Conversations with Tyler

George Selgin, an economist and monetary policy expert, dives into the complexities surrounding the New Deal and its actual impact on the Great Depression. He reveals the surprising lack of effective fiscal stimulus and critiques Roosevelt’s gold revaluation strategy. Selgin discusses the profound effects of regime uncertainty and how missteps in policy led to the 1937-38 recession. With a humorous twist, he also shares anecdotes about his life in Spain, including a fractional-reserve donkey ownership scheme that highlights his whimsical yet insightful approach to economics.

John Amaechi, a former NBA player, psychologist, and bestselling author, dives into leadership in sports and beyond. He discusses the hidden impacts of workplace culture shaped by tolerating poor behavior. Amaechi critiques the university sports system for neglecting athletes' personal growth. He candidly shares his journey as a gay player, addressing the struggle with homophobia in sports. The conversation also covers mental health, the significance of therapy, and the fallacies of personality testing, while emphasizing leadership as a skill earned through practice.

Cognitive psychologist and bestselling author Steven Pinker dives into the concept of common knowledge, emphasizing its role in human coordination and societal functions. He debates whether deep recursive knowledge is truly necessary for everyday interactions, like navigating traffic circles. Alongside Tyler, he explores the pros and cons of anonymity in online discourse, discusses benign hypocrisies in society, and examines the retreat of liberal enlightenment. The conversation touches on the challenges of rational agreement and the influence of linguistics on AI, all sprinkled with humor and insights.

David Commins, an expert on Saudi Arabia and author of "Saudi Arabia: A Modern History", delves into the complexities of Wahhabism and its significant role in state-building. The conversation covers the historical discrimination against Shiites, the implications of the 1979 Grand Mosque seizure, and the motivations behind Saudi sports investments. Commins also discusses Yemen's instability, barriers in education, and Saudi Arabia's transition to a post-oil economy. His insights offer a captivating view into the challenges and future of the Gulf States.

Seamus Murphy, an Irish photographer and filmmaker, shares his gripping experiences from conflict zones around the world. He discusses the resilient spirit of Afghanistan and the complex cultural implications of Taliban rule. Murphy reflects on Ireland's cultural shifts since the Celtic Tiger era and contrasts that with his time in America and India. He recounts near-death encounters with Boko Haram in Nigeria and explores the visual parallels between American and Russian life through his photography. Join him for a vivid journey through art, conflict, and cultural identity.

David Brooks, a columnist for The New York Times and author, shares his insights on the evolving American psyche. He diagnoses sociological issues over economic ones, pointing to the decline of family and community as core problems. Brooks discusses the unique pressures facing today's youth, who are both the most productive and most rejected generation. He probes the impact of technology on relationships and the literary landscape while reflecting on the role of neoconservatism in addressing societal challenges. The conversation touches on audacity, AI, and the future of social engagement.

Nate Silver, statistician and founder of FiveThirtyEight, brings his expertise on data analysis and forecasting to a thought-provoking conversation. He examines the nuances of expected utility theory and its practical applications in poker and sports. Silver discusses the limitations of academic discourse, the complexities of voting systems, and the dynamics of athletic identity, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ athletes. He also shares insights into AI's role in forecasting and his future projects, blending humor with deep analysis.

Annie Jacobsen, an investigative journalist known for her work on national security and military history, dives deep into the madness of America’s nuclear doctrine. She questions the sanity of rapid decision-making in a nuclear crisis and discusses the risks vs. fears associated with deterrence. Their conversation touches on the efficacy of missile defense systems, escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, and her insights on historical conspiracies, including the JFK assassination. Jacobsen also shares her thoughts on UFOs and the human psyche behind intelligence operations.

Helen Castor, a British historian and BBC broadcaster specializing in the medieval period, shares her insights on the power dynamics of 14th century England. She explores Richard II and Henry IV's roles in shaping constitutional precedents and the complexities of monarchy. The discussion touches on Shakespeare's influence on historical narratives and the cultural shifts that enabled literary greats like Chaucer. Castor also reflects on her creative process and the inspiration drawn from Isaac Asimov's 'I, Robot', revealing her passion for history and storytelling.

David Robertson, a distinguished conductor known for blending avant-garde music with accessibility, dives deep into his journey and influences. He reflects on Pierre Boulez's impact on contemporary music and discusses whether Boulez aligns more with surrealism or serialism. Robertson shares insights on connecting with musicians, the challenges of memorizing complex scores, and why he prefers the original 1911 version of Stravinsky's 'Petrushka.' Additionally, he touches on the emotional resonance of music and the differences in how audiences from various cultures experience performances.