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
21 snips
Feb 19, 2024 • 1h 47min
A Lively Debate on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (with Robert Wright)
Journalist and author Robert Wright, known for founding the NonZero newsletter, engages Russ Roberts in a spirited debate about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They tackle the psychological impacts of violence, exploring moral dilemmas faced by both sides. The duo discusses media biases and their influence on public opinion, along with the ethical implications of U.S. support for Israel. Their conversation highlights the complexity of narratives and the emotions driving pro-Palestinian movements, all while emphasizing a need for critical discourse.
4 snips
Feb 12, 2024 • 1h 8min
Year Zero of the Arab-Israeli Conflict (with Hillel Cohen)
Hillel Cohen, a historian from Hebrew University and author of "Year Zero of the Arab-Israeli Conflict, 1929," delves into the historical roots of the Arab-Israeli conflict, pinpointing 1929 as a significant turning point. He discusses the Hebron Massacre, exploring how differing narratives from Jews and Arabs contribute to ongoing tensions. Cohen emphasizes the importance of empathy and nuanced understanding, addressing how events like recent attacks shape perceptions and peace efforts. His insights reveal the complexity of identity, governance, and the impact of settlements on relations.
Feb 5, 2024 • 1h 14min
Should Israel Depend on the US? (with Michael Oren)
Michael Oren, a historian and former Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., argues that Israel should reconsider its dependence on American aid. He believes this could lead to greater strategic independence amid complex dynamics of U.S.-Israel relations. Oren discusses the significance of military aid, the challenges of Israel's communication strategies, and the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers in Gaza. With an optimistic view of Israel's future, he reflects on historic and current conflicts while emphasizing the need for a reevaluation of diplomatic ties.
11 snips
Jan 29, 2024 • 1h 6min
What Palestinians Are Thinking (with Dahlia Scheindlin)
Dahlia Scheindlin, a political scientist and public opinion expert on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, shares her insights on the complex emotions and sentiments shaping both sides. She discusses the impact of recent violence on Israeli society and the vulnerability felt by citizens. Exploring public opinion in Gaza, she sheds light on the intricacies of control and movement restrictions affecting Palestinians. Scheindlin also advocates for a confederated approach to self-determination while addressing the rise of religious extremism and the resilience of communities amidst ongoing tensions.
136 snips
Jan 22, 2024 • 1h
If Life Is Random, Is It Meaningless? (with Brian Klaas)
Brian Klaas, a political scientist at University College London and author of "Fluke," dives into how seemingly random events can shape history. He shares fascinating anecdotes, like how a vacation decision influenced an atomic bombing. Klaas emphasizes the importance of recognizing randomness in our lives and its impact on our choices. The discussion probes into ethical dilemmas, like the baby Hitler thought experiment, and suggests embracing uncertainty can lead to personal growth and fulfillment, challenging conventional notions of success.
42 snips
Jan 15, 2024 • 1h 10min
Can a Nation Plunder Its Way to Wealth (with Noah Smith)
Noah Smith, an economist and blogger known for his insightful Substack, delves into the complex relationship between imperialism and wealth. He argues that true prosperity stems from innovation and industrialization, not plunder. The conversation challenges the belief that militaristic conquests lead to economic gains, advocating instead for peaceful development. Smith also highlights the impacts of globalization and examines the economic transformations in China and India, emphasizing how liberalization has enhanced living standards and reduced poverty.
8 snips
Jan 8, 2024 • 1h 15min
The Challenge of Covering the Most Important Story on Earth (with Matti Friedman)
Journalist Matti Friedman, known for his insights on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, shares his experiences from the Associated Press. He discusses the media's obsession with Israel and the tendency to prioritize ideology over facts in wartime reporting. Friedman highlights the challenges of achieving objective journalism, the manipulation of casualty reports in Gaza, and the ethical dilemmas faced by reporters under censorship. He also reflects on the complexities of a two-state solution and advocates for a more rational approach to leadership in pursuit of peace.
16 snips
Jan 1, 2024 • 1h 5min
From the Second Intifada to October 7th (with Daniel Gordis)
Daniel Gordis, an author and distinguished fellow at Shalem College, shares his 25 years of insights on life in Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He discusses the existential threat posed by Hamas's recent actions and the shifting demands of the Israeli public for different responses. Gordis reflects on the historical context of the Second Intifada, the complexities of Arab-Israeli relations, and the emotional resilience of Israelis in the face of adversity. They also explore the implications for Jewish identity and the challenges of democracy.
79 snips
Dec 25, 2023 • 1h 3min
Can Artificial Intelligence Be Moral? (with Paul Bloom)
Join psychologist Paul Bloom from the University of Toronto as he challenges the idea of moral artificial intelligence. Bloom argues that pursuing moral AI may not only be futile but detrimental. He dives into the complexities of aligning AI with human values, the ethical dilemmas involved, and how these affect personal freedom. The conversation touches on parenting parallels, moral progress, and generational attitudes towards technology, providing thought-provoking insights on what it means to be moral in an AI-driven world.
222 snips
Dec 18, 2023 • 1h 41min
An Extraordinary Introduction to the Birth of Israel and the Arab-Israeli Conflict (with Haviv Rettig Gur)
Haviv Rettig Gur, a senior analyst at The Times of Israel, sheds light on the profound historical roots of Israel and the Arab-Israeli conflict. He discusses the impact of European anti-Semitism in paving the way for Zionism and the founding of Israel in 1948. Gur delves into the complex narratives surrounding Palestinian and Israeli experiences, emphasizing their incompatibility. He also contextualizes the Holocaust within broader European history, revealing the tragic irony behind the suffering that sparked a quest for a homeland.
