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
Aug 23, 2021 • 1h 10min
Michael Heller and James Salzman on Mine!
Michael Heller, a Columbia Law School professor, and James Salzman, an environmental law expert at UCLA, dive into the intricate rules of ownership from their book, 'Mine!' They unravel how ownership can often be ambiguous and discuss real-life implications, like the etiquette of reclining airplane seats. The duo also tackles the clash between individual rights and community rules, exploring themes of technology's impact on ownership perceptions and the emotional complexities tied to property disputes. It's an eye-opening journey through the hidden mechanics of ownership.
Aug 16, 2021 • 1h 9min
Nicholas Wapshott on Samuelson and Friedman
Nicholas Wapshott, a journalist and author known for his works on key economists, dives deep into the intellectual rivalry between Milton Friedman and Paul Samuelson. He examines their differing take on Keynesianism and how their friendly yet fierce competition shaped economic thought. Wapshott discusses Friedman's revolutionary ideas on monetary policy and individual freedom, while also addressing the unintended consequences of economic policies like rent control. Their legacies continue to spark debates on government intervention versus market regulation.
Aug 9, 2021 • 1h 10min
Michael Munger on Free Markets
Michael Munger, an economist and author from Duke University, dives into the intricacies of free markets and their societal impacts. He argues that free markets, while not perfect, outperform other systems in lifting people out of poverty and promoting wealth creation. The discussion also covers the importance of specialization, individual liberty, and minimal government intervention in resource allocation. Munger critiques the moral implications of commodification and highlights the challenges posed by tech giants, all while advocating for a nuanced approach to economic reform.
Aug 2, 2021 • 1h 3min
Jonathan Rauch on the Constitution of Knowledge
In this engaging discussion, Jonathan Rauch—journalist and author of "The Constitution of Knowledge"—delves into how society discerns truth in an era flooded with misinformation. He advocates for the restoration of institutional norms that support free speech and structured debate. Rauch examines the impact of financial incentives on media integrity and the erosion of ethical standards in various fields. He also tackles the role of the internet in shaping tribalism and urges a collective effort to uphold accurate information and foster healthier discourse.
Jul 26, 2021 • 1h 24min
James Heckman on Inequality and Economic Mobility
James Heckman, a Nobel Laureate and distinguished economist from the University of Chicago, delves into the complex relationships between inequality and economic mobility. He shares insights from Danish welfare state research, arguing that despite its educational access, economic mobility remains similar to that in the U.S. The discussion critiques the influence of family dynamics on children's outcomes and the challenges of public policies. Heckman also contrasts the American Dream with European experiences, emphasizing the need for systemic changes beyond welfare supports.
Jul 19, 2021 • 1h 13min
Michael Easter on the Comfort Crisis
Michael Easter, a journalist and author of "The Comfort Crisis," delves into the consequences of modern comforts on our well-being. He discusses how stepping out of our comfort zones can combat rising anxiety and depression. The conversation highlights the significance of embracing boredom for creativity and the Japanese practice of Masogi, which encourages transformative challenges. Easter shares personal anecdotes from extreme experiences, emphasizing that facing adversities enhances personal growth and appreciation for life.
Jul 12, 2021 • 1h 11min
Don Boudreaux on the Pandemic
Economist Don Boudreaux, from George Mason University and writer at Cafe Hayek, discusses the pandemic's overreactions, highlighting the unnecessary lockdowns and their high costs. He emphasizes focusing on the elderly, particularly those with co-morbidities, rather than imposing blanket measures. The conversation critiques the role of sensational media in amplifying fear and misinformation. Boudreaux also delves into ethical dilemmas surrounding vaccination mandates, personal responsibility, and societal values related to the elderly, advocating for a more balanced public health approach.
Jul 5, 2021 • 1h 12min
Claudia Hauer on War, Education, and Strategic Humanism
Claudia Hauer, an author and educator affiliated with St. John's College and the Air Force Academy, dives into the lessons from the 'Iliad' and their relevance in modern warfare. She discusses the moral complexities soldiers face, the impact of technology on decision-making, and how classical literature can enrich military training. Hauer also emphasizes the need for civil discourse in education, highlighting how timeless themes resonate with today’s warriors and their healing processes.
Jun 28, 2021 • 1h 2min
Sebastian Junger on Freedom
Journalist and author Sebastian Junger shares insights from his book, focusing on a gripping 400-mile journey with friends that delves into freedom and interconnectedness. He discusses the joy and challenges of physical endurance while exploring how shared experiences create deep bonds. Junger highlights the complex dynamics of freedom versus community, particularly within marginalized groups, and reflects on the delicate balance between individual autonomy and societal responsibility. His observations on the fragility of civilization and humanity's inherent violence add depth to this thought-provoking conversation.
Jun 21, 2021 • 1h 12min
Anja Shortland on Lost Art
Anja Shortland, an economist and author from King's College London, dives into the captivating world of art theft and recovery. She discusses how stolen artworks re-enter the legitimate market, revealing the unseen complexities of provenance and ownership. Shortland highlights the critical role of the Art Loss Register in enhancing transparency and trust within the art market. Plus, she shares dramatic stories behind high-stakes negotiations and the evolving standards of authenticity that shape art valuation today.
