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
Aug 26, 2019 • 1h 10min
Andrew Roberts on Churchill and the Craft of Biography
Historian Andrew Roberts, known for his insightful biographies of Winston Churchill, delves into Churchill's complex life and legacy. He examines how Churchill navigated mistakes in his career and his struggles with mental health. The conversation highlights the careful balance biographers must strike between admiration and critique, especially regarding Churchill's alcohol use. Additionally, Roberts discusses the shifting perceptions of Churchill's leadership in the modern context and the challenges of writing a comprehensive biography amidst the plethora of existing works.
Aug 19, 2019 • 1h 6min
Tyler Cowen on Big Business
Tyler Cowen, an esteemed economist and author with ties to George Mason University, challenges commonly held perceptions about big business in America. He promotes the idea that large corporations are underappreciated and defends the financial sector's role in innovation. The conversation delves into the ethical implications of business versus government, the dynamics of labor markets, and the nuances of consumer trust. Cowen also critiques crony capitalism while advocating for systemic changes to improve low-skilled worker conditions, offering a fresh and provocative viewpoint.
Aug 12, 2019 • 1h 16min
Arthur Diamond on Openness to Creative Destruction
Arthur Diamond, a philosopher and economist from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, delves into the essentials of innovation and entrepreneurship in his discussion. He highlights how creative destruction, a concept by Schumpeter, fosters higher-quality job opportunities. Diamond underscores the need for more focus on entrepreneurship in economics education, critiques heavy regulations hindering healthcare innovation, and advocates for the creative potential of non-experts. He champions the idea that private innovators, rather than government initiatives, often drive significant technological advancements.
Aug 5, 2019 • 1h 6min
Andy Matuschak on Books and Learning
Andy Matuschak is a software engineer influential in online learning, having worked with both Apple and Khan Academy. He challenges the traditional book format in his essay, arguing that most readers struggle to retain information. The conversation dives into the limitations of conventional educational methods and champions interactive learning approaches. Matuschak discusses the significance of questioning in teaching and emphasizes the need for environments that foster critical thinking, ultimately advocating for a reimagined landscape of knowledge retention.
42 snips
Jul 29, 2019 • 1h 33min
Shoshana Zuboff on Surveillance Capitalism
Shoshana Zuboff, Professor Emerita at Harvard Business School and author of "The Age of Surveillance Capitalism," dives deep into the perils of modern data monetization. She explores how tech giants like Google and Facebook commodify personal experiences, threatening privacy and democracy. The conversation highlights the manipulation of user behavior and the dangers posed by seemingly 'free' services that exploit behavioral data. Zuboff calls for urgent legal reforms to protect individual rights and discusses the troubling realities of health apps and their data practices.
Jul 22, 2019 • 1h 22min
Chris Arnade on Dignity
Chris Arnade, a former Wall Street trader turned photographer and author, shares transformative experiences from his journey across America. He discusses the resilience and dignity of marginalized communities often stigmatized by issues like addiction and homelessness. Arnade critiques societal focus on credentials, emphasizing the emotional ties individuals have to their communities. He also reflects on the limitations of science in addressing deeper human questions, advocating for empathy and genuine connection in understanding the complexities of human experience.
Jul 15, 2019 • 1h 33min
Michael Brendan Dougherty on My Father Left Me Ireland
In this conversation, Michael Brendan Dougherty, a National Review author and journalist, shares insights from his book, exploring identity and heritage. He reflects on the complexities of fatherhood and cultural roots, questioning how we connect with our national identity. Dougherty dives into the tension between personal freedom and the importance of traditions, critiques parenting ideals, and considers the impact of poetry and emotional sincerity in America. He also addresses how music and sports can shape collective identities amid societal fragmentation.
Jul 8, 2019 • 1h 10min
Arthur Brooks on Love Your Enemies
Arthur Brooks, an economist and author renowned for his insights on political polarization, discusses his book, Love Your Enemies. He highlights how contempt harms both personal relationships and political dialogue. Brooks advocates for humility and compassion, narrating his journey from a professional musician to a leader in think tanks. The conversation dives into the significance of dignity and agency in society, while also emphasizing the potential of love and understanding to transcend ideological divides.
Jul 1, 2019 • 1h 14min
Adam Cifu on the Case for Being a Medical Conservative
Adam Cifu, a physician and author at the University of Chicago, advocates for a critical approach to medical practices. He discusses the potential pitfalls of widely endorsed treatments, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based care and patient involvement. Cifu dives into the complexities of insulin therapy, the psychological implications of medical screenings, and the evolving understanding of genetics in depression. With a focus on transparency and critical thinking, he encourages patients and doctors alike to navigate medical uncertainties effectively.
Jun 24, 2019 • 1h 8min
Eric Topol on Deep Medicine
Eric Topol, a cardiologist and digital medicine pioneer, dives into the concept of 'deep medicine,' which combines deep phenotyping, learning, and empathy to enhance healthcare. He critiques the current state of shallow medicine, advocating for AI's role in empowering patients and enhancing doctor-patient relationships. Topol explores the implications of AI in radiology and discusses the challenges of unnecessary testing. He emphasizes the importance of data ownership and a shift toward home care, championing empathy and human connection as vital components of healing.
