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
6 snips
Dec 26, 2022 • 1h 1min
Judge Glock on Zoning and Local Government
Economic historian Judge Glock shares his insights on zoning and its surprisingly small impact on housing affordability. He promotes a rethink of property taxes, arguing they can be beneficial if managed well. Glock contrasts U.S. zoning practices with those in Japan, delving into the complexities of urban sprawl and its environmental effects. With a focus on local governance, he advocates for flexible zoning policies and diverse community choices that could improve housing markets, especially in areas like the Bay Area compared to Houston.
4 snips
Dec 19, 2022 • 1h
Arnold Kling on Twitter, FTX, and ChatGPT
Economist Arnold Kling dives into the implications of Elon Musk's takeover of Twitter, debating free speech's nuances and the monetization challenges of social media. He critically assesses the FTX collapse, comparing Sam Bankman-Fried to Jeff Bezos and discussing the risks of venture capitalism. Kling also explores ChatGPT's potential and limitations in AI, sharing personal anecdotes about its inaccuracies while raising ethical concerns about AI-generated content. Join him for a thought-provoking discussion on technology and economics!
23 snips
Dec 12, 2022 • 1h 10min
Monica Guzman on Curiosity and Conversation in Contentious Times
Monica Guzman, a journalist and author of "I Never Thought of It That Way," works to cultivate constructive conversations amidst divisiveness. She discusses the importance of understanding differing perspectives rather than debating who is right or wrong. Guzman emphasizes curiosity, active listening, and empathy as tools to bridge divides. They explore how personal experiences shape beliefs, the tragedies of miscommunication during crises like COVID-19, and the challenges posed by technology. Ultimately, Guzman advocates for meaningful dialogues that foster connection and understanding.
61 snips
Dec 5, 2022 • 1h 28min
Patrick House on Consciousness
Neuroscientist Patrick House, author of "Nineteen Ways of Looking at Consciousness," dives into the enigmatic nature of the mind. He explores how consciousness intertwines with emotions, revealing the challenges researchers face in understanding human behavior. House discusses the significant role of language and personal interpretation in scientific discovery and relationships. He delves into existential questions about meaning and mortality, and shares insights on how the cerebellum shapes our intuition and decision-making. A fascinating journey into what it means to be human!
53 snips
Nov 28, 2022 • 1h 22min
Annie Duke on the Power of Quitting
Annie Duke, a former professional poker player and decision strategist, passionately advocates for the virtue of quitting. She argues that society's obsession with grit often blinds us to the costs of sticking with losing outcomes. Duke shares insights on how quitting can lead to better decision-making and highlights fascinating analogies, from ants embracing serendipity to tragic stories of climbers on Mount Everest. Listeners will rethink perseverance and understand the psychological complexities behind knowing when to walk away.
47 snips
Nov 21, 2022 • 1h 12min
Johnathan Bi on Mimesis and René Girard
Join Johnathan Bi, an entrepreneur and philosopher with a math and computer science background, as he dives into René Girard's mimetic theory. He discusses how our desires are shaped by imitation and the quest for authenticity in a socially influenced world. Bi critiques modern views on desire, reflecting on body image ideals and the philosophical underpinnings of social existence. The conversation also delves into the limitations of traditional economics, examining how values and identity influence decision-making and the intricate relationship between trade and peace.
21 snips
Nov 14, 2022 • 1h 21min
Agnes Callard on Meaning, the Human Quest, and the Aims of Education
Agnes Callard, a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Chicago, grapples with profound questions about meaning and humanity's future. She explores a haunting thought experiment about a world devoid of future generations, highlighting the despair it could evoke. The conversation dives into the deeper significance of education beyond mere job preparation and reflects on how awareness of mortality shapes our pursuit of beauty and purpose. Callard artfully discusses the evolution of human rights and the complexities of contemporary parenting in this thought-provoking dialogue.
14 snips
Nov 7, 2022 • 1h 22min
Jessica Todd Harper on Beauty, Family, and Photography
Jessica Todd Harper, an award-winning portrait photographer known for her intimate family portraits, shares insights on the fine line between art and casual photography. She discusses the importance of mindset, technique, and the perfect light in capturing moments of beauty. Harper delves into the complexities of family life and the stories behind her images, emphasizing the significance of authenticity over posed perfection. The conversation also explores the evolving perceptions of beauty in art, confronting the modern tension between aesthetic appreciation and shock value.
46 snips
Oct 31, 2022 • 1h 10min
Michael Munger on Industrial Policy
Michael Munger, an economist and political scientist from Duke University, discusses the complexities of industrial policy in a democratic context. He argues that industrial policies often lead to crony capitalism, as attempts to improve the system fall victim to political realities. The conversation highlights how profit and loss influence resource allocation, the challenges of implementing effective strategies, and the cultural barriers to tax compliance in places like Argentina. Munger critiques expert-driven solutions and underscores the unpredictability of political dynamics.
48 snips
Oct 24, 2022 • 1h 11min
Ryan Holiday on Discipline Is Destiny
Ryan Holiday, author of "Discipline is Destiny," dives into powerful themes of self-control and personal growth. He reflects on life lessons from Queen Elizabeth II and discusses the delicate balance between saying yes and no to opportunities. Holiday also explores the paradox of discipline, drawing from examples like Tiger Woods and historical figures. Furthermore, he emphasizes the transformative influence of parenthood on discipline and how personal mottos can guide behavior and decision-making.
