What does “abundance” actually mean—and who is it really for? In this episode, Goldy and Paul welcome back economic policy expert Mike Konczal to unpack the big new idea dominating political discourse: abundance. They dive into the buzz around Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson’s book “Abundance,” and Konczal’s sharp critique of its deregulatory leanings, missed opportunities, and neoliberal undertones. From housing policy to green energy to the myth that deregulation alone can fix America’s problems, this episode challenges the idea that more is always better, and asks what it would really take to build a future that’s abundant for everyone—not just the rich.

Mike Konczal is the Senior Director of Policy and Research at the Economic Security Project, where he oversees policy development, research, and strategic analysis to advance its ideas. Previously, he served as a Special Assistant to President Biden for Economic Policy and Chief Economist for the National Economic Council. 

Social Media:

@mtkonczal.bsky.social

@mtkonczal

Further reading: 

Democracy Journal - The Abundance Doctrine

Abundance By Ezra Klein & Derek Thompson 

Why Nothing Works: Who Killed Progress—and How to Bring It Back By Marc Dunkelman 

NBER Working Paper - Supply constraints do not explain house price and quantity growth across U.S. cities

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