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
Dec 16, 2019 • 1h 10min
Binyamin Appelbaum on the Economists' Hour
Binyamin Appelbaum, a journalist for the New York Times and author of "The Economists' Hour," dives into the evolution of economic thought and its societal impacts. He critiques the rise of free-market ideology, linking it to increasing inequality and stagnant growth. The conversation highlights the role of Milton Friedman in shaping modern policies, the complexities of homelessness, and the pitfalls of lenient antitrust policies. Appelbaum also examines Greenspan's contradictory economic strategies, showcasing the growing shift toward progressive economic theories among today's economists.
Dec 9, 2019 • 1h 11min
Terry Moe on Educational Reform, Katrina, and Hidden Power
Terry Moe, a political scientist and author at Stanford University, delves into the transformative impact of Hurricane Katrina on educational reform in New Orleans. He highlights how the disaster prompted a shift to charter schools, leading to significant improvements in student outcomes. Moe discusses the challenges posed by entrenched interests, like teachers' unions, that often hinder reform. He emphasizes the importance of incorporating innovation and adaptability in education, showing how political dynamics can change under pressure from catastrophic events.
Dec 2, 2019 • 1h 8min
Gerd Gigerenzer on Gut Feelings
Gerd Gigerenzer, a leading expert in decision-making from the Max Planck Institute, discusses the importance of gut feelings over complex models in navigating choices. He emphasizes the value of simple heuristics, especially in uncertain situations like hiring and finance. Gigerenzer critiques complex risk assessments that failed during the 2008 crisis, advocating for streamlined tools. He also highlights the pitfalls of medical screenings and champions personal experience as a guide in decision-making, illustrating how intuitive methods often outperform intricate algorithms.
Nov 25, 2019 • 1h 14min
Susan Mayer on What Money Can't Buy
In this discussion, Susan Mayer, a Professor emerita at the University of Chicago, dives into her research on poverty and education. She reveals that simply giving money to poor families doesn't significantly improve children's lives. Mayer emphasizes the critical role of parental engagement and innovative educational strategies. The conversation highlights the complexities of poverty, the need for tailored support, and the importance of understanding behavioral influences on success. Ultimately, effective parenting practices are vital for fostering better outcomes for disadvantaged children.
Nov 18, 2019 • 1h 24min
Keith Smith on Free Market Health Care
Entrepreneur and Anesthesiologist Keith Smith of the Surgery Center of Oklahoma talks with host Russ Roberts about what it's like to run a surgery center that posts prices on the internet and that does not take insurance. Along the way, he discusses the distortions in the market for health care and how a real market for health care might function if government took a smaller role.
10 snips
Nov 11, 2019 • 1h 24min
Rory Sutherland on Alchemy
Rory Sutherland, an advertising executive at Ogilvy and author of 'Alchemy,' discusses the surprising influence of behavioral economics on consumer behavior. He critiques traditional economic models, advocating for creativity in market dynamics. Sutherland explores how psychological factors shape consumer choices, like the impact of context in dining experiences. He also discusses the evolution of TV viewing and the complexities of trust in today's economy, emphasizing the need for improved consumer experiences over mere efficiency.
11 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.
