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
198 snips
Jun 23, 2025 • 1h 1min
How to Be a Super Ager (with Eric Topol)
Eric Topol, a leading cardiologist at the Scripps Research Institute and author of "Super Agers," shares groundbreaking insights on aging and health. He debunks myths about genetics and highlights the role of the immune system in preventing diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer. Topol discusses how a shingles vaccine could reduce dementia risk and the anti-inflammatory benefits of Ozempic. He also emphasizes the importance of deep sleep for brain health and the potential of innovative therapies to extend longevity.
86 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 1h 17min
Leon Kass on the Wisdom of Rousseau
Join Leon Kass, an author and educator from Shalem College in Jerusalem, as he unpacks Jean-Jacques Rousseau's profound thoughts on technology and human nature. They ponder whether technology liberates or ensnares us. Delve into Rousseau's insights on inequality and how civilization complicates love and social dynamics. The duo explores self-interest's duality, the dark side of vanity and jealousy, and the intricacies of self-love, revealing how these emotions shape our interactions and happiness.
79 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 1h 22min
Two Cheers for Libertarianism and Econ 101 (with Noah Smith)
In this discussion, economist Noah Smith, known for his No Opinion Substack, reflects on the political significance of libertarianism after reevaluating his stance due to recent U.S. policies. He explores the balance between economic freedom and necessary government intervention, highlighting the flaws in a purely libertarian society. The conversation touches on the implications of defense spending in geopolitics, the erosion of American democratic norms, and the need for a pragmatic approach to economic education, challenging traditional teachings.
163 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 1h 9min
EconTalk #1000 (with Russ Roberts)
In a special milestone reflection, the host discusses the evolution from strict economics to broader conversations. They delve into understanding complex topics like Bitcoin and the emotional nuances of Israeli-Palestinian narratives. Humorous anecdotes about self-deception and intuition highlight personal growth, while the importance of cultural factors in education is emphasized. With gratitude for the journey and listeners, the host invites shares on favorite episodes, celebrating nearly two decades of enriching dialogue and exploration.
152 snips
May 26, 2025 • 1h 8min
Nature vs. Nurture (with Paul Bloom)
In this engaging conversation, psychologist Paul Bloom from the University of Toronto and author of 'Small Potatoes' dives deep into the complexities of nature vs. nurture. He challenges the simplicity of attributing success solely to genes or environment, highlighting the intricate interplay between the two. Bloom shares humorous anecdotes about aspiration and self-acceptance, and the importance of passion in developing skills. The discussion also tackles ethical dilemmas in genetic selection, urging listeners to reflect on fairness and societal implications in this evolving landscape.
210 snips
May 19, 2025 • 1h 15min
Inside the Mysterious World of Credit Cards (with Patrick McKenzie)
Patrick McKenzie, a tech and finance writer and advisor at Stripe, dives deep into the world of credit cards. He reveals how credit card companies generate revenue and discusses the impact of rewards programs on different socioeconomic groups. The conversation also touches on credit card fraud, the balance banks must maintain to protect consumers, and the paradox of low-income users subsidizing wealthier consumers. McKenzie critiques common misconceptions about credit card economics and emphasizes the importance of negotiation skills in financial decisions.
73 snips
May 12, 2025 • 1h 23min
The Past and Present of Privacy and Public Life (with Tiffany Jenkins)
In this engaging conversation, Tiffany Jenkins, author of Strangers and Intimates, dives into the shifting norms of privacy and public life. She explores how figures like Martin Luther and John Stuart Mill influenced our understanding of individual freedom and personal expression. The discussion highlights our paradoxical relationship with sharing online, the complexities of intimacy in a transparent world, and the impact of reality TV on privacy. Jenkins expertly reflects on the need for both public engagement and personal space in today's connected society.
259 snips
May 5, 2025 • 1h 33min
The Economics of Tariffs and Trade (with Doug Irwin)
This conversation features Doug Irwin, an economist from Dartmouth College who specializes in trade policy. He tackles whether the U.S. is a victim of trade and unpacks the complexities of trade deficits. Irwin also clarifies misconceptions about tariffs and their impact on manufacturing jobs. Additionally, he discusses the evolution of manufacturing amidst globalization and technological changes, urging innovative solutions for affected workers. The episode emphasizes the intricacies of trade dynamics and cautions against simplistic views on protectionism.
316 snips
Apr 28, 2025 • 1h 37min
The Past and Future of AI (with Dwarkesh Patel)
Dwarkesh Patel, a podcaster and author of The Scaling Era, dives into the fascinating world of AI's past and future. He discusses the pivotal role of transformer architecture in creating advanced models like ChatGPT. The conversation touches on the potential for AI to evolve towards general intelligence and how societal structures may change as AI becomes more prevalent. Patel also reflects on the joys of intellectual discovery, the importance of thorough preparation in podcasting, and the balance between engaging notable guests and meaningful content.
161 snips
Apr 21, 2025 • 1h 20min
Why Christianity Needs to Help Save Democracy (with Jonathan Rauch)
In this engaging discussion, Jonathan Rauch, an author at the Brookings Institution, provocatively argues that Christianity has a vital role in supporting democracy. He talks about 'thick Christianity,' emphasizing love and compassion as foundations for democratic values. The conversation explores the troubling relationship between Christianity and current political polarization, highlighting how compromise can foster cooperation in a divided society. Rauch also reflects on his personal journey and the complexities of faith in a modern secular context.
