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
59 snips
Sep 16, 2024 • 1h 14min
What Modern Medicine Gets Wrong (with Marty Makary)
Dr. Marty Makary, a renowned surgeon and author from Johns Hopkins, uncovers the flaws in modern healthcare practices. He discusses the paradox surrounding peanut allergies, revealing how avoidance has worsened them. Makary challenges the longstanding norms of hormone replacement therapy, advocating for a reevaluation of medical dogmas. He also tackles the overprescription of antibiotics and urges for evidence-based reforms in surgical practices. With a focus on humility and independent thinking, he calls for a revolution in how we approach patient care.
Sep 9, 2024 • 1h 11min
Is Israel Winning the War in Gaza? (with Andrew Fox)
Andrew Fox, a military strategist and former British Army officer, shares his insights after spending a week with the Israel Defense Forces in Gaza. He discusses the IDF's impressive control of the territory and the staggering physical devastation he witnessed. Fox analyzes Israel's military strategy, balancing the fight against Hamas with the need to minimize civilian casualties. He also addresses the complexities of narratives surrounding the conflict, the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and the emotional implications of the ongoing strife, providing a nuanced perspective on a deeply divisive issue.
48 snips
Sep 2, 2024 • 1h 13min
The Problems of Boys and Men in Today's America (with Richard Reeves)
Richard Reeves, President of the American Institute for Boys and Men, dives into critical issues affecting boys and men in America. He discusses the troubling educational disparities where boys lag behind girls in literacy and academic performance. Reeves highlights the need for reform in the education system, including considerations for male representation among teachers. He explores the evolving definitions of masculinity and fatherhood, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and developing intangible skills for success in today's workforce.
37 snips
Aug 26, 2024 • 1h 5min
Chaos and Complexity Economics (with J. Doyne Farmer)
J. Doyne Farmer, a physicist and professor at Oxford, champions a revolutionary approach to economics through complexity science. He critiques traditional models for failing to capture human behavior and proposes more dynamic models that can better predict economic phenomena. The conversation touches on the impact of lending policies on the housing bubble and parallels between weather and economic forecasting. Farmer emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary dialogue to bridge gaps in economic thought, pushing for a future where complexity economics is more widely accepted.
29 snips
Aug 19, 2024 • 1h 3min
What's Happening Inside Your Doctor's Head and Heart (with Adam Cifu)
In this discussion, physician Adam Cifu, a professor at the University of Chicago known for his blog Sensible Medicine, delves into the emotional complexities of being a doctor. He shares his practice of memorializing patients in a binder, highlighting the human side of medicine. Key topics include the importance of empathy in doctor-patient relationships, the balance between data and intuition in diagnosing, and the emotional toll medicine takes on healthcare professionals. Cifu’s insights reflect a mindful approach to the art of healing.
Aug 12, 2024 • 1h 9min
How Do You Capture the Tragedy of War? (with Sabin Howard)
In this thought-provoking discussion, sculptor Sabin Howard shares insights from his work on the upcoming World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C. He reflects on the emotional complexities of war and the power of art to convey the human experience. Howard critiques modern art's shock-value trend, advocating for a return to classical techniques. He passionately discusses the intricate process of transforming clay into bronze and the importance of memorials in honoring sacrifices, emphasizing art's role in fostering unity and understanding amidst tragedy.
38 snips
Aug 5, 2024 • 1h 3min
The Ever-Present Challenge of Escaping Poverty (with Noah Smith)
Economist Noah Smith, known for his insights on poverty and economic development, discusses the never-ending battle against poverty. He likens poverty to an elemental foe and emphasizes the importance of technological progress in combating it. Smith critiques the nostalgia for past eras, arguing that life wasn't necessarily better, and expresses skepticism towards the degrowth movement for its potential to undermine advancements. The conversation also touches on the paradox of modern economic development and the importance of maintaining human connections in a tech-driven world.
62 snips
Jul 29, 2024 • 1h 58min
Sam Harris on Jew-Hatred, Radical Islam, and the West
Sam Harris, a renowned neuroscientist and philosopher, delves into the worrying rise of anti-Semitism in the West and critiques institutional responses, particularly in academia. He discusses the complexities of the Israel-West dynamic amidst radical Islam and the influence of Qatari funding. Harris also highlights the bravery of ex-Muslims who confront severe risks in sharing their stories. The conversation navigates the moral dilemmas of confronting radical ideologies, emphasizing the necessity for empathy, civil discourse, and a deeper understanding of these urgent issues.
33 snips
Jul 22, 2024 • 1h 24min
Does Parenting Make You a Better Person? (with Erik Hoel)
In a heartfelt conversation, neuroscientist Erik Hoel shares his insights on the transformative power of parenting. He argues that becoming a parent can enhance emotional richness and counteract jadedness. Hoel discusses how different parenting styles shape children's personalities and dives into the world of children's literature, sharing both beloved and critiqued classics. The challenges of elite education and concerns around homeschooling are also examined, emphasizing the impact of societal pressures on modern parents and their pursuit of meaning.
72 snips
Jul 15, 2024 • 1h 34min
Lessons from Lincoln, Then and Now (with Diana Schaub)
Diana Schaub, a political scientist from Loyola University Maryland and author of "His Greatest Speeches: How Lincoln Moved the Nation," delves into the timeless lessons from Abraham Lincoln's speeches. She discusses the importance of Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address in confronting America's legacy of slavery and his nuanced warnings about threats to democracy in his Lyceum Speech. Schaub also highlights Lincoln's call for thoughtful governance and civic responsibility, advocating for a revival of eloquence in political discourse inspired by Lincoln's powerful rhetoric.
