EconTalk

In this engaging conversation, novelist Amor Towles, known for his celebrated works like 'A Gentleman in Moscow,' shares insights into the art of writing. He discusses the balance of outlining and spontaneity in novel creation, emphasizing character development. Towles explores how personal challenges, such as parenting, enrich the human experience and provoke growth. Additionally, he reflects on the symbolism of wine under Soviet rule and the erasure of individual identity, weaving together themes of culture and resilience in storytelling.

Raj Chetty, an economist from Harvard and director of Opportunity Insights, discusses groundbreaking research on economic mobility. He reveals that poor individuals connected to diverse social networks have better financial outcomes than those limited to similar economic backgrounds. Chetty explores the implications of community ties on children's long-term prospects and critiques the current state of the American Dream. He addresses the significance of policy changes to combat economic segregation and enhance opportunities for low-income families.

Tyler Cowen, an economist and Marginal Revolution blogger, dives into his new book on talent with insights on honing your skills through practice. He argues that unstructured interviews are key for high-level roles and that stamina often trumps grit in long-term success. Cowen emphasizes the pitfalls of overvaluing credentials while advocating for a nuanced approach to evaluating potential beyond mere skills. He also highlights the significance of emotional intelligence in interviewing and discusses the impact of innovative funding models for identifying extraordinary talent.

Join Mike Munger, a Professor of Economics at Duke University with a knack for real-world applications, as he chats with Russ Roberts about the complexities of life's big decisions. They explore how traditional economic models often misguide us in relationships and personal growth. Munger shares humorous anecdotes from his long marriage, emphasizing communication and self-awareness. The duo delves into the philosophical tension between happiness and meaning, encouraging listeners to embrace possibilities over mere problem-solving.

Gerd Gigerenzer, a psychologist at the Max Planck Institute and author of "How to Stay Smart in a Smart World," delves into the gaps between human and artificial intelligence. He argues that AI lacks the common sense and intuition necessary for life-and-death decisions, citing IBM's Watson as an example. Gigerenzer also stresses the importance of critical thinking and real-world education to navigate the complexities of today's tech-driven landscape, especially in combating misinformation and preserving personal privacy.

John List, an economist at the University of Chicago and former chief economist of Uber and Lyft, dives into his book, The Voltage Effect. He discusses what makes ideas scalable and why many small successes don't translate to larger implementations. List shares insights from the ride-sharing industry, like the challenges of surge pricing and tipping dynamics. He explores the complexities of scaling educational programs and the impact of data-driven decision-making on economic policies, reinforcing how context is crucial for successful scaling.

Dr. Vinay Prasad, an oncologist and epidemiologist at UCSF, dives into the complexities surrounding COVID-19 policies. He examines whether the risks of vaccines, like myocarditis in young males, outweigh the benefits. The discussion also covers the nuances of natural versus vaccine-induced immunity and the effectiveness of lockdowns and mask mandates. Prasad critiques the FDA approvals for children’s vaccinations and reflects on the broader implications for children's well-being during the pandemic. His insights challenge preconceived notions, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decisions.

Nassim Nicholas Taleb, a renowned scholar and author, shares his insights on the complexities of governance and national identity. He discusses the challenges larger nations face in curating a cohesive identity and advocates for smaller, decentralized systems. Taleb provides a framework for understanding Russia's invasion of Ukraine while contrasting it with the successful federal structure of the U.S. He emphasizes the virtues of local accountability and how smaller entities can promote better governance, drawing on historical and contemporary examples.

Ran Abramitzky and Leah Boustan, economists and co-authors of "Streets of Gold," delve into the journey of immigrants in the U.S. They reveal that, while initial economic struggles are common, immigrant children often achieve higher upward mobility than their native-born peers. The discussion also touches on changing attitudes toward immigration over the decades and highlights the importance of historical data in understanding the long-term success of immigrant families. Personal stories illustrate the intricate balance of cultural assimilation and identity.

A.J. Jacobs, the author of "The Puzzler," dives into the fascinating world of puzzles and their reflections on life. He shares how solving everything from crosswords to jigsaw puzzles can transform perspectives and emphasize the importance of curiosity. Jacobs discusses the intricate design of puzzles and the creativity they inspire in communities. He also explores the psychological dimensions of problem-solving, advocating for embracing uncertainty. Personal anecdotes enrich the conversation, especially his touching experience with the New York Times crossword.