EconTalk

Andrew McAfee talks about his book, More from Less, with host Russ Roberts. He argues that technology is helping developed nations use fewer resources to produce more output, reducing energy use in total. This "dematerialization" portends a future that was unimaginable to the economists and pundits of the past...

Ryan Holiday talks about his latest book, Stillness Is the Key, with host Russ Roberts. Holiday explores how stillness--the cultivation of serenity and focus--can affect how we live and how we perceive life. Topics discussed include the performance artist Marina Abramovic, Winnie the Pooh, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and Michael Jordan's Hall of Fame induction speech. Holiday also explains how he keeps track of information and how his system makes it easier for him to write his books.

Sabine Hossenfelder talks about her book Lost in Math with host Russ Roberts. She argues that the latest theories in physics have failed to find empirical confirmation. She argues that physicists have become overly enamored with the elegance and aesthetics of their theories and that using beauty to evaluate a model is unscientific. The conversation includes a discussion of similar challenges in economics.

Dani Rodrik talks about neoliberalism with host Russ Roberts. He argues that a dogmatic embrace of markets has increased inequality and limited who benefits from economic growth. He argues for a more interventionist approach to the economy with the goal of better-paying jobs and more widely shared prosperity.

George Will talks about his new book, The Conservative Sensibility, with host Russ Roberts. Will argues for a conservative vision that embraces the dynamic nature of life. Topics include the current political landscape, the American founding, James Madison's vision of government vs. Woodrow Wilson's, Hayek, and of course, a little baseball.

Daron Acemoglu discusses with host Russ Roberts the challenge of shared prosperity and the policies that could bring about a more inclusive economy. Acemoglu argues for the importance of good jobs over redistribution and makes the case for the policies that could lead to jobs and opportunities across skill levels.

David Deppner talks with host Russ Roberts about about an email he sent Russ wondering how Russ might reconcile his passion for humility and honesty with the demands put upon leaders to inspire followers with confidence in their vision. Can a great leader or manager be humble in public? Or is exuding confidence, even when it may not be merited, a key part of leadership?

Andrew Roberts talks about the life of Winston Churchill and the art of biography with host Russ Roberts...

Tyler Cowen talks about his book, Big Business, with host Russ Roberts. He argues that big corporations in America are underrated and under-appreciated. He even defends the financial sector while adding some caveats along the way. This is a lively and contrarian look at a timely issue.

Arthur Diamond talks about his book, Openness to Creative Destruction, with EconTalk host Russ Roberts. Diamond sings the sometimes forgotten virtues of innovation and entrepreneurship and argues that they should be taught more prominently as a central part of economics.