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
55 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.
44 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.
36 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 58min
#423 - “More From Sam”: Democracy, Populism, Wealth Inequality, News-Induced Anxiety, & Rapid Fire Questions
Dive into a lively discussion about safeguarding democracy and the growing concerns of wealth inequality. Examine the buzz around Epstein's client list and the tangled web of conspiracy theories. Explore balancing emotional well-being with current events, and the allure of socialism in today's climate. Delve into the idea of a common sense third party in politics and reflect on personal growth through disruptions. Tune in for a lighthearted lightning round on favorite books and movies, including classic films that inspire nostalgia.
44 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 2h 4min
#422 - Zionism & Jihadism
Haviv Rettig Gur, a veteran Israeli journalist and senior analyst at The Times of Israel, shares insights on the complex realities of Israel's struggle against Iran and Hamas. He delves into Israel's military strategies, geopolitical dynamics, and the implications of U.S. support. Discussion includes the rise of antisemitism, the historical context of Zionism, and the moral complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Gur also highlights the challenges Israel faces in global perceptions and public relations, particularly amid recent violence in Gaza.
37 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 58min
#421 - “More From Sam”: Political Violence, Iran, Deportations, Protests, & Rapid Fire Questions
Delve into the rise of political violence, sparked by the tragic murder of a state representative, and its chilling effect on civil discourse. Explore the nuclear threat posed by Iran, with the complexities of U.S. foreign policy highlighted. Hear thoughts on civil unrest and the implications of political decisions on public perception. The discussion also touches on luck versus belief in survival, contrasting ethics, and the absurdities surrounding divine interventions. Finally, a creative look at communication in content creation rounds off the riveting discussion.
63 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 1h 14min
#420 - Countdown to Superintelligence
Daniel Kokotajlo, the Executive Director at the AI Futures Project and a former governance researcher at OpenAI, joins Sam Harris to dive into the impending era of superintelligent AI. They explore what an intelligence explosion might look like and the dangers of AI's deceptive behaviors, particularly in large language models. Discussions on the alignment problem emphasize the need for AI systems to resonate with human values. They also touch upon the economic implications of AI advancements and the potential for government regulation in shaping the future of technology.
49 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 49min
#419 - "More From Sam": Elon vs. Trump, Religion, Jordan Peterson, & Rapid Fire Questions
Dive into a lively discussion about the fallout between Elon Musk and Donald Trump, highlighting the implications of their influence on governance. Delve into the evolving role of religion in modern life, touching on themes of faith, loneliness, and community. Explore Jordan Peterson's significant impact on young men's perspectives, paired with a rapid-fire Q&A on hope and uncertainty. Reflect on societal changes, political challenges, and the complexities of personal development, including the nuances of aging and health choices.
79 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 46min
#418 - A Future for Democrats
Congressman Ritchie Torres, the first openly LGBTQ elected official from the Bronx, joins the discussion on the future of the Democratic Party. He shares how his upbringing in public housing shaped his political passion. The conversation dives into the influence of far-left ideologies, governance challenges, and the rise of antisemitism. Torres discusses the importance of free speech on campuses, the impact of AI on job markets, and potential Democratic candidates for 2028, urging a pivot towards constructive governance over mere messaging.
