Stephen Fry shares his personal evolution from a troubled youth to a celebrated intellectual and artist. His candid discussion covers his youthful indiscretions, and his journey towards self-acceptance during a time when being gay in England was fraught with stigma. Fry details his profound connection to literature, having been inspired by figures like Oscar Wilde, and how books shaped his understanding of his own sexuality.

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researcher Chris van Ryn! And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

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Anna Machin is an evolutionary anthropologist and researcher at the University of Oxford, specialising in human relationships, fatherhood, and the science of love and bonding.

Anna discusses the biological roots of attraction, the neurochemistry behind falling in love, and the evolutionary reasons for our romantic instincts. The conversation unpacks the differences between lust, attraction, and examines how culture shapes our understanding of monogamy, polyamory and the psychology of jealousy.

Learn more about Anna and read her books!

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researcher Chris van Ryn!

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

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Ellen Langer is an influential American psychologist and social scientist who bridges mindfulness, aging, health, and decision-making. Dr. Langer's insights challenge conventional views on aging, health, and personal capabilities, promoting a more mindful and engaged approach to life & happiness. Ellen emphasises the importance of active engagement and choice, and how our beliefs and perceptions can significantly affect physical health.

Learn more about Ellen and read her books!

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn!

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

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Wayne Hsiung is an animal‑rights and environmental activist. He co‑founded Direct Action Everywhere and focuses on “open rescue” efforts - publicly removing suffering animals from factory farms to provide them medical aid. Wayne recounts various direct action efforts and the legal battles stemming from these actions.

Learn more about Wayne subscribe to his substack

Learn more about Anima International as mentioned in this episode

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If you would like to support the podcast please consider our Patreon

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn!

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dasho Dechen Wangmo is a prominent Bhutanese public health leader and former Minister of Health, she has championed universal health coverage, mental health, and disease prevention, and gained international recognition as President of the 74th World Health Assembly, advocating for vaccine equity and global health solidarity. Dechen played a pivotal role in navigating Bhutan through the COVID-19 pandemic. Under her leadership, Bhutan achieved a 94% vaccination rate within four days and maintained one of the world's lowest death rates.

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If you would like to support the podcast please consider our Patreon

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn!

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dean Spears is an economic demographer and development economist, co-author of After the Spike: Population, Progress, and the Case for People. Dean explores the future of global population trends, noting that depopulation is now the most likely scenario, and the inherent ethical considerations of reducing the population and the practical implications for global challenges like climate change.

Learn more about Dean and read his books!

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If you would like to support the podcast please consider our Patreon

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn!

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meg Smaker is an American documentary filmmaker known for her immersive storytelling and exploration of complex global issues. Meg shares the impactful experiences from her life, including being kidnapped in Colombia, interacting with Somali pirates, and exploring motivations behind terrorism. Her most notable work is the 2022 feature documentary The UnRedacted (formerly known as 'Jihad Rehab'), which examines the lives of former Guantánamo Bay detainees undergoing rehabilitation in Saudi Arabia, and the complexities of de-radicalisation programs. Despite facing severe backlash, censorship, and cancellation attempts, Meg remains committed to bringing these human stories to light while upholding her integrity and commitment to the truth.

Read the New York Times cover story on Jihad Rehab & The Shameful Cancellation of Jihad Rehab

Listen to Meg on the Sam Harris Podcast

Get in touch with Meg and support her film https://jihadrehab.com

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If you would like to support the podcast please consider our Patreon

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn!

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cognitive neuroscientist Tali Sharot explores the role of optimism in our lives, examining why individuals often maintain personal hope despite collective anxiety. She explains the concept of optimism bias, how anticipation shapes happiness and memory.

Learn more about the Digital Diet and download the chrome plug-in

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If you would like to support the podcast please consider our Patreon

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn!

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.