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
51 snips
May 15, 2023 • 1h 1min
Tyler Cowen on the Risks and Impact of Artificial Intelligence
Economist Tyler Cowen from George Mason University shares his thoughts on artificial intelligence's transformative power. He argues that critics often lack compelling evidence and may infringe on freedoms to mitigate uncertain risks. The conversation highlights AI's potential in education, productivity, and healthcare, alongside its challenges in writing and communication. Cowen emphasizes the need for transparency and balanced ethical discourse while advocating for careful monitoring of AI's development and its societal implications.
10 snips
May 8, 2023 • 1h 18min
Eliezer Yudkowsky on the Dangers of AI
Eliezer Yudkowsky, founder of the Machine Intelligence Research Institute and a key thinker on AI risks, warns that superintelligent AI could lead to global catastrophe. He discusses the dire implications of AI evolving its own goals, stressing that our current understanding is woefully inadequate. The conversation touches on the unpredictability of AI behavior and the ethical dilemmas posed by its advancement. Yudkowsky emphasizes the urgent need for alignment between AI objectives and human values to prevent disastrous outcomes.
15 snips
May 1, 2023 • 1h 8min
Patrick House and Itzhak Fried on the Brain's Mysteries
Neuroscientist Patrick House, author of "19 Ways of Looking at Consciousness," and neurosurgeon Itzhak Fried, known for his studies on brain functions, engage in a fascinating dialogue about the brain’s intricacies. They explore how brain surgery can elicit laughter, raising questions about free will and emotional authenticity. The conversation delves into the connections between guilt and brain activity, and the challenges of replicating human emotions in AI. Their insights shed light on the enigma of consciousness and the philosophical implications of our neurobiological experiences.
6 snips
Apr 24, 2023 • 1h 15min
Michael Munger on the Perfect vs. the Good
Michael Munger, a Duke University economist and former gubernatorial candidate, explores the tension between idealism and pragmatism in political discourse. He discusses directionalists versus destinationists—how some aim for practical change while others hold out for ideal outcomes. The conversation delves into education reform, rent control, and minimum wage laws, questioning their implications on liberty. Munger also reflects on the evolving political landscape and the philosophical foundations of capitalism, sharing insights on moral principles and individual choice in today's society.
12 snips
Apr 17, 2023 • 59min
Dana Gioia on Poetry, Death and Mortality
Dana Gioia, a poet known for exploring themes of mortality and emotion, shares his personal journey with poetry's magic as a vehicle for expressing unspoken feelings. He reflects on the role of poetry in processing grief and loss, illustrating how allusions in verse can evoke powerful memories of those we've lost. Gioia also discusses the interconnectedness of poetry and music, highlighting their ability to convey deep emotional truths about life and death, ultimately challenging the perception of poetry as an elitist art form.
6 snips
Apr 10, 2023 • 1h 27min
Daniel Gordis on Israel and Impossible Takes Longer
Daniel Gordis, a distinguished fellow at Shalem College and author of "Impossible Takes Longer," delves into Israel's journey over 75 years. He discusses the evolution of Zionism and its impact on Jewish identity, the complex legacy of Israel's establishment in 1948, and the ongoing challenges it faces, including the plight of Palestinians. Gordis also highlights Israel's entrepreneurial transformation, current sociopolitical dilemmas surrounding judicial reforms, and the urgent need for a written constitution to guide its future.
30 snips
Apr 3, 2023 • 1h 25min
Erik Hoel on the Threat to Humanity from AI
In this engaging conversation, neuroscientist and writer Erik Hoel unpacks the looming threat of artificial intelligence to humanity. He argues that advanced AI systems can be misaligned with human values, raising existential concerns. Hoel emphasizes the need for public regulation, drawing parallels to climate change in terms of risk and oversight. He also explores unpredictable AI outputs and the dangers posed by AI developing unforeseen motivations, urging society to treat this technology with caution as it evolves.
33 snips
Mar 27, 2023 • 1h 27min
Kevin Kelly on Advice, AI, and Technology
In this engaging discussion, Kevin Kelly, a renowned author and expert on technology, shares insights from his book, 'Excellent Advice for Living.' He emphasizes the value of deep conversations, the importance of controlling time over money, and the complexities of giving advice. Kelly expresses optimism about future technologies and explains why he isn't worried about AI, addressing its implications for creativity and ethics. He also advocates for patience and effective listening in dialogues, highlighting the role of personal experiences in shaping our perspectives.
33 snips
Mar 20, 2023 • 1h 15min
Megan McArdle on the Oedipus Trap
Megan McArdle, a journalist and author from the Washington Post, discusses the controversial legacy of lobotomies and the complexities of admitting mistakes in both medicine and personal life. She explores the 'Oedipus Trap,' illustrating how acknowledging errors can be nearly impossible. The conversation navigates historical practices in mental health, the ethical dilemmas faced by medical professionals, and the scarcity of public regret from politicians. McArdle emphasizes the importance of awareness and critical dialogue in making informed decisions.
Mar 13, 2023 • 1h 3min
Zach Weinersmith on Beowulf and Bea Wolf
Join Zach Weinersmith, a talented cartoonist and author of the graphic novel 'Bea Wolf,' as he delves into the timeless allure of Beowulf. He discusses its rich interpretations, from mortality to our inner demons, demonstrating how these themes resonate today. Zach shares insights on adapting classic poetry for children, the significance of poetry in development, and why memorization is crucial for deeper understanding. He also reflects on storytelling's powerful role in conveying life's truths, all while blending humor into ancient narratives.
