"Econ 102" with Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg: Derek Thompson on Why America Can't Build, Abundance, and Substack

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In this episode of Econ 102, we're republishing a conversation between Noah Smith and Derek Thompson recorded live on Substack in June. They explore Derek’s shift from The Atlantic to Substack and unpack the “abundance agenda” — a vision for revitalizing American politics through better housing, energy, and innovation policy. Their wide-ranging conversation touches on economic reform, trendspotting, and the evolving media landscape.

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SEND US YOUR Q's FOR NOAH TO ANSWER ON AIR: [email protected]

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FOLLOW ON X:

@noahpinion

@DKThomp

@eriktorenberg

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RECOMMENDED IN THIS EPISODE:

Derek Thompson Substack: https://www.derekthompson.org/

Abundance: https://www.amazon.com/Abundance-Progress-Takes-Ezra-Klein/dp/1668023482

Paul Krugman: https://paulkrugman.substack.com/

Matt Yglesias: https://www.slowboring.com/

Kyla Scanlan: https://kyla.substack.com/

Noahpinion: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.noahpinion.blog/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠

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TAKEAWAYS:

• Derek's Move to Substack: Derek left The Atlantic after 17 years to join Substack, driven by "party wanderlust" - seeing the vibrant community of writers like Noah, Matt Yglesias, and others.
• Art of Trend Spotting: Noah praises Derek's unique ability to identify major trends before others, noting he's "earlier to spot new and important trends than any other blogger or writer." Derek reveals his method involves paying attention to that inner voice asking "what the fuck is that?" about everyday observations - essentially being like "observational humor but not necessarily humorous."
• Abundance Agenda's Impact: The conversation reveals how the abundance movement has gained significant traction, with Derek noting that partnering with Ezra Klein was strategic since Klein has unique influence within Democratic circles. They discuss "Ezra Klein Derangement Syndrome" - how Klein's prominence makes him both influential and a target.
• Need to attack MAGA degrowth ideology: Abundance advocates should more aggressively counter Trump's "scarcity mindset" that responds to every shortage with deprivation rather than increased production.
• Federal housing incentives: Race-to-the-top style funding to reward localities for pro-housing policies.