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
8 snips
Aug 8, 2022 • 1h 17min
Russ Roberts and Mike Munger on Wild Problems
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.
Aug 1, 2022 • 1h 9min
Gerd Gigerenzer on How to Stay Smart in a Smart World
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.
4 snips
Jul 25, 2022 • 1h 1min
John List on Scale, Uber, and the Voltage Effect
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.
Jul 18, 2022 • 1h 27min
Vinay Prasad on the Pandemic
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.
27 snips
Jul 11, 2022 • 1h 5min
Nassim Nicholas Taleb on the Nations, States, and Scale
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.
Jul 4, 2022 • 1h 14min
Ran Abramitzky and Leah Boustan on Immigration Then and Now
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.
Jun 27, 2022 • 1h 9min
A.J. Jacobs on Solving Life's Puzzles
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.
9 snips
Jun 20, 2022 • 1h 20min
Roosevelt Montás on Rescuing Socrates
Roosevelt Montás, an educator and author from Columbia University, dives into the transformative power of literature in shaping identities. He discusses Columbia's historic core curriculum and its role in promoting critical engagement with classic texts. Montás emphasizes the importance of dialogue in learning and the need for a liberal arts education that nurtures personal purpose. The conversation also touches on the inclusivity of diverse voices in literature and the vital role of education in enhancing democracy through self-awareness and informed citizenry.
Jun 13, 2022 • 1h 1min
Sridhar Ramaswamy on Google, Search, and Neeva
Sridhar Ramaswamy, former head of advertising at Google and CEO of Neeva, discusses the hidden costs of using ad-supported search engines. He reveals how Google's focus on monetizing user attention shapes search results. Ramaswamy advocates for Neeva, a subscription-based search engine prioritizing user privacy and exploring the ethics behind surveillance and ads. The conversation ventures into the philosophical aspects of search, the evolution of online interactions, and the need for innovative competition in the tech landscape.
Jun 6, 2022 • 1h 9min
Matti Friedman on Leonard Cohen and the Yom Kippur War
Matti Friedman, a journalist and author of "Who by Fire?: Leonard Cohen in the Sinai," delves into the intersection of art and conflict triggered by the Yom Kippur War. He recounts Leonard Cohen's unexpected journey from a quiet life on a Greek island to performing for Israeli soldiers at the front. The discussion covers Cohen’s emotional struggles, the deep cultural significance of the war, and how it shaped his music and identity. Friedman also highlights the duality of mourning and celebration within Israeli culture, adding layers to Cohen's artistic legacy.
