Making Sense with Sam Harris

Barton Gellman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and senior advisor at the Brennan Center for Justice, discusses election integrity and the safeguarding of democracy. He shares insights from war games designed to test responses to authoritarianism. Topics include the balance between state and federal powers, the potential for civil unrest after elections, and the legal battles surrounding voter ID laws. Gellman also examines how political motives could undermine election results and the implications of upcoming elections, including the challenges of public trust.

The podcast dives into the alarming assassination attempt on a political figure, reflecting on its societal implications. It critiques media failures and sensationalism that distort political discourse. The discussion highlights the intersection of social media and immigration, particularly the struggles of Haitian immigrants. Additionally, it examines the decline of cultural standards and the impact of controversial media figures on public perception, ultimately questioning the ethics in contemporary commentary and the responsibilities of influential voices.

In this engaging discussion, Richard Dawkins, a renowned evolutionary biologist and author of The Genetic Book of the Dead, explores the profound connections between genetics and ancestral legacy. He delves into epigenetics, the complexities of predicting phenotypes from genotypes, and the ethical implications surrounding genetic engineering technologies like CRISPR. Dawkins also reflects on human cultural dependence for survival, the role of symbiotic viruses in our evolution, and the future of resurrecting extinct species. A thought-provoking dive into the science of life!

In this engaging discussion, Destiny, a popular YouTuber and political streamer known for his sharp online debates, shares his insights on today’s contentious political climate. He dives into the implications of January 6th and the varying interpretations of the event. The duo explores the challenges of navigating misinformation and the impact of social media on civic engagement. They also dissect the current political divide, touching on the roles of the far left and far right while examining the landscape of conservatism. The conversation is a candid exploration of identity, discourse, and the ethics of public apology.

Amishi Jha, a professor of psychology at the University of Miami and director of contemplative neuroscience, delves into the fascinating world of attention and the brain. They explore how attention is studied and the shortcomings of brain-training games. Jha highlights the intrinsic nature of mindfulness and its neurological benefits. The conversation covers the link between thought and emotion, smartphone distractions, and the importance of mind wandering. Throughout, they discuss evolving mindfulness practices that can reshape our brain networks for enhanced focus and awareness.

Sam Harris talks with Scott Wiener, a California State Senator focused on AI legislation, and Yoshua Bengio, a pioneer in deep learning and AI safety. They dive into California's proposed Senate Bill 1047, addressing urgent discussions on the need for AI regulation amid rapid technological advancements. The trio debates the risks of an AI arms race and differing expert perspectives on safety protocols. They also explore the intricate challenges of balancing innovation with responsible oversight, highlighting the complexities of regulating emergent technologies.

Renée DiResta, a technical research manager at the Stanford Internet Observatory, dives into the chaotic realm of digital misinformation. She highlights the stark difference between influence and propaganda, and how social media fosters echo chambers. The duo discusses the fallout from COVID-19 misinformation, especially regarding vaccines, and how public trust has been undermined. DiResta shares her experiences with smear campaigns and the challenges of navigating free speech amidst the complexities of today's information landscape.

Dr. Jennifer Mitchell, a leading researcher on psychedelics in mental health, and Dr. Sarah Betty, an emergency medicine physician and psychedelic facilitator, dive deep into the transformative potential of MDMA for PTSD treatment. They discuss the historical context of psychedelic research and the ongoing battles with the FDA. Their conversation highlights the remarkable success of clinical trials, the challenges of ethical therapy practices, and the urgency for innovative psychiatric treatments, particularly for veterans. It's a bold exploration of healing through psychedelics in a complex landscape.

In this discussion, columnist Anne Applebaum, an expert on autocracy and Eastern Europe, dives into the current fragility of democracies. They explore how modern autocracies systematically undermine democratic institutions and the dangerous cooperation among dictators. The conversation touches on Trump’s charismatic appeal, the alarming decline of American democracy, and the moral dilemmas faced by the West in supporting Ukraine amidst rising populism. Applebaum also critiques the misplaced optimism of the 90s, revealing the persistent threats that still loom over democratic ideals.

The podcast dives into the shocking assassination attempt on a former president and its ramifications for the political landscape. It highlights how such violence can paradoxically bolster Trump's position while reflecting on the dire consequences of political extremism. The conversation also unpacks the normalization of divisiveness and how this incident poses a broader threat to democracy, stirring deep reflections on political violence and its far-reaching impacts.