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
53 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.
95 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.
81 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.
136 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.
178 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.
134 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.
113 snips
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.
318 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.
