Let’s dive into the unexpected legacy of Boris Yeltsin’s 1989 visit to a Houston grocery store. We explore how that moment shaped the Russian leader’s perspective on economic systems and why it's a favorite teaching example in economics classes. It’s a great introduction to consumer choice, abundance, and market economies, thanks to Yeltsin’s astonishment captured on film.

In this episode, we discuss:

* The story of Boris Yeltsin’s 1989 grocery store visit in Houston.

* How the trip challenged his view of command economies.

* How to use this story in an economics class to explain different economic systems.

* The symbolism and impact of everyday abundance in American supermarkets.

* And a whole lot more!

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Some show notes:

It’s the first week of classes, which means it’s time to introduce foundational economic ideas to a new group of students. Before diving into the main topic, we share some alcohol-free drinks. Jadrian is recording from the office, so he went with a Diet Coke. Matt is gearing up for a trivia night, which means he went with a Bud Zero.

Jadrian’s favorite story to tell in principles of economics is a summary of Boris Yeltsin’s impromptu stop at a Randall’s grocery store during a diplomatic visit to Houston in 1989. What was meant to be a simple public-relations stop became a moment of genuine shock for the Russian leader, who was stunned by the variety and availability of consumer goods, particularly frozen pudding pops.

His visit turned out to be more than just a funny anecdote. It became a moment that highlighted the difference between market-based and command economies. Yeltsin’s visible awe (and later disbelief) showcased how removed the Soviet Union's system was from the consumer abundance present in the U.S. During his visit, he initially believed the store was staged and later insisted on stopping at a second one just to confirm it was real.

Yeltsin shared with his entourage that “there would be a revolution” if Soviet citizens saw the conditions of American supermarkets. While the entire Houston Chronicle story is a great read, the photos of Yeltsin marveling at freezers and checkout scanners are the best part.

Before logging off, we also explored the broader context of American agriculture and global influence, based on a great Freakonomics podcast summarizing how the U.S. government used subsidized food exports to economically undercut the Soviet Union.

Americans have been blessed with a domestic food system with an overwhelming variety, but it’s often something most Americans take for granted. Perhaps when you celebrate Boris Yeltsin Supermarket Day on September 16, you’ll stop to marvel at the variety that is available every day thanks to our market-based system.

This week’s pop culture references:

Alongside the Yeltsin story in class, Jadrian shares a scene from Moscow on the Hudson, a film starring Robin Williams that explores immigration and cultural adjustment. One memorable scene ties directly to this episode’s theme: Williams’s character visits a grocery store to buy coffee and is overwhelmed by the lack of lines and the sheer variety of choices. It was a moment that mirrors Yeltsin’s own experience in Houston.

Matt’s contribution comes from an early scene in The Hunger Games, where Katniss is given a simple piece of bread. Her reaction of genuine excitement reflects the level of scarcity that exists in their command economy. Even basic goods aren’t always available. It's a quick but powerful illustration of economic systems in action.

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