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
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.
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.
