# How to Think Clearly in an Age of Distraction | Sam Harris Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/perform-with-dr-andy-galpin-6754078/how-to-think-clearly-in-an-age-of-distraction-sam-harris Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/perform-with-dr-andy-galpin-6754078/how-to-think-clearly-in-an-age-of-distraction-sam-harris.md Podcast: [Perform with Dr. Andy Galpin](https://stenobird.com/podcast/perform-with-dr-andy-galpin-6754078) Published: 2026-05-27T08:00:00+00:00 Episode link: https://performpodcast.com/episodes/sam-harris-how-to-think-clearly-in-age-of-distraction Audio file: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/SCIM3764242596.mp3 Processing state: not_requested JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/perform-with-dr-andy-galpin-6754078/episodes/how-to-think-clearly-in-an-age-of-distraction-sam-harris Duration seconds: 8893 ## Resource In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sam Harris to discuss how attention, mindfulness, and clear thinking shape performance. We start by separating intelligence from wisdom, then look at how modern technology is rewiring our attentional capacity β€” including which tools enhance cognition and which compete with it. Sam walks through three approaches to working with the mind: training concentration, practicing mindfulness, and using cognitive reframing. We also get into how to receive criticism without ego, why institutions and the Scientific Process still matter in an era of independent media, and what AI means for our future. This episode is for anyone who wants to think more clearly, feel less hijacked by their own thoughts, and build a more durable relationship to attention. Show notes: https://performpodcast.com/episodes/sam-harris-how-to-think-clearly-in-age-of-distraction Waking Up x Absolute Rest challenge: https://wakingup.com/andy Sponsors Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/perform David: https://davidprotein.com/perform LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/perform Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/perform Chapters (00:00:00) Introduction & Sam Harris (00:02:30) Intelligence, Smartness & Wisdom (00:16:13) Outsourcing Cognition: AI as Tool vs. Competitor (00:21:19) The Death of Boredom & the Inner Voice (00:30:07) Mindfulness & Three Paths to Mental Freedom (00:42:20) Overcoming Resistance to Meditation (01:01:25) Psychedelics vs. Meditation (01:09:01) Emotion, Reason & Handling Criticism (01:28:06) Process, Expertise & the Scientific Crisis (01:50:44) Restoring Trust in Institutions (02:02:29) Consciousness, AI & the Hard Problem (02:16:18) Uploading, Teleportation & the Revenge of the Humanities (02:25:14) Closing Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad ch… ## Actions - request_transcript: `POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/perform-with-dr-andy-galpin-6754078/episodes/how-to-think-clearly-in-an-age-of-distraction-sam-harris/transcription-requests` β€” Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode. - read_markdown: `GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/perform-with-dr-andy-galpin-6754078/how-to-think-clearly-in-an-age-of-distraction-sam-harris.md` β€” Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource. A page view does not enqueue transcription. Agents should invoke `request_transcript` explicitly when they need this episode processed. ## Transcript Full transcripts are not published on public pages unless there is a clear rights basis.