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
Dec 17, 2019 • 34min
#179 — The Unquiet Mind
Judson Brewer, an addiction psychiatrist and neuroscientist, dives deep into the intricacies of addiction and mindfulness. He discusses the neuroscience behind craving and how mindfulness can alter our relationship with addiction. Brewer highlights the difference between dopamine-driven rewards and true happiness, giving insights into smoking cessation through mindfulness. He also shares techniques to make meditation a habit and explores the impact of meditation on brain activity, unraveling the complexities of self-identity and effortlessness in practice.
13 snips
Dec 11, 2019 • 1h 7min
#178 — The Reality Illusion
In this engaging discussion, cognitive scientist Donald Hoffman, known for his groundbreaking work on perception and consciousness, shares his revolutionary ideas on how evolution shapes our understanding of reality. He challenges the notion that our perceptions accurately reflect the world, introducing his 'interface theory.' They dive into the implications of consciousness, the nature of free will, and the connection between mathematics and reality. The conversation also probes philosophical themes like panpsychism and the essence of existence itself.
24 snips
Dec 2, 2019 • 1h 27min
#177 — Psychedelic Science
Roland Griffiths, a leading researcher at Johns Hopkins University, discusses the fascinating world of psychedelics. He breaks down the therapeutic potential of compounds like psilocybin and MDMA, while addressing the historical stigma surrounding their use. Topics include the importance of 'set and setting,' and the differences between psychedelics and traditional drugs. Griffiths also delves into transformative experiences, microdosing, and the striking phenomenon of encountering entities during trips, suggesting profound impacts on personal belief systems.
Nov 23, 2019 • 1h 4min
#176 — Knowledge & Redemption
Lynn Novick, an Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker, and Jewel Hall, a Bard Prison Initiative graduate now working at the Ford Foundation, discuss the transformative power of education in prisons. They delve into Novick's film
Nov 11, 2019 • 37min
#175 — Leaving the Faith
In this thought-provoking discussion, Yasmine Mohammed, a human rights activist and author of "Unveiled," shares her gripping journey from conservative Islam to empowering liberation. She tackles the double standards of Western liberals regarding cultural practices, particularly in women's rights. The complexities of the hijab emerge as both a symbol of empowerment and subjugation. Yasmine critiques societal responses to religious extremism, honor violence, and calls for consistency in cultural criticism. Her insights spark vital conversations about feminism and autonomy.
Nov 4, 2019 • 49min
#174 — Life & Mind
Richard Dawkins, an influential evolutionary biologist and author of 'Outgrowing God,' engages in a fascinating dialogue with Sam Harris. They tackle the 'gene’s-eye view' of the world, questioning the limits of Darwinian theory in understanding human life. The conversation dives into the mind-bending concept of the extended phenotype and how parasites manipulate their hosts. Dawkins also explores memes as cultural replicators, reflecting on their evolutionary parallels with genes, and discusses the intriguing implications of epigenetics in inheritance.
Oct 28, 2019 • 28min
#173 — Anti-Semitism and Its Discontents
Bari Weiss, a staff writer and editor at the New York Times and author of "How to Fight Antisemitism," joins for a thought-provoking discussion on the multiple strands of anti-Semitism. They explore the historical context of anti-Jewish sentiment in the U.S., influenced by figures like Charles Coughlin. Weiss reflects on the Tree of Life shooting and the complexities of identity politics. They also tackle the controversial Great Replacement Theory and its implications on cultural discourse, highlighting the urgent need to understand and combat these issues.
Oct 21, 2019 • 52min
#172 — Among the Deplorables
In this engaging conversation, Andrew Marantz, a staff writer at The New Yorker and author of "Antisocial," dives into the world of online extremism and social media's impact on politics. He discusses the complexities of guilt by association in journalism and the nuances of maintaining objectivity. The chat touches on the chaotic landscape of troll culture, the dangers of misinformation, and the challenges of addressing racial rhetoric in media discourse. Marantz sheds light on how these elements shape the American conversation today.
Oct 8, 2019 • 42min
#171 — Escaping a Christian Cult
In this captivating discussion, Megan Phelps-Roper, a former member of the Westboro Baptist Church and now a writer and educator, shares her transformative journey. She reflects on her memoir, delving into the struggles of leaving a life steeped in extremism. Topics include the contradictions between her family's legal background and the church's anti-LGBT stance, and the paradox of joy within a culture of protest. Megan reveals how social media played a crucial role in her escape, sparking critical conversations that reshaped her beliefs.
Oct 2, 2019 • 48min
#170 — The Great Uncoupling
In this intriguing conversation, Andrew McAfee, a research scientist at MIT Sloan and author of 'More From Less,' dives into how human progress has evolved and how prosperity can be independent of resource consumption. He discusses the advantages and drawbacks of capitalism and technological progress, alongside the importance of environmental policies. The talk also addresses the challenges posed by automation and economic inequality, calling for innovative solutions to ensure a sustainable and equitable future for all.
