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
Apr 5, 2021 • 1h 15min
Tyler Cowen on the Pandemic, Revisited
Tyler Cowen, a prominent economist and author from George Mason University, engages in a deep discussion about the lessons learned from the pandemic. He critiques the slow vaccine rollout and explores the complexities of public health measures, emphasizing the need for quick decision-making in crises. Cowen also highlights the surprising resilience of certain businesses and the evolving landscape of biomedicine. Additionally, he delves into the political implications of national debt and calls for economic reforms to better support small businesses in a post-pandemic world.
Mar 29, 2021 • 1h 7min
Max Kenner on Crime, Education, and the Bard Prison Initiative
Max Kenner, founder of the Bard Prison Initiative, talks about his groundbreaking program providing college degrees to incarcerated individuals. He shares the origins and transformative impact of education behind bars, highlighting the ethical implications of teaching in prisons. Kenner discusses the challenges of the criminal justice system and how education can significantly reduce recidivism. The conversation delves into the value of liberal arts in fostering personal growth and critical thinking among students, encouraging a reevaluation of rehabilitation values.
Mar 22, 2021 • 1h 19min
Megan McArdle on Catastrophes and the Pandemic
Megan McArdle, a journalist at the Washington Post, delves into the lessons learned from the pandemic and past disasters with host Russ Roberts. They discuss how society often learns the wrong lessons when preparing for future crises. McArdle critiques the human tendency to overreact to recent events while ignoring potential risks, like environmental crises. The talk also touches on the economic impacts of the toilet paper shortage and the importance of innovation in pharmaceutical responses to health emergencies.
Mar 15, 2021 • 1h 28min
Sherry Turkle on Family, Artificial Intelligence, and the Empathy Diaries
Sherry Turkle, a renowned MIT professor and author, delves into her memoir, The Empathy Diaries, revealing how family secrets shaped her understanding of human connection. She discusses the complexities of familial relationships and the impact of an absent father on identity. Turkle critiques artificial intelligence's emotional limitations, arguing it can't replace genuine human empathy. Furthermore, she emphasizes the importance of active listening and the need for authentic connections in a technology-driven world, advocating for a return to meaningful communication.
22 snips
Mar 8, 2021 • 1h 16min
Leon Kass on Human Flourishing, Living Well, and Aristotle
Leon Kass, Professor Emeritus at the University of Chicago and Dean of Faculty at Shalem College, dives into Aristotle's ideas on human flourishing. He explores 'eudaimonia,' or true happiness, and the importance of meaningful activities. Kass emphasizes the essence of virtue, discussing how character affects personal and public life. Delving into education's role in developing moral character, he advocates for viewing life as an art form, aspiring to excellence over mere accolades. The conversation also touches on Churchill's legacy and its ties to ethical leadership.
Mar 1, 2021 • 1h 14min
Michael Munger on Desires, Morality, and Self-Interest
Michael Munger, an economist and political theorist from Duke University, delves into the fascinating complexities of human desires and morality. He explores whether our wants can be reshaped and the interplay between self-interest and moral action. The conversation also touches on the distinction between laws and societal norms, as well as how emotional responses guide our understanding of ethics. Munger examines how personal anecdotes and philosophical insights can help us navigate the intricate balance between our desires and ethical considerations.
Feb 22, 2021 • 1h 8min
John Cochrane on the Pandemic
Economist John Cochrane from Stanford's Hoover Institution dives into the pandemic's impact, critiquing top-down government responses in favor of market-based solutions. He discusses the failed testing management and the significance of pricing mechanisms during crises. Cochrane also examines vaccine development challenges, contrasting U.S. and global distribution ethics, while addressing the role of competent bureaucracies in pandemic management. His insights advocate for adapting market efficiency to improve public health outcomes in future crises.
24 snips
Feb 15, 2021 • 1h 36min
Dana Gioia on Learning, Poetry, and Studying with Miss Bishop
Dana Gioia, a prominent poet and author of "Studying with Miss Bishop," discusses the paradox of poetry's waning significance in modern culture while highlighting its transformative power. He shares insights on mentorship, the connection between literature and personal emotions, and the impact of aging on creativity. The conversation delves into the importance of aligning artistic endeavors with personal values, and reflects on poignant moments like Amanda Gorman's inaugural poem, revealing how poetry can serve as a beacon of resilience and meaning in our lives.
Feb 8, 2021 • 1h 14min
Lamorna Ash on Dark, Salt, Clear
Lamorna Ash, an author and anthropologist, shares her unique experiences in Newlyn, a small fishing village in Cornwall. She recounts life on trawlers, revealing the camaraderie and cultural significance of fishing. Ash discusses the emotional and physical toll of the profession, alongside the complexities of fishing quotas and sustainability post-Brexit. Her reflections on identity, community ties, and the challenges of representing others in writing add depth to her narrative, showcasing how simple connections can lead to profound insights.
Feb 1, 2021 • 1h 21min
Michael McCullough on the Kindness of Strangers
Michael McCullough, a psychologist at UC San Diego and author of *The Kindness of Strangers*, discusses the evolutionary roots of human empathy and altruism. He explores why we care for strangers, tracing back to genetic predispositions and cultural influences. The conversation highlights how social norms shape our ethics and the complex dynamics of charitable giving. McCullough also examines the relationship between morality, happiness, and the impact of public policy on personal choices, advocating for a deeper understanding of kindness in society.
