Conversations with Tyler

Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and a prominent investor at Greylock Partners, discusses how his love for tabletop games shapes his view of life as a heroic quest. He dives into key societal leverage points that can foster change and critiques the conventional Silicon Valley mindset. Hoffman also reflects on the philosophical influences in his work, particularly how Wittgenstein inspired LinkedIn's design. The nature of friendship, the evolution of talent certification, and innovative board game concepts are also explored in a lively exchange.

Slavoj Žižek, a Slovenian philosopher and cultural critic, discusses his enduring commitment to communism alongside Tyler. He provocatively labels *The Handmaid's Tale* as 'nostalgia for the present' and expresses admiration for Greta Thunberg. The conversation includes Marx's insights on commodification, concerns about ecology in contemporary communist regimes like China, and the unsettling dynamics of modern political discourse. Žižek challenges liberal optimism and reflects on the necessity of maintaining academia’s 'useless character' while advocating for pragmatic engagement with real-world issues.

Abhijit Banerjee, a Nobel laureate and MIT Professor, dives into the interplay of theory and practical economics, emphasizing that randomized trials are more than just data, but tests of theoretical hypotheses. He explores challenges like premature deindustrialization in emerging markets and shares insights on Kolkata's vibrant food scene, contrasting Indian and French sweets. The conversation also touches on Bengali intellectualism, the evolution of leftist thought, and the importance of enriching graduate economics training to connect theory with real-world applications.

In a year-end reflection, the hosts dive into their journey, recalling memorable guests and favorite food experiences. They share productivity tips and insights on how environments influence creativity. The discussion touches on the evolution of social media and blogging trends, while also challenging each other with a fun trivia game. They explore economic changes in China and the importance of observation during travel, all while considering how voice technology is shaping communication in today’s fast-paced world.

Esther Duflo, a Nobel Prize-winning economist and co-founder of J-PAL, shares her transformative journey from observing economic practices in the Soviet Union to advising governments on poverty reduction. She discusses how mentorship amplifies cash transfers, the dangers of fixating solely on growth rates, and the unique child-rearing practices in France. Duflo also reflects on geographic mobility decline in the U.S. and what rock climbing teaches about empirical economics, while intertwining her daily life experiences with music.

Daron Acemoglu, a renowned MIT economist and co-author of "The Narrow Corridor," delves into the crucial balance of power between state and society. He discusses how institutions shape nations' trajectories and the historical impacts of colonization on modern inequalities. Daron also examines the dynamics of democratization and how cultural legacies, like those from the Roman Empire, influence today's governance. He shares thoughts on Turkey's future, insights on women's rights in social hierarchies, and strategies to motivate graduate students.

Tyler Cowen, an economist at George Mason University known for his insights on progress, and Patrick Collison, CEO of Stripe with a keen interest in technology and innovation, delve into the nature of advancement in society. They discuss the importance of understanding progress, its impact on biomedical research, and the necessity for reform in educational institutions. The conversation highlights collaborative innovation, the challenges of funding in the biomedical field, and the need for new strategies to foster economic growth and societal well-being.

In this engaging conversation, Shaka Senghor, author of *Writing My Wrongs*, shares his transformational journey from 19 years in prison to becoming a celebrated writer and leader. He discusses how literacy became his lifeline during seven years in solitary confinement. Shaka reflects on the challenges of reintegrating into society, the impact of technology, and the importance of empathy for those formerly incarcerated. He also dives into issues of racism, spiritual growth, and the necessity of systemic reform to combat recidivism.

Fuchsia Dunlop, a Chinese food expert and author of "The Food of Sichuan," joins Lydia Chang, daughter of renowned chefs Peter and Lisa Chang at Mama Chang. They dive into the evolution of Sichuan cuisine, discussing everything from the popularity of 'Chinese' cauliflower to why Michelin inspectors overlook Chinese dining experiences. The trio shares personal anecdotes, critiques Western perceptions of Chinese food, and explores the significance of communal dining. Expect insights on dessert offerings and the ongoing culinary fusion that's redefining Chinese cuisine today!

Ted Gioia, author of "Music: A Subversive History," delves into the idea of music as cultural cloud storage. He discusses the tension between innovative and formulaic music, sharing insights from his daily routine of absorbing new sounds. Gioia explores how disease outbreaks spur musical innovation, critiques the impact of tech on creativity, and highlights the overlooked contributions of female artists. He also reveals why he believes AI will never produce the perfect song and shares personal anecdotes that shaped his music appreciation.