#138 - Russ Roberts

About this episode

<p><a href="https://twitter.com/EconTalker">Russ Roberts</a> is the host of the podcast <a href="http://www.econtalk.org/">EconTalk</a> (<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/econtalk/id135066958">iTunes</a>, <a href="http://files.libertyfund.org/econtalk/EconTalk.xml">RSS</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKAu-mTq7iZtKHK6QiBqKPA">YouTube</a>), a research fellow at <a href="https://www.hoover.org/">Stanford’s Hoover Institution</a>, and the author of several books, including <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Adam-Smith-Change-Your-Life/dp/1591847958">How Adam Smith Can Change Your Life</a>.<br><br>You can find Russ on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/EconTalker">@econtalker</a>.<br><br>The YC podcast is hosted by <a href="https://twitter.com/CraigCannon">Craig Cannon</a>.<br><br>Y Combinator invests a small amount of money ($150k) in a large number of startups (recently 200), twice a year.<br><br>Learn more about YC and apply for funding here: <a href="https://www.ycombinator.com/apply/">https://www.ycombinator.com/apply/</a><br><br>***<br><br><b>Topics<br></b><br>00:00 - Intro<br><br>00:29 - What are his thoughts on “meaning, spirituality, or sense of belonging” in regards to creating your own company?<br><br>3:34 - Capitalism bearing the burden of human nature<br><br>4:04 - Why Russ started EconTalk<br><br>7:44 - Key economic concepts for founders after 700 EconTalk episodes<br><br>13:49 - Helpful methods for teaching economic concepts<br><br>18:09 - "Man naturally desires, not only to be loved, but to be lovely" - Adam Smith in The Theory of Moral Sentiments<br><br>19:39 - Why Russ wrote <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Adam-Smith-Change-Your-Life/dp/1591847958">How Adam Smith Can Change Your Life</a><br><br>24:14 - How EconTalk has changed since the beginning <br><br>26:14 - Steve Adema asks - Russ Roberts has emphasized the limits of "only looking where the light is" when it comes to studying well-being. How <br>can economists incorporate the aspects of well-being that aren't easily quantified?<br><br>34:34 - Warren Buffett's gift to his son<br><br>36:09 - Founders and unintended consequences <br><br>39:44 - The emotional aspect of giving your company away<br><br>44:19 - Anthony Y. asks - Has a guest on his show ever made him change his mind on a topic?<br><br>50:54 - Has Nassim Taleb convinced him to deadlift?<br><br>52:59 - Russ often quotes David Foster Wallace's speech, “This is Water”. Specifically, he quotes the phrase, “everyone worships.” What does Russ worship?<br></p>