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.
What this show covers
UkraineTrumpantisemitismalignmentmeditationconsciousnessphilosophyAI ethicsElon MuskAlex GibneyTeslaanti-ZionismDEIcampus politicsJewish identity
What listeners will find here
Sam Harris and Alex Gibney examine Elon Musk’s slide from visionary to confidence man
Elon Musk is the focus here, as Sam Harris and filmmaker Alex Gibney discuss the new documentary Musk and the gap between public myth and documented reality. The conversation ranges from Tesla and self-driving claims to politics, Trump, USAID, Starlink, and Ukraine.
A conversation on antisemitism as “the oldest lie” and why institutions keep failing
Antisemitism, Jewish identity, and institutional failure are at the center of Sam Harris’s conversation with Dara Horn. They explore Horn’s new book, the history of anti-Zionism, why DEI failed Jewish students, and whether “Zionism” still clarifies anything.
Anne Applebaum and Sam Harris on corruption, authoritarianism, and a changing U.S. role
Corruption, authoritarianism, and America’s retreat from the world drive this conversation with Anne Applebaum. The episode ranges from Trump’s second term and Europe’s far right to Ukraine, Russian propaganda, and the difficulty of depoliticizing institutions.
Sam Harris and Ryan Greenblatt on whether advanced AI could slip beyond human control
AI misalignment is the focus here, as Sam Harris and Ryan Greenblatt examine how increasingly capable systems could become hard to steer or contain. The conversation ranges from reward hacking and alignment faking to why companies keep accelerating despite serious risk.
Why meditation can improve your life and reveal your mind
Meditation is the focus here, with Sam Harris exploring two motivations for practice: living better and seeing the mind more clearly. He argues these goals may seem different, but are really part of the same project.
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