The Waking Up Podcast by Sam Harris

Waking Up is a podcast by Sam Harris, a neuroscientist, philosopher and best-selling author. The podcast aligns itself with one of his five books called, Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality without Religion. The subtitle represents a major theme to his podcast. In his podcast, Sam explores some of the most critical questions about the human mind, society, and current events.

Having written five New York Times bestsellers including; The End of Faith, Letter to a Christian Nation, The Moral Landscape, Free Will, Lying, Waking Up, and Islam and the Future of Tolerance, Sam is publicly positioned as an expert in the fields of neuroscience, philosophy, religion and spiritual practice. His conversations with his guests are broad, controversial and insightful.

You can find my review of his book, Waking Up, here – 328: Book Reflection | Waking Up: A Guide To Spirituality Without Religion By Sam Harris

His writing, lectures and conversations on the podcast are not for the faint-hearted. Sam is direct, opinionated and to the point. He challenges humanities current views and long-held beliefs on some of the most pressing topics. And it is not done in vain. He is an intelligent guy. As a neuroscientist, his arguments come backed by substantial evidence, research, data and fact.

Because many of his topics challenge such well-grounded and mainstream beliefs, like religion, morals, free will, many people hold Sam Harris under the spotlight questioning not only his intent but also his integrity. There may be many people that don’t appreciate, respect or trust his views but clearly, he has many followers who do.

I feel that due to his controversial stance on religion, among other topics, has no doubt helped put him up there with the likes of other new atheism leaders like Richard Dawkins – a favourite guest of the show. I for one, love his perspectives and the conversations he is having.

I most part, I enjoy listening to this podcast because it challenges not only my thoughts but also the beliefs held by the status quo. Do I agree with everything Harris or his guests are saying? Hell no! If we are not open to expanding our perspectives and challenging the norm how will humanity continue a purposeful and harmonious progression?

Typically, I steer clear from any of his politically motivated episodes. I am not too fond on politics and for that reason do not have a significant level of understanding on the current political climate, locally or in the U.S. Having listened to a few, like his debates with guests on the Trump Presidency, I feel as though his viewpoints are a little less unsubstantiated. These shows seem like more of an attack on the political landscape or individuals within rather than debate that may result in a positive outcome.

As a neuroscientist, Harris has a great deal of knowledge about the workings of the brain, human mind and consciousness – even though they might be all the same thing. I find the guests and conversation held on these topics exciting and educational. Sam raises arguments against mainstream academia in this field as well, like his stance on the absence of free will. I will not attempt to go there in this review but do read into it yourself or have a listen to some of his episodes on this subject.

Finally, even though Sam seems to be an atheist bent on the proving that religion is impractical, outdated, and based on false beliefs, he is a spiritual guy. He conducts plenty of spiritual conversations that I for one thoroughly enjoy. Sam is a proud advocate of meditation and the benefits found from adopting mindfulness practices in daily life. He is, if not already, launching his very own meditation app. His discussions on spirituality are thick and usually supported by scientific study.

The Waking Up podcast is up there in the ranking for a reason, conversations that will educate, inspire, challenge and even shift perspectives. Discussions that are timely and I feel necessary to shake us from our sleep, to wake up to the social, political and religious environments that are limiting, not empowering, to the overall wellbeing of the world.

If you like the sound of any of Sam’s works please use the links below to purchase.

Please leave your thoughts, comments & questions below.

Peace, passion and purpose…

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