Author A.J. Jacobs discusses living constitutionally in 2024, exploring original US Constitution principles. Topics include freedom of speech evolution, John Marshall's impact on the Supreme Court, and privateering for victory. Reflects on traditions, constitutional interpretations, and epistemic humility, contemplating America's future through George Washington's story.

Host Russ Roberts shares his top EconTalk episodes, focusing on powerful connections and mind-blowing insights. He discusses guest selection, the podcast's evolution, and listener favorites. The podcast explores diverse topics like power dynamics, decision-making in health concerns, and the placebo effect in medical procedures.

Psychologist Paul Bloom and host Russ Roberts discuss the ethical and emotional implications of AI technology creating simulations of deceased individuals. They explore the desire for digital immortality, interacting with cloned DNA replicas, virtual avatars of historical figures, and the value of genuine human connections over simulated relationships.

Teppo Felin discusses the limitations of AI compared to human cognition, highlighting the importance of belief-driven experimentation. The conversation explores the challenges of historical data in forecasting, human creativity in problem-solving, and the value of challenging conventional thinking for innovation.

Michael Norton from Harvard Business School discusses the importance of rituals in our lives, exploring their emotional depth and calming effects. They connect individuals, provide a sense of belonging, and create magic in relationships. The podcast highlights unconventional memorial services and how rituals can both unite and divide people.

Psychologist Adam Mastroianni discusses emotional control systems and the balance of happiness, questioning if too much happiness is detrimental. They explore the consistency of happiness levels despite external circumstances and the complexity of human well-being. The podcast delves into the paradox of regret, personal growth over time, and the importance of self-acceptance for emotional well-being.

Megan McArdle and Russ Roberts discuss AI bias using Google's Gemini as an example. They explore AI-generated images, societal biases, historical perspectives, and the challenges of free speech. The conversation also touches on privacy concerns, rules vs. discretion in decision-making, and the importance of human values in the digital age.

Activist Ahmed Fuad Al-Khatib shares harrowing experiences in Gaza, discussing the need for humanitarian aid and security measures. He explores hate education in UNRA schools, contrasts realities in Gaza, and discusses perceptions and challenges in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The podcast delves into the complexities of Gaza's past and future, offering hope for peace and prosperity amidst historical tensions.

The podcast delves into the rapid pace of technological advancements, the impact of Moore's Law on the semiconductor industry, and the growing demand for computing power due to AI systems. It also explores societal implications like screen addiction, social interactions, and the need to adapt norms and habits in the face of technological evolution.

A discussion on how to avoid lying with statistics, exploring the gap between textbook and real-world applications. Topics include simplifying statistical concepts for non-experts, the weaponization of statistics in politics, and navigating economic relationships. The importance of fact-checking, accuracy, and statistical education is also highlighted.