Conversations with Tyler

Adam Tooze, a Columbia University historian, dives into the intricate dance of economic recovery and history. He discusses the perplexing decision for high-cost lockdowns during the pandemic and envisions a 'swoosh-shaped' recovery while warning about vulnerabilities in China and emerging economies. Tooze critiques Keynes' views on the Treaty of Versailles, linking it to the rise of authoritarianism in Germany. He also shares insights on writing habits and reflects on Europe's future challenges, including economic strife and the refugee crisis.

Glen Weyl, an economist and founder of RadicalXChange, discusses innovative strategies to combat COVID-19. He highlights a testing and isolation plan with a ten-to-one benefit-cost ratio, comparing the U.S. response to successes abroad. The conversation delves into pricing issues during the pandemic, the importance of engaging academia in public discourse, and modernizing education systems. Weyl also reflects on his ideological journey and the intriguing dynamics of personal identity.

Philip E. Tetlock, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania and co-author of Superforecasting, dives into the fascinating world of prediction. He discusses the balance between entertainment and accuracy in forecasting, highlighting the challenges forecasters face to capture attention. Tetlock contrasts fox-like integrative thinkers with hedgehogs and lays out the importance of cognitive diversity in crisis forecasting. He also reflects on the impact of second cultures and offers insights into improving decision-making processes, all while navigating the complexities of human judgment.

Emily St. John Mandel, renowned for her novels like Station Eleven, joins the conversation to discuss the uncanny parallels between her stories and current reality. She candidly questions why people are drawn to pandemic narratives during crises. The chat dives into topics like self-exile strategies, the complexities of trophy wives balancing wealth and happiness, and the emotional landscapes shaped by literature. With a backdrop of her experiences, Mandel connects the dots between fiction and real life, revealing how her past in dance informs her writing.

Ross Douthat, author of "The Decadent Society" and New York Times contributor, dives into decadence as a technical state of society, not just a moral judgment. He discusses Kanye West as a force against stagnation and critiques modern architecture's mediocrity. Douthat examines how changing masculine roles impact family and fertility, while exploring the influence of Thiel's ethos on conservatism. Delving into the complexities of morality, he contrasts Mormonism with other Christian communities, and even touches on the allure of UFOs and ghosts in modern narratives.

Russ Roberts, the insightful host of EconTalk, joins Tyler Cowen to delve deep into the complexities of COVID-19. They discuss the emotional toll of social isolation and the importance of maintaining human connections during crises. Their conversation navigates the economic fallout, examining government responses and the struggles of small businesses. They also explore potential health innovations post-pandemic and the moral dilemmas surrounding government bailouts. On a hopeful note, they encourage personal empowerment through engaging in projects and the future of education.

John McWhorter, a prominent linguist, podcaster, and author, shares his insights on an array of fascinating topics. He argues for colloquial Indonesian as the ideal universal language and dives into the origins of Creole languages. The conversation touches on why Mandarin won't replace English as the global lingua franca, the historical influence of Vikings on modern English, and reflections on race in American musical works like Gershwin's 'Porgy and Bess.' McWhorter also discusses the decline of regional accents and the complexities of language learning.

Garett Jones, an economist at George Mason University and author of "10% Less Democracy," tackles provocative ideas about limiting democratic accountability. He argues against governance by bondholders and suggests reforms for more responsible democracy. The conversation spans the importance of econometric skills for risk-taking in policy-making, the evolution of collective intelligence, and even the underrated charm of French cuisine. He shares insights on the challenges facing the Mormon Church and how studying wine can surprisingly teach economic principles.

Tim Harford, a Financial Times columnist and popular economics author, shares his insights on the fascinating world of mistakes and storytelling. He discusses the role of popular economics in our polarized political climate and dives into the complexities of Brexit. Harford highlights the art of public speaking for both extroverts and introverts, the importance of engaging feedback, and the limits of fact-checking in today’s discourse. His anecdotes range from playing poker with Steve Levitt to reflections on the impact of social media on public dialogue.

Ezra Klein, Editor-at-large at Vox and author of "Why We're Polarized," dives into the complexities of America's growing political identity crisis. He explores how polarization now permeates various aspects of life, from sports fandom to faith communities. Klein discusses the implications of this trend and its efficiency in amplifying divisions. He shares personal reflections on fatherhood and its influence on his political views. The conversation also touches on the future of public broadcasting and the challenges faced by social media governance.