Audio extra: In a new episode of American Conversations, American.com talks with Tyler Cowen, George Mason University economics professor and blogger. Cowen discusses his new book, Discover Your Inner Economist, and the application of economic thought in everyday life. Cowen says books and blogs can complement one another: one medium doesn’t always have to detract time and attention from the other. “This core notion that economics can tell you how to live your life; that you can live, think, eat, breathe, swim drink economics all day long is really the passion I want to communicate in both media.”  But Cowen makes it clear that Discover Your Inner Economist is more than just the sum of his blog’s parts. A book’s pacing, style, and tone must be completely different than a blog’s for it to be successful, which is why Cowen wrote his book “from scratch” rather than simply compiling blog posts.

One nugget from his analysis: income inequality can actually produce better cuisine.

For the full conversation, listen to this episode—or subscribe to the podcast.