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 1000+ episodes are available in the archive. Go to EconTalk.org for transcripts, related resources, and comments.
Episodes
Mentioned books
41 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 1h 5min
Nature, Nurture, and Identical Twins (with David Bessis)
In this engaging discussion, mathematician and author David Bessis challenges the narrative of genetic determinism in the context of identical twins raised apart. He critiques famous studies that claim high heritability in traits like IQ, emphasizing flaws and biases in the data. Bessis introduces Eric Turkheimer's laws, illustrating the significant role of unique experiences in shaping individuals. The conversation explores the limitations of twin studies and underscores how personal journeys, rather than genetics alone, heavily influence talent and abilities.
46 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 1h 5min
The Mattering Instinct (with Rebecca Newberger Goldstein)
Rebecca Newberger Goldstein, a philosopher and author known for intertwining philosophy with fiction, explores the profound human need to matter. She discusses how this longing underpins social issues like loneliness and extremism. Goldstein outlines four strategies for seeking significance: transcendent, social, heroic, and competitive striving. She also touches on how mattering influences our relationships and parenting, the dangers of self-centeredness, and the broader political implications of unmet needs, making a compelling case for understanding our quest for validation.
55 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 1h 22min
Conversation, Interintellect, and Arcadia (with Anna Gat)
In this engaging discussion, Anna Gat, a poet and founder of Interintellect, explores how to revive meaningful conversation in the digital age. She emphasizes the importance of moderation and format for facilitating dialogue. Anna also delves into Tom Stoppard's play, Arcadia, discussing its resonance in both live and reading formats. She shares insights on the intersections of science and the humanities, and how Interintellect fosters civil discourse across diverse perspectives, all while highlighting the enduring power of human connection.
102 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 58min
In Defense of Intuition (with Gerd Gigerenzer)
Join Gerd Gigerenzer, a leading psychologist and director at the Max Planck Institute, as he dives into the fascinating world of intuition. He challenges traditional views that pit intuition against reason, arguing instead for their collaboration. Gigerenzer introduces the concept of the 'bias bias' and critiques the overemphasis on irrationality. He also discusses the limitations of AI compared to human intuition, the importance of risk literacy, and the need for educational boosting over paternalistic nudging in decision-making.
82 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 1h 26min
David Deutsch on the Pattern
David Deutsch, a renowned physicist and philosopher from Oxford, delves into a disturbing moral pattern surrounding antisemitism. He argues that throughout history, there has been a consistent social permission to justify harm against Jews, often rationalized by shifting narratives. Unlike sporadic pogroms, this background acknowledgment allows for a dangerous normalization of anti-Jewish sentiment. Deutsch critiques common explanations for antisemitism, discusses modern implications, and emphasizes the need for a clearer understanding to combat this pervasive issue.
126 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 1h 32min
Free Will Is Real (with Kevin Mitchell)
Kevin Mitchell, a neuroscientist and author of 'Free Agents', dives into the fascinating intersection of neuroscience and free will. He argues that we're not just programmed characters but proactive agents capable of making meaningful choices. Mitchell explores how habits can enhance our decision-making and emphasizes the role of emotions like guilt and shame in shaping character. He also discusses the evolutionary roots of agency, advocating for a view of freedom that's nuanced rather than absolutist.
76 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 1h 4min
Colonialism, Slavery, and Foreign Aid (with William Easterly)
William Easterly, an economist and author known for his critical views on development aid, discusses the complexities of colonialism and modern aid. He argues that true development must prioritize individuals' agency over mere material gains. Exploring the concept of 'violent saviors,' he critiques paternalism in foreign aid and emphasizes the importance of consent in progress. Easterly also draws parallels between colonialism and contemporary regimes, urging a reevaluation of how we measure success beyond GDP while advocating for human dignity and self-determination.
12 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 1h 1min
The Perfect Tuba: How Band, Grit, and Community Build a Better Life (with Sam Quinones)
Sam Quinones, a journalist renowned for his reporting on the opioid crisis, shares insights from his book, exploring the world of tuba players and band culture. He discusses how his curiosity about stolen tubas led to a decade-long project, revealing the deep devotion of tuba musicians. Quinones highlights how band participation fosters discipline and community, counteracting modern addictions while building self-worth and resilience. He emphasizes that hard work and inclusion can lead to a fulfilling life, going beyond mere happiness.
173 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 1h 1min
The Status Game (with Will Storr)
Will Storr, an author and journalist focused on human behavior, delves into his book exploring the intricate dynamics of status and recognition. He discusses how our daily lives are shaped by constant judgment and the hidden games we play for respect. Storr reveals the psychological impact of losing status and aging, the role of tribalism in social behavior, and how contemporary culture fuels our desire for recognition. He even shares anecdotes, like a Paul McCartney story, to illustrate the persistent pursuit of status in everyone's lives.
133 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 1h 40min
The Wonder of the Emergent Mind (with Gaurav Suri)
Neuroscientist Gaurav Suri, co-author of The Emergent Mind, shares fascinating insights about how collective behaviors resemble ant colonies. He explains how intelligence arises from the interactions of simple neural units rather than individual intelligence. Suri discusses the role of intuition, how habits are formed from past experiences, and the complexities of free will. He emphasizes the importance of kindness and practical self-improvement in reshaping our neural pathways, making a case for our shared humanity.
