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.

Sam Harris chats with Rick Caruso, philanthropist and founder of Caruso, about the devastating fires in Los Angeles. They delve into leadership failures in crisis management and the impact of outdated infrastructure. Discussions highlight the role of private firefighting and the ethical responsibilities of wealth in tackling societal issues. Caruso stresses the importance of immediate philanthropic contributions and reflects on political accountability in addressing community resilience. The conversation offers a thought-provoking look at navigating crises and the future of urban governance.

Discover how recent natural disasters have influenced personal perspectives on life and work. Learn about the transformative power of meditation in fostering cognitive growth and self-awareness. Explore the illusion of self and how thoughts shape our suffering. Delve into the relationship between consciousness and perception, revealing insights about identity. This engaging discussion advocates for mental health awareness and encourages a cultural shift towards mindfulness.

The host reflects on the surreal transition to 2025 amidst global political challenges like democracy threats and Trump’s potential return. A troubling normalization of extremism in American politics is discussed, with a dual perspective of hope and fear. The significance of January 6 events is examined, warning against the normalization of political violence. The conversation shifts to deeper reflections on life's purpose, advocating for love and compassion, while emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and authenticity as a New Year's resolution.

Matthew Yglesias, Bloomberg columnist and co-founder of Vox, dives into the future of Democratic politics with Sam Harris. They dissect the pitfalls of identity politics, exploring its failures and the implications of recent events like the Daniel Penny case. Yglesias shares his insights on immigration challenges and contrasts Biden's governance with Trump’s potential return. The duo also tackle wealth inequality, urban disorder, and the need for a more universal political discourse that prioritizes public safety and accountability.

Share this episode: https://www.samharris.org/podcasts/making-sense-episodes/395-intellectual-authority-and-its-discontents Sam Harris discusses the breakdown of trust in institutions, the nature of intellectual authority, the danger of bad incentives, the epidemic of conspiracy thinking and misinformation, Trump and Elon, and other topics.   Learning how to train your mind is the single greatest investment you can make in life. That’s why Sam Harris created the Waking Up app. From rational mindfulness practice to lessons on some of life’s most important topics, join Sam as he demystifies the practice of meditation and explores the theory behind it.

Ben Lamm, CEO of Colossal Biosciences and a technology entrepreneur, passionately discusses his groundbreaking work in de-extinction. He shares insights on reviving the woolly mammoth and other species, fleshing out the challenges and scientific innovations involved. The conversation dives into the role of AI in genetic engineering, the significance of artificial womb technology, and the potential environmental and economic benefits of reintroducing extinct species into their habitats. Lamm also addresses misconceptions related to these ambitious efforts.

Join bestselling author and historian Simon Sebag Montefiore as he delves into the messy intersections of history and contemporary politics. The discussion highlights the impact of the Crusades on modern anti-Semitism and examines the role of Jerusalem as a religious epicenter amid ongoing conflicts. Montefiore also critiques U.S. foreign policy failures in Iran and unpacks the surge of anti-Semitism post-October 7. His insights into Israel's geopolitical struggles reveal the complexities of moral dilemmas facing liberal democracies today.

Christine Rosen, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and author of 'The Extinction of Experience,' joins the conversation to examine how technology reshapes culture and communication. They discuss the declining practice of handwriting and its cognitive impacts, delve into the influence of social media on political polarization, and the rise of conspiracy theories. Rosen reflects on the importance of local journalism in a fragmented media environment and the urgent need to foster genuine community understanding in an increasingly digital world.

A deep dive into the aftermath of the 2024 presidential election reveals the Democratic Party's failures in handling identity politics and candidate weaknesses. The discussion on trans rights uncovers how cultural issues influence voter perceptions and election results. The podcast also critiques modern journalism's struggles with bias and misinformation, emphasizing the urgent need for credible institutions. Finally, it examines the erosion of democratic values amid populism and the responsibility of media figures in shaping political narratives.