EconTalk
Russ Roberts
EconTalk: Conversations for the Curious is an award-winning weekly podcast hosted by Russ Roberts of Shalem College in Jerusalem and Stanford's Hoover Institution. The eclectic guest list includes authors, doctors, psychologists, historians, philosophers, economists, and more. Learn how the health care system really works, the serenity that comes from humility, the challenge of interpreting data, how potato chips are made, what it's like to run an upscale Manhattan restaurant, what caused the 2008 financial crisis, the nature of consciousness, the conflicts and history of the Middle East, and more. EconTalk has been taking the Monday out of Mondays since 2006. All 1000+ episodes are available in the archive. Go to EconTalk.org for transcripts, related resources, and comments.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 21, 2020 • 1h 9min
Lisa Cook on Racism, Patents, and Black Entrepreneurship
Economist Lisa Cook from Michigan State University shares her insights on how racism has stifled U.S. innovation. She discusses the historical links between racial violence and a decline in Black inventors, highlighting overlooked contributions in patent data. Cook emphasizes the need for diversity in economics and STEM fields to foster ideas and equity. She also advocates for reforms in policing and education to uplift Black communities and promote inclusivity, suggesting approaches similar to South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission for national healing.
Sep 14, 2020 • 1h 5min
Robert Chitester on Milton Friedman and Free to Choose
Robert Chitester, an educational entrepreneur and filmmaker known for his collaboration with Milton Friedman on 'Free to Choose,' shares fascinating insights into their partnership. He discusses the creative process behind the PBS series, emphasizing how unscripted moments captured Friedman's economic ideas in real-world contexts. Chitester highlights the importance of engaging storytelling in economics and reflects on Friedman's legacy of articulating complex concepts with charisma. Their friendship shaped how free-market principles were made accessible to a wider audience.
Sep 7, 2020 • 1h 4min
Margaret Heffernan on Uncharted
Margaret Heffernan, a professor and author, dives into the unpredictable future in her latest book, Uncharted. She emphasizes that while we cannot predict every twist and turn, we can prepare for them. Heffernan discusses the power of experimentation and scenario planning, sharing insights from healthcare and business that highlight flexibility and continuous learning. She also explores the importance of embracing creativity, spontaneity, and even mortality as key components for personal and professional growth.
20 snips
Aug 31, 2020 • 1h 11min
Matt Ridley on How Innovation Works
Matt Ridley, author of "How Innovation Works," dives into the fascinating distinctions between invention and innovation. He argues that making groundbreaking inventions accessible is often tougher than creating them. Ridley emphasizes the collaborative nature of innovation, using figures like Edison and Jobs to illustrate teamwork's importance. He also highlights the transformative power of permissionless innovation and the way instinctual behaviors in birds and dogs can mirror human technological progress.
Aug 24, 2020 • 1h 4min
Franklin Zimring on When Police Kill
Franklin Zimring, a criminologist and law professor at UC Berkeley, dives deep into the shocking fact that roughly 1,000 Americans die annually at the hands of police. He discusses the disparities in media coverage of police killings versus executions and emphasizes the need for better policing practices. Zimring examines the complex dynamics of police encounters, especially in domestic violence situations, and critiques existing protocols. He highlights the role of systemic issues and calls for accountability and reform to promote civilian safety.
11 snips
Aug 17, 2020 • 1h 8min
Michael Munger on the Future of Higher Education
Michael Munger, a Professor at Duke University and expert in political theory, discusses the transformative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on higher education. He believes top universities may find opportunities for innovation but warns that second-tier institutions face tougher challenges. Topics include the rise of online education, the elitism in academia, and the balance between traditional models and modern accessibility. Munger critiques escalating tuition costs while stressing the importance of shared experiences in academic growth.
Aug 10, 2020 • 1h 9min
Ben Cohen on the Hot Hand
Journalist and author Ben Cohen, known for his book "The Hot Hand," delves into the fascinating psychology behind performance streaks in sports and life. He unpacks the illusion of the 'hot hand,' revealing how cognitive biases distort our perception of skill and randomness. The conversation spans from Shakespeare's tragic miscommunications to the biases faced by asylum judges, linking these themes to decision-making in sports. Cohen also discusses harnessing creativity through flow states, emphasizing resilience and the nuanced dance between chance and skill.
Aug 3, 2020 • 1h 14min
John Kay and Mervyn King on Radical Uncertainty
John Kay, a prominent economist and author known for his critical views on economic models, joins Mervyn King, former Governor of the Bank of England, to discuss their co-authored work, 'Radical Uncertainty.' They delve into the pitfalls of relying on numerical probabilities in decision-making, especially highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation critiques traditional economic rationality, emphasizing the unpredictability of human behavior and the emotional toll of uncertainty. They advocate for adaptability and a multifaceted approach to understanding complex economic scenarios.
Jul 27, 2020 • 1h 8min
Nassim Nicholas Taleb on the Pandemic
Nassim Nicholas Taleb, a philosopher and author known for *The Black Swan*, dives into the pandemic's complexities. He discusses the unpredictable nature of crises, emphasizing the need for early intervention and effective monitoring. Taleb critiques government responses and advocates for standardized protocols. He introduces the concept of 'geronticide,' urging society to value the elderly. The conversation also touches on the psychological impacts of lockdowns and the anti-fragile mindset, proposing that crises can lead to economic and societal evolution.
Jul 20, 2020 • 58min
Glenn Loury on Race, Inequality, and America
Glenn Loury, an esteemed economist and author at Brown University, delves into the complexities of race and inequality in America. He discusses the nuances of systemic racism, particularly in education and policing, promoting market-based reforms. Loury also tackles the contentious topic of historical statue removals, urging a balanced view of history. He emphasizes the importance of open debate in academia, warning against the dangers of identity politics and censorship, while remaining optimistic about the future of race relations in the country.
