Sam Harris speaks with author and life coach Martha Beck about her Mormon upbringing and decision to leave the church, her longstanding meditation practice, and the lessons she’s learned from her son, who has Down syndrome. They also discuss animal tracking as a meditative practice, living with an awareness of death, modern culture’s emphasis on wealth and status, and other topics.

Dr. Martha Beck, Ph.D., is a New York Times bestselling author, coach, and speaker. She holds three Harvard degrees in social science, and Oprah Winfrey has called her “one of the smartest women I know.” The founder of Wayfinder Life Coach Training, Martha is a passionate and engaging teacher. Her recent book The Way of Integrity: Finding the Path to Your True Self was an Oprah’s Book Club selection. Her latest book, Beyond Anxiety: Curiosity, Creativity, and Finding Your Life’s Purpose, was an instant New York Times Best Seller.