Conversations with Tyler

In this engaging discussion, Russ Roberts, a research fellow at Stanford's Hoover Institution and host of EconTalk, delves into the virtues of forgiveness and the potential manipulation of data. He explores the complexities of prayer, the motivations behind behaviors, and the effects of a volunteer army on wartime incentives. The conversation also touches on the shortcomings of classical liberalism, the relevance of behavioral economics, and how religious texts can inform economic principles. Expect insights sprinkled with humor and personal anecdotes!

Ezekiel Emanuel, a physician and bioethicist renowned for his insights on healthcare policy, shares thought-provoking views on the evolving landscape of medicine. He discusses the vital role of emotional intelligence in patient care and critiques the traditional medical education system. Emanuel delves into ethical dilemmas surrounding cancer treatments and the paradox of immortality, pondering if eternal life could lead to boredom. He also addresses the complexities of healthcare costs and the curious scarcity of fine dining in affluent areas, blending personal anecdotes with impactful societal observations.

Karl Ove Knausgård, a celebrated Norwegian author, dives into the quest for total freedom in writing. He discusses the essence of mimesis and its role in storytelling, reflecting on personal experiences that shape artistic expression. Knausgård shares insights from Ingmar Bergman’s workbooks and the parenting boost to his productivity. The conversation traverses themes of literature's intersection with anxiety, as embodied in Edvard Munch's 'The Scream', while exploring identity, cultural heritage, and the sanctity of autobiographical writing.

Margaret Atwood, the acclaimed Canadian author known for works like 'The Handmaid's Tale,' shares her sharp wit and insights in a captivating conversation. She humorously defines Canadian humor while reflecting on the vastness of Canada. Atwood dives into topics like the impact of social media on literature, feminism in the arts, and the Future Library project, emphasizing the importance of preserving writing for future generations. She also touches on her creative process, the significance of place in storytelling, and her thoughts on free speech.

Neuroscientist Ed Boyden from MIT, known for his groundbreaking work in optogenetics and brain research, dives deep into the mysteries of the mind. He discusses innovative brain mapping techniques and the ethical implications of new neurotechnologies. Boyden explores the interplay between the brain, body, and gut, revealing surprising connections to mental health. With insights on consciousness and creativity, he questions whether consciousness is an illusion or fundamental to the universe. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges our understanding of the brain.

Emily Wilson, a Professor of Classical Studies at the University of Pennsylvania and renowned translator of Homer's works, dives into the challenges of translating ancient texts. She discusses quirky translation difficulties, like the lack of onomatopoeic words in English for chaotic sounds. The conversation touches on Stoicism's charm for Silicon Valley, the gender dynamics in academia, and her struggle with translating the Iliad after the Odyssey. With a big Ikea desk and a giant orange cat, she emphasizes the art of literary translation and the importance of inclusive classics education.

Raghuram Rajan, an esteemed academic and policymaker, shares insights from his book on the vital interaction between the state, markets, and communities. He discusses the pressing issue of empowering local communities while navigating global challenges. Rajan critiques the U.S. financial system's recovery, compares community dynamics between India and the U.S., and navigates India's unique food system. He emphasizes the importance of grassroots engagement in evolving capitalism and ponders the future of democracy and economic equality.

Founders aren’t superheroes, says Sam Altman.They may play extreme sports, respond to emails within seconds, and start billion-dollar companies, but they are rarely the product of extraordinary circumstance. In fact, they tend to be solidly upper-middle class, reasonably smart, and with loving parents.  So would Sam fund Peter Parker? What about Bruce Wayne? Tyler and Sam discuss these burning questions and more, including what’s wrong with San Francisco, Napoleon’s underrated skill, nuclear energy, the greatest invention of the Industrial Revolution, his rant against coworking spaces, UBI and AGI, risk and regret, optimism and beauty, and why venture capitalists don’t have superpowers either. Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links. Recorded January 28th, 2019 Other ways to connect Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Follow Tyler on Twitter  Follow Sam on Twitter Email us: cowenconvos@mercatus.gmu.edu Subscribe at our newsletter page to have the latest Conversations with Tyler news sent straight to your inbox. 

Jordan Peterson joins Tyler to discuss collecting Soviet propaganda, why he’s so drawn to Jung, what the Exodus story can teach us about current events, his marriage and fame, what the Intellectual Dark Web gets wrong, immigration in America and Canada, his tendency towards depression, Tinder’s revolutionary nature, the lessons from The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter, fixing universities, the skills needed to become a good educator, and much more. Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links. Recorded January 27th, 2019 Other ways to connect Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Follow Tyler on Twitter  Follow Jordan on Twitter Email us: cowenconvos@mercatus.gmu.edu Subscribe at our newsletter page to have the latest Conversations with Tyler news sent straight to your inbox Photo credit: Gage Skidmore

How did religious freedom emerge — and why did it arrive so late? In their forthcoming book, fellow Mason economists Noel Johnson and Mark Koyama argue that while most focus on the role of liberal ideas in establishing religious freedom, it was instead institutional changes — and the growth of state capacity in particular — that played the decisive role. In their conversation with Tyler, Johnson and Koyama discuss the ‘long road to religious freedom’ and more, including the link between bad weather and Jewish persecution, why China evolved into such a large political unit, whether the Black Death proves Paul Romer wrong, scapegoating, usury prohibitions in history, and the economic impact of volcanic eruptions. Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links. Recorded January 17th, 2019 Other ways to connect Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Follow Tyler on Twitter  Follow Mark on Twitter Email us: cowenconvos@mercatus.gmu.edu Subscribe at our newsletter page to have the latest Conversations with Tyler news sent straight to your inbox.