Making Sense with Sam Harris - Subscriber Content
Sam Harris
Join neuroscientist, philosopher, and best-selling author Sam Harris as he explores important and controversial questions about the human mind, society, and current events. Sam Harris is the author of five New York Times bestsellers. His books include The End of Faith, Letter to a Christian Nation, The Moral Landscape, Free Will, Lying, Waking Up, and Islam and the Future of Tolerance (with Maajid Nawaz). The End of Faith won the 2005 PEN Award for Nonfiction. His writing and public lectures cover a wide range of topics—neuroscience, moral philosophy, religion, meditation practice, human violence, rationality—but generally focus on how a growing understanding of ourselves and the world is changing our sense of how we should live. Harris's work has been published in more than 20 languages and has been discussed in The New York Times, Time, Scientific American, Nature, Newsweek, Rolling Stone, and many other journals. He has written for The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Economist, The Times (London), The Boston Globe, The Atlantic, The Annals of Neurology, and elsewhere. Sam Harris received a degree in philosophy from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in neuroscience from UCLA.
Episodes
Mentioned books
48 snips
Sep 6, 2025 • 1h 21min
#433 - How Did We Get Here?
In a compelling discussion, journalist Dan Carlin explores the trajectory of America's political landscape. He delves into the increasing powers of the presidency, the fragmentation within the Republican Party, and the unsettling rise of political violence and scapegoating. Carlin highlights the challenges posed by misinformation, particularly in the age of social media, and raises concerns about historical revisionism, especially regarding the Holocaust. Their conversation offers a rich tapestry of insights into the complexities of governance and societal divisions today.
59 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 1h 23min
#432 - The Undoing of America
David French, a New York Times columnist and constitutional lawyer, dives deep into Trump's impact on American democracy. He discusses Trump's manipulation of the justice system and the presidential pardon power. French suggests amending Article II to limit executive overreach. Conversations about immigration policy reveal tensions between security and empathy, while the militarization of law enforcement is critiqued for undermining community safety. French also highlights the division within the MAGA coalition and the alarming rise of Christian nationalism in politics.
30 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 1h 5min
#431 - What Is Happening on College Campuses?
Michael Roth, President of Wesleyan University and an intellectual historian, dives into pressing issues in higher education. They discuss the balance between free speech and the need for order during campus protests. Roth emphasizes the importance of diversifying viewpoints and addressing the complexities of antisemitism and political dialogue on campuses. He reflects on government influence in education and the disconnect elites have with broader society. Finally, Roth explores how education can promote civic renewal and the role of AI in shaping a new learning landscape.
75 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 41min
#430 - “More From Sam”: Trump, Gavin Newsom, Class War, DOGE, & Rapid Fire Questions
Dive into a lively discussion on Trump's presidency and its impact on American democracy. Explore Gavin Newsom's potential bid for the 2028 Democratic nomination and the ethical responsibilities of the ultra-wealthy. Delve into the complexities of AI and the importance of human creativity in a tech-driven world. Engage in rapid-fire questions that spark debates on morality in defense law and personal choices regarding music and substance use. The conversation offers a thought-provoking blend of politics, ethics, and cultural insights.
61 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 59min
#429 - The New World Order
Anne Applebaum, a historian and journalist at The Atlantic, dives into pressing issues like the erosion of democracy and the civil war in Sudan. She discusses the impact of America's reduced global leadership and the consequences of cuts to USAID. Applebaum explores political dynamics during Trump's term and analyzes J.D. Vance's potential as a successor to the MAGA movement. The conversation also addresses the rise of anti-Semitism amid polarized politics, and reflecting on the fragility of democracy and the risks of civil unrest in the U.S.
38 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 1h 5min
#428 - Political Extremism
Jonah Goldberg, co-founder of The Dispatch and bestselling author, joins for a deep dive into political extremism today. They tackle the horseshoe theory, exploring how illiberalism affects both the Right and Left. Goldberg shares insights on wealth inequality, contrasting the far Left's approach with more pragmatic solutions. The discussion also navigates the complex fallout from Trump's scandals, the divide among Republican voters, and the challenges facing Democrats in the current political landscape. A thought-provoking exploration of modern political dynamics!
64 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 1h 16min
#427 - AI Friends & Enemies
In this engaging discussion, Paul Bloom, a renowned professor of psychology, explores the intricate relationship between AI and human emotion. He shares insights on the psychological impacts of AI companionship, warning about the risks of dependency and emotional authenticity. The conversation also traverses the implications of AI on morality, creativity, and societal norms. Additionally, they delve into the political ramifications of Trump's actions on scientific progress and the complexities surrounding his ties to Epstein, offering a thought-provoking look into ethics and modern challenges.
76 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 57min
#426 - How Bad Is It?
David Frum, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of multiple books on politics, joins the discussion on the current state of American governance. He highlights the alarming levels of corruption during Trump’s presidency and its impact on foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine and Israel. The conversation also addresses the rise of misinformation, changing perceptions of the Israel-Gaza conflict among younger generations, and the troubling resurgence of anti-Semitism. Together, they explore the complex interplay of personal interests and political dynamics shaping democracy today.
12 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 1h 9min
#425 - Are We Prepared for the Next Pandemic?
Sam Harris welcomes Marc Lipsitch, a leading infectious disease epidemiologist from Harvard, to discuss pandemic preparedness. They dive into lessons learned from COVID-19, including the critical need for effective communication and rebuilding public trust. Vaccine hesitancy and misinformation are explored, alongside the debates surrounding the origins of COVID-19 and gain-of-function research. Lipsitch emphasizes the dire implications of budget cuts to scientific research and outlines future pandemic threats, arguing for urgent action to safeguard public health.
45 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 1h 1min
#424 - "More From Sam": Nazi Grok, ICE, Epstein, Social Media, Rapid Fire Questions
Current events take center stage as the hosts delve into the complexities of immigration enforcement and the controversial tactics of ICE. They tackle the Epstein case, unraveling its societal and moral implications while scrutinizing the entanglements of powerful figures. Attention spans are challenged in a digitally distracted world, prompting reflections on mindfulness. The conversation also touches on the dual nature of emotional connections with AI, raising ethical dilemmas about technology in our lives. A rapid-fire question segment adds a fun twist to these weighty topics.
