Best Rationally Writing Podcasts (2025)

1
The Past and Future of AI (with Dwarkesh Patel) 1:36:44

3h ago1:36:44

1:36:44

Dwarkesh Patel interviewed the most influential thinkers and leaders in the world of AI and chronicled the history of AI up to now in his book, The Scaling Era. Listen as he talks to EconTalk's Russ Roberts about the book, the dangers and potential of AI, and the role scale plays in AI progress. The conversation concludes with a discussion of the a…

1
Democracy dies when you comply; do not comply in advance. 27:38

1d ago27:38

27:38

Fighting The Power is a radio/Podcast featuring independent journalists resisting Trump's authoritarian rule. We highlight efforts to restore democracy and confront Project 2025, which aims to reduce civil liberties. Our panelists include: · LaNita Duke: Award-winning multimedia producer for Grassroots News Northwest. · Dianne Johnson: Professor an…

1
Carl Kawaja – Navigating the Investment Landscape: AI, Tariffs, Sports Gambling & More| #580 1:07:13

3d ago1:07:13

1:07:13

Today’s guest is Carl Kawaja, a Portfolio Manager with Capital Group for over three decades. In today’s episode, Carl shares insights into his investment philosophy, early experiences, and the current market landscape. He discusses the transformative impact of AI on semiconductor demand, the challenges posed by tariffs and supply chain dynamics, an…

1
Why Christianity Needs to Help Save Democracy (with Jonathan Rauch) 1:20:08

7d ago1:20:08

1:20:08

How does a nice Jewish boy who is also a gay atheist have the chutzpah to lecture Christianity on its obligations to democracy? Listen to author Jonathan Rauch talk about his book Cross Purposes with EconTalk's Russ Roberts as Rauch makes the case for what he calls a thicker Christianity.By EconTalk: Russ Roberts

1
Why Jeff Bezos might just deserve the Nobel Peace Prize 54:14

12d ago54:14

54:14

In the two weeks since “Liberation Day”, we’ve received plenty of very smart, thoughtful questions from our readers. So today we recorded a special Q&A podcast to cut through the chaos and confusion these new trade measures have sparked in the markets. We answer: Is the President’s top economic adviser correct that the US dollar’s reserve status is…

1
Rational and Religious (with Ross Douthat) 1:17:31

14d ago1:17:31

1:17:31

How can we explain the world's underlying order? How does consciousness emerge? And why do people from such different cultures have such similar near-death experiences? Listen as Ross Douthat, New York Times columnist and author of the new book Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious, argues that these and other unanswerable questions underscore …

1
What Matters More Than the Stock Market [Podcast] 30:43

16d ago30:43

30:43

Yesterday when I was talking to my friend and business partner Peter Schiff, he made it clear: China is trying to drive a wedge between the US and Europe by dumping US bonds, and buying euros. If that’s true, it constitutes a major reset of the global financial order. I sat down to record a podcast about this because, frankly, it’s the most importa…

1
UBS’ Paul Donovan on Tariff Trouble, Swiftonomics & Republican Swings | #579 52:09

17d ago52:09

52:09

Today’s guest is Paul Donovan, Chief Economist of UBS Global Wealth Management. In today’s episode, Paul discusses the impact of structural changes in the economy, particularly in relation to flexible working and demographic shifts. The discussion also touches on the disparities in innovation between the US and Europe, the ongoing trend of spending…

1
Francois Rochon - Outperforming the Market for 30+ Years Through Patience, Humility & Rationality | #578 1:05:07

21d ago1:05:07

1:05:07

Today’s guest is Francois Rochon, the President of Giverny Capital, which has returned over 15% per year for over 30 years. In today’s episode, Francois walks through the influence of Peter Lynch and Warren Buffett on his investment philosophy. He highlights three principles that have helped him navigate market cycles in his career: patience, humil…

1
The Music and Magic of John and Paul (with Ian Leslie) 1:17:48

21d ago1:17:48

1:17:48

At the heart of the success of the Beatles was the creative chemistry and volatile friendship between John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Listen as author Ian Leslie discusses his book, John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs with EconTalk's Russ Roberts. It's a deep dive into music and friendship as well as a revisionist history about how John and Paul cre…

1
Forget about AI: America is about to be the world leader in socks and underwear [Podcast] 31:21

24d ago31:21

31:21

Governments love to tell you tariffs are about “protection”. But protection from what? More affordable goods? A higher quality of life? In today’s podcast, we dig into the many, many unforeseen consequences of the new tariff policies. For example: Examples from countries where I’ve lived which have heavy tariffs and import duties— and how those cou…

1
UBS’ Mark Haefele – The New Rules of Investing From A $4 Trillion Investment Advisor | #577 56:16

24d ago56:16

56:16

Today’s guest is Mark Haefele, Chief Investment Officer of UBS Global Wealth Management, where he advises on over $4 trillion. He’s also the author of ‘The New Rules of Investing.’ In today’s episode, Mark emphasizes the significant role of government spending in shaping investment decisions. He touches on the importance of asset allocation and dis…

1
If tomorrow is “Liberation Day”, today is “Rational Day” [Podcast] 37:19

27d ago37:19

37:19

Tomorrow is being billed as Liberation Day— where tariffs will supposedly free America from those pesky, parasitic foreign markets. But what’s actually going to happen? This is the subject of today’s podcast. We discuss: How odd it is that no Liberation Day details have leaked… which makes us wonder if there actually are any plans or details to lea…

1
Do All Creatures, Great and Small, and Made From Silicon, Have Rights? (with Jeff Sebo) 1:16:13

29d ago1:16:13

1:16:13

Should monkeys have the same rights as humans? What about elephants, ants, or invertebrates? NYU philosopher Jeff Sebo makes the case for expanding your moral circle to many more beings than you might expect, including those based on silicon chips. Listen as Sebo and EconTalk's Russ Roberts discuss to whom and what we owe moral consideration, how w…

1
Christopher Zook - Accessing Private Markets (Pro Sports Teams, Private Equity & GP Stakes) 53:26

1M ago53:26

53:26

Today’s guest is Christopher Zook, founder and Chief Investment Officer of CAZ Investments, which has invested $8 billion and is one of the top 180 allocators to private equity in the world. In today’s episode, Christopher explains what led him to build his firm with a focus on private markets. He walks through some of the investment themes he’s fo…

1
Here’s how the US might force foreign nations into submission 1:06:06

1M ago1:06:06

1:06:06

On June 8, 1974, President Richard Nixon dispatched Treasury Secretary William Simon and his deputy to Saudi Arabia in an attempt to strike one of the most critical—and secretive—economic deals in modern history. Three years earlier, in August 1971, Nixon had severed the final link between the US dollar and gold, officially ending the Bretton Woods…

1
Bird Brains, Bird Sex, and All Kinds of Beauty (with Matt Ridley) 1:16:45

1M ago1:16:45

1:16:45

Bright colors, long tails, and dances of seduction: they may hurt a bird's chances of survival in the wild, but they seem to increase the chances of reproduction. Is this all part of natural selection or is sexual selection its own force in the bird world? Is there such a thing as beauty for beauty's sake? What can we learn from birds about the hum…

1
Democracy dies when the Fourth Estate complies 26:10

1M ago26:10

26:10

Fighting The Power is a radio/Podcast featuring independent journalists resisting Trump's authoritarian rule. We highlight efforts to restore democracy and confront Project 2025, which aims to reduce civil liberties. Our panelists include: · LaNita Duke: Award-winning multimedia producer for Grassroots News Northwest. · Dianne Johnson: Professor an…

1
Barry Ritholtz - Debunking Investment BULLSH$T! | #575 1:18:57

1M ago1:18:57

1:18:57

Today’s guest is Barry Ritholtz, CIO of Ritholtz Wealth Management, which manages over $5.7 billion for 3,900 families. His latest book, ‘How Not to Invest,’ offers a blueprint to help you make better decisions and achieve financial success. In today’s episode, Barry & I discuss the pitfalls of relying on experts for investment advice, the dangers …

1
It’s the Difference Between $70 and $140 Million [Podcast] 49:37

1M ago49:37

49:37

A few years ago, I was at a private conference listening to a CEO of a silver mining company explain—quite matter-of-factly—how silver prices were being manipulated. He laid out the whole playbook: how major Wall Street traders would flood the market with short positions in paper silver, drive the price down, and simultaneously accumulate physical …

1
How Better Feedback Can Revolutionize Education (with Daisy Christodoulou) 1:27:32

1M ago1:27:32

1:27:32

Feedback on exams and papers--grades and comments--should be more than an assessment. It should point the way to improvement. So argues educational consultant Daisy Christodoulou, emphasizing that actionable feedback has to be more than comments scribbled in the margins of a paper or at its end. Listen as she speaks with EconTalk's Russ Roberts abo…

1
Buy Stock Where You Shop With Grifin | Aaron Froug | #574 36:42

2M ago36:42

36:42

Today’s guest is Aaron Froug, founder of Grifin, the company that helps you buy stock where you shop. In today’s episode, Aaron explains how the app connects everyday spending with investing by automatically buying stock in a company you make a purchase from. Meb & Aaron also touch on financial literacy, the benefits of consumer loyalty, and the fu…

1
Is the US Headed Toward Recession? [Podcast] 56:51

2M ago56:51

56:51

By the late 1920s, the US economy was booming and had advantages that most of the world did not yet enjoy. Manufacturing in America was extremely competitive due to mass electrification powering factories. Farmers had traded out horses and mules for trucks and tractors. US productivity was surging. Global trade was still recovering from World War I…

1
Will Guidara on Unreasonable Hospitality 58:13

2M ago58:13

58:13

What can the restaurant business teach us about leadership and management? Listen as Will Guidara, the former owner of Eleven Madison Park, explains to EconTalk's Russ Roberts how his restaurant became good enough to be named the best restaurant in the world. Foodies will enjoy a look behind the scenes of a restaurant at the very top of its game, b…

1
Taking Inspiration from Greek History With Evaggelos Vallianatos 49:03

2M ago49:03

49:03

The ancient Greeks had a profound influence not only on their own world, but also on what would become Western culture as a whole. In this episode of Point of Inquiry, Jim chats with Evaggelos Villianatos, a Greek scholar who sheds an interesting light on how his ancestors helped shape the science, arts, language and governments of the modern world…

1
Jacqueline Faber: A Journey into Dark Academia | #573 53:57

2M ago53:57

53:57

Today’s guest is Jacqueline Faber, the author of The Department … and Meb’s wife! In today’s special episode, Meb & Jacqueline discuss the book’s themes, including trauma, memory, and the impact of the Kitty Genovese case. They both talk about how they approach the writing process, the art of getting noticed in a crowded market, and how to engage y…

1
The Controlled Demolition of the US Dollar’s Reserve Status [Podcast] 1:13:04

2M ago1:13:04

1:13:04

Even during the darkest moments of the Biden administration—the shameful withdrawal from Afghanistan, 9% inflation, bureaucrats hell-bent on destroying the economy—I still said America’s problems were fixable. But I didn’t see any hope in the previous administration or a prospective Kamala administration to fix things and only expected them to grow…

1
MEBISODE: Can We All Invest Like Yale? 28:25

2M ago28:25

28:25

In today’s Mebisode, Meb reads his latest paper, “Can We All Invest Like Yale?” ----- Follow Meb on X, LinkedIn and YouTube For detailed show notes, click here To learn more about our funds and follow us, subscribe to our mailing list or visit us at cambriainvestments.com ----- Follow The Idea Farm: X | LinkedIn | Instagram | TikTok ----- Intereste…

1
The Unusual World of Israeli Democracy (with Rachel Gur) 1:09:10

2M ago1:09:10

1:09:10

Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East but it seems a lot more alien and chaotic than many of the older democracies of the West. Hear Rachel Gur of Reichman University explain to EconTalk's Russ Roberts how the Israeli political system works and sometimes, doesn't work. The conversation brings into relief the challenges all democracies fac…

1
Goldman Sachs’ Peter Oppenheimer - Concentration & Correction: What To Do Next | #572 1:06:53

2M ago1:06:53

1:06:53

Today’s guest is Peter Oppenheimer, Goldman Sachs’ Chief Global Equity Strategist and Head of Macro Research. He’s also the author of Any Happy Returns: Structural Changes and Super Cycles in Markets, which explains how cycles help explain investor returns. In today’s episode, Peter discusses how structural changes in macroeconomic drivers, geopoli…

1
The Latest Bad Premise Could Be a Disaster for the US Dollar [Podcast] 38:12

2M ago38:12

38:12

On October 20, 2022, Liz Truss resigned as UK prime minister after just 44 days in office—the shortest tenure in British history. She was brought down not by a no-confidence vote or a party coup, but by a full-scale bond market rebellion. Her government’s proposed mini-budget, featuring sweeping tax cuts, triggered a historic sell-off in UK governm…

1
America’s $36 trillion national debt is just the tip of a $100+ trillion iceberg [Podcast] 51:45

2M ago51:45

51:45

We write a lot about the US government’s dismal financial condition— $36.2 trillion in debt, $1.1 trillion in annual interest expenses, and a $1.8 trillion annual deficit. But in today’s podcast we take a closer look at the numbers and the government’s actual balance sheet as if it were a business, including all of its assets and liabilities. The g…

1
The Struggle That Shaped the Middle East (with James Barr) 1:18:24

2M ago1:18:24

1:18:24

Until the end of WWI, the Middle East as we know it didn't exist. No Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, or Iraq. Instead, there was the Ottoman Empire, whose dissolution using an arbitrary line on a map set the region on a course of upheaval that's still with us. Listen as historian James Barr speaks with EconTalk's Russ Roberts about the 1916 Sykes-P…

1
Let’s Play Spot the Dictator [Podcast] 28:33

2M ago28:33

28:33

I want to present two choices for you to pick from. One is a world leader who was recently sued by a transgender prison inmate who felt that this person’s recent executive order was unfair. The second is another world leader who has suspended elections, forcibly presses people into the military, has closed his border, and has complete control over …

1
Former Merrill Strategist Chuck Clough – This Time is Different | #571 1:03:25

2M ago1:03:25

1:03:25

Today’s guest is Chuck Clough, Chief Investment Officer of Clough Capital. Chuck is well known from his time as the Chief Global Investment Strategist at Merrill Lynch until 2000 and has spent over six decades in finance. In today’s episode, Chuck shares insights from his illustrious career, reflecting on the challenges of the 1970s and the market …

1
The US government has to sell $28 trillion of debt in the next 4 years [Podcast] 1:15:32

2M ago1:15:32

1:15:32

Last summer, the Federal Reserve wanted you to believe that inflation was a thing of the past. Sure, just about every category of consumer goods had increased in price. Electricity rates had increased 5% year over year. Rent and housing costs were up 5%. Hospital care had become 6% more expensive. Food prices were up. Fuel prices were up. Auto insu…

1
Who Won the Socialist Calculation Debate (with Peter Boettke) 1:21:17

2M ago1:21:17

1:21:17

For more than a century, some economists have insisted that central planning can outperform markets. Economists like Mises, Hayek, and Friedman disagreed. Who won this debate? Is it over? Does AI change how we should think about the power of planning? Listen as economist Peter Boettke of George Mason University discusses what is known as the "socia…

1
Jim Masturzo - Fragile Markets, Strong Portfolios: 2025 Asset Allocation Playbook | #570 50:45

2M ago50:45

50:45

Today’s guest is Jim Masturzo. Jim is the CIO of Multi-Asset Strategies at Research Affiliates and is responsible for the firm’s tactical asset allocation and cross-asset portfolios. He is also co-portfolio manager on the PIMCO All Asset and All Asset All Authority funds. In today’s episode, Jim & I discuss the evolving landscape of asset alloc…

1
Is This the Biggest Heist of All Time? [Podcast] 52:39

3M ago52:39

52:39

We recently received a question from a reader asking for my thoughts on crypto. He said we’ve been talking about gold a lot lately, the gold price, and how the price could go a lot higher. Shouldn’t we hold the same views on crypto, given everything that has happened with Bitcoin over the last year or so? We ended up doing a whole podcast about thi…

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Rationally Writing Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen