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
88 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 1h 18min
Rational and Religious (with Ross Douthat)
Ross Douthat, a New York Times columnist and author of Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious, engages in a thought-provoking discussion about the rational underpinnings of faith. He argues that religious belief can coexist with intelligence and science, suggesting that these relationships enhance societal structure. Douthat explores consciousness versus materialism, shares insights on near-death experiences, and critiques the moral frameworks offered by organized religions, advocating for a deeper understanding of faith in a modern context.
61 snips
Apr 7, 2025 • 1h 18min
The Music and Magic of John and Paul (with Ian Leslie)
Ian Leslie, author of "John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs" and writer of The Ruffian Substack, dives into the tumultuous yet magical friendship between John Lennon and Paul McCartney. He discusses their exceptional collaborative songwriting, revealing how their emotional bond shaped iconic tracks like 'Yesterday'. Leslie challenges perceptions of their separate contributions, emphasizing their equal creative significance. He also explores the enduring emotional resonance of their music, which continues to connect with generations.
94 snips
Mar 31, 2025 • 1h 16min
Do All Creatures, Great and Small, and Made From Silicon, Have Rights? (with Jeff Sebo)
Philosopher Jeff Sebo from NYU dives into the ethics of extending moral consideration beyond humans to animals and even AI. He discusses whether monkeys should have the same rights as humans and examines the implications of consciousness in various beings. Sebo challenges human exceptionalism and explores our ethical obligations to all sentient creatures. The conversation raises compelling questions about animal welfare, the ethics of AI, and the responsibilities we have in a rapidly changing world.
29 snips
Mar 24, 2025 • 1h 17min
Bird Brains, Bird Sex, and All Kinds of Beauty (with Matt Ridley)
In this enticing discussion, Matt Ridley, a noted author and naturalist, dives into the colorful world of birds and the complex dance of attraction. He explores the tension between natural and sexual selection, revealing how beauty can drive mating even at the cost of survival. Ridley illuminates the historical debate between Darwin and Wallace on aesthetics in evolution, while sharing captivating insights into unique bird behaviors, like the lekking rituals of black grouse. He even connects these concepts to human evolution, suggesting that sexual selection has influenced our own traits.
125 snips
Mar 17, 2025 • 1h 28min
How Better Feedback Can Revolutionize Education (with Daisy Christodoulou)
In this discussion, Daisy Christodoulou, an educational consultant and author, explores how feedback can radically reshape education. She argues that feedback should guide improvement, not merely evaluate performance. Christodoulou critiques traditional grading methods, advocating for detailed, actionable feedback that fosters student growth. The conversation delves into the integration of AI in education, emphasizing the need for human insight alongside technological advances. She also warns against dependency on language models, stressing the importance of critical thinking and foundational skills.
141 snips
Mar 10, 2025 • 58min
Will Guidara on Unreasonable Hospitality
Will Guidara, the former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park and author of 'Unreasonable Hospitality', shares insights on what extraordinary guest experiences entail. He discusses how personal connections and empathy in the restaurant industry can lead to memorable dining moments. Guidara emphasizes pre-meal meetings for team cohesion and draws parallels between kitchen chaos and childbirth. He also highlights the importance of meticulous attention to detail in culinary mastery and reflects on the power of mentorship and future ambitions sparked by the pandemic.
43 snips
Mar 3, 2025 • 1h 9min
The Unusual World of Israeli Democracy (with Rachel Gur)
Rachel Gur, an expert on Israeli politics and a senior advisor at Reichman University, dives into the complex world of Israeli democracy. She explains the unique aspects of the Knesset and the chaotic coalition politics that shape governance. Gur discusses the influence of ultra-Orthodox parties and challenges of representation, all while highlighting how political minorities can either gain power or be overlooked. The conversation reveals the deep-seated issues that make Israeli democracy distinct yet similar to Western systems, offering a fascinating insight into its future.
80 snips
Feb 24, 2025 • 1h 18min
The Struggle That Shaped the Middle East (with James Barr)
Historian James Barr, author of "A Line in the Sand," delves into the dramatic reshaping of the Middle East post-WWI. He discusses the pivotal Sykes-Picot Agreement and its impact on modern borders, highlighting how colonial powers like France and Britain fueled ongoing regional tensions. Barr explores the Arab Revolt's significance, the complexities of Jewish immigration in the 1930s, and the lasting effects of arbitrary borders. His insights reveal how historical conflicts continue to influence today’s political dynamics in the Middle East.
31 snips
Feb 17, 2025 • 1h 21min
Who Won the Socialist Calculation Debate (with Peter Boettke)
Peter Boettke, an economist at George Mason University, delves into the long-standing socialist calculation debate against capitalism. He examines historical critiques from legends like Mises and Hayek and discusses how central planning struggles with economic calculation. The conversation highlights the significance of market mechanisms, the role of prices, and innovation driven by scarcity. Boettke also ponders the impact of technology and AI on economic planning, questioning the resurgence of socialist ideas and the essential role of human judgment in decision-making.
28 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 55min
Minimalists and Hoarders (with Michael Easter)
Join Michael Easter, an author renowned for his insights on minimalism and excess, as he discusses the psychological tug-of-war between minimalism and hoarding. He highlights how both approaches stem from coping with uncertainty. The conversation dives into the consumerism fueled by events like Black Friday, and how the pandemic intensified impulse buying. They also explore the evolving significance of possessions and the freeing nature of relinquishing control, encouraging listeners to prioritize experiences over material things.
