Making Sense with Sam Harris - Subscriber Content

Amishi Jha, a cognitive neuroscientist and director of Contemplative Neuroscience at the University of Miami, joins the conversation to unravel the mysteries of attention. They discuss the neurological foundations of attention and the limitations of brain-training games. Jha also shares insights on mindfulness, its evolution, and its significance in curbing distractions. The impact of technology, the value of mind-wandering, and the transformative benefits of digital detoxing highlight the importance of cultivating a healthy relationship with our thoughts and surroundings.

Yoshua Bengio, a leading AI researcher and director of Mila, joins California Senator Scott Wiener, who recently introduced legislation to tackle AI risks. They discuss the urgent need for regulation amidst advancing AI technologies and debate the implications of Senate Bill 1047. The conversation delves into state-level initiatives, the challenges of regulatory capture favoring big firms, and the delicate balance between fostering innovation and ensuring safety in artificial intelligence.

Renée DiResta, a leading researcher on misinformation, dives into the chaotic world of digital influence and propaganda. She explores how social media distorts public consensus and heightens polarization. DiResta shares her insights on vaccine discourse during the pandemic and reveals the role of the Stanford Internet Observatory in studying online adversarial behavior. The podcast also critiques the misconception of social media as a public square, highlighting the power dynamics and misinformation that threaten electoral integrity.

Dr. Jennifer Mitchell, a UCSF neurology professor, and Dr. Sarah Abedi, a psychedelic researcher, dive into the groundbreaking world of psychedelic medicine. They discuss the exciting potential of MDMA for treating PTSD, highlighting studies showing significant positive outcomes. The conversation explores the challenges of regulatory hurdles, ethical issues in therapy, and the need for innovative approaches to mental health. Join them as they unravel the future of effective, compassionate care through psychedelics and the pressing need for standards in this evolving field.

Anne Applebaum and Sam Harris delve into the vulnerabilities of democracies, the rise of autocracies undermining liberal democracy, implications of the war in Ukraine, Trump's impact on American politics, the shift towards anti-democratic beliefs within the Republican Party, the influence of social media on society, and the challenges faced by the Democratic Party amidst the current political climate.

Discussion on the attempted assassination of President Trump, its political implications on Biden's campaign, and speculation on the impact on the upcoming election. Reflections on addressing the consequences of the assassination attempt, condemning violence while critiquing the divisive political climate.

Neuroscientist Christof Koch and Sam Harris dive deep into consciousness, discussing change blindness, non-locality, conscious AI, Integrated Information Theory, brain bridging, psychedelics, and the illusion of the self. They explore the nature of consciousness, idealism, and panpsychism, challenging traditional views on existence and free will.

Michal Cotler-Wunsh discusses the rise of antisemitism globally, biases against Israel at the UN, double standards, and the intersection of anti-Zionism and antisemitism. They cover topics like Israel's conduct in the war in Gaza, false accusations of apartheid and genocide, the failure of the social justice movement to respond appropriately, and the need to combat extremist ideologies.

George Saunders, known for exploring good and evil in fiction, discusses Buddhism, kindness, writing as meditation, the impact of social media, fame, and the importance of authenticity. He shares encounters with the Buddha boy in Nepal, struggles with writing in current times, and reflections on belief and storytelling.

Sam Harris and Bill Maher discuss the state of the world, from the aftermath of October 7th to the failures of the Biden campaign. They explore gender apartheid, media confidence loss, the differences between left and right, the prospect of a second Trump term, totalitarian regimes, functioning under medical uncertainty, Bill's comedy career reflections, and more.