Russ Roberts has taught at George Mason University, Washington University in St. Louis, the University of Rochester, Stanford University, and the University of California, Los Angeles. He is a regular commentator on business and economics for National Public Radio's Morning Edition and has written for the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal.

Roberts also blogs at Cafe Hayek with Donald J. Boudreaux at George Mason University in Fairfax County, Virginia. He published the novel The Invisible Heart which conveys economic ideas in the context of a narrative. In 2008, Roberts released another novel, The Price of Everything, which addresses concepts such as spontaneous order, price gouging, and market economics in crisis situations.

Roberts’ podcast EconTalk is carried by The Library of Economics and Liberty and is a weekly talk show features one-on-one discussions with an eclectic mix of authors, professors, Nobel Laureates, entrepreneurs, leaders of charities and businesses, and people on the street. The emphases are on using topical books and the news to illustrate economic principles. Exploring how economics emerges in practice is a primary theme.

Russ’s Challenges; Try to think about your own biases and be aware of what you’re doing subconsciously. AND realize economics is not about money. Economics is about flourishing, choices and resources.

Book Recommendations

Individualism and Economic Order by F.A. Hayek

Fooled By Randomness by Nassim Taleb

The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion by Jonathan Haidt

Capitalism and Freedom by Milton Friedman

The Path to Power by Robert A. Caro

Referenced Media

Jonathan Haidt-Tyler Cowen Conversation

Connect with Russ

russroberts@gmail.com

If you liked this interview, check out episode 77 with Steve Patterson where we discuss philosophy and breaking away from academic institutions.