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
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.
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.
