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
Mar 21, 2022 • 1h 11min
Robert Pindyck on Averting and Adapting to Climate Change
Robert Pindyck, an MIT economist and author of "Climate Future," discusses the economic implications of climate change. He emphasizes the uncertainties surrounding climate predictions and the importance of preparing for worst-case scenarios. Pindyck advocates for adaptation strategies as essential parts of climate policy, critiquing the overconfidence in emissions reduction. He also explores the role of carbon taxes and the promotion of nuclear energy as viable solutions. The conversation highlights the need for humility and proactive planning in responding to environmental challenges.
Mar 14, 2022 • 1h 4min
Maxine Clark on Building the Build-a-Bear Workshop
Maxine Clark, founder and former CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop, revolutionized retail by allowing customers to create personalized stuffed animals. She shares the magic behind her brand, sparked by a child's comment, and emphasizes the importance of joyful customer experiences. Clark reveals the unique 'heart ceremony' that solidifies emotional connections and discusses the challenges of franchising and unexpected viral promotions. Packed with heartwarming stories and innovative insights, she's all about fostering relationships and adapting in the face of adversity.
23 snips
Mar 7, 2022 • 1h 6min
Angela Duckworth on Character
Angela Duckworth, a psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania and founder of Character Lab, dives into the essential role of character education in shaping values from an early age. She discusses the misconceptions surrounding the Marshmallow Test and how grit and perseverance are critical for decision-making. Duckworth emphasizes that character isn't just innate but can be cultivated with intention, balancing the needs for both exploration and focused achievement in personal growth. Her insights challenge traditional views, pushing for a more research-based approach in schools.
5 snips
Feb 28, 2022 • 1h 5min
Tamar Haspel on First-Hand Food
Tamar Haspel, author of "To Boldly Grow" and a Washington Post columnist, reflects on her adventurous journey into firsthand food. She shares insights on the unbeatable flavor of just-caught fish and the joys of home gardening, emphasizing the transformative power of sourcing your own meals. Haspel discusses the trials of self-sufficiency, the ethics of food production, and critiques of Thoreau's romantic views on nature. With personal anecdotes, she illustrates the emotional connections and community ties forged through food, revealing that tangible experiences are more satisfying than any dish.
12 snips
Feb 21, 2022 • 1h 18min
Luca Dellanna on Compulsion, Self-deception, and the Brain
Luca Dellanna, author of "The Control Heuristic," dives into the intricacies of human behavior and decision-making. He explores why people often indulge in bad habits despite knowing better, linking it to how our brains process immediate rewards. The conversation dives into self-deception, illustrating how our minds create narratives to justify actions. Dellanna also sheds light on procrastination and public speaking anxiety as conflicts in our psyche, highlighting the importance of understanding our desires and the role of diverse perspectives in decision-making.
17 snips
Feb 14, 2022 • 1h 12min
Michael Eisenberg on the Start-Up Nation, Storytelling, and the Power of Technology
In this conversation, venture capitalist Michael Eisenberg, co-founder of Aleph Venture Capital and author of "The Tree of Life and Prosperity," shares insights into the dynamic Israeli startup culture. He emphasizes the importance of relationships and personal talent in investing. Eisenberg contrasts Israel's unique venture landscape with California's, discusses the role of technology in community well-being, and highlights the future of social data ownership. His perspectives blend ancient wisdom with modern innovation, offering a hopeful view on technology's impact on society.
Feb 7, 2022 • 1h 5min
John Taylor on Inflation, the Fed, and the Taylor Rule
John Taylor, a renowned Professor of Economics at Stanford and expert on monetary policy, dives deep into the complexities of inflation and its implications for the economy. He explains why a 2% inflation target is crucial and discusses the risks of maintaining low interest rates in a rising inflation environment. Taylor examines the Taylor Rule's significance in guiding economic policy and evaluates whether recent stimulus efforts have effectively boosted consumer spending. His insights on responsible fiscal practices illuminate pathways to long-term economic stability.
5 snips
Jan 31, 2022 • 1h 9min
Moshe Koppel on Norms, Tradition, and Resilient Societies
Moshe Koppel, an Israeli computer scientist and Talmud scholar, dives into the vital role of traditions and norms in modern society. He argues that slowly evolving traditions foster trust and encourage delayed gratification. The discussion touches on the resilience of communities, particularly seen through Jewish history, and critiques the rise of cancel culture as a manifestation of tribalism. Koppel also reflects on the balance between maintaining long-held beliefs and adapting to new societal expectations, emphasizing the need for thoughtful evolution in our ethical frameworks.
Jan 24, 2022 • 1h 25min
Penny Lane on Loving and Loathing Kenny G
Penny Lane, a documentary filmmaker celebrated for her HBO project "Listening to Kenny G," engages in a fascinating discussion about the saxophonist's polarizing legacy. She explores how Kenny G's music evokes strong emotions, from love to disdain, and examines his cultural impact, particularly in places like China. The conversation also delves into art appreciation's subjective nature, contrasting the artistic merit of accessibility versus discomfort. Lane reflects on the complexities of presenting Kenny's multifaceted personality, revealing the artist's journey through vulnerability and criticism.
Jan 17, 2022 • 1h 17min
Tyler Cowen and Russ Roberts on Nation, Immigration, and Israel
Tyler Cowen, a Professor at George Mason University and creator of the Marginal Revolution blog, joins Russ Roberts, a new immigrant to Israel and avid fan of Israeli dramas. They delve into whether Israeli society can thrive without universal military service. The pair explore the evolving kosher certification landscape and its impact on Jewish identity. Additionally, they discuss the richness of Israeli television storytelling compared to American shows and the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing national identity and coexistence.
