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
14 snips
Jul 16, 2024 • 14min
#375 — On the Attempted Assassination of President Trump
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.
54 snips
Jul 9, 2024 • 42min
#374 — Consciousness and the Physical World
In this engaging discussion, neuroscientist Christof Koch, a prominent figure in consciousness studies, shares insights from his impressive career and collaborations, including with Francis Crick. He dives into topics like change blindness, the nature of consciousness, and the potential for conscious AI. Koch explores the philosophical implications of physicalism, psychedelic experiences, and Integrated Information Theory. The conversation raises captivating questions about reality, existence, and how consciousness intertwines with our understanding of the physical world.
49 snips
Jul 2, 2024 • 1h 42min
#373 — Anti-Zionism Is Antisemitism
Michal Cotler-Wunsh, Israel's special envoy for combating antisemitism, discusses the alarming rise of antisemitism globally. She addresses the bias against Israel at the UN and critiques the perception of Israel as an apartheid state. The conversation highlights the complexities of anti-Zionism as a new form of Jew hatred and challenges the moral equivalence drawn between Hamas's actions and Israel's self-defense. Cotler-Wunsh calls for a deeper understanding of historical antisemitism to effectively counter its current manifestations.
34 snips
Jun 24, 2024 • 42min
#372 — Life & Work
Join George Saunders, celebrated author of *Lincoln in the Bardo*, as he delves into the creative process intertwined with kindness and Buddhism. He shares insights on writing as a meditative practice and the emotional journey of drafting. The conversation touches on the troubling impact of social media on identity and communication, alongside reflections on political discourse and economic disparity. Saunders emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in creativity and the search for deeper understanding in our ordinary lives.
61 snips
Jun 14, 2024 • 44min
#371 — What the Hell Is Happening?
In this engaging discussion, comedian and political commentator Bill Maher shares his candid perspectives on the current state of the world. He delves into the aftermath of October 7th, the failures of the Biden campaign, and the cowardice prevalent among celebrities. They explore the complexities of modern political discourse, the need for empathy, and the dangers of polarization. Maher reflects on his relationship with his audience, upcoming elections, and even his potential retirement from stand-up, all laced with his signature wit.
20 snips
Jun 6, 2024 • 1h 21min
#370 — Gender Apartheid and the Future of Iran
Masih Alinejad, an Iranian-American journalist and women's rights activist, joins the conversation to shed light on the issue of gender apartheid in Iran. She discusses the hypocrisy of Western feminists and the oppressive regime, including the morality police and compulsory veiling. Masih shares her experiences with assassination plots and reflects on the disconnect between the Iranian populace and their government. The discussion emphasizes the urgent need for global solidarity in advocating for women's rights and the complexities of cultural identity in the fight against oppression.
19 snips
May 30, 2024 • 34min
#369 — Escaping Death
Sebastian Junger, a New York Times bestselling author and Peabody Award winner, shares his remarkable insights on danger and mortality. He discusses his harrowing experience with a burst aneurysm and the emotional trauma that lingered. Junger delves into the connection between danger and meaning, recounting his time as a war reporter and the communal bonds formed in perilous situations. He also explores the concepts of awe, psychedelics, and near-death experiences, challenging conventional notions of life and consciousness.
58 snips
May 21, 2024 • 43min
#368 — Freedom & Censorship
Greg Lukianoff, President of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression and author of influential books on free speech, joins to dissect the current landscape of censorship and free expression. They delve into the origins of political correctness and explore the chilling effects of cancel culture on academia. Discussions touch on social media's role in shaping discourse and the ethical responsibilities of tech platforms. Lukianoff also highlights the delicate balance between freedom of speech and the growing trend of self-censorship across political divides.
249 snips
May 13, 2024 • 54min
#367 — Campus Protests, Antisemitism, and Western Values
The discussion dives into the complex landscape of campus protests, highlighting the troubling rise of antisemitism amid social media outrage. It critiques how foreign funding influences student perspectives on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Insights into the intersection of Islam and personal freedoms reveal challenges in Muslim-majority nations. The podcast contrasts Islam and Christianity's foundations, examining their roles in modern conflicts. There's a strong emphasis on upholding Western values while navigating radical ideologies and the need for clearer understandings in societal discourse.
76 snips
May 7, 2024 • 1h 39min
#366 — Urban Warfare 2.0
John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at West Point, offers deep insights into the complexities of urban warfare. He discusses the shocking nature of the Hamas attacks on October 7th and the challenges of distinguishing combatants from civilians. Spencer analyzes the implications of using human shields and the unique tactics employed in Gaza. The conversation also touches on the double standards faced by the IDF, the complexities of casualty reporting, and the urgent need for a political resolution to ongoing conflicts, particularly with Hezbollah and Iran.
