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
152 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.
130 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.
141 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.
200 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 1h 25min
James Marriott on Reading
James Marriott, a writer from the Times of London and author of Cultural Capital, passionately defends the art of reading in a distracted world. He shares his journey of ditching his smartphone to reclaim focus and suggests balancing physical books with Kindles. The conversation emphasizes the cognitive and emotional depth of traditional reading, the joys of re-reading, and the transformative impact of literature. Marriott also celebrates authors like Elena Ferrante and explores the unique power of poetry, urging listeners to embrace the rich narratives books offer.
82 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 1h 15min
How to Walk the World (with Chris Arnade)
Chris Arnade, an author and photographer known for his focus on marginalized communities, shares his unique travel insights. He advocates for walking as a way to truly experience cultures, highlighting moving moments in places like Istanbul and Avignon. Arnade contrasts community-centered cultures in Japan and Vietnam with America's individualism, reflecting on happiness and fulfillment. He shares practical tips for minimalist packing and choosing meaningful dining experiences, emphasizing the beauty of connecting with local life and the spiritual richness of journeys.
217 snips
Jul 7, 2025 • 1h 20min
What Is Capitalism? (with Mike Munger)
In this discussion with Mike Munger, an economist and podcaster from Duke University, the foundations of capitalism are explored. Munger breaks down the stages of economic development: voluntary exchange, markets, and capitalism itself. He delves into the moral implications of trade, the transformative efficiency from the division of labor, and how capitalism allows for 'time travel' through liquidity and financing. The conversation also touches on the balance between material wealth and human fulfillment, highlighting the deeper needs of society.
132 snips
Jun 30, 2025 • 1h 9min
The Deceptive Power of Maps (with Paulina Rowinska)
Join mathematician Paulina Rowinska, author of *Mapmatics: A Mathematician's Guide to Navigating the World*, as she unveils the fascinating world of maps. Discover why Colorado can have nearly 700 sides and how coastlines can stretch infinitely. Rowinska discusses the deceptive nature of map projections like the Mercator, the evolution of subway maps into user-friendly designs, and the intricate balance of optimizing delivery routes. She also sheds light on how mathematics and innovation can impact public health and crime prevention.
188 snips
Jun 23, 2025 • 1h 1min
How to Be a Super Ager (with Eric Topol)
Eric Topol, a leading cardiologist at the Scripps Research Institute and author of "Super Agers," shares groundbreaking insights on aging and health. He debunks myths about genetics and highlights the role of the immune system in preventing diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer. Topol discusses how a shingles vaccine could reduce dementia risk and the anti-inflammatory benefits of Ozempic. He also emphasizes the importance of deep sleep for brain health and the potential of innovative therapies to extend longevity.
78 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 1h 17min
Leon Kass on the Wisdom of Rousseau
Join Leon Kass, an author and educator from Shalem College in Jerusalem, as he unpacks Jean-Jacques Rousseau's profound thoughts on technology and human nature. They ponder whether technology liberates or ensnares us. Delve into Rousseau's insights on inequality and how civilization complicates love and social dynamics. The duo explores self-interest's duality, the dark side of vanity and jealousy, and the intricacies of self-love, revealing how these emotions shape our interactions and happiness.
