Intro. [Recording date: May 15, 2025.]
Russ Roberts: Today is May 15th, 2025. This monologue celebrates what I believe to be the 1000th episode of EconTalk. No guest today means I get to indulge myself a bit. I’ll take you behind the curtain of the podcast, touching on the logistics and the nitty-gritty that many have asked about over the years, as well as reflecting on what it’s been like to engage in this venture for nearly two decades, a thousand times over.
Russ Roberts: To prepare, I initially drafted an outline but found it uninspiring. I mentioned to my wife that it just didn’t excite me. She suggested, ‘Why not let ChatGPT ask the questions?’ I thought that was a stroke of genius, so here we are.
This will be a fascinating journey, and I’ll occasionally echo some of the questions it posed, as they provide a unique lens through which to view this milestone. The first question was particularly intriguing:
ChatGPT: What was the spark that convinced you to hit Record? And, what were your earliest ambitions for the show? When you launched EconTalk back in 2006, podcasting was still a fringe medium; long-term, long-form economics conversations sounded frankly like a gamble. So, what was the spark?
Russ Roberts: I was late to the blogging game, having co-founded Cafe Hayek with Don Boudreaux, which has flourished under his stewardship. When I discovered podcasting, I didn’t want to miss the boat again.
My introduction came courtesy of James Reese, an economist who interviewed me for his show, Radio Economics. I still remember asking him how many listeners he had. When he mentioned 2,000 to 3,000, I was struck. I thought, ‘Imagine 3,000 people in an auditorium, and I get to chat with an interesting guest!’ That sounded incredibly appealing.
At that time, I had also contemplated a talk radio show, inspired partly by my commentary work for NPR. Podcasting offered a low-risk opportunity to explore this medium and gauge interest without the heavy lifting typical of conventional broadcasting.
In those early days, I produced episodes sporadically, only to realize listeners craved regularity. By the end of 2008, I had committed to releasing episodes every Monday. Remarkably, I’ve managed an uninterrupted streak of 854 consecutive Mondays since then. That’s quite the achievement, especially considering the demanding role I now hold as president of Shalom College in Jerusalem. Yet, the ritual of podcasting has become an addiction, one I hope resonates with many of you.
Russ Roberts: The next question posed was:
ChatGPT: How did you envision this 3,000-person interview audience? Was it going to be a lecture, a radio call, a fireside chat, or something else?
Russ Roberts: Ironically, when I launched the show, I felt a one-hour format was ideal. My father once quipped that no one would listen to anything for an hour, especially in 2006 when NPR segments barely reached eight minutes. I disregarded that advice.
People speculated I’d run out of economists to interview, but I soon learned the richness of engaging with non-economists as well. I even discovered the delightful notion that some guests could return for multiple discussions, often bringing even more insights.
While the show began with a heavy economist focus, I’ve grown comfortable extending episodes beyond an hour. Today, some podcasts stretch to three or four hours, which I find hard to endure. Our longest episodes clock in at just over two hours, featuring engaging dialogues that still wrap up within a reasonable timeframe.
Initially, my target audience was those interested in economics, and I contemplated advertising in publications like The Economist or the Wall Street Journal. However, we never went that route. I aimed to reach curious minds eager to understand free-market principles, particularly through discussions where I often debated differing viewpoints.
Two aspects of the early episodes bother me: my debate-oriented mindset and my tendency to dominate the conversation. But as I listened to feedback, I realized my audience was less about economic theories and more about a broader quest for knowledge. This led to our tagline: ‘Conversations for the Curious.’
Listeners are often multitasking—doing dishes, walking dogs, or exercising—yet still seeking to learn something new. To all of you out there, thank you for joining me on this journey!
Russ Roberts: Another query posed was about my early encounters with podcasting:
ChatGPT: How did you balance entertainment and education? How did you adapt when not doing as much debating? How do you create chemistry during virtual calls?
Russ Roberts: We currently boast around 100,000 to 150,000 listeners, though defining exact numbers is tricky due to shifting subscriptions and recent changes in podcast streaming. My listenership has fluctuated, partly due to some listeners expressing dissatisfaction with my episodes on Israel.
Debate has faded from my approach. I realized that confrontational exchanges could deter guests with opposing views from participating. Instead, I prefer fostering a shared exploration of ideas, prioritizing respectful dialogue over combative rhetoric. While I still challenge ideas, my goal is to allow authors to articulate their narratives fully.
My preparation hasn’t shifted much; I typically script around 15 questions to ensure we have enough material for an hour-long discussion. However, the real challenge lies in maintaining focus while juggling time constraints and follow-up inquiries, all while steering the conversation.
It’s amusing; some guests are less chatty, making it a challenge to fill the time. In those instances, you might hear me talking more than usual.
Russ Roberts: ChatGPT also posed several more questions:
ChatGPT: How do you decide when to hold back? What about off-topic tangents? Is there a plan for discussing topics beyond economics?
Russ Roberts: I often internally debate whether to respond to specific points during interviews, but I rarely share questions in advance. A few guests request it, but I worry it might sound too rehearsed.
There have been moments when the focus of the show gradually broadened. After the 2008 Financial Crisis, I recognized my lack of knowledge in finance and dedicated several episodes to exploring it. Similarly, as Trump’s political rise unfolded, I sensed a shift where traditional economics wasn’t capturing the broader narrative. I aspired to understand the socio-political dynamics at play, reflecting the complexity of contemporary issues.
While I’ve grown a bit weary of economics as a sole lens for understanding, I still believe that some economic principles are invaluable for avoiding flawed reasoning. Nonetheless, it’s important to acknowledge that my interests have diversified.
Russ Roberts: Some listeners might long for consistent discussions on Bitcoin or other economic topics. However, I’ve learned what I need to understand. The same applies to my exploration of Israel and its conflicts. Despite my Jewish background, I entered this complex discourse with limited knowledge. I’ve sought to feature varied perspectives but recognize that not everyone appreciates this approach.
Listeners have expressed frustration over my perceived bias in favor of Israel, which I regret. However, I strive to understand all narratives, including the Palestinian perspective. The situation is multifaceted and deeply intricate, and it’s essential to acknowledge that complexity.
Russ Roberts: ChatGPT also inquired:
ChatGPT: Have there been moments that left you emotionally drained?
Russ Roberts: Absolutely. Some episodes have seen heated exchanges, but I’ve generally maintained my composure. In fact, many have commented on the contrast between my on-air demeanor and my more passionate public speaking style. When hosting EconTalk, I adopt a calm persona—an essential skill I’ve honed over the years. While it’s vital to stay composed, I occasionally slip out of that role in personal interactions.
And so, as we forge ahead into the next thousand episodes, I hope to continue navigating these complex discussions with curiosity, respect, and a commitment to understanding.
