDMA, while addressing the historical stigma surrounding their use. Topics include the importance of 'set and setting,' and the differences between psychedelics and traditional drugs. Griffiths also delves into transformative experiences, microdosing, and the striking phenomenon of encountering entities during trips, suggesting profound impacts on personal belief systems.
Nov 23, 2019 • 1h 4min
#176 — Knowledge & Redemption
Lynn Novick, an Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker, and Jewel Hall, a Bard Prison Initiative graduate now working at the Ford Foundation, discuss the transformative power of education in prisons. They delve into Novick's film
Nov 11, 2019 • 37min
#175 — Leaving the Faith
In this thought-provoking discussion, Yasmine Mohammed, a human rights activist and author of "Unveiled," shares her gripping journey from conservative Islam to empowering liberation. She tackles the double standards of Western liberals regarding cultural practices, particularly in women's rights. The complexities of the hijab emerge as both a symbol of empowerment and subjugation. Yasmine critiques societal responses to religious extremism, honor violence, and calls for consistency in cultural criticism. Her insights spark vital conversations about feminism and autonomy.
Nov 4, 2019 • 49min
#174 — Life & Mind
Richard Dawkins, an influential evolutionary biologist and author of 'Outgrowing God,' engages in a fascinating dialogue with Sam Harris. They tackle the 'gene’s-eye view' of the world, questioning the limits of Darwinian theory in understanding human life. The conversation dives into the mind-bending concept of the extended phenotype and how parasites manipulate their hosts. Dawkins also explores memes as cultural replicators, reflecting on their evolutionary parallels with genes, and discusses the intriguing implications of epigenetics in inheritance.
Oct 28, 2019 • 28min
#173 — Anti-Semitism and Its Discontents
Bari Weiss, a staff writer and editor at the New York Times and author of "How to Fight Antisemitism," joins for a thought-provoking discussion on the multiple strands of anti-Semitism. They explore the historical context of anti-Jewish sentiment in the U.S., influenced by figures like Charles Coughlin. Weiss reflects on the Tree of Life shooting and the complexities of identity politics. They also tackle the controversial Great Replacement Theory and its implications on cultural discourse, highlighting the urgent need to understand and combat these issues.
