Making Sense with Sam Harris
Sam Harris
Join neuroscientist, philosopher, and five-time New York Times best-selling author Sam Harris as he explores important and controversial questions about the mind, society, current events, moral philosophy, religion, and rationality—with an overarching focus on how a growing understanding of ourselves and the world is changing our sense of how we should live.
Sam is also the creator of the Waking Up app. Combining Sam's decades of mindfulness practice, profound wisdom from varied philosophical and contemplative traditions, and a commitment to a secular, scientific worldview, Waking Up is a resource for anyone interested in living a more examined, fulfilling life—and a new operating system for the mind.
Waking Up offers free subscriptions to anyone who can't afford one, and donates a minimum of 10% of profits to the most effective charities around the world. To learn more, please go to WakingUp.com.
Sam Harris received a degree in philosophy from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in neuroscience from UCLA.
Sam is also the creator of the Waking Up app. Combining Sam's decades of mindfulness practice, profound wisdom from varied philosophical and contemplative traditions, and a commitment to a secular, scientific worldview, Waking Up is a resource for anyone interested in living a more examined, fulfilling life—and a new operating system for the mind.
Waking Up offers free subscriptions to anyone who can't afford one, and donates a minimum of 10% of profits to the most effective charities around the world. To learn more, please go to WakingUp.com.
Sam Harris received a degree in philosophy from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in neuroscience from UCLA.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 24, 2020 • 38min
#199 — A Conversation with Caitlin Flanagan
In this engaging discussion, Caitlin Flanagan, a noted author and journalist from The Atlantic, tackles the ethics of abortion with sensitivity and depth. She delves into the historical practices surrounding abortion in the U.S., revealing uncomfortable truths and emotional complexities. The conversation also touches on the moral hypocrisy of Hollywood and the implications of wealth in universities during the pandemic. Flanagan encourages a nuanced dialogue, weaving in thought-provoking perspectives on social issues with her signature insightful commentary.
Apr 16, 2020 • 59min
#198 — A Conversation with Paul Bloom
Paul Bloom, a Yale psychology professor, dives into the complex relationship between the economy and public health during the pandemic. He explores the ethics of valuing human life and the moral dilemmas faced in lockdown decisions. Their conversation touches on how Covid-19 may shift societal norms and behaviors, especially regarding education and social interactions. Bloom also reflects on children's resilience amidst disruption and the psychological impacts of collective trauma, emphasizing the importance of community support.
Apr 12, 2020 • 31min
#197 — A Conversation with Caitlin Flanagan
Caitlin Flanagan, an insightful author and journalist, joins the conversation to discuss the varied experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has exposed flaws in the education system. She shares her thoughts on the 2020 election, raising concerns about Joe Biden and the media's slow response to his #MeToo allegations. Flanagan also highlights perceived double standards in journalism and feminism, and explores how societal shifts are reshaping our values and connections in a post-pandemic world.
Apr 10, 2020 • 60min
#196 — The Science of Happiness
Laurie Santos, a Yale psychology professor and host of the Happiness Lab podcast, dives into the scientific study of happiness. She discusses how social connections can enhance well-being and the impacts of technology on our relationships. Santos also explores the differences between the experiencing self and the remembered self, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and resilience. The conversation touches on the joy of altruism and the misconception that achieving goals leads to lasting happiness, revealing deeper insights into desire and fulfillment.
Apr 6, 2020 • 1h 8min
#195 — Social Cohesion is Everything
General Stanley McChrystal, a retired four-star general and former commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, joins Chris Fussell, a former Navy SEAL and leadership expert, to discuss crisis management amid the Covid-19 pandemic. They delve into the critical importance of social cohesion and the perils of misinformation. The conversation highlights the balance between personal freedom and safety, the risk of tyranny, and the complexities of navigating upcoming elections. They emphasize the need for adaptive leadership and strong communication to maintain social order during turbulent times.
Mar 25, 2020 • 1h 45min
#194 — The New Future of Work
Matt Mullenweg, the founding developer of WordPress and CEO of Automattic, dives into the future of remote work. He shares insights on the evolution of distributed teams and the benefits of working from home. The conversation covers innovative communication strategies, emphasizing the importance of writing skills in virtual environments. Mullenweg also discusses the challenges of remote management, economic recovery post-COVID, and the ethical implications of supporting vulnerable groups through flexible work arrangements.
Mar 20, 2020 • 22min
#193 — Meditation in an Emergency
Explore how mindfulness can be a lifesaver in crises, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Delve into the connection between emotions and mental training, highlighting social responsibility. The discussion rotates around the anxiety many feel in challenging times and how meditation offers a path to emotional management. Discover practical advice for enhancing personal well-being and navigating the chaos of modern life.
Mar 17, 2020 • 38min
#192 — A Conversation with Paul Bloom
Paul Bloom, a renowned psychology professor, joins the conversation to dissect the psychological impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. He discusses the troubling analogy between COVID-19 and the flu, and the misinformation that has proliferated during this time. Bloom examines how political biases shape our perceptions and responses to crises, while exploring the economic ramifications of the pandemic and lessons for addressing climate change. The episode also addresses the need for systemic healthcare reforms and the ethical dilemmas in how we respond to crises.
Mar 11, 2020 • 1h 6min
#191 — Early Thoughts on a Pandemic
Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease specialist from Johns Hopkins University, shares critical insights on the coronavirus pandemic. He discusses the virus's contagiousness and severity, helping to separate myth from reality regarding transmission. The conversation covers the importance of social distancing, the timeline for vaccine development, and the role of antiviral treatments. Adalja emphasizes pandemic preparedness and the need for reliable information to navigate health crises effectively, all while reflecting on the societal reactions to this unprecedented challenge.
Mar 10, 2020 • 1h 19min
#190 — How Should We Respond to Coronavirus?
Nicholas Christakis, a Yale University Professor specializing in social and natural science, joins to discuss the coronavirus pandemic. They explore the need for proactive school closures and the critical role of social distancing in flattening the curve. The conversation critiques false comparisons between COVID-19 and the flu and highlights issues with political messaging and public trust in experts. Christakis shares insights on the interplay of community transmission and individual responses, emphasizing the importance of transparent communication in managing the crisis.
