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
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.
Apr 8, 2019 • 1h 5min
Robin Feldman on Drugs, Money, and Secret Handshakes
Robin Feldman, a law professor and expert in pharmaceutical law, dives into the complexities of drug pricing and regulation. She discusses how the current legal framework incentivizes drug companies to cling to monopolies, often leading to high costs for consumers. Feldman critiques the role of pharmacy benefit managers in manipulating prices and hindering transparency. The conversation also highlights the need for systemic reforms in patent laws to prioritize real innovation over minor modifications that merely extend profitability.
Apr 1, 2019 • 1h 19min
Jacob Stegenga on Medical Nihilism
Jacob Stegenga, a lecturer at Cambridge University and author of "Medical Nihilism," delves into the skepticism surrounding modern medical treatments. He argues that many interventions might not only be ineffective but may also carry severe side effects. Stegenga critiques the FDA’s approval process for exaggerating the benefits of drugs while downplaying their risks. He emphasizes the need for a more realistic understanding of medical practices, advocating for rigorous evidence-based evaluations and greater transparency in medical research.
Mar 25, 2019 • 1h 3min
Daniel Hamermesh on Spending Time
Economist Daniel Hamermesh, author of "Spending Time", dives into the intricacies of how we perceive time versus money. He reveals the cultural shift that makes busyness a status symbol and discusses how increased income impacts leisure expectations. Hamermesh highlights the evolution of parental involvement and the changing dynamics of marriage in contemporary society. With engaging anecdotes, he advocates for valuing time and rethinking its management for more fulfilling lives.
Mar 18, 2019 • 1h 3min
Amy Tuteur on Birth, Natural Parenting, and Push Back
In this conversation, Amy Tuteur, an obstetrician-gynecologist and author of "Push Back," critiques the trend of natural parenting, arguing it can be detrimental to women's health. She discusses the need for supportive childbirth environments over strict adherence to natural methods. Tuteur debunks common myths about breastfeeding, emphasizing personal choice over societal expectations. The dialogue also addresses the evolution of childbirth safety and the importance of balancing medical recommendations with parental autonomy in decision-making.
