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
Feb 24, 2020 • 1h 32min
Richard Robb on Willful
Economist Richard Robb, CEO of Christopherson Robb & Company and a professor at Columbia, discusses his insightful book, Willful. He delves into the complexities of decision-making, contrasting rational choices with emotional motivations. Topics include the paradox of choice, the dynamics that led to the 2008 financial crisis, and the intrinsic value of work. Robb also explores altruism, drawing connections to philosophical thinkers like Nietzsche, and emphasizes the importance of understanding human behavior in both personal and economic contexts.
Feb 17, 2020 • 1h 6min
Peter Singer on The Life You Can Save
Peter Singer, a renowned bioethicist from Princeton University and author of "The Life You Can Save," discusses the moral responsibilities of those in affluent societies. He argues for the necessity of giving up luxuries to combat global poverty. The conversation delves into the ethics of saving lives, the challenges of effective altruism, and the importance of impactful charitable giving. They also touch on immigration's role in poverty alleviation and the dual nature of tribalism in fostering community or exclusion.
Feb 10, 2020 • 1h 20min
Marty Makary on the Price We Pay
Marty Makary, a professor at Johns Hopkins, shares insights from his book, The Price We Pay. He exposes the bizarre workings of our healthcare system, like unnecessary procedures and surprising hospital fees. Transparent pricing could empower both patients and employers, helping them avoid pitfalls. Makary emphasizes redefining medical interventions, the role of language in patient choices, and innovative reforms like direct contracting. His ideas could reshape the future of healthcare and improve consumer experiences.
Feb 3, 2020 • 1h 2min
Robert Shiller on Narrative Economics
Robert Shiller, a Nobel Laureate and Yale professor, delves into his concept of narrative economics, where the stories we tell influence economic behavior. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in shaping perceptions and decisions, even dating back to historical events like the Great Depression. Shiller discusses how cultural shifts and reputations affect financial choices and highlights persistent fears surrounding automation and job loss, showing how these narratives impact policy and individual attitudes.
Jan 27, 2020 • 1h 24min
Daniel Klein on Honest Income
Dan Klein, an economist and author from George Mason University, dives into the ethics of work and honest income. He examines how our jobs can positively shape society, referencing Adam Smith's ideas. Klein also critiques traditional economic theories by emphasizing moral responsibility in earning. The conversation weaves in personal pursuits and leisure, suggesting that joy enhances our ability to contribute to the greater good. He explores the complexities of ambition and wealth, challenging perceptions of virtue linked to income.
Jan 20, 2020 • 1h 11min
Janine Barchas on the Lost Books of Jane Austen
Janine Barchas, a professor at the University of Texas and expert on Jane Austen, delves into Austen's remarkable literary legacy. She discusses the impact of affordable reprints on Austen's popularity and compares her cultural significance to giants like Shakespeare and Dickens. The conversation touches on how adaptations like 'Clueless' bring Austen's works to modern audiences and highlights the differences in celebrating her legacy in America versus England. Barchas also emphasizes the crucial role of literature in education and emotional understanding.
Jan 13, 2020 • 1h 9min
Adam Minter on Secondhand
In this engaging discussion, Adam Minter, a journalist and author of "Secondhand: Travels in the New Global Garage Sale," dives into the intriguing world of secondhand goods. He shares insights on the emotional challenges of downsizing for seniors and the evolving dynamics of the secondhand market. Minter also discusses Goodwill's dual mission of profit and community service, and the significant role of rags in textile recycling. He explores how minimalism influences consumer behavior, shedding light on our complex relationship with possessions.
16 snips
Jan 6, 2020 • 1h 19min
Melanie Mitchell on Artificial Intelligence
Melanie Mitchell, a computer scientist and author, shares her insights on artificial intelligence, emphasizing its limitations in mimicking human intelligence. She contrasts machine learning with human cognitive abilities, arguing that AI struggles with tasks involving emotional nuance and common sense. The conversation dives into the hype surrounding AI, ethical challenges, and the evolution of companies like Google. Mitchell also explores the philosophical implications of AI consciousness and the complexities of teaching ethics in this rapidly advancing field.
Dec 30, 2019 • 1h 9min
Kimberly Clausing on Open and the Progressive Case for Free Trade
Kimberly Clausing, a Professor of Economics at Reed College and author of "Open," dives into the complexities of free trade with host Russ Roberts. She discusses the impact of globalization on American workers and the rising income inequality. Clausing advocates for free trade but emphasizes the need for interventions to support affected communities. The conversation touches on trade deficits, the challenges in industries like steel, and the importance of progressive taxation and inclusive policies to tackle economic disparities.
Dec 23, 2019 • 1h 25min
Joe Posnanski on the Life and Afterlife of Harry Houdini
Joe Posnanski, a renowned journalist and author, dives into the captivating life of Harry Houdini. He explores Houdini's lasting legacy as a symbol of escape and creativity, and reflects on the nature of celebrity and ambition. The conversation touches on the emotional journey of writing and the pursuit of immortality, revealing how public relations crafted Houdini's reputation. Personal anecdotes emphasize the importance of embracing wonder, while comparisons to contemporary street performers highlight the thrill of danger in artistic expression.
