The Abundance Agenda – Details, episodes & analysis

The Abundance Agenda: Navigating the Impatience of Progress In the inaugural episode of 'The Abundance Agenda,' hosts James O'Malley and Martin Robbins delve into the concept of abundance and why it matters in today's world. They discuss the slow progress of major infrastructure projects in the UK, like HS2 and the Bakerloo Line extension, and the resulting frustration. The conversation also covers broader topics including the importance of housing, energy sufficiency, and climate change. Later, they pivot to discuss the implications of defense spending in the wake of geopolitical tensions, particularly the strain on the Western Alliance and the need for robust investments in military and infrastructure to ensure security. O'Malley and Robbins emphasize the importance of adopting an 'abundance mindset' to meet these challenges.

00:00 Introduction to The Abundance Agenda

00:20 The Concept of Abundance

01:08 High-Speed Rail and Infrastructure Delays

06:29 Housing Crisis and Economic Growth

07:31 Energy Abundance and Climate Change

09:31 Parking Apps and National Coordination

17:20 Podcast Housekeeping and Substack Newsletters

18:59 Defense and the Decline of the American-Led World Order

22:08 Romney's Russia Stance in 2012

24:36 Obama's Syria Red Line and Western Response

26:46 Russia's Annexation of Crimea

29:02 UK's Defense Spending and European Security

33:07 Modern Military Challenges and Drone Warfare

37:58 The Case for Increased Defense Spending

43:53 Conclusion and Future Discussions

The Future of Infrastructure: Examining the Lower Thames Crossing and Everything-ism

In this episode of the Abundance Agenda podcast, hosts James O'Malley and Martin Robbins discuss the UK government's plan to invest £2 billion in affordable housing and the significant approval of the Lower Thames Crossing. They explore the transport infrastructure project's details, challenges with the existing road systems, and the potential socio-economic benefits of the new tunnel. The hosts also touch on their evolving views on road building, balancing environmental concerns, and the role of autonomous vehicles in future transportation systems. Furthermore, the episode features an interview with Joe Hill from the Reform think tank, who introduces the concept of 'Everything-ism'—the problematic practice of overloading policies with multiple objectives, leading to inefficiencies and project delays. The episode concludes with reflections on the necessity of strategic focus in policymaking and infrastructure development.

00:00 Introduction to the Abundance Agenda Podcast

00:27 Exciting News: Lower Thames Crossing Approval

00:59 The Dartford Crossing: Current Issues and Future Plans

03:20 Debate on Road Building and Induced Demand

08:06 Planning Process and Costs of the Lower Thames Crossing

10:03 Comparison with International Infrastructure Projects

14:17 Challenges and Criticisms of Affordable Housing

24:57 Historic Roofline Preservation

25:04 The Ugly Cinema in Maidenhead

25:58 Introduction to Everythingism

26:25 Housekeeping and Substack Updates

28:10 Interview with Joe Hill on Everythingism

29:36 Examples of Everythingism in Policy

34:50 Challenges and Solutions in Policy Making

36:53 The Role of Government and Public Bodies

45:54 Cultural and Political Implications

48:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of 'The Abundance Agenda,' hosts James O'Malley and Martin Robbins dive into a story from Braintree in Essex where local resident Barry Thompson has faced ongoing challenges from the council in his efforts to install solar panels on his house. They discuss the irony of councils blocking green initiatives while declaring climate emergencies. The hosts also touch on broader issues such as the difficulty of carrying out decarbonization efforts, geopolitical tensions affecting renewable energy resources, and disputes within environmental organizations.

Additionally, James and Martin discuss the Peter Hitchens' obsession with British Summer Time and the politics of changing time zones. The main interview features Lord Ben Gascoigne, Chair of the Built Environment Select Committee, who shares insights on the potential of new towns and the necessity of integrating community engagement and nature into urban planning.

The New Towns Inquiry call for evidence:https://committees.parliament.uk/call-for-evidence/3626/

James's newsletter on the origins of Abundance ideology and the on-going vibe shift:https://takes.jamesomalley.co.uk/p/the-abundance-vibe-shiftMartin's post on taking his trousers off at his local station car park:https://martinrobbins.substack.com/p/britains-car-parking-is-a-complete

Book tickets for James's event with Anya Martin on How The YIMBYs Won:https://lu.ma/x265utjx

00:00 Introduction to the Abundance Agenda Podcast

00:22 A Solar Powered Nightmare in Braintree

03:30 The Irony of Declaring a Climate Emergency

05:09 The Tension Between Climate Action and Conservation

12:57 The Ethical Dilemma of Solar Panel Sourcing

18:29 Peter Hitchens and British Summertime

25:30 Permanent British Summertime: Effects and Controversies

26:01 The Scottish Influence on Time Policy

26:45 The Great Time Zone Debate: BST vs GMT

27:04 Public Opinion and Political Movements

27:35 The Future of Time Zones in Britain

29:39 Podcast Housekeeping and Substack Highlights

31:33 New Towns and Urban Development

32:27 Interview with Ben Gas Coin: New Towns Inquiry

37:11 Rewilding and Urban Planning

44:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Abundance Agenda, hosts James O'Malley and Martin Robbins delve into the implications of the new planning and infrastructure bill, exploring its potential to address issues like high-speed rail project inefficiencies and the infamous 'bat tunnel' problem. They discuss how the bill seeks to simplify the planning process and remove bureaucratic hurdles, emphasizing the significance of these changes for the UK's future growth. The episode also features an interview with Chris Curtis MP, who highlights Milton Keynes' exemplary development and the bill's potential impact on local and national infrastructure projects. Additionally, James and Martin debate the future of lab-grown meat, its economic feasibility, and its potential to revolutionize the food industry.

In the fifth episode of The Abundance Agenda, hosts James O’Malley and Martin Robbins explore (rage at) a deeply terrible proposal to make it harder for the Mayor of London to do their job.

Then they dig into plans to double the capacity of Luton Airport, looking at how the airport democratised air travel in the past – and how to reconcile caring about climate change with the need to expand airports.

Then finally, we speak to David Lawrence and Julia Willemyns, the co-founders of the Centre for British Progress, a new think-tank that researches and promotes, er, basically the sort of things we like. We talk about why economic growth should be at the heart of progressive politics.

The Abundance Agenda is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and hopefully wherever you get your podcasts!

You can find James on Bluesky here, and Martin here.

Here’s the must-read “Rediscovering British Progress” essay.

Here’s London Centric on the proposal to make the Mayor of London share power.

And here’s our newsletter posts for the week:

On this week’s episode of The Abundance Agenda, hosts James O’Malley and Martin Robbins make a bold prediction about when the Sizewell C nuclear plant will get the green light.

Then Martin horrifies James with a frankly shocking deep dive into caravans – or trailer homes.

And finally, we speak to Robert Colvile, Director of the right-leaning Centre for Policy Studies about his views on the Planning Bill, and whether the Conservative Party can ever be persuaded to embrace Abundance.

The Abundance Agenda is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and hopefully wherever you get your podcasts!

You can find James on Bluesky here, and Martin here.

Robert Colvile is on Twitter, Bluesky, and is at the Centre for Policy Studies.

James steals the opinions of the excellent Zion Lights at one point. (You can listen to James and Zion in conversation here.)

00:00 Introduction to The Abundance Agenda

00:27 Nuclear Power Predictions

02:26 Energy Security and Nuclear Benefits

05:08 Challenges in Nuclear Plant Construction

06:52 Regulatory Hurdles and International Comparisons

10:30 Caravans and Housing Issues

12:24 History of Trailer Parks in America

16:00 Trailer Living in Modern America

19:02 Caravan Living in the UK

22:32 The Housing Crisis and Future Trends

28:20 Housekeeping and Social Media Call to Action

28:47 Substack Newsletters and Upcoming Content

29:48 Discussing Political Views and Ideologies

31:07 Interview with Robert Colville on Planning Bill

32:55 Challenges in Housing and Planning Reforms

39:10 Political Dynamics and Housing Crisis

53:44 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

In Episode 6 of The Abundance Agenda podcast, hosts James O'Malley and Martin Robbins explore positive developments in the UK, particularly focusing on new theme park projects and the challenges facing British Steel. The episode kicks off discussing Universal's plan to build a massive theme park resort in Bedfordshire, expected to create thousands of jobs and boost the local economy. The conversation then shifts to the recent crisis with British Steel, the government’s intervention, and the implications for the industry’s future. The hosts also cover an amendment to the planning bill proposed by Labour MP Chris Hinchcliffe, which has sparked debate among YIMBYs and developers. Additionally, the episode features an in-depth interview with JP Spencer, author of a new report by Labour Together that discusses strategies for addressing regional economic disparities and rebalancing the UK's growth. Themes of transport infrastructure, regional development, and the planning process are thoroughly examined.

00:00 Introduction to the Abundance Agenda

00:32 Theme Parks: A Fascinating Business

02:44 Universal's New Theme Park in Bedfordshire

03:11 Local Impact and Community Response

03:59 Challenges and Comparisons with Other Theme Parks

09:23 Planning and Development Insights

12:11 The Rise and Fall of the London Paramount Entertainment Resort

15:20 British Steel: A Crisis Unfolds

24:05 The Uncertain Future of British Steel

24:29 Historical Context of British Steel Nationalization

25:04 Challenges Facing the British Steel Industry

25:46 Potential Solutions for Revitalizing British Steel

26:31 Planning Bill Controversies and Local Politics

27:20 The Role of Planning in Economic Growth

28:38 The Debate Over Housing and Planning Amendments

29:34 The Future of Planning and Development in the UK

30:25 Housekeeping and Personal Updates

32:21 The Concept of 'Leveling Up' in UK Politics

34:05 Interview with JP Spencer on Regional Imbalances

41:43 The Role of the Treasury Green Book

45:05 Political Attitudes Towards Rebalancing the Economy

46:47 Conclusion and Call to Action

On this week’s episode of The Abundance Agenda, Martin tells James a frankly horrifying story about another attempt to delay the construction of HS2, and then we speak to former OpenAI frontier AI researcher Rosie Campbell about why her new non-profit, Eleos Research, is focusing on the emerging field of “AI Welfare”.

The Abundance Agenda is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and hopefully wherever you get your podcasts!

You can find James on Bluesky here, and Martin here.

You can find Martin’s detailed Substack posts with maps, diagrams and much more detail here.

You can read James’s solution to the AI/copyright problem here.

And you can find Rosie’s colleague Rob Long, whose newsletter she recommended, here.

On this week’s Abundance Agenda, James reveals the secrets of what Tony Blair actually said about climate policy – by actually reading the words he has written.

Then because it’s the 80th anniversary of VE Day this week, Martin shares some utterly mind-boggling numbers from D-Day – and explains why it was Abundance wot won it.

And finally, we speak to Lindy Fursman, author of the aforementioned Tony Blair Institute climate paper, The Climate Paradox: Why We Need To Reset Action On Climate Change, and we explore the actual policy ideas within, instead of reacting hysterically.

The Abundance Agenda is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and hopefully wherever you get your podcasts!

You can find James on Bluesky here, and Martin here.

You can read James’s piece on why he hates Reels and other shortform video here.

And Martin’s piece on diagnosis will be published later in the week here.