EconTalk
Russ Roberts
EconTalk: Conversations for the Curious is an award-winning weekly podcast hosted by Russ Roberts of Shalem College in Jerusalem and Stanford's Hoover Institution. The eclectic guest list includes authors, doctors, psychologists, historians, philosophers, economists, and more. Learn how the health care system really works, the serenity that comes from humility, the challenge of interpreting data, how potato chips are made, what it's like to run an upscale Manhattan restaurant, what caused the 2008 financial crisis, the nature of consciousness, and more. EconTalk has been taking the Monday out of Mondays since 2006. All 900+ episodes are available in the archive. Go to EconTalk.org for transcripts, related resources, and comments.
Episodes
Mentioned books
44 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 1h 43min
Twenty Years of Freakonomics (with Stephen Dubner)
Stephen Dubner, a journalist and co-author of the groundbreaking book Freakonomics, opens up about its 20th anniversary. He shares how a magazine profile led to their bestseller, blending narrative journalism with data-driven research. The conversation dives into private equity’s complex role in the economy and its impact on employees. Dubner also explores the nuances of incentives, using the intriguing bagel honor-box experiment to highlight social norms. The discussion challenges conventional economic thought, offering fresh perspectives on competition and behavior.
79 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 1h 9min
The Magic of Tokyo (with Joe McReynolds)
Joe McReynolds, an academic and co-author of Emergent Tokyo, dives into the vibrant urbanism of Tokyo. He details how post-war black markets evolved into yokocho alleyways of micro-bars and eateries, thriving on friction-light zoning rules. Discover how Tokyo's vertical zakkyo buildings create a unique nightlife experience and support small businesses. Joe emphasizes the contrast between Tokyo's community-driven preservation and cities that prioritize aesthetics, urging listeners to rethink housing policies and flexible microspaces for dynamic urban growth.
165 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 1h 13min
The Invisible Hierarchies that Rule Our World (with Toby Stuart)
Toby Stuart, Leo Helzel Chair in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at UC Berkeley and author of *Anointed*, delves into the fascinating dynamics of social status and hierarchy. He explains how status isn’t static; it's awarded and shapes access to resources and opportunities. The conversation highlights the practical roles of hierarchies in reducing conflict and guiding choices in markets like art and books. Stuart also explores the implications of digital culture on status and reflects on how understanding these structures shifted his own perspective on success.
138 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 1h 6min
Eating with Intelligence (with Julia Belluz)
Health journalist Julia Belluz, author of Food Intelligence, dives into the complexities of weight loss and nutrition. She challenges the simplistic view of calories, explaining how metabolic rates can slow significantly post-dieting. Belluz discusses the role of environmental factors in shaping eating habits, highlighting how ultra-processed foods contribute to health issues. She advocates for governmental intervention to promote healthier choices, urging a compassionate understanding of personal agency in food decisions.
196 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 1h 23min
Steven Pinker on Common Knowledge
Get ready for an enlightening conversation with Steven Pinker, a renowned cognitive psychologist and Harvard professor known for his insights on language and human nature. He dives into the concept of common knowledge, discussing how it shapes societal coordination, from Super Bowl ads to driving norms. Pinker explores the psychological underpinnings of miscommunication, the role of laughter in social dynamics, and the dangers of uncertainty in totalitarian regimes. It's a thought-provoking exploration of how we connect and misunderstand each other.
91 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 1h 5min
How Did America Build the Arsenal of Democracy? (with Brian Potter)
Brian Potter, a structural engineer and writer at the Institute for Progress, dives into America's aircraft production during WWII. He shares how the U.S. became a manufacturing powerhouse, producing B-24 bombers in under an hour. Potter discusses the challenges of ramping up production, the balance of precision and improvisation, and the critical role of women in factories. He reflects on lessons from this era for today’s supply chain debates and defense readiness, highlighting the importance of preparation and proactive decision-making for future mobilization efforts.
119 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 1h 3min
How Teams Succeed (with Colin Fisher)
Colin Fisher, a scholar of organizational behavior at University College London and author of The Collective Edge, dives into what makes teams thrive. He discusses how dysfunctional dynamics often sink groups, emphasizing the need for clearly defined tasks to spark synergy. Colin critiques traditional team-building activities, suggesting real trust is forged through collaboration. He also highlights lessons from leaders like Steve Jobs and Bill Belichick, pointing out that structure often trumps coaching in team success.
97 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 1h 11min
Humans Are Overrated (with Christine Webb)
Christine Webb, an NYU primatologist and author of The Arrogant Ape, critiques human exceptionalism and explores the rich inner lives of animals. She challenges the belief in human superiority, advocating for recognition of the intelligence of other species. Webb shares insights from her research that reveal the complex social structures and emotions in primates. The conversation also highlights the need for a deeper connection with nature, emphasizing cooperation over competition and the importance of humility in our ecological relationships.
66 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 1h 6min
Hemingway, Love, and War (with David Wyatt)
David Wyatt, a Professor of English at the University of Maryland, brings his expertise on Hemingway to the discussion. He explores how Hemingway's experiences in the Spanish Civil War influenced his writing, particularly in 'For Whom the Bell Tolls.' Topics include the moral complexities of war, the deep emotional layers of love, and the intertwining of memory and nostalgia in Hemingway's narratives. Wyatt also touches on the theme of 'grace under pressure' and highlights the literary significance of minor characters, showcasing Hemingway's enduring impact on American literature.
322 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 2h 7min
Tim Ferriss on Tim Ferriss (and much much more)
Join Tim Ferriss, the entrepreneur and author of The 4-Hour Workweek, as he shares the secrets behind his morning routine involving cold plunges and exogenous ketones. He opens up about navigating fame, balancing authenticity with public expectations, and managing personal boundaries. Tim dives into the impact of AI on creativity while keeping his unique voice intact. He also discusses the art of meaningful conversations in podcasting and reflects on food myths, emphasizing moderation and celebrating the joy of social connections through play.
