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
Oct 2, 2023 • 1h 12min
Elie Hassenfeld on GiveWell
Elie Hassenfeld, Co-founder and CEO of GiveWell, shares insights from his journey in philanthropy after leaving the finance world. He discusses the importance of rigorous data in evaluating charities, emphasizing the balance between local and global giving. The conversation dives into GiveWell’s recommendations for high-impact charities tackling global health issues, and the complexities of measuring charitable success. Hassenfeld also explores the nuances of altruism, donor behavior, and the role of transparency in enhancing philanthropic efforts.
133 snips
Sep 25, 2023 • 1h 39min
Peter Attia on Lifespan, Healthspan, and Outlive
Dr. Peter Attia, a physician and author of "Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity," argues we should prioritize healthspan over lifespan in healthcare. He dives into the evolution of medical practices, emphasizing the need for quality of life alongside longevity. Attia discusses the complexities of cancer treatment and the importance of personalized medical approaches. He critiques nutritional epidemiology, advocates for tracking health metrics, and highlights physical fitness and emotional well-being as key to enhancing longevity.
30 snips
Sep 18, 2023 • 1h 11min
Michael Munger on How Adam Smith Solved the Trolley Problem
Michael Munger, a professor at Duke University and host of "The Answer is Transaction Costs," dives into the philosophical depths of the trolley problem, connecting it to Adam Smith's insights. Munger discusses how Smith's ideas challenge conventional views on empathy and self-interest. The conversation touches on effective altruism, the moral implications from historical events, and the disconnect in our emotional responses to distant tragedies. They explore how context shapes our moral choices and the complexities of ethical decision-making.
5 snips
Sep 11, 2023 • 1h 12min
Anupam Bapu Jena on Random Acts of Medicine
Anupam Bapu Jena, a physician and economist at Harvard Medical School, dives into intriguing health topics. He questions whether marathons actually harm those not racing due to emergency response delays. Jena also explores the complexities of determining what makes a good doctor, emphasizing the balance of training and real-world challenges. He discusses how a doctor's experience can affect patient outcomes and reflects on the importance of learning from medical failures. This episode highlights essential insights into healthcare policy and medical practice.
72 snips
Sep 4, 2023 • 1h 7min
Roland Fryer on Race, Diversity, and Affirmative Action
In this engaging discussion, Harvard economist Roland Fryer explores the role of data in addressing racial disparities and education reform. He shares insights from his grandmother, a pioneer in school integration, and reflects on the importance of personal experiences in shaping academic interests. Fryer critiques hiring practices and highlights the need for a data-driven approach to combat discrimination. He also discusses the future of college admissions post-affirmative action, emphasizing the importance of equitable access to education and systemic reform for fostering diversity.
10 snips
Aug 28, 2023 • 1h 14min
Vinay Prasad on Cancer Screening
Vinay Prasad, an oncologist and epidemiologist at UCSF, dives into the contentious world of cancer screening. He explains the complexities behind early detection, noting many tests may not extend lifespans and can lead to unnecessary anxiety. The conversation highlights the ethical implications of screening methods, such as colonoscopy, and examines patient compliance rates. Prasad also shares insights into navigating lung cancer screenings, advocating for personalized healthcare decisions that respect patients' values.
123 snips
Aug 21, 2023 • 1h 25min
Walter Russell Mead on Innovation, Religion, and the State of the World
Walter Russell Mead, a distinguished fellow at the Hudson Institute and professor at Bard College, dives into the interplay between innovation, religion, and the complexities of today's world. He discusses how technological advancements reshape social interactions and political landscapes, while also examining humanity's search for meaning amid chaos. Mead emphasizes the dual nature of progress—its potential for both democratization and misinformation—and reflects on how ethical frameworks are challenged in modern society, all within a historical context.
66 snips
Aug 14, 2023 • 1h 6min
Adam Mastroianni on the Brain, the Ears, and How We Learn
Adam Mastroianni, a psychologist and writer known for his insights on knowledge transmission, shares a unique perspective on the challenges of teaching and learning. He discusses how our minds protect deeply held beliefs, often blocking out useful wisdom. Mastroianni explores the difficulties of generational communication, the profound impact of silence on learning, and the complexities of auditory perception in education. He emphasizes the importance of personal experience and nuanced communication in fostering true understanding among individuals.
14 snips
Aug 7, 2023 • 1h 37min
Zvi Mowshowitz on AI and the Dial of Progress
Zvi Mowshowitz, author of the Substack "Don't Worry About the Vase" and an AI expert, shares his thoughts on the unsettling future of artificial intelligence. He questions the optimism of many regarding AI’s potential to save humanity, arguing that we might be overlooking serious risks. Mowshowitz discusses the balance between innovation and regulation, the ethical implications of AI in creativity, and the need for human oversight. He also highlights the complexities of public discourse around technology and the potential dangers of oversimplified narratives.
13 snips
Jul 31, 2023 • 1h 6min
Daron Acemoglu on Innovation and Shared Prosperity
Daron Acemoglu, a renowned MIT economist and co-author of "Power and Progress," reveals how innovation can inadvertently widen economic disparities. He discusses the critical need for regulation to ensure technological benefits are distributed fairly. Acemoglu dives into the historical impacts of labor rights, competition, and the role of trade unions in wage distribution. He emphasizes the balance between automation and employment, advocating for ethical tech practices that protect workers while driving progress.
