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 Harris mainly examines the consequences of bad thoughts and how they occur in society. And by examining phenomena like religious fanaticism, wokeism, Trumpism, vaccine scepticism and so on, he is not scared to offend the extreme right or the extreme left.
2023-09-24
From the jabbed for the jabbed
The guy is a living proof that the jab hits you straight in the brain and never goes away
2023-07-06
Are you scared of RFK?
I am so incredibly disappointed. I enjoyed Sam Harris‘ highly intelligent insights. But his take on RFK is not worthy of an intelligent man. It’s actually utterly stupid. Not to mention that he put words in RFK‘s mouth that the latter had never said. If you think, RFK is a liar and that this was a reason to deplatform him, all the other liars (in the government) should be deplatformed as well. Hearing that you can’t be prepared for RFK‘s „lies“ is just another way of saying that he might in fact be right and that you are scared of the truth. It‘s a confession of failure :(
Debate him and show he is wrong instead of slamming him.
2023-01-31
Simply brilliant!
Sam is such an intelligent and courageous man, the one you look for but doesn’t exist. Serious here: He has done such prolific work, with incredibly interesting and helpful conversations that elevate the state of your mind bringing some quality to your life. He stands out exactly because he has a some remarkable sense of consciousness and intelligence.
2022-02-11
Huge lack of judgment
I admire Sam’s work in meditation and am subscribed to the app, but I despise the podcast. The last one is defending joe rogan’s use of the N word. If there was any confusion when someone says “the N word” it could be justifiable to use it in certain contexts except for as a slur. But there really isn’t. The word carried the dehumanization of black people and the pain ancestors lived through for years. Therefore, there shouldn’t be any argument or excuses made to “get” to use it. When saying “the N word” is just clear enough. The word doesn’t have magical powers, but it has an ugly meaning and a long history of being used by white men. Just this whole episode seemed to me like he’s projecting his fear of being canceled himself by defending a popular friend. That is empathy isn’t it? You side with people you could relate to. And that’s why his arguments about Racism are invalid. He can’t possibly relate to anyone who has ever experienced Racism, as a rich white man, he could never truly understand racism or feel the pain of the N word.
I thought Joe’s apology was sincere and right on every point, Sam saying there was no apology needed to using that word, was of a very poor taste.
2021-07-25
Sam provides us the real stories and reasons why we should be vaccinated.
This episode connected the dots and will help me explain my standpoint about why I was vaccinated. Sam and his highly regarded guest gave me some new angles, vocabulary, and details. Sams material is always like a class that I cannot wait to attend. He makes learning so fun and creative. A true inspiration and I shall pay it forward by using his thoughts in business English classes. Thanks for proving such an episode. I wish your messages could be heard by more. All good wishes, Jacqui
2021-01-08
There's no systemic racism in the U.S. ..
..tells the priviledged, white male.
Welcome to 2021.
2020-10-17
Agree to disagree
I generally like this podcast and enjoy being challenged by great minds. I don’t see eye-to-eye with Sam Harris and his guests on every issue, but they present interesting counter points that help me see the world in a different way, or challenge why I disagree with them. Worthy of a listen.
2020-10-12
Mind-blowing insights
Each episode is full of outstanding ideas that challenge your thinking. One of the best podcasts I’ve ever listened to!
2020-09-30
Probably most certainly my favourite podcast
Especially this year, this podcast has made me feel sane. I thank everyone involved in this project. It makes a lot of sense. Wow, wow, wow! Thank you.
2020-09-28
The only place left where logical reasoning has a chance
I am so thankful that Sam still has the willpower to fight against increasing polarization and the ignorance of facts in todays heated climate of debate!!! We need you Sam!!
2020-07-17
The paywall is only a line in the sand.
This podcast is brilliant; I’m very thankful to Sam and his guests for taking their time to share their thoughts and wisdoms on the most important topics of our time.
I’m a broke student, and I can’t afford to support the podcast with my (lack of) money, but you can request a free year of the full version on Sam’s website. I’m confused as to why this would be an issue for anybody. This is his job, and he also has to pay for things with money like the rest of us. The fact that any single minute of it has ever been free... is a gift.
2020-03-18
Paywall
New paywall ruins the podcast.
2020-02-24
Only 30 min
Paywall since a few episodes. You can only listen to 30 min. Now I only check the topic if its interesting and search youtube for more content from a particular guest. No need to pay.
About the content: SH is eloquent but the kind he allows other opinions is rather one dimensional and quite flat. As long as it follows his flow of thought its fine, when it doesnt he tends to more or less subtle offend others. Thus only 3 stars.
2019-12-19
Hello Paywall
Goodbye Sam
2019-12-18
Paywalled as of December 2019
I used to donate on a monthly basis in order to help keep these important conversations accessible to everyone.
Now this podcast is just another paywalled education service for those who can afford to commit to a recurring payment.
I will not help encourage this practice, and I will not add another sneaky subscription to my life which I have to keep track of. Neither is Sam Harris that important to me, nor is his contribution so unique that I cannot look for different sources.
2019-12-10
New paywall ruins the podcast
Na
2019-11-20
Eloquent, honest, needed. No ads
Sam Harris would be a godsent if there was a God. There isn't, so he is just a man that thinks clearly and puts every thought in perfect words. On the fly. It is an honor to hear him think and a joy to listen to him interview the most interesting people out there. He also doesn't believe in ads, which makes him the only podcaster out there to do so.
Thank you, Sam for what you do for us. We owe you.
2019-11-19
Definitely my favorite podcast - never miss an episode
The level of discussion is simple and user-friendly but still so deep ...definitely good reflection exercise on one owns values and view of the world.
2019-11-15
Great Podcast!
Super
2019-11-07
generally good podcast
although I disagree from time to time with Sam I generally appreciate his clarity of mind and his sanity when it comes to certain topics.
2019-09-04
Incredible!
Although lately content has been sparse, this is by far my favourite podcast. Would love to hear Sam speak with Jim Carey about Free Will!
2019-04-03
Changed my Life
The best Podcast out there.
2019-03-19
A true gift to humanity
This podcast has become the most influential part of my intellectual life.
The guests are undoubtedly the most important voices of our generation and Sam’s take on philosophy, politics, religion and science is really something you wouldn’t want to miss.
Thank you for all the beautiful hours of podcasting, it’s a true gift to humanity.
2019-02-22
Der beste Podcast den ich jeh hören werde.
Einfach Atem beraubend. Wer Sam Harris nicht kennt sollte einmal seine Wikipedia Aufrufen. Dieser Mensch bring ein neues Licht auf Themen, wo ich niemals gedacht hätte das jemand sie so gut aufbereiten kann. Die größten philosophischen Probleme etc. werden von diesem Menschen perfekt erklärt und seine Meinung zu diesen Themen ist mit Abstand die beste die ich jemals gehört habe. Ich kenne niemanden der nur ansatzweise da ran kommt
2018-12-16
Be careful with facts presented by guests!
Dear Sam,
this might never reach you but I want to try anway: I admire your work and like your podcast a lot. But your guests seem to present statements as facts, which are not true. In episode #142, around 01h50min the German party "Alternative für Deutschland" is called the "second biggest party of Germany" which just is not true whatsoever. It is dangerously popular but not THAT popular. I don't want to be picky about having found one mistake and now be a wise-ass. Maybe you can't evemn prevent things like that from happening. But such a strong and wrong political statement about my country struck me as a dangerous information to just put out there. Thanks a lot for you incredible work! All the best from Germany, Manu
2018-10-20
Literally mind- and thoughtful
He’s one of the most intelligent and mindful peoples I’ve ever had the privilege to listen to
2018-04-18
5*
extrem interessante Themen, sachlich herübergebracht, sehr inspirierend.
2018-04-04
Ein toller Podcasts
Sam Harris macht seine Arbeit toll und es macht Spaß ihm und seinen Gästen zuzuhören, auch wenn ich ihren Meinungen und Ausführungen nicht immer zustimme.
2018-02-20
Heads straight into the most difficult topics
Sam Harris doesn't avoid disagreement, and he regularly speaks with people he disagrees with, in a civilised fashin, and does so respectfully. He's not Cathy Newman.
2017-10-21
I love it!
Interesting topics about psychology, society, spirituality, and technological advancements are covered. Sam's language is very clear (and a great improvements for ones English, I recon), and he asks his guests (of the highest caliber) very produktive questions. Moreover, he has well informed opinions about the above mentioned topics. Keep going! Greets from Germany
2017-09-30
Herausragend
Sam Harris vereinigt in diesem Podcast diverse hochinteressante Themen, die mit großem Detailreichtum und fantastischen Gesprächspartnern besprochen werden.
Jeder der sich für Naturwissenschaften, Medizin, Philosophie, Religion (und insbesondere daran gerichtete Kritik), Sozialpolitik, Zukunftstechnologien und die menschliche Natur im Allgemeinen interessiert, ist hier an der richtigen Stelle.
Viel Spaß beim Anhören.
2017-09-09
Wonderfully thoughtful
Clever and knowledgeable, Sam tells intriguing narratives and speaks to experts in the most calming voice on iTunes.
2017-09-07
Always insightful
Talking about the bigger questions in life, consciousness and human intelligence... always insights and interesting.
2017-08-18
Inspirierend
Gleichermaßen unterhaltsam, inspirierend und zum Nachdenken anregend. Sam Harris versteht es wie kaum ein anderer, komplizierte wissenschaftliche, philosophische und politische Fragen mit seinen vielfältigen Interviewpartnern in klarer aber nicht trivialisierender Sprache zu erörtern. Dabei vertritt Harris durchaus unbequeme Ansichten, die in den mainstream-Medien eher selten zu finden sind. Die Interviewpartner sind hochkarätig. Alles in allem ein perfekter Podcast!
2017-06-28
Variety of topics. Intellectually simulating
Sam talks about a wide range of topics with well informed guests. Whether you agree with his views or his guests's views or not, it's still an immensely satisfying podcast to listen to.
2017-06-17
Top
Hören, nachdenken und lernen!
2017-05-30
Just Great!
A wide variety of subjects, viewpoints and wonderful guests. Presented in an interesting, thoughtful and probing way. Sam Harris is not afraid to go where others fear to tread, often confronting controversial issues head on. Sam's intellect, honesty and easy going manner all contribute to some fascinating conversations. Thanks for a great podcast.
2017-04-17
Interesting Discussions
I feel that the discussions held in this podcast come from an interesting angle, with the interviewer having a strong foothold on spirituality without it being "too much" for a less spiritual person.
2017-03-01
Very insightful
Great podcast. I really love the fact that Sam is not shying away from speaking up his mind in controversional topics. Also that he does not deny the possibility being wrong sometimes makes it a very honest discussion podium. This is especially evident in episode #16 where as a carnivorous person he agrees that eating meat is ethically proably not right.
2017-02-16
Danke
Würde Sam nicht so viele kontroverse Themen ansprechen, könnte man meinen dies sei das perfekte Material zum Hörverstehen im Englisch Unterricht.
2017-02-10
Sam simply makes you a better person!
Love his podcast, books, essays, debates etc., needless to say what a wonderful mind he has and you don't need to agree with everything (unlike me though :) in order to appreciate his ideas, views and overall moral standpoint! Thank you Sam and keep making noise on those important issues!!
2016-12-31
essential edutainment for our species
insightful ... just want to know how Sam can keep his cool through all the bs that has been / and still is being thrown around!
2016-11-16
Thanks Sam!
Love it!
2016-11-16
What a great thinker
The combination of thorough exploration and inspiring deep thoughts with an unbelievably precise choice of words is just amazing. Highly recommended!
2016-10-17
Unfassbar tiefgängige Diskussionen und Denkanstöße
Eine großartige Auswahl von moralischen Fragestellungen, Spiritualität in der Praktischen Form der Mediattion und angenehme Gespräche in einem ausreichenden zeitlichen Rahmen( ca 2 h), um die Gesprächstehmen angenehm tiefgehend zu ergründen. 5/5
2016-10-07
Einer der besten Podcasts
Klare Sprache, interessante Interviews, tiefe philosophische Gedanken und Argumente ohne die Political Correctness-Schere im Kopf. Wenn man wieder einmal von der Dummheit der Menschheit überwältigt wird, hört man Sam Harris zu und freut sich, dass es solche brillanten und eloquenten Denker auf diesem Planeten gibt.
2016-10-06
One of the bravest
Sam Harris might be one of the most important thinkers of our time. As someone wrote, you dont always need to agree with him but his principals are true and admirable. To have people like Sam amoung us make me even more grateful to live in our time of age.
I really look forward to see if Sam can get Snowden on this podcast and why not Obama?
Keep up the good work Sam you are doing something right.
Kind regards
Rickard
2016-08-02
Interesting and honest Sam Harris Podcast is great.
I found Sam Harris podcast Waking up a few weeks ago. Whatever chance i get i try to listen. I totally recommend this to anybody that wants to learn from an honest, intelligent and focused person like Sam.
5/5!
2016-07-20
Excellent
If you want to expand your horizon and look at the world and its many aspects in a different way THIS is the place to go!