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
4 snips
Oct 17, 2022 • 1h 4min
Devon Zuegel on Inflation, Argentina, and Crypto
Devon Zuegel, a programmer and writer specializing in urban economics, shares her insights on Argentina's tumultuous financial landscape. She discusses the challenges of extreme inflation, revealing how locals adapt their savings strategies. The conversation highlights the rise of cryptocurrency as a solution amid unreliable banks and fixed exchange rates. Zuegel also explores the dynamics of using stablecoins in real estate transactions, offering a glimpse into the intricate trust issues faced by Argentinians navigating these economic uncertainties.
29 snips
Oct 10, 2022 • 1h 13min
Roland Fryer on Educational Reform
In this engaging discussion, Harvard economist Roland Fryer, a MacArthur Genius Award winner, reveals his insights on educational reform. He shares how an innovative pizza party incentive transformed student performance. Fryer emphasizes the importance of closing the racial achievement gap over preserving the pure love of learning. He outlines five key practices that successful schools utilize and draws lessons from McDonald's management techniques for effective school leadership. His candid reflections reveal a deep commitment to fighting for a brighter future for all students.
Oct 3, 2022 • 1h 29min
Sonat Birnecker Hart on Whiskey
Sonat Birnecker Hart, co-founder of Koval Distillery, transitioned from academia to whiskey-making, merging her cultural insights with craft distilling. She shares her journey of starting a distillery amidst challenges, emphasizing the delicate balance of art and science in whiskey production. The conversation dives into the differences between American and Japanese whiskeys, highlighting unique ingredients and techniques. Hart also reflects on family roots that inspired Koval, showcasing how heritage plays a vital role in entrepreneurship.
85 snips
Sep 26, 2022 • 1h 17min
Erik Hoel on Effective Altruism, Utilitarianism, and the Repugnant Conclusion
Neuroscientist Erik Hoel, whose work delves into consciousness and brain complexities, shares his critical views on effective altruism. He argues that its utilitarian foundations can lead to repugnant conclusions that undermine ethical claims. The conversation tackles the moral dilemmas of quantifying well-being, the implications of AI safety, and critiques the limitations of distant charity. Hoel also highlights the importance of local altruism and the dangers of reducing morality to mere numbers, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of ethical behavior.
27 snips
Sep 19, 2022 • 1h 40min
Kieran Setiya on Midlife
Kieran Setiya, a philosopher at MIT and host of the podcast Five Questions, dives into the complexities of midlife. He shares insights drawn from his book, emphasizing that a fulfilling life relies more on pursuing enriching experiences than chasing goals. Setiya discusses how John Stuart Mill faced his midlife crisis at a young age and argues that regrets can transform into opportunities for growth. He encourages listeners to appreciate the present, engage in meaningful conversations, and embrace mortality as a pathway to a richer life.
86 snips
Sep 12, 2022 • 1h 28min
David McRaney on How Minds Change
David McRaney, a journalist and author known for his work on how beliefs and opinions form, dives into the intricacies of changing minds. He discusses why merely providing facts doesn't shift beliefs, revealing that better education often leads to better rationalization of existing views. McRaney explores the emotional and narrative aspects that influence belief change, the challenges of engaging teens, and the power of strategic conversation in overcoming political disagreements. His insights highlight the importance of empathy and understanding in effective communication.
4 snips
Sep 5, 2022 • 1h 16min
Will MacAskill on Longtermism and What We Owe the Future
Will MacAskill, a philosopher at the University of Oxford and a key figure in effective altruism, dives into the concept of longtermism. He passionately argues that caring for future generations is a moral obligation, challenging listeners to consider the implications of their choices today. MacAskill discusses the benefits of procreation despite climate concerns, the ethical weight of future lives, and the resilience of humanity through crises. He also reflects on historical moral courage in the fight against slavery, emphasizing individual responsibility in shaping a just society.
9 snips
Aug 29, 2022 • 1h 20min
Amor Towles on A Gentleman in Moscow and the Writer's Craft
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.
5 snips
Aug 22, 2022 • 1h 19min
Raj Chetty on Economic Mobility
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.
32 snips
Aug 15, 2022 • 1h 2min
Tyler Cowen on Talent
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.
