
EconTalk
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.
Latest episodes

121 snips
May 5, 2025 • 1h 33min
The Economics of Tariffs and Trade (with Doug Irwin)
This conversation features Doug Irwin, an economist from Dartmouth College who specializes in trade policy. He tackles whether the U.S. is a victim of trade and unpacks the complexities of trade deficits. Irwin also clarifies misconceptions about tariffs and their impact on manufacturing jobs. Additionally, he discusses the evolution of manufacturing amidst globalization and technological changes, urging innovative solutions for affected workers. The episode emphasizes the intricacies of trade dynamics and cautions against simplistic views on protectionism.

262 snips
Apr 28, 2025 • 1h 37min
The Past and Future of AI (with Dwarkesh Patel)
Dwarkesh Patel, a podcaster and author of The Scaling Era, dives into the fascinating world of AI's past and future. He discusses the pivotal role of transformer architecture in creating advanced models like ChatGPT. The conversation touches on the potential for AI to evolve towards general intelligence and how societal structures may change as AI becomes more prevalent. Patel also reflects on the joys of intellectual discovery, the importance of thorough preparation in podcasting, and the balance between engaging notable guests and meaningful content.

153 snips
Apr 21, 2025 • 1h 20min
Why Christianity Needs to Help Save Democracy (with Jonathan Rauch)
In this engaging discussion, Jonathan Rauch, an author at the Brookings Institution, provocatively argues that Christianity has a vital role in supporting democracy. He talks about 'thick Christianity,' emphasizing love and compassion as foundations for democratic values. The conversation explores the troubling relationship between Christianity and current political polarization, highlighting how compromise can foster cooperation in a divided society. Rauch also reflects on his personal journey and the complexities of faith in a modern secular context.

86 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 1h 18min
Rational and Religious (with Ross Douthat)
Ross Douthat, a New York Times columnist and author of Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious, engages in a thought-provoking discussion about the rational underpinnings of faith. He argues that religious belief can coexist with intelligence and science, suggesting that these relationships enhance societal structure. Douthat explores consciousness versus materialism, shares insights on near-death experiences, and critiques the moral frameworks offered by organized religions, advocating for a deeper understanding of faith in a modern context.

60 snips
Apr 7, 2025 • 1h 18min
The Music and Magic of John and Paul (with Ian Leslie)
Ian Leslie, author of "John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs" and writer of The Ruffian Substack, dives into the tumultuous yet magical friendship between John Lennon and Paul McCartney. He discusses their exceptional collaborative songwriting, revealing how their emotional bond shaped iconic tracks like 'Yesterday'. Leslie challenges perceptions of their separate contributions, emphasizing their equal creative significance. He also explores the enduring emotional resonance of their music, which continues to connect with generations.

89 snips
Mar 31, 2025 • 1h 16min
Do All Creatures, Great and Small, and Made From Silicon, Have Rights? (with Jeff Sebo)
Philosopher Jeff Sebo from NYU dives into the ethics of extending moral consideration beyond humans to animals and even AI. He discusses whether monkeys should have the same rights as humans and examines the implications of consciousness in various beings. Sebo challenges human exceptionalism and explores our ethical obligations to all sentient creatures. The conversation raises compelling questions about animal welfare, the ethics of AI, and the responsibilities we have in a rapidly changing world.

26 snips
Mar 24, 2025 • 1h 17min
Bird Brains, Bird Sex, and All Kinds of Beauty (with Matt Ridley)
In this enticing discussion, Matt Ridley, a noted author and naturalist, dives into the colorful world of birds and the complex dance of attraction. He explores the tension between natural and sexual selection, revealing how beauty can drive mating even at the cost of survival. Ridley illuminates the historical debate between Darwin and Wallace on aesthetics in evolution, while sharing captivating insights into unique bird behaviors, like the lekking rituals of black grouse. He even connects these concepts to human evolution, suggesting that sexual selection has influenced our own traits.

90 snips
Mar 17, 2025 • 1h 28min
How Better Feedback Can Revolutionize Education (with Daisy Christodoulou)
In this discussion, Daisy Christodoulou, an educational consultant and author, explores how feedback can radically reshape education. She argues that feedback should guide improvement, not merely evaluate performance. Christodoulou critiques traditional grading methods, advocating for detailed, actionable feedback that fosters student growth. The conversation delves into the integration of AI in education, emphasizing the need for human insight alongside technological advances. She also warns against dependency on language models, stressing the importance of critical thinking and foundational skills.

120 snips
Mar 10, 2025 • 58min
Will Guidara on Unreasonable Hospitality
Will Guidara, the former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park and author of 'Unreasonable Hospitality', shares insights on what extraordinary guest experiences entail. He discusses how personal connections and empathy in the restaurant industry can lead to memorable dining moments. Guidara emphasizes pre-meal meetings for team cohesion and draws parallels between kitchen chaos and childbirth. He also highlights the importance of meticulous attention to detail in culinary mastery and reflects on the power of mentorship and future ambitions sparked by the pandemic.

42 snips
Mar 3, 2025 • 1h 9min
The Unusual World of Israeli Democracy (with Rachel Gur)
Rachel Gur, an expert on Israeli politics and a senior advisor at Reichman University, dives into the complex world of Israeli democracy. She explains the unique aspects of the Knesset and the chaotic coalition politics that shape governance. Gur discusses the influence of ultra-Orthodox parties and challenges of representation, all while highlighting how political minorities can either gain power or be overlooked. The conversation reveals the deep-seated issues that make Israeli democracy distinct yet similar to Western systems, offering a fascinating insight into its future.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.