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
Nov 10, 2025 • 1h 8min
Shampoo, Property Rights, and Civilization (with Anthony Gill)
In this engaging discussion, political scientist Anthony Gill, a professor at the University of Washington, dives into why we feel entitled to take little shampoo bottles from hotels but not towels. He explores the role of social norms in enforcing property rights, backed by famous economists like Adam Smith and Friedrich Hayek. Gill delves into how flexible, unwritten rules can often be more effective than rigid laws, and warns against the erosion of trust and norms in society. His insights highlight the fascinating interplay between moral sentiments and everyday behavior.
265 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 1h 21min
Primal Intelligence (with Angus Fletcher)
Angus Fletcher, a Professor of story science and author, brings a unique perspective to intelligence, focusing on our ability to plan amid uncertainty. He discusses how narrative techniques from Shakespeare to military training enhance our adaptive thinking. Fletcher reveals the power of storytelling in cultivating 'primal intelligence' and explains how improvisation is essential for elite military operators. He also highlights how reading challenging literature rewires our brains, showing how creativity can solve real-world problems.
208 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 1h 22min
A Mind-Blowing Way of Looking at Math (with David Bessis)
David Bessis, a mathematician and author of 'Mathematica,' explores a radical approach to understanding math. He argues that math is less about logic and more about nurturing intuition. Bessis emphasizes the need to think visually and suggests that math books should be consulted nonlinearly. He introduces 'System 3,' a reflective mode to refine intuition, and shares insights on the humility of great mathematicians. Bessis also addresses the limitations of language in conveying complex thoughts and the impact of AI on human understanding.
90 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.
93 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.
180 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.
149 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.
204 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.
