EconTalk

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, and more. EconTalk has been taking the Monday out of Mondays since 2006. All 900+ episodes are available in the archive. Go to EconTalk.org for transcripts, related resources, and comments.

EconTalk

Mon Jul 22 2024

Does Parenting Make You a Better Person? (with Erik Hoel)

parentingpersonal growthemotional journeyparenting stylesaspirations

This episode explores the transformative nature of parenting, the challenges and joys it brings, and the impact it has on personal growth. It delves into different parenting styles, the emotional journey of raising children, and the influence parents have on their children's aspirations. The episode also discusses controversies surrounding homeschooling and the societal judgment faced by parents. Ultimately, it highlights the meaning and biological significance of having children and the shared consciousness experienced by parents.

EconTalk

Mon Jul 15 2024

Lessons from Lincoln, Then and Now (with Diana Schaub)

Abraham LincolnAmerican democracySpeechesOratoryPolitical education

The episode explores Diana Schaub's book 'His Greatest Speeches, How Lincoln Moved the Nation,' which delves into three of Lincoln's speeches: the Gettysburg Address, the Second Inaugural, and the Lyceum Address. It discusses Lincoln's concerns about threats to democracy, the importance of ambition and education in self-government, the role of law and political education, contrasting views on obedience to law and civil disobedience, the significance of popular opinion in self-governance, the impact of Lincoln's speeches, shaping public opinion, reconstruction and national reconciliation, the power of oratory and decline in speech quality, and the need to study Lincoln's teachings for political wisdom.

EconTalk

Mon Jul 08 2024

Reading, Writing, and Fighting (with Mark Helprin)

readingwritingnovelswarIran

This episode features discussions on reading experiences, writing career and routine, novels by Mark Helprin, writing a novel with Ulysses theme, war's impact, Iran's threat and Israel's actions, moral implications and security measures, war preparedness and Jewish identity, anti-Semitism and state of the West, current state of the West and future projects, and storytelling challenges.

EconTalk

Mon Jul 01 2024

Is Israel Occupying the West Bank? (with Eugene Kontorovich)

Israeli-Palestinian ConflictOccupationWest BankGaza StripSettlements

This episode explores the legal definition of occupation in international law, challenges to the argument that Israel is occupying the West Bank, historical context surrounding territories like the West Bank and Gaza Strip, self-government efforts by Palestinians, tensions and controversies in the West Bank, concerns about Israeli settlements and annexation, challenges in achieving coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians, and handling conflicts and security threats.

EconTalk

Mon Jun 24 2024

René Girard, Mimesis, and Conflict (with Cynthia Haven)

Rene Girardmemesisimitationconflictscapegoating

This episode explores Rene Girard's theory of memesis, which suggests that all desire is rooted in imitation. It delves into the role of imitation in human behavior, its connection to conflict, and how religion has historically used scapegoating to control violence. The episode also examines forgiveness as a means to resolve conflicts, drawing from biblical stories like Joseph forgiving his brothers. It emphasizes the continuous struggle for forgiveness and the importance of self-examination and personal sanctity. The episode concludes by discussing the unconscious nature of imitation and the positive influence it can have on individuals.

EconTalk

Mon Jun 17 2024

Does Market Failure Justify Government Intervention? (with Michael Munger)

government failuremarket fluctuationsgovernment interventionresource allocationindustrial policy

This episode explores the concept of government failure and the role of government intervention in addressing market fluctuations. It discusses different schools of thought on government intervention, the process of discovering correct prices, and the challenges of resource allocation. The debate on government intervention in industrial policy and healthcare is examined, along with the role of expertise and government institutions. The episode also explores procedural challenges in government decision-making and the effectiveness of bureaucracy. It concludes by discussing individual initiatives and the importance of public sector experimentation.

EconTalk

Mon Jun 10 2024

How the Constitution Can Bring Us Together (with Yuval Levin)

American ConstitutionUnityPolitical DivisionsBalance of PowerElectoral Systems

The episode explores Yuvall Levin's book 'American Covenant' and its aim to reintroduce the Constitution to Americans. It discusses the challenges of unity in a diverse society, misconceptions about unity, and the role of the Constitution in promoting collaboration despite differing perspectives. The episode also delves into divisions in American politics, the purpose of the American system, negotiation and competition, balance of power, electoral systems, limits on government power, and the American national character. It concludes with a focus on preserving the constitutional system and ensuring social peace.

EconTalk

Mon Jun 03 2024

Injustice and the "Letter from Birmingham Jail" (with Dwayne Betts)

Martin Luther King Jr.PrisonsIncarcerationNonviolent ProtestsJustice

This episode explores the involvement of Dwayne Betz in distributing Martin Luther King Jr.'s work in prisons. It delves into King's letter from a Birmingham jail, reflections on societal changes, the role of the church, addressing unjust laws, personal experiences of incarceration, self-love and personal growth, heartwarming interactions, and the impact of the Freedom Reads Project. The episode concludes with discussions on expanding freedom libraries and personal reflections.

EconTalk

Mon May 27 2024

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of the Covid Vaccine (with Vinay Prasad)

COVID-19vaccinessafety signalsvaccine effectivenessmask-wearing

This episode covers a wide range of topics related to COVID-19 vaccines, including safety signals, vaccine effectiveness, timing of vaccine approval, mask-wearing attitudes, adverse events, long-term effects, declining trust in experts, and placebo effects in healthcare decisions. The discussions highlight controversies, policy errors, concerns about mandates, and the importance of accurate information.

EconTalk

Mon May 20 2024

Purpose, Pleasure, and Meaning in a World Without Work (with Nicholas Bostrom)

technologyfuture societyhuman existencework-life balanceeducation

The episode explores the concept of a 'solved world' where practical problems are already solved by advanced AI and robots. It raises questions about the meaning of human life and work in such a world, as well as the challenges of adapting cultural norms to new technologies. The potential impact of technical maturity and post-instrumentality on human motivation and behavior is considered, along with the limitations of technological progress in understanding ourselves. The episode also delves into the role of technology in human connection, the possibilities offered by technological advancements, and the complexities of defining a good human life. Nicholas Bostrom shares his perspective on the future, describing himself as a 'fretful optimist' and 'moderate fatalist.'

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