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
6 snips
Nov 4, 2019 • 1h 19min
Venkatesh Rao on Waldenponding
Venkatesh Rao, a writer and management consultant known for his keen insights on technology and society, joins the discussion to explore the concept of 'Waldenponding.' He critiques the trend of retreating from technology, arguing that extreme disengagement is somewhat immoral. Rao emphasizes the importance of participating in the digital intellectual ecosystem to foster creativity and knowledge. He also discusses the impact of social media on identity and emotional well-being, advocating for meaningful connections amidst the chaos of modern communication.
Oct 28, 2019 • 1h 10min
Michele Gelfand on Rule Makers, Rule Breakers
Michele Gelfand is a Distinguished University Professor at the University of Maryland, known for her work on cultural norms and author of "Rule Makers, Rule Breakers." She discusses the fascinating distinction between tight and loose cultures and how they shape behavior and societal interactions. Gelfand explores the challenges of finding balance between order and freedom, especially in parenting and corporate mergers. She emphasizes the importance of cultural intelligence in navigating these dynamics and the impact of perceived threats on societal rules.
Oct 21, 2019 • 1h 16min
Susan Houseman on Manufacturing
Susan Houseman, Vice President at the Upjohn Institute, dives deep into the nuances of the manufacturing sector. She challenges conventional beliefs about manufacturing growth, arguing that most increases are tied to computer production while other areas stagnate. Houseman suggests that trade, not productivity, is the real culprit behind employment declines. She also discusses the complexities of measuring manufacturing output and employment, emphasizing how quality adjustments impact our understanding of inflation and living standards.
Oct 14, 2019 • 1h 34min
Andrew McAfee on More from Less
Andrew McAfee, Co-director of the Initiative on the Digital Economy at MIT, discusses the transformative effects of technology on resource consumption and economic growth. He presents the concept of dematerialization, showcasing how developed nations can achieve more with less. McAfee challenges conventional views on resource limitations and explores the role of human creativity in solving environmental challenges. He also critiques consumerism and highlights the potential of innovative technologies like nuclear energy in addressing climate issues.
12 snips
Oct 7, 2019 • 1h 23min
Ryan Holiday on Stillness Is the Key
In this entertaining discussion, Ryan Holiday, the insightful author renowned for his exploration of Stoicism and productivity, delves into themes from his book, Stillness Is the Key. He articulates the importance of stillness in achieving clarity and inner peace amidst modern distractions. Holiday reflects on lessons from Marina Abramovic and the significance of mindful engagement over the allure of busyness. He also shares personal insights on the importance of embracing vulnerability and the art of engaged reading to enhance understanding and creativity.
Sep 30, 2019 • 1h 6min
Sabine Hossenfelder on Physics, Reality, and Lost in Math
In this engaging discussion, Sabine Hossenfelder, a research fellow at the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies and author of 'Lost in Math,' critiques the current state of theoretical physics. She argues that beauty in theories doesn't guarantee their truth. Hossenfelder highlights the failure of popular concepts like string theory to provide empirical evidence and the need for skepticism in the scientific community. The conversation also touches on the psychological barriers to critique and the challenges scientists face when confronting anomalies in established theories.
Sep 23, 2019 • 1h 9min
Dani Rodrik on Neoliberalism
Dani Rodrik, a Harvard Professor of international political economy, discusses the pitfalls of neoliberalism. He argues that an unyielding belief in markets has widened inequality and limited growth benefits. Rodrik advocates for an interventionist economic approach, focusing on better-paying jobs and shared prosperity. The conversation explores the importance of community-driven initiatives in revitalizing manufacturing sectors and redefines metrics for well-being, challenging traditional economic models and advocating for a balance between trade and domestic support.
Sep 16, 2019 • 1h 18min
George Will on the Conservative Sensibility
George Will, a renowned political scientist and columnist, delves into the core principles of conservatism in his discussion. He contrasts James Madison's vision of government with Woodrow Wilson's, revealing how these ideologies shape current political debates. The conversation touches on the evolution of presidential power through Teddy Roosevelt, the intricacies of tariff policies, and the shifting landscape of conservatism within the Republican Party. Will also emphasizes the role of markets and individualism in society, reminding us of the vigilance needed to uphold a free society.
Sep 9, 2019 • 1h 7min
Daron Acemoglu on Shared Prosperity and Good Jobs
Daron Acemoglu, an esteemed economist from MIT, chats about the pressing need for shared prosperity and inclusive economies. He emphasizes that creating 'good jobs' is paramount over mere redistribution of wealth. The conversation dives into wage stagnation amidst economic growth, the dystopian future of wealth concentration, and how work shapes personal identity. Acemoglu also discusses the challenges posed by automation and globalization while exploring the government's essential role in fostering market dynamics and supporting the workforce.
24 snips
Sep 2, 2019 • 1h 16min
David Deppner on Leadership, Confidence, and Humility
David Deppner, CEO of Psyberware, discusses the intricate balance between leadership, humility, and confidence. He questions whether great leaders can exhibit vulnerability while still inspiring certainty in their followers. The conversation delves into the ethics of leadership, exploring the tension between honesty and the need to reassure. Deppner shares insights on embracing imperfection and accountability to foster growth, while examining the impact of family dynamics on self-confidence. Ultimately, the dialogue underscores the importance of humility in the quest for truth.
