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
49 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 1h
#452 - Is Wokeness Finally Dead?
In a compelling discussion, linguist John McWhorter analyzes the peaks and persistence of 'wokeness' with insights from his career at Columbia University. He critiques how moral panic is fueled by social media and reflects on the enduring impact of George Floyd's legacy. McWhorter also explores the complexities of race politics, the appeal of Trump's rhetoric, and the institutionalization of DEI. With wit and depth, he argues for a nuanced understanding of identity issues and advocates for returning to rational discourse in the face of cultural challenges.
8 snips
Dec 31, 2025 • 9min
#451 - The One Resolution That Matters Most
Explore the importance of prioritizing mental well-being as the foundation for all other goals. Discover how digital distractions fragment our attention and hinder meaningful experiences. Learn what mindfulness truly means and how it can help you observe your thoughts as transient patterns. Sam offers practical techniques to enhance focus and emotional regulation, including a brief guided mindfulness exercise. Start your mindfulness journey with just five minutes a day using the Waking Up app!
106 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 1h 15min
#450 - More From Sam: Resolutions, Conspiracies, Demonology, and the Fate of the World
Sam reflects on his ambitious New Year's resolutions and the transformative power of meditation. The discussion shifts to the intriguing risks of AI and the urgent need for global cooperation on its governance. Sam critiques the unsettling rise of antisemitism on both sides of the political spectrum and warns against the dangers of conspiracy thinking. They delve into Tucker Carlson's bizarre encounter with a demon and explore societal fractures fueled by misinformation. Plus, Sam shares entertainment picks and his humorous ChatGPT experience.
85 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 1h 47min
#449 - Dogma, Tribe, and Truth
Ross Douthat, a New York Times opinion columnist and author of 'Believe,' explores the intersections of faith and modernity. He shares insights on how cultural disembodiment and AI may threaten human purpose. Douthat debates the role of politics in ensuring social cohesion amid technological upheaval and warns against dogmatism in secular societies. He argues for the necessity of core moral convictions while highlighting religion's historical contributions to ethics and social justice, offering a nuanced view of faith in a polarized world.
107 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 1h 31min
#448 - The Philosophy of Good and Evil
David Edmonds, a philosopher and author at the Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics at Oxford, dives into moral philosophy and effective altruism. He discusses the provocative nature of thought experiments like Peter Singer's drowning child scenario and the ethics behind consequentialism. Edmonds critiques the backlash against effective altruism, the psychological impact of identifiable victims, and Angus Deaton’s views on foreign aid. Their conversation also explores the balance between effective giving and personal attachments, reframing our moral obligations.
176 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 56min
#447 - The Unraveling of American Power
In this engaging conversation, geopolitical strategist Peter Zeihan discusses America's waning power under Trump, reflecting on his unexpected prediction for the 2024 election. He critiques Trump’s tariffs and their impact on deindustrialization while forecasting inflation and supply chain risks. Exploring topics like China's demographic decline and military readiness, Zeihan warns of eroding U.S. advantages and envisions a chaotic political future. He intriguingly notes Melania Trump's role as Ukraine’s ambassador, adding unexpected depth to his analysis.
28 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 1h 52min
#446 - How to Do the Most Good
Michael Plant, a philosopher and director of the Happier Lives Institute, discusses the science of well-being and effective altruism. He explores how self-reported happiness can vary and questions the utility of Nozick's 'Experience Machine.' The conversation covers the implications of AI on human flourishing, the importance of treating depression over cash transfers for improving lives, and the stark disparities in charitable impacts. Plant also emphasizes the role of genuine experiences versus memories in shaping happiness.
107 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 58min
#445 - More From Sam: Marjorie Taylor Greene, Billionaires, Thanksgiving Political Debates, & Rapid Fire Questions
In this engaging discussion, the hosts tackle Marjorie Taylor Greene's controversial apology and the complexities of performative politics. They delve into the idea of wealth inequality and the self-made myth, emphasizing the role of luck in success. The conversation explores the challenges of navigating political discussions during Thanksgiving gatherings, offering practical advice. They also touch on belief change, skepticism of grand conspiracies, and the importance of compassionate approaches to medical aid in dying.
79 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 1h
#444 - America’s Zombie Democracy
George Packer, an award-winning journalist and author at The Atlantic, joins the discussion on the decline of American democracy. They delve into the symptoms of authoritarianism, including the erosion of institutions like Congress and the Justice Department. Packer critiques the public’s apathy towards democratic collapse and highlights the dangers of hyper-partisanship and white nationalism. They also address the impact of economic inequality and identity politics, as well as potential threats to the upcoming elections. Packer's insights paint a vivid picture of America’s precarious political landscape.
81 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 1h 60min
#443 - What Is Christian Nationalism?
Douglas Wilson, senior minister of Christ Church in Moscow and author, dives into the intricate world of Christian nationalism. He debates secularism's failures and argues for a biblical foundation of morality in public life. Wilson contrasts post- and premillennialism, discusses the role of dominionism, and contemplates traditional views on LGBTQ rights and capital punishment. The conversation also touches on the historical context of religious tests and the need for charity towards Jews, making for a stimulating exploration of faith's impact on society.
