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
Jun 17, 2019 • 1h 18min
Anja Shortland on Kidnap
Anja Shortland, a Reader in political economy at King's College London and author of "Kidnap: Inside the Ransom Business," delves into the surprising order within the chaotic world of kidnapping. She highlights the dynamics of ransom negotiations and the economic forces at play, particularly in high-risk areas like Somali piracy. Shortland discusses the importance of reputation in negotiations and the psychological tactics employed by both kidnappers and negotiators. The conversation reveals how local agreements can foster safety, even amid conflict.
Jun 10, 2019 • 1h 11min
Bjorn Lomborg on the Costs and Benefits of Attacking Climate Change
Bjorn Lomborg, President of the Copenhagen Consensus Center and author, discusses the nuanced landscape of climate change solutions. He emphasizes the importance of trade-offs in policy-making, advocating for effective measures like geoengineering and adaptation rather than solely focusing on fossil fuel reduction. Lomborg challenges the prevailing pessimism surrounding climate impacts, presenting a view that prioritizes human resilience and economic advancement. He argues for integrated strategies that address both climate change and poverty, suggesting innovative approaches over traditional methods.
Jun 3, 2019 • 1h 18min
Alain Bertaud on Cities, Planning, and Order Without Design
Alain Bertaud, an urbanist and author, dives into the dynamics of city planning and its impact on urban living. He critiques rigid zoning laws that often hinder access to housing for low-income residents. Bertaud emphasizes cities as vital labor markets rather than mere tourist spots, highlighting the importance of efficient housing and transportation links. He champions spontaneous order over traditional planning, advocating for flexible policies that accommodate community needs and promote sustainable urban environments.
16 snips
May 27, 2019 • 1h 42min
David Epstein on Mastery, Specialization, and Range
David Epstein, an author and journalist known for works like "Range," discusses the benefits of generalization versus specialization. He explores how diverse experiences foster mastery and adaptability. Epstein challenges the myth of early specialization in success stories like Tiger Woods, advocating for broader skill sets. He highlights the importance of flexibility in decision-making, especially in high-pressure situations like the Challenger disaster. He also examines the Flynn effect, suggesting modern education enhances cognitive abilities, supporting varied life paths for personal growth.
4 snips
May 20, 2019 • 1h 17min
Mary Hirschfeld on Economics, Culture, and Aquinas and the Market
Mary Hirschfeld, an economist and theologian from Villanova University, delves into the relationship between economics and virtue in this engaging conversation. She critiques the materialist perspective of happiness, arguing that true fulfillment hinges on deeper connections and moral values. The discussion also touches on the ethics of incentivizing kidney donations, the complexities of economic growth versus virtue, and the often-overlooked influences of social status on behavior. Hirschfeld calls for a more humane economy where community well-being and personal growth take center stage.
May 13, 2019 • 1h 20min
Robert Burton on Being Certain
Robert Burton, a neurologist and author of "On Being Certain," dives into the neuroscience behind our quest for certainty. He reveals how the brain’s competition among unconscious processes influences our 'feeling of knowing.' Burton discusses the fallibility of memory, illustrated through the Challenger disaster, and critiques the simplistic views of mental illness and intelligence. He also explores transcendence's personal meaning and champions embracing uncertainty, demonstrating how subjective experiences shape our understanding of the world.
May 6, 2019 • 1h 18min
Mauricio Miller on Poverty, Social Work, and the Alternative
Mauricio Miller, a poverty activist and MacArthur genius grant recipient, shares his insights on escaping poverty through self-determination and community support. He challenges the stereotypes surrounding poverty, emphasizing resilience and agency. Miller advocates for innovative approaches to social work that empower families, highlighting the role of community involvement. He also discusses the concept of 'positive deviants' who inspire change and the importance of technology in fostering collaboration among families. Investing in community potential, he argues, can lead to transformative social change.
Apr 29, 2019 • 1h 6min
Emily Oster on Cribsheet
Emily Oster, a renowned economist and author from Brown University, discusses her book, Cribsheet, which offers a data-driven perspective on parenting. She challenges common misconceptions about breastfeeding, emphasizing the impact of education and socioeconomic factors. The conversation delves into the complexities of postpartum challenges and the importance of support for parents. Oster also tackles vaccine safety, the evolving advice on food allergies, and highlights how humility can reshape our understanding of parenting decisions.
Apr 22, 2019 • 1h 27min
Paul Romer on Growth, Cities, and the State of Economics
Paul Romer, a Nobel Laureate and influential economist from New York University, shares his insights on economic growth and the significance of cities. He emphasizes the power of collaboration and diverse communities in fostering innovation. Romer advocates for charter cities as a means to enhance trust and social norms, while critiquing traditional macroeconomic theories for their disconnect from real-world data. Reflecting on his World Bank experience, he raises concerns about transparency and the institution's global impact, particularly in developing nations.
Apr 15, 2019 • 1h 7min
Jill Lepore on Nationalism, Populism, and the State of America
Jill Lepore, a renowned historian and Harvard professor, dives deep into the themes of nationalism and populism in America. She argues for a renewed American narrative that better reflects our complexities. The discussion navigates through the evolution of nationalism, the impact of globalization, and the challenge of distinguishing truth in today's information overload. Lepore also critiques the state of journalism and explores how economic anxiety prompts people to seek scapegoats, revealing the need for a balanced historical perspective.
