Making Sense with Sam Harris - Subscriber Content

Joining Sam is Jaron Lowenstein, his manager and business partner, who dives into pressing current events. They discuss the safety of U.S. Jews during Trump's presidency, raising alarms about free speech and due process. The duo critiques Trump's foreign policy and corruption scandals, probing how family interests sway international relations. They also explore the shifting dynamics of wokeness in the Democratic Party and the importance of political authenticity, particularly in the campaigns of figures like Pete Buttigieg and Gavin Newsom.

Rutger Bregman, a Dutch historian and author of bestsellers like Utopia for Realists, dives into pressing global issues. He critiques wealth inequality and emphasizes the need for moral ambition to drive societal change. Bregman discusses the role of altruism in philanthropy, arguing that empathy often falls short. He explores universal basic income and its potential to reshape work in an age of automation. Additionally, he champions innovative charity models that empower individuals to tackle humanitarian challenges, advocating for a more aspirational approach to giving.

Scott Barry Kaufman, a renowned professor and author, dives into the intricacies of victimhood culture and resilience in modern society. He contrasts narcissistic traits with the need for benevolent leadership, highlighting how societal narratives shape personal experiences. The chat also explores the implications of AI on self-worth and happiness, advocating for authentic self-esteem. Additionally, Kaufman examines political ideologies and their effects on research integrity and academic freedom, providing a thought-provoking analysis of contemporary cultural dynamics.

Douglas Murray, a journalist and bestselling author, dives into his new book, exploring democracy's decline and extremism's societal impact. He reflects on his recent Joe Rogan appearance and critiques the erosion of trust in expertise, particularly around geopolitical conflicts. Murray addresses the moral complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian situation and the dark nuances of jihadism. He also discusses the rise of conspiracy theories and the role of social media in shaping public discourse, particularly concerning antisemitism under Elon Musk's leadership.

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.