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
5 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 1h 14min
#436 - A Crisis of Trust
Michael Osterholm, a prominent epidemiologist and director of CIDRAP, discusses his book, The Big One, focusing on pandemic preparedness. He highlights key lessons from COVID-19, including major public health failures like lockdowns and vaccine communication missteps. Osterholm emphasizes the risks of future pandemics, especially airborne viruses with high lethality. He advocates for better masks, universal vaccines, and improved public health communication to rebuild trust in institutions and prepare for what he calls 'The Big One'.
22 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 37min
#435 - The Last Invention
Andy Mills, a seasoned reporter and co-creator of The Last Invention, joins Sam Harris to explore the dual-edged sword of AI. They discuss startling accusations of a Silicon Valley coup aiming to replace government with AI, and fears from insiders about AI's political dominance. The conversation shifts to the accelerationist mindset, where AI promises unprecedented breakthroughs, juxtaposed against alarmist views warning of existential risks. With predictions of human-level intelligence within years, they debate whether to curb AI development radically or prepare responsibly for its arrival.
46 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 1h 49min
#434 - Can We Survive AI?
Sam Harris chats with Eliezer Yudkowsky, a leading voice in AI alignment, and Nate Soares, president of the Machine Intelligence Research Institute. They delve into their urgent concerns about superintelligent AI and its potential existential threats. The conversation ranges from the alignment problem and the unpredictability of AI behaviors to the myth of controlling advanced systems. They also contemplate the chilling analogy of an uncontrollable tiger cub and stress the need for responsible AI development and regulatory measures. A thought-provoking discussion on our future with AI!
59 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.
65 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!
66 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.
