Conversations with Tyler

Chris Blattman, an economist and political scientist at the University of Chicago, explores the political and institutional causes of war in his insightful discussion. He challenges traditional views on demographics as predictors of conflict, emphasizing accountability and societal sentiment in leadership. Blattman examines the fragile peace in Ireland, the complexities of Colombia's governance, and the unpredictable nature of war influenced by concentration of power. He also draws parallels between bouldering focus and budget decisions in development, introducing fascinating perspectives on conflict and cooperation.

Thomas Piketty, a renowned economist and author of A Brief History of Equality, discusses the intricate relationship between politics and income inequality. He highlights that the strides toward equality in the 19th and 20th centuries stemmed from social movements rather than economic determinism. Piketty advocates for rectifying past injustices, addresses France's reparations to Haiti, and proposes a minimum inheritance to tackle wealth disparity. He also critiques cultural inequalities and examines the role of public education in driving economic growth.

Roy Foster, one of Ireland's leading historians and author of a celebrated biography on Yeats, delves into the intricacies of Irish history. He discusses how expectations shaped Ireland's tumultuous past, why the Scots fared better than the Irish under English rule, and the fading of spoken Irish. Foster also touches on the cultural impacts of neutrality during WWII, the evolution of Irish visual arts, and key economic shifts that have defined the nation. His insights reveal how history shapes current identities and the potential futures of Ireland.

Lydia Davis, a celebrated author and translator, captivates with her love for language and short, sparkling sentences. She shares her chaotic creative process and discusses how brevity shapes storytelling. The conversation touches on the humor of Proust in different languages and the intricacies of translating film subtitles. Lydia also reflects on her passion for visual arts, classical music, and the challenge of fostering young writing talent. With insights into the beauty of foreign literature, she highlights the cultural richness found in translation.

Sam Bankman-Fried, CEO of FTX and a champion of effective altruism, shares insights on turning crypto profits into impactful philanthropy. He discusses the art of Bitcoin arbitrage, the influence of games on his business acumen, and lessons from sports leadership. The conversation touches on the complexities of regulating stablecoins, the challenges facing effective altruism, and even a light-hearted debate on the best French fries. Prepare for a blend of deep ethical discussions and quirky culinary opinions!

Chuck Klosterman, the witty author of The Nineties, dives into the complexities of capturing recent history. He reflects on the cultural anxieties of the '90s and how the era shaped music and identity. Klosterman discusses the impact of the internet on cultural depth and nostalgia, and why Seinfeld's context outweighed its content. He explores the evolution of sports rivalries and the rise of esports, all while balancing personal anecdotes about love and self-identity. His insights challenge listeners to appreciate the present and take creative risks.

Sebastian Mallaby, a Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and author of "Power Law," dives into the fascinating world of venture capital. He discusses why the industry's skills remain elusive, the biotech sector's potential despite regulatory hurdles, and the enduring dominance of Silicon Valley. Mallaby contrasts East and West Coast investment strategies, shares insights from Peter Thiel about the power law, and reflects on Japan's economic future amid global shifts. His deep understanding unveils the complex dynamics of capital and innovation.

Stewart Brand, a polymath known for his involvement in cyberculture and environmental movements, shares his wisdom at 83. He dives into the curious connections between his Cold War upbringing and modern curiosity. Brand discusses the allure of psychedelics, the impact of the Whole Earth Catalog, and critiques of Silicon Valley's disconnect from the arts. He raises fascinating ideas about bringing back woolly mammoths and challenges the notion of space colonization, urging us to focus on maintenance and the importance of institutions.

Russ Roberts, President of Shalem College in Jerusalem and host of the EconTalk podcast, shares his experiences of immigrating to Israel. He delves into the unique hurdles of establishing universities and managing diverse teams. The conversation touches on the cultural significance of Israeli military service, the richness of local television, and the vibrant complexities of life for both Jews and Arabs in Israel. Through personal anecdotes, he highlights the challenges of fostering community ties while navigating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the excitement of cultural integration.

Ana Vidović, a world-renowned classical guitarist from Croatia, discusses the interplay of talent and perseverance in music. She reflects on her early prodigy status and how it can lead to complacency. Vidović shares insights on mastering Bach, the challenges of live performance, and the significance of mental practice. She emphasizes the need for careful score study and balances digital presence with live engagements. The conversation also covers her experiences with competitions, the impact of the pandemic on audiences, and her passion for genre crossover.