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
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.
Oct 21, 2019 • 52min
#172 — Among the Deplorables
In this engaging conversation, Andrew Marantz, a staff writer at The New Yorker and author of "Antisocial," dives into the world of online extremism and social media's impact on politics. He discusses the complexities of guilt by association in journalism and the nuances of maintaining objectivity. The chat touches on the chaotic landscape of troll culture, the dangers of misinformation, and the challenges of addressing racial rhetoric in media discourse. Marantz sheds light on how these elements shape the American conversation today.
Oct 8, 2019 • 42min
#171 — Escaping a Christian Cult
In this captivating discussion, Megan Phelps-Roper, a former member of the Westboro Baptist Church and now a writer and educator, shares her transformative journey. She reflects on her memoir, delving into the struggles of leaving a life steeped in extremism. Topics include the contradictions between her family's legal background and the church's anti-LGBT stance, and the paradox of joy within a culture of protest. Megan reveals how social media played a crucial role in her escape, sparking critical conversations that reshaped her beliefs.
Oct 2, 2019 • 48min
#170 — The Great Uncoupling
In this intriguing conversation, Andrew McAfee, a research scientist at MIT Sloan and author of 'More From Less,' dives into how human progress has evolved and how prosperity can be independent of resource consumption. He discusses the advantages and drawbacks of capitalism and technological progress, alongside the importance of environmental policies. The talk also addresses the challenges posed by automation and economic inequality, calling for innovative solutions to ensure a sustainable and equitable future for all.
Sep 20, 2019 • 44min
#169 — Omens of a Race War
Kathleen Belew, a historian and author of "Bring the War Home," dives into the complexities of the white power movement in the U.S. She discusses the ideologies of white supremacy and nationalism, revealing their contemporary relevance. The conversation highlights the influence of events like Ruby Ridge and Waco on extremist groups and the emergence of leaderless resistance. Belew also connects the Oklahoma City bombing to these ideologies, emphasizing the need to understand such violent acts within their historical context.
9 snips
Sep 11, 2019 • 37min
#168 — Mind, Space, & Motion
In this engaging conversation, Barbara Tversky, an Emeritus professor of psychology at Stanford and expert in spatial thinking, joins to explore the connections between mind, space, and motion. They discuss how our understanding of space predates language and the role of gestures in communication. Tversky explains the influence of mirror neurons on cognition and the complexity of spatial reasoning. The impact of technology on navigation skills and the relationship between body movement and thought are also intriguing focal points that resonate throughout the discussion.
Aug 26, 2019 • 16min
#167 — A Few Thoughts on White Supremacy
The discussion dives into the backlash surrounding views on white supremacy and its comparison to jihadism. There's an emphasis on the importance of intellectual honesty in sensitive topics. The speaker addresses the complexities of each ideology, advocating for empirical data to clarify the prevalence of these extremist beliefs. Additionally, they tackle the challenges of navigating nuanced conversations while keeping sight of truth and understanding.
Aug 21, 2019 • 26min
#166 — The Plague Years
Matt McCarthy, an infectious disease doctor and author of "Superbugs: The Race to Stop an Epidemic," dives deep into the critical threat of drug-resistant bacteria and superbugs. He shares alarming insights about the failure of the pharmaceutical industry to adapt to evolving pathogens. The discussion highlights the ethical dilemmas in antibiotic usage, the complacency following the success of early antibiotics, and the urgent need for innovative solutions. McCarthy emphasizes the global health implications while advocating for a transformative approach in antibiotic research and practices.
