Making Sense with Sam Harris - Subscriber Content

Jaron Lowenstein, Sam Harris's manager and business partner, joins Sam for a wide-ranging discussion. They delve into the absence of community in secular life, the ethics of childhood myths like Santa Claus, and the challenges of parenting amidst digital distractions. They also tackle the political divide affecting relationships and examine the implications of misinformation in media. The conversation touches on Trump's tariff policies and the complexities of free speech in our modern era, revealing the ethical dilemmas faced in today’s society.

In this engaging conversation, Dan Harris, a news anchor turned meditation advocate and author of the best-selling memoir, 10% Happier, interviews Sam Harris. They explore how meditation helped Sam cope with evacuating during the LA fires, and delve into the complexities of compassion, personal safety, and ethics around violence. The duo discusses free will, the power of mindfulness, and the importance of viewing political opponents with empathy, all while offering insights on resilience and emotional awareness in chaotic times.

Jon Favreau, host of Pod Save America and former chief speechwriter for Obama, dives into the current state of American politics. He and Sam Harris discuss the chaos brought by the Trump administration, from wrongful deportations to the challenges facing Democrats today. They analyze Biden's failures on immigration and explore what a return to 'normal' politics might look like. Favreau also touches on the rising influence of candidates like AOC and Bernie Sanders while reflecting on the impact of tech giants in political spheres.

Tom Holland, an award-winning historian and co-presenter of the popular history podcast, shares insights from his book, Dominion. The conversation dives into Christianity's profound influence on modern morality and historical interpretations of key events like the crucifixion. Holland examines moral frameworks from ancient civilizations, the darker legacies of Christianity, and tensions between religious and secular identities today. They explore the challenges posed by migration, ethical dilemmas, and the complex dynamics of faith, ethics, and the ongoing cultural transformations.

Dive into a riveting conversation that tackles tariffs and their economic implications. Explore how polarizing political leaders shape international trust and the consequences of aligning with authoritarian regimes. Discover the manipulative tactics used by such leaders and their effects on society, alongside a critique of public figures’ ethical responsibilities in media. The discussion touches on the troubling spread of misinformation and the need for integrity amidst the chaos of contemporary political discourse.

In this engaging conversation, Annaka Harris, a New York Times bestselling author and producer of the audio documentary series "Lights On," delves into the mysteries of consciousness and its potential fundamental role in the universe. She and Sam discuss the hard problem of consciousness, exploring what split-brain patients reveal about our awareness. They also examine how modern physics challenges our understanding of space and time, suggesting these concepts might be emergent rather than fundamental. The dialogue encourages listeners to reimagine reality itself.

Jonah Goldberg, co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Dispatch and a prominent columnist, joins the conversation to delve into the perils of Trump's second term. They tackle Trump's tariffs, the influence of fringe thinkers like Curtis Yarvin on tech leaders, and the disturbing rise of anti-Semitism within conservatism. The discussion highlights Trump's mob-like political tactics and the dangers of loyalty over integrity in governance. Goldberg also critiques corporate logic's encroachment into politics, raising alarm over the erosion of democratic values.

Niall Ferguson, a Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution and author of 16 influential books, joins the discussion about the current geopolitical landscape. They dive into Trump's handling of Ukraine and the shifting dynamics between Europe and the U.S. Ferguson critiques American foreign policy under both Trump and Biden, highlighting the dilemmas of rising powers like China. The conversation touches on free speech issues in the UK, economic concerns tied to national debt, and the contrasting strategies for the Middle East, all against a backdrop of political uncertainty.

Katherine Stewart, an investigative journalist and award-winning author of "Money, Lies, and God," dives deep into the rising tide of Christian nationalism and its threat to American democracy. She explores Project 2025 and its authoritarian implications, the asymmetry in media accountability, and the backlash against 'wokeness' as a distraction from real socio-economic issues. Stewart also highlights how narratives around public education are being manipulated, and she emphasizes the importance of grassroots movements advocating for democratic values to counteract extremist ideologies.

Helen Lewis, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author, joins the discussion on journalism and cultural politics. They tackle the complexities of misinformation in a polarized media landscape. The conversation dives into the intersection of DEI and trans activism, while critiquing the Rotherham scandal and its societal implications. Additionally, they explore the challenges of accountability in American politics and caution against idolizing figures like Elon Musk, urging a nuanced understanding of genius and merit in society.