Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer

The Abundance Doctrine (with Mike Konczal)

Apr 22, 2025

Mike Konczal, Senior Director of Policy and Research at the Economic Security Project and former Chief Economist for the National Economic Council, joins in to explore the concept of 'abundance.' He critiques the deregulatory themes in the recent book by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson, highlighting that more isn't always better. Konczal dives into the complexities of housing policy and the failures of the market to address affordability. Their discussion challenges the notion that innovation alone can resolve economic inequalities, advocating for vital government intervention.

40:43

Episode guests

Mike Konczal

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The podcast critiques the notion of 'abundance,' highlighting that its deregulatory focus often overlooks systemic barriers to equitable distribution.

It advocates for a middle-out economic approach that emphasizes public investment and government intervention to address economic disparities and promote fairness.

Deep dives

The Failure of Trickle-Down Economics

Trickle-down economics has not fostered the growth it promised, leading to increased inequality and political instability. The ideology suggests that benefits provided to the wealthy would eventually trickle down to the rest of the population, but empirical evidence shows this has not occurred. Instead, the podcast argues for a shift towards middle-out economics, which positions the middle class as the key driver of economic growth. Emphasizing the need to build the economy from the middle out reflects a recognition of the inadequacies of prior economic theories.

Intro

2min

Navigating Abundance and Economic Policy

25min

Exploring Governance and Administrative Reform for a Better Future

4min

Exploring Vision and Abundance in Literature

5min

The Paradox of Rapid Construction and Housing Affordability

2min

Exploring Literature and Community Engagement

2min

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