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
17 snips
May 30, 2022 • 1h 7min
Ian Leslie on Curiosity
Ian Leslie, author of "Curious" and "Conflicted," dives into the essence of curiosity and its alarming decline in today's world. He argues that curiosity is a vital virtue that enriches life experiences and fosters empathy. Leslie contrasts puzzles with mysteries, emphasizing storytelling as a way to sustain intrigue. He discusses how parenting styles can influence a child's curiosity and highlights urban environments as catalysts for connection and learning. Ultimately, he champions inquiry as crucial in education, especially amid an overload of information.
5 snips
May 23, 2022 • 1h 3min
Diane Coyle on Cogs, Monsters, and Better Economics
Diane Coyle, an economist and author of "Cogs and Monsters," questions traditional economic models that see individuals as mere cogs. Instead, she argues we're more like monsters, influenced by social media. Coyle emphasizes the need for diverse methodologies in economics and discusses the limitations of standard forecasting methods. She explores the ethical dimensions of policy-making, the value of culture beyond monetary terms, and advocates for a deeper understanding of community well-being, urging a rethink on GDP as a measure of progress.
57 snips
May 16, 2022 • 1h 14min
Marc Andreessen on Software, Immortality, and Bitcoin
Marc Andreessen, a prominent entrepreneur and venture capitalist, shares his insights on today's tech landscape. He discusses how technology enables rural living with urban salaries, emphasizing software's ever-expanding influence on our lives. Andreessen remains optimistic about innovations like Bitcoin and blockchain, and highlights the transformative power of gaming and digital technology on industries like media. He also reflects on the nostalgia of vintage computing and the evolving nature of work in a digital-first world.
May 9, 2022 • 1h 9min
Chris Blattman on Why We Fight
Chris Blattman, an economist from the University of Chicago and author of "Why We Fight," dives into the complexities of conflict and human behavior. He reveals why most rivalries don’t lead to violence and explores five critical barriers to compromise. Blattman discusses the often-misguided attempts to analyze Putin's motivations, emphasizing a broader context for understanding war. He highlights the surprising instances of conflict avoidance among nations, showcasing that peace is more prevalent than it seems, even amidst tension.
May 2, 2022 • 1h 24min
Dwayne Betts on Ellison, Levi, and Human Suffering
Dwayne Betts, a poet and MacArthur grant recipient, dives deep into the profound impacts of literature on humanity, particularly through the lenses of Primo Levi and Ralph Ellison. He discusses how their works transform inhuman experiences into insights about dignity and identity. Betts reflects on his own journey of graduating while incarcerated, the moral complexities of human suffering, and the often overlooked stories of resilience. The episode emphasizes the power of storytelling to foster empathy and challenge societal narratives.
6 snips
Apr 25, 2022 • 1h 22min
Michael Munger on Antitrust
Michael Munger, a political science professor at Duke University, tackles the contentious world of antitrust laws and tech giants. He discusses whether companies like Google and Facebook wield too much power, exploring consumer privacy and market dynamics. Munger contrasts conservative and libertarian views on regulation, delves into the marketing tactics of De Beers and how they shape consumer perceptions, and advocates for innovative policy solutions to address the challenges of digital monopolies.
56 snips
Apr 18, 2022 • 1h 9min
Tyler Cowen on Reading
Tyler Cowen, an economist at George Mason University and avid reader, shares his insights on navigating the literary world. He discusses the importance of being selective with reading habits and the emotional connections fostered through rereading. Cowen contrasts classic literature with contemporary works, uncovering a nostalgic love for physical bookstores. The conversation also explores reading strategies and the profound influence of literature on personal growth, addressing key historical narratives and their biases.
49 snips
Apr 11, 2022 • 1h 1min
Russ Roberts on Education
In this discussion, Alex Aragona, host of The Curious Task, dives into education with Russ Roberts. They explore how real education goes beyond rote memorization—it's about making connections between seemingly unrelated subjects. Roberts emphasizes the value of critical thinking and inquiry, arguing that true understanding comes from integrating insights from diverse fields. They also talk about the significance of liberal arts in fostering intellectual growth and the importance of actively applying knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Apr 4, 2022 • 1h 5min
Richard Gunderman on Greed, Adam Smith, and Leo Tolstoy
Join Richard Gunderman, a Chancellor's Professor at Indiana University, as he explores the interplay of greed through the lenses of Adam Smith and Leo Tolstoy. He discusses Tolstoy's 'Master and Man,' examining the moral dilemmas of wealth and ambition. Gunderman contrasts Hobbes and Smith on human nature, emphasizing the value of self-interest versus empathy. He also highlights the significance of communal dining and emotional connections, suggesting that true fulfillment comes from meaningful relationships rather than material success.
Mar 28, 2022 • 1h 15min
Pano Kanelos on Education and UATX
Pano Kanelos, President of the University of Austin (UATX) and former president of St. John's College, dives deep into the essence of education. He discusses how the Great Books curriculum fosters critical thinking and the value of small group discussions. Kanelos also emphasizes the enduring relevance of classical literature and critiques the decline of humanities in universities. He advocates for a new educational model that balances liberal arts with practical skills, promoting free speech and self-reflection as tools for student growth.
