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
Nov 16, 2020 • 1h 7min
Virginia Postrel on Textiles and the Fabric of Civilization
Virginia Postrel, an author and journalist known for her insightful work on textiles, dives into the captivating history of fabrics and their impact on civilization. She reveals how the evolution of textile production mirrors societal progress, from manual labor to modern automation. The discussion touches on the art of dyeing and weaving, emphasizing their cultural significance. Postrel also explores how fabrics have historically symbolized social status, reflecting on the intricate relationship between textiles and human life through the ages.
16 snips
Nov 9, 2020 • 1h 34min
Steven Levitt on Freakonomics and the State of Economics
In a captivating discussion, Steven Levitt, a renowned economist and co-author of Freakonomics, shares insights on the book's unexpected success and its cultural impact on popularizing economics. He discusses the complexities of public trust in science amid the pandemic and critiques the challenges within the academic reward system. Levitt also explores innovative approaches to criminal justice reform and the importance of clear communication in economics, underscoring how accessibility can foster understanding and support for the field.
Nov 2, 2020 • 1h 47min
Rob Wiblin and Russ Roberts on Charity, Science, and Utilitarianism
Rob Wiblin, host of the 80,000 Hours podcast and effective altruism expert, dives into a thought-provoking conversation with Russ Roberts. They tackle the intricacies of charity and the difficulties in measuring its impact. Uncertainty in data becomes a central theme as they explore how it shapes our decisions in altruism and careers. They also discuss the moral complexities of societal contributions, the role of kindness, and the challenges of relying on institutional authority, all while analyzing the balance between individual and collective well-being.
Oct 26, 2020 • 1h 17min
Fredrik deBoer on the Cult of Smart
Fredrik deBoer, an author and journalist known for his critical insights on the American education system, explores the limitations of traditional educational reforms like No Child Left Behind. He argues that innate abilities play a significant role in success, challenging the belief in equal opportunities. The discussion also highlights the impact of economic inequality on social mobility and self-worth, suggesting a radical rethinking of values and education. DeBoer advocates for a more compassionate approach that recognizes diverse talents beyond mere academic achievement.
16 snips
Oct 19, 2020 • 1h 33min
Dwayne Betts on Reading, Prison, and the Million Book Project
Dwayne Betts, an accomplished author, lawyer, and poet, dives into his transformative experiences in prison and the life-changing power of books. He shares insights about his Million Book Project, which aims to enrich prisons with literature. Betts reflects on his turbulent youth and the impact of the justice system, illustrating how reading reshaped his identity. He also discusses the importance of curation for prison libraries and how classic literature fosters community connections, encouraging deeper conversations around race and resilience.
Oct 12, 2020 • 1h
Anne Applebaum on the Twilight of Democracy
Journalist and author Anne Applebaum, celebrated for her Pulitzer Prize-winning insights into totalitarianism, delves into her latest work, Twilight of Democracy. She discusses the unsettling rise of populist and nationalist movements in both Eastern Europe and the West, unraveling their paradoxical appeal even as they threaten democratic values. Applebaum reflects on the emotional toll of political divisions and examines how technology has transformed communication, fueling both political engagement and authoritarianism.
Oct 5, 2020 • 1h 30min
Zena Hitz on Lost in Thought
Zena Hitz, a philosopher and author of 'Lost in Thought,' explores the transformative power of learning for its own sake. She critiques societal views on education and prestige, advocating for genuine learning as a personal journey. Hitz discusses the significance of self-knowledge and the depth of reading in a visual world, emphasizing critical thinking and storytelling. The conversation also highlights the importance of listening in fostering human connections and navigating distractions in modern learning, promoting deeper intellectual engagement and community.
5 snips
Sep 28, 2020 • 1h 24min
Agnes Callard on Aspiration
Agnes Callard, a philosopher and author from the University of Chicago, delves into the nuances of aspiration and self-transformation. She discusses how our values shape our identities and the inherent challenges in aspiring to become someone different. Callard contrasts aspiration with ambition, explores the ethics of influence, and rethinks rationality in decision-making. She emphasizes the evolution of personal preferences and the role of fiction in fostering empathy. Additionally, she navigates the complexities of free will, personal agency, and the interplay of neuroscience with philosophical thought.
Sep 21, 2020 • 1h 9min
Lisa Cook on Racism, Patents, and Black Entrepreneurship
Economist Lisa Cook from Michigan State University shares her insights on how racism has stifled U.S. innovation. She discusses the historical links between racial violence and a decline in Black inventors, highlighting overlooked contributions in patent data. Cook emphasizes the need for diversity in economics and STEM fields to foster ideas and equity. She also advocates for reforms in policing and education to uplift Black communities and promote inclusivity, suggesting approaches similar to South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission for national healing.
Sep 14, 2020 • 1h 5min
Robert Chitester on Milton Friedman and Free to Choose
Robert Chitester, an educational entrepreneur and filmmaker known for his collaboration with Milton Friedman on 'Free to Choose,' shares fascinating insights into their partnership. He discusses the creative process behind the PBS series, emphasizing how unscripted moments captured Friedman's economic ideas in real-world contexts. Chitester highlights the importance of engaging storytelling in economics and reflects on Friedman's legacy of articulating complex concepts with charisma. Their friendship shaped how free-market principles were made accessible to a wider audience.
