

UNLOCKED: Russ Roberts, on the Weight of History & the Elasticity of Memory
5 snips Oct 7, 2025
The guest is Russ Roberts, an economist and the eminent host of the EconTalk podcast, celebrated for his deep dives into culture and economics. In a captivating talk, Russ shares his insights on the production processes behind everyday items like potato chips. He discusses the tension between artisanal and mass production, reflects on historical economic lessons to avoid bad policy, and shares his experiences living in Israel. Russ also emphasizes the importance of kindness in persuasion and the enduring relevance of economic thinkers like Hayek and Smith.
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Hitchens Interview Memory
- Russ Roberts recounts interviewing Christopher Hitchens at his home, including lunch and a scotch by the pool.
- He calls it a memorable, long day with excellent conversation and imperfect audio quality.
How Potato Chips Are Made
- Russ describes how modern potato chips are sprayed, scanned by lasers, and bad chips are blown off the line.
- He toured production with a Lay's executive who revealed how chips are displayed across stores for marketing effect.
Memory Shapes Political Vulnerability
- Russ traces his anti-communist formation to the 1968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia.
- He emphasizes that most Americans today lack firsthand memory of 20th-century totalitarianism, which makes dangerous ideas more attractive.