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
127 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.
170 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.
97 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.
320 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.
136 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 1h 4min
Learning to Think Like Someone Else (with David Marquet)
David Marquet, a former submarine commander and leadership consultant, discusses transformative leadership strategies that empower teams rather than dictate orders. He shares insights on decision-making by considering perspectives from others, emphasizing self-reflection and collaboration. Topics like Jeff Bezos's entrepreneurial leap and Steve Jobs's innovative vision illustrate how a mindset shift can drastically improve outcomes. Marquet also highlights the importance of fair leadership practices, focusing on crew well-being and fostering a team environment that nurtures independent problem-solving.
76 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 1h 21min
Let Me Be Forgotten (with Lowry Pressly)
Lowry Pressly, a writer and teacher at Stanford University, dives into the liberating concept of 'the right to oblivion.' He challenges the modern obsession with constant surveillance and data collection, arguing for the value of spontaneity and privacy. The conversation touches on how photography intersects with personal privacy and raises ethical questions about consent. Pressly also discusses the delicate balance between accountability and the human need to forget, emphasizing that embracing oblivion can foster personal growth and deeper human connections.
149 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 1h 4min
Read Like a Champion (with Doug Lemov)
Doug Lemov, an educational entrepreneur and author, dives into the critical state of reading education in America. He discusses the pitfalls of past reading fads and the need for scientifically-based methods. Lemov emphasizes the value of background knowledge and the importance of deep reading for meaningful comprehension. He advocates for group reading experiences and reflects on how even sports terminology enhances enjoyment and understanding. Join them as they explore the transformative power of reading and how to rebuild effective reading habits.
