Making Sense with Sam Harris cover art
Podcast · 114 episodes

Making Sense with Sam Harris, page 2

by Sam Harris · English

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.

All episodes, page 2

#471 — The End of History, RevisitedFrancis Fukuyama revisits his “End of History” thesis, clarifying that “end” meant the likely endpoint of modernization toward market economies and liberal democracy (not the cessation of events).16 Apr 2026 · 19 min · 8 chapters
#470 — Democrats at a CrossroadsRahm Emanuel discusses Democrats’ “crossroads,” arguing the party must shift from cultural/identity fights to measurable education improvement, while also addressing anti-Semitism and Israel/Gaza…13 Apr 2026 · 22 min · 11 chapters
#469 — Escaping an Anti-Human FutureTristan Harris discusses his shift from social-media harms to AI risks, arguing AI could produce an “anti-human future” unless guardrails are built before catastrophe.10 Apr 2026 · 1 h 49 min · 59 chapters
#468 — More From Sam: Gratitude, Bad Conversations, Conspiracy Addiction, Waffle House Teleportation, and MoreGratitude and mindfulness amid AI/job anxiety and existential risks; declining church attendance; political-media “bad conversations” and when dialogue is useful; social media and podcast conspiracy…7 Apr 2026 · 33 min · 16 chapters
#467 — EA, AI, and the End of WorkEffective altruism’s “menu” of high-impact causes, how the EA movement recovered after the FTX/Sam Bankman-Fried scandal, and why AI (plus pandemic risk) may be the biggest future existential…30 Mar 2026 · 30 min · 14 chapters
#466 — What Is Technology Doing to Us?Sam Harris and guest discuss how information/communication technology over the last decade has harmed society—polarization, anomie, mental-health crises, and a surveillance-state dynamic—and what…24 Mar 2026 · 19 min · 8 chapters
#465 — More From Sam: Iran, Jihadism, Conspiracism, AI Disruption, the Manosphere, and MoreIn this episode, Sam Harris discusses a variety of current events and controversial topics with Jaron Lanier, including:18 Mar 2026 · 36 min · 12 chapters
#464 — The Politics of Pragmatism and the Future of CaliforniaIn this episode of *Making Sense*, Sam Harris interviews Matt Mahan, the mayor of San Jose and a Democratic candidate for governor of California.16 Mar 2026 · 1 h 22 min · 28 chapters
#463 — Privatizing the ApocalypseIn this episode, Sam Harris engages in a critical discussion with Rob Reid on topics surrounding biosecurity, pandemic risk, and the fragility of defenses against biological catastrophes.11 Mar 2026 · 22 min · 11 chapters
#462 — More From Sam: The Iran War, American Amorality, Addressing Hopelessness, Tucker, and More462 — More From Sam: The Iran War, American Amorality, Addressing Hopelessness, Tucker, and More6 Mar 2026 · 20 min · 6 chapters
#461 — Dictators Always Tell You What They'll Do461 — Dictators Always Tell You What They'll Do25 Feb 2026 · 29 min · 8 chapters
#460 — When the Center Cannot HoldIn this episode, Sam Harris engages in a deep conversation with Jonah Goldberg about the current state of American conservatism, the Trump presidency, and related political dynamics.20 Feb 2026 · 22 min · 8 chapters
#459 — More From Sam: Corruption, Immigration, The End of White-Collar Work, and MoreIn this episode of the *Making Sense* podcast, Sam Harris engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Jaron Lanier, focusing on current events including political corruption, immigration issues,…13 Feb 2026 · 10 min · 5 chapters
#458 — The Bulwark Against MAGAIn this episode, Sam Harris engages in a deep conversation with Sarah Longwell and Tim Miller about the current political landscape in the United States, particularly focusing on Donald Trump and…11 Feb 2026 · 59 min · 30 chapters
#457 — More From Sam: The Epstein Files, The Newsom Factor, Don Lemon's Arrest, AI Market Disruption, and MoreIn this episode of "Making Sense," host Sam Harris and guest Jaron Lanier discuss a range of current events.5 Feb 2026 · 16 min · 7 chapters
#456 — American FascismIn this episode, Sam Harris speaks with Jonathan Rauch about the emergence of fascism in American politics, particularly in the context of the Trump administration.4 Feb 2026 · 21 min · 9 chapters
#455 — More From Sam: Guns, Propaganda, AI, and Power UnboundIn this episode of the *Making Sense* podcast, Sam Harris is joined by Jaron Lanier to discuss a range of contemporary issues, including gun violence, humanitarian crises, and the societal impacts of…30 Jan 2026 · 12 min · 6 chapters
#454 — More From Sam: Minnesota, Greenland, Iran, S**thole Countries, and MoreIn this episode of the "More From Sam" series, Sam Harris and Jaron Lanier discuss a variety of current and controversial topics, including recent violent events, international relations, and…21 Jan 2026 · 17 min · 7 chapters
#453 — AI and the New Face of AntisemitismIn this episode of the Making Sense podcast, Sam Harris speaks with Judea Pearl, a notable figure in the fields of causality and artificial intelligence.16 Jan 2026 · 22 min · 11 chapters
#452 — Is Wokeness Finally Dead?In this episode, Sam Harris speaks with John McWhorter about various topics related to language, ideology, and moral certainty.7 Jan 2026 · 21 min · 10 chapters
#451 — The One Resolution That Matters MostIn this episode, Sam Harris discusses the importance of mindfulness as a foundational skill for improving one’s life and mental clarity in the face of increasing digital distractions.31 Dec 2025 · 9 min · 4 chapters
#450 — More From Sam: Resolutions, Conspiracies, Demonology, and the Fate of the WorldIn this episode of the *Making Sense* podcast, Sam Harris engages in a discussion with Jaron Lanier about various contemporary issues ranging from personal resolutions to significant societal…30 Dec 2025 · 28 min · 9 chapters
#449 — Dogma, Tribe, and TruthIn this episode, Sam Harris engages in a conversation with Ross Douthat about significant cultural and philosophical issues, especially concerning religion in the context of modern challenges such as…22 Dec 2025 · 23 min
#448 — The Philosophy of Good and EvilIn this episode, Sam Harris interviews David Edmonds, a philosopher and author, about moral philosophy and the concept of effective altruism.8 Dec 2025 · 25 min