Best Getting It Done Music Education Life Lessons Podcasts (2025)

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What Is Capitalism? (with Mike Munger) 1:19:48

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1d ago1:19:48

1:19:48

What is capitalism, really? Drawing on Adam Smith, Douglass North, and his own experience as a teacher and economist, economist Michael Munger of Duke University discusses three stages of economic development with EconTalk's Russ Roberts: voluntary exchange, markets, and capitalism. Along the way, the conversation explores the moral and institution…

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The Deceptive Power of Maps (with Paulina Rowinska) 1:09:16

9d ago1:09:16

1:09:16

How can the state of Colorado have nearly 700 sides? Why is a country's coastline as long as you want it to be? And how is it that your UPS driver has more routes to choose from than there are stars in the universe? Listen as mathematician Paulina Rowinska talks with EconTalk's Russ Roberts about the mathematical tricks hiding in plain sight with e…

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Jonathan Levi on Memory Hacks: How to Learn Faster and Remember More (Shortcast) 10:15

9d ago10:15

10:15

In this Shortcast edition, Jonathan Levi, author of The Only Skill That Matters, shares practical techniques to improve memory, focus, and reading speed by training your brain rather than relying on talent or willpower. Levi breaks down the myths about memory and introduces powerful tools like visual mnemonics, speed reading, and memory palaces tha…

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Mamie Kanfer Stewart on Meeting Smarter: How to Stop Wasting Time at Work (Shortcast) 10:48

13d ago10:48

10:48

In this Shortcast edition, Mamie Kanfer Stewart, co-author of Momentum: Creating Effective, Engaging and Enjoyable Meetings, explains why meetings are one of the biggest productivity drains—and how to fix them. From clarifying desired outcomes to optimizing who’s in the room, Mamie shares practical, people-focused strategies to make meetings more e…

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How to Be a Super Ager (with Eric Topol) 1:01:24

16d ago1:01:24

1:01:24

What if we could delay--or even prevent--Alzheimer's, cancer, and heart disease? What if much of what you know about aging is wrong? Listen as cardiologist and author Eric Topol of the Scripps Research Institute talks about his new book Super Agers with EconTalk's Russ Roberts. They discuss why your genes matter less than you think, how your immune…

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Mike Vardy on The Productivity Diet: Feeding What Fuels You 42:11

16d ago42:11

42:11

I’m excited to welcome back Mike Vardy to the show. Mike is a productivity strategist, longtime friend of the podcast, and the author of The Productivity Diet: A Practical Guide to Nurturing Your Productive Potential. In this conversation, we dive into how the language, systems, and inputs you choose each day can either nourish or deplete your abil…

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Donald Miller on Productivity: How to Focus, Finish, and Find Meaning (Shortcast) 10:03

20d ago10:03

10:03

In this Shortcast edition, Donald Miller, author of Building a StoryBrand, shares how applying storytelling principles can bring clarity, purpose, and momentum to your personal and professional life. Drawing from narrative theory, Donald explains how to see your life as a story—complete with a clear goal, supporting characters, and an inciting inci…

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Leon Kass on the Wisdom of Rousseau 1:17:07

23d ago1:17:07

1:17:07

Does technology liberate us or enslave us? How do our social interactions affect our sense of self and our emotional health? Listen as author and master teacher Leon Kass and EconTalk's Russ Roberts do a close reading of a few paragraphs of Jean-Jacques Rousseau and explore some of the deepest aspects of our relationships with each other and with o…

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Cynthia Kane on The Pause Principle: How to Keep Your Cool in Tough Situations 36:37

23d ago36:37

36:37

In this episode, Cynthia Kane, author of The Pause Principle: How to Keep Your Cool in Tough Situations, joins the show to discuss how to improve communication by mastering the art of pausing. Cynthia, a communication expert, explains why taking a moment to pause before reacting in difficult situations can lead to more effective and mindful communi…

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Cal Newport on Digital Minimalism: How to Reclaim Focus and Control (Shortcast) 9:10

27d ago9:10

9:10

In this Shortcast edition, Cal Newport, author of Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World, shares how we can reclaim our time and attention by taking control of our relationship with digital technology. Rather than rejecting tech entirely, Cal proposes a minimalist approach—using technology with intention and only when it suppo…

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Two Cheers for Libertarianism and Econ 101 (with Noah Smith) 1:22:06

30d ago1:22:06

1:22:06

Economist Noah Smith was so focused on libertarianism's theoretical flaws, he overlooked its political importance. Trump's tariff policy opened his eyes and made him re-assess the virtues of both libertarianism and Econ 101. Listen as he and EconTalk's Russ Roberts explore the way political competition has shaped economic policy in surprising ways …

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Jess Cording on Strategies for Managing Stress: Mind, Body, and Spirit (Shortcast) 10:47

30d ago10:47

10:47

In this special Shortcast, Jess Cording, author of The Little Book of Game Changers: 50 Healthy Habits for Managing Stress and Anxiety, shares practical strategies to manage stress and anxiety by making small, sustainable changes across mind, body, and spirit. Jess offers gentle, doable practices that go beyond willpower—emphasizing progress over p…

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EconTalk #1000 (with Russ Roberts) 1:08:49

1M ago1:08:49

1:08:49

In honor of EconTalk's 1,000th episode, host Russ Roberts reflects on his long, strange journey from pioneer of the podcast format to weekly interviewer of leading economists, authors, and thinkers. Hear him answer your--and Chat GPT's--questions about why he got started, how he preps, and how he picks guests. He also explains why debate gave way t…

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Shira Gill on How Minimalism and Intentionality Can Transform Your Life 39:42

1M ago39:42

39:42

In this episode, Shira Gill, author of Lifestyle: Your Guide to a More Organized and Intentional Life, joins the show to discuss her approach to minimalism and intentional living. Shira, a professional organizer, shares how she applies the principles of minimalism not just to physical possessions but to all aspects of life—helping to create space f…

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Nature vs. Nurture (with Paul Bloom) 1:07:44

1M ago1:07:44

1:07:44

How much of our success or failure is written in our genes? How much is under our control? Is it nature or nurture or is that dichotomy too simplistic? Hear EconTalk's Russ Roberts and psychologist Paul Bloom discuss why the nature vs. nurture question is actually worth taking seriously and how by understanding it we can help ourselves and others.…

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Jim Guinn on Preventing Conflict: How to Get Along with Anyone at Work and Home 35:01

1M ago35:01

35:01

In this episode, Jim Guinn, co-author of How to Get Along with Anyone: The Playbook for Predicting and Preventing Conflict at Work and at Home, joins the show to discuss the art of conflict prevention. Jim, an expert in mediation and conflict resolution, shares practical tools for recognizing and managing conflict before it escalates into full-blow…

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Inside the Mysterious World of Credit Cards (with Patrick McKenzie) 1:15:14

2M ago1:15:14

1:15:14

Patrick McKenzie explains to EconTalk's Russ Roberts how credit cards work, who makes money from them and how, and gives his take on whether cash customers and debit card users subsidize the users of credit cards with reward programs.By EconTalk: Russ Roberts

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Baratunde Thurston on Unplugging: How to Reclaim Your Time and Focus (Shortcast) 11:19

2M ago11:19

11:19

In this special Shortcast edition, Baratunde Thurston, shares his experience of unplugging from social media for 25 days—and what he learned about stress, productivity, and the importance of being present. Baratunde reveals how stepping away from constant digital interaction can lead to more meaningful real-world connections and less burnout. In th…

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The Past and Present of Privacy and Public Life (with Tiffany Jenkins) 1:22:59

2M ago1:22:59

1:22:59

A paradox of our time is our willingness to bare all to strangers while worrying about who exactly is watching us online and anywhere else. Listen as author Tiffany Jenkins discusses her book, Strangers and Intimates, with EconTalk's Russ Roberts. In this wide-ranging conversation, they explore the role of Martin Luther, J.S. Mill, reality TV, and …

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Melody Wilding on Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from Those in Charge 48:23

2M ago48:23

48:23

In this episode, Melody Wilding, author of Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from People in Charge, joins the show to discuss the often-overlooked skill of managing up. Melody shares insights on how to communicate more effectively with those in higher positions, ensuring that you get the support and guidance you need for your career while maint…

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The Economics of Tariffs and Trade (with Doug Irwin) 1:32:53

2M ago1:32:53

1:32:53

Is the United States victimized by trade? What causes trade deficits? Are higher tariffs a good idea? Can manufacturing jobs return to the United States? Economist Doug Irwin of Dartmouth College answers these questions and more in this wide-ranging conversation with EconTalk's Russ Roberts.By EconTalk: Russ Roberts

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Courtney Carver on Gentle Rest: How to Stress Less and Live the Life You Want 50:56

2M ago50:56

50:56

In this episode, Courtney Carver, author of Rest More, Stress Less: How to Live the Life You Actually Want, shares her transformative approach to prioritizing rest and reducing stress. Courtney, a simplicity and decluttering expert, discusses how rest is not just a reward but a necessity for productivity, creativity, and overall well-being. In this…

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

2M 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…

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

3M 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

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Jeremy Kubicek on The 100X Leader: How to Become Someone Worth Following (Shortcast) 12:00

3M ago12:00

12:00

In this special Shortcast edition, Jeremy Kubicek, author of The 100X Leader: How to Become Someone Worth Following, shares how we can lead with both support and challenge to help others reach their full potential. Drawing inspiration from Sherpas guiding climbers on Mount Everest, Jeremy illustrates what it means to lead others by being fully for …

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

3M 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 …

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Angus Nelson on Confidence: How to Stop Waiting and Start Living Boldly 41:34

3M ago41:34

41:34

In this episode, Angus Nelson, author of Confidence Comes Later, discusses his journey of building confidence through action and embracing uncertainty. Angus, an entrepreneur and personal development coach, explores how to disrupt your life by taking bold steps instead of waiting for confidence to appear, and how this can lead to personal growth an…

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Julie Fast on Getting It Done When You’re Depressed: Practical Strategies for Productivity 53:48

3M ago53:48

53:48

In this episode we revisit a conversation with Julie Fast, author of Getting It Done When You’re Depressed: 50 Strategies to Help You Achieve Productivity Even with Depression, Anxiety, or ADHD. She shares her expertise on how to overcome productivity barriers caused by mental health struggles. Julie, who has lived with bipolar disorder, depression…

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

3M 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…

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Sara Sherman on Using Music to Enhance Focus and Wellbeing 48:01

3M ago48:01

48:01

In this episode, Sara Sherman, author of Resonant Minds: The Transformative Power of Music, joins the show to discuss the powerful and often underestimated role of music in our lives. Sara, a classical musician and educator, explores how music can not only enhance our emotional well-being but also improve focus, productivity, and social connections…

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Anne-Laure Le Cunnf on Tiny Experiments: Redefining Success in a Goal-Obsessed World 46:01

3M ago46:01

46:01

In this episode, Anne-Laure Le Cunff, author of Tiny Experiments: How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obsessed World, joins the show to discuss her experimental approach to goal-setting and personal growth. Anne-Laure, a neuroscience enthusiast and founder of Ness Labs, explores how shifting from traditional goal-setting to small, iterative experiments ca…

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

3M 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…

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Madeline Mann on Reverse the Search: Turning Job Seeking into Job Shopping 48:18

3M ago48:18

48:18

In this episode, Madelin Mann, author of Reverse the Search: How to Turn Job Seeking into Job Shopping, joins the show to share her expert advice on transforming the traditional job search process. With years of experience in HR and recruiting, Madelin provides valuable insights into how to stand out in today’s competitive job market by shifting fr…

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Ximena Vengeochea on The Life Audit: How to Reevaluate Your Goals and Reclaim Your Path 45:25

3M ago45:25

45:25

In this episode, Ximena Vengeochea, author of The Life Audit: A Step-by-Step Guide to Discovering Your Goals and Building the Life You Want, shares her approach to re-evaluating life’s priorities and making intentional changes. Ximena, a former LinkedIn leader, uses her background in user research to help others take a fresh, introspective approach…

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

4M 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…