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
Jan 25, 2021 • 1h 9min
Scott Newstok on How to Think Like Shakespeare
Scott Newstok, an author and professor at Rhodes College, shares insights on education and creativity influenced by Shakespeare. He discusses the timeless relevance of Shakespeare's works, emphasizing their emotional depth and role in fostering critical thinking. Newstok highlights the educational value of engaging with classic texts and the playful flexibility of language inspired by humanism. He also connects the worlds of mathematics and literature, advocating for a holistic understanding of both to enhance personal engagement in learning.
Jan 18, 2021 • 59min
Gary Shiffman on the Economics of Violence
Gary Shiffman, an economist and author of "The Economics of Violence," explores the intersection of economics and violence, drawing from his unique background as a former U.S. Navy officer and national security advisor. He argues that terrorism and crime are often entrepreneurial ventures, driven by personal expression rather than ideology. Through captivating case studies, he rethinks identity labels in organized violence and discusses the dual roles of notorious figures like Pablo Escobar as both criminals and social providers.
Jan 11, 2021 • 1h 16min
Don Boudreaux on Buchanan
Don Boudreaux, an economist from George Mason University, dives deep into the impactful work of Nobel laureate James Buchanan. He explores public choice theory, revealing how economic principles apply to political behavior. Boudreaux discusses Buchanan's contrarian views on markets and the notion of life as an ongoing process rather than a mere series of problems. The conversation also touches on ethics in economics, emphasizing human identity and the importance of institutional frameworks in personal transformation.
14 snips
Jan 4, 2021 • 1h 15min
Matthew Crawford on Why We Drive
Matthew Crawford, an insightful author and senior fellow at the University of Virginia, delves into the multifaceted relationship between humans and technology. He discusses the thrill of embracing serendipity while driving, and how structured planning stifles spontaneity. Crawford critiques technology's impact on individual autonomy through the lens of self-driving cars, exploring the erosion of communal knowledge in the digital age. He also reflects on the loneliness fostered by modern bureaucracy, illuminating the complex terrain of trust and cooperation in our increasingly automated lives.
Dec 28, 2020 • 1h 15min
Michael Blastland on the Hidden Half
In a fascinating conversation, author Michael Blastland explores themes from his book, "The Hidden Half." He discusses how deeper investigation into various fields reveals the limits of our understanding. Blastland highlights the impact of unseen factors on decision-making and the unpredictability of life. By examining biases and the role of randomness, he argues for a humble approach to knowledge. From medical uncertainties to the nuances of community contexts, he emphasizes embracing complexity rather than oversimplifying our understanding.
Dec 21, 2020 • 1h 21min
Jay Bhattacharya on the Pandemic
Jay Bhattacharya, a Stanford University professor and co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration, discusses a controversial approach to pandemic management. He argues for focused protection of vulnerable populations while allowing low-risk individuals to return to normalcy. The conversation critiques the economic and mental costs of lockdowns, highlights the neglected long-term health risks of COVID-19, and emphasizes the importance of diverse opinions in public health discourse. Bhattacharya advocates for a balanced approach, valuing transparency and accurate data in guiding future health responses.
Dec 14, 2020 • 1h 3min
Katherine Levine Einstein on Neighborhood Defenders
Katherine Levine Einstein, a political scientist at Boston University and author of Neighborhood Defenders, dives into the complexities of affordable housing. She explores the role of 'neighborhood defenders' who resist new developments, challenging the notion that they're merely selfish. The podcast reveals how community opposition often masks deeper biases and impedes housing progress. Einstein also discusses the dynamics of volunteer decision-making in local governance and critiques existing regulations that complicate housing efforts, advocating for clearer policies.
Dec 7, 2020 • 1h 23min
Branko Milanovic on the Big Questions of Economics
Branko Milanovic, a prominent economist and author specializing in socioeconomic inequality, joins the discussion. He critiques the Nobel Prize’s narrow focus, advocating for recognition of broader, more unconventional economic research. The conversation touches on China’s economic rise, the historical legacies of slavery and colonialism, and the costs of oppression on talent and productivity. Milanovic also reflects on how literature can deepen our understanding of economics, urging a shift from mere commercialization to prioritizing human welfare in economic discussions.
Nov 30, 2020 • 1h 4min
Emily Oster on the Pandemic
Emily Oster, an economist and author from Brown University, dives into the data-driven reality of reopening schools during the pandemic. She shares her findings that schools aren't significant COVID super-spreaders, emphasizing the high costs of closures on student welfare. The discussion expands to the unique challenges faced by educators and parents alike, touching on equity in education and the emotional complexities of parenting during such tumultuous times. Oster offers insights on navigating medical advice while managing children's growing independence.
Nov 23, 2020 • 1h 24min
Daniel Haybron on Happiness
Philosopher Daniel Haybron, author of "Happiness: A Very Short Introduction" and a professor at St. Louis University, dives into the intricate nature of happiness. He discusses how happiness is more than just a feeling, emphasizing the importance of emotional connections and adaptability. The conversation critiques simplistic measures of happiness and explores cultural differences in emotional expression. Haybron also reflects on moral responsibilities in fostering community well-being and the significance of finding joy in mindful living.
