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Artwork for YIMBY Pod – formerly The Abundance Agenda

YIMBY Pod – formerly The Abundance Agenda

James O'Malley and Martin Robbins
HS2
Nuclear Energy
Artificial Intelligence
Climate Change
Housing Crisis
London
Housing Supply
Bedfordshire
Affordable Housing
Renewable Energy
Deprivation Of Planning Applications
Productivity
Housing Development
UK Government
Planning Permission Delays
Gpt-5
R&D
Brexit
Universal Studios
British Trains

A podcast about growth and progress. www.abundancepod.com

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes67Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
NewsPolitics

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for YIMBY Pod – formerly The Abundance Agenda

Latest Episodes

James and Martin discuss Zack Polanski’s claim that food is too expensive – and why politicians should face up to difficult trade-offs. And James makes himself popular by defending the poor, beleaguer mega-corporations that own supermarkets. And then... more

James tries to persuade Martin that he’s solved the mystery of the National Data Library. And we speak to Andrew Hunter Murray about his big day out at the EV charging select committee!

Andrew’s new book, Bad Deeds is out this week! Make sure you bu... more

The government is proposing new measures to stop NIMBYs vexatiously taking energy projects to judicial review! And James tries to persuade Martin that space-based data centres aren’t a completely ridiculous idea.

The Ben Thompson article making the ... more

On YIMBY Pod this week:

* For the first time on the pod, James makes the case for liberating the Postcode Address File.

* And we speak to Lord Mark Pack about how Secondary Legislation is a hidden problem that is slowing down the business of govern... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Mark Pack
Lib Dem peer, former Lib Dem president, Lord Pack; writer and commentator
Liberal Democrats
Episode: The problem with Secondary Legislation
Dan Mead
Economics advisor for Labour Together
Labour Together
Episode: The BBC's anti-Universal theme park bias
Tym Syrytczyk
Driverless cars expert, co-founder of the Institute for Driverless Transport
Institute for Driverless Transport
Episode: The nuclear energy gender gap
Hannah Keenan
Associate Director of the Institute for Government
Institute for Government
Episode: An expert debunks James's bad opinion
Dan Davies
Economist
Labour Together
Episode: Martin visits the Bat Tunnel!
Maxwell Marlow
Director of Policy at TYI Strategy Limited
TYI Strategy Limited
Episode: NIMBYs vs... a cancer hospital
Andrew Greenway
Co-founder of Public Digital and a thinker on government reform
Public Digital
Episode: I'm mad as hell about a tram
Asif Ghafoor
CEO of Be.Ev, EV charging company
Be.Ev
Episode: Save the Car Parks!
Thomas Ableman
Transport consultant, former head of strategy and innovation at Transport for London
Independent transport consultant
Episode: British robo-wine and fixing rural transport

Hosts

James O'Malley
Host of YIMBY Pod (and related iterations); frequent moderator and policy debater focused on planning, infrastructure, and data governance.
Martin Robbins
Co-host with a focus on critical analysis of policy, planning reform, and infrastructure delivery; contributes data-driven and contrarian perspectives.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 138 ratings
  • Fascinating and brilliantly put together

    I really appreciate how well edited and produced this podcast is. I often find “two (usually) men chatting” podcasts a bit annoying because they’re rambling and full of ums and ahs. And they talk over each other. But this more scripted, better edited approach means you actually come away having learned something without having your time wasted. I know it must take a lot of time, so I appreciate it. Martin and James are happy to challenge prevailing wisdoms and offer nuance or outright contrarian... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Stretchytoes
    United Kingdom3 months ago
  • I like the podcast but

    I’m afraid I can’t stomach any more of Martin’s constant slagging-off of anywhere he doesn’t live. I’m out

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    JimmyTheWheels
    United Kingdom6 months ago
  • Outstanding if infuriating

    A great pod that describes in painful detail the pathetic vested interested that want to keep the UK poor. From Natural England to the NIMBY Tory set - it’s really a tragedy. Listen and weep. Well done fellas - keep it up.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Gageueheuege hi geeheyeh
    United States7 months ago
  • Vital information presented with self deprecating humour

    The central theme is that humans - in particular those who live in Britain - need to have abundant clean energy with affordable housing and excellent public transport in order to make the best of their lives.

    Oh, and save the planet as a bonus.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JKarStrae
    United Kingdom8 months ago
  • This has become my essential Monday morning listen

    Really great podcast that takes you through the insanity of current planning laws in the UK that are hindering growth and development, from bat tunnels, to NIMBY local councillors imposing ridiculous restrictions on access roads, to councils refusing to engage in fixing a private road that featured in the local plans. Absolute must listen to understand why many think Britain is broken planning wise, but also how to fix it.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Amfbkk
    United Kingdom9 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Shows strong host dynamics, though some listeners dislike occasional banter.
Balances policy critique with practical, on-site reporting and guest expertise.
Well-edited and concise with nuanced takes that challenge conventional wisdom.
Offers clear, data-backed discussions on planning and energy.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#124
United Kingdom/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#84
Switzerland/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#140
Denmark/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#220
Finland/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The BBC's anti-Universal theme park bias
Q: What seems to be going wrong with Thames Water, and why is there talk of nationalization?
The guest outlines heavy debt, poor pollution records, rising bills, and political pressure to secure reliable water service; nationalization is discussed as a possible, though controversial, path to stabilize service and curb pollution, with emphasis on ensuring affordability for customers.
An expert debunks James's bad opinion
Q: What about the idea of replacing the top layer of civil service with more political appointments?
There is disagreement; the guest argues for stronger political direction and alignment, while stressing that the system must preserve integrity and professionalism, and that wholesale removal of senior layers could erode institutional memory and capacity.
An expert debunks James's bad opinion
Q: Is politics in the civil service essential, or can outside perspectives help drive change without compromising impartiality?
Politics is necessary for direction, but impartiality must be preserved; bringing in outside, diverse perspectives can challenge assumptions and incentivize genuine reform without eroding core civil service principles.
An expert debunks James's bad opinion
Q: What reforms would you pursue in the center of government to enable better delivery of long-term strategy?
Abolishing or reforming the cabinet office into a more focused prime minister and cabinet department, with joint direction from the treasury, plus a reform agenda for civil service workforce and performance management to align incentives with government priorities.
An expert debunks James's bad opinion
Q: If the PM sets a housing target, how could that cascade down through the civil service to actually deliver?
It would require reshaping the center, clearer strategic direction, revamped delivery units, and improved capability and incentives for civil servants to reduce churn and improve execution.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Two hosts drive debates on growth, public policy, and infrastructure in the UK, blending sharp analysis with contrarian takes and practical examples. Episodes frequently explore planning reform, energy policy, transport, and data governance, often featuring expert guests from think tanks, government-adjacent bodies, and industry. The vibe combines rigorous policy critique with accessible storytelling and on-the-ground reporting from sites like town centres, transport projects, and public data initiatives. Notable strengths include a willingness to challenge prevailing wisdom, a policy-forward lens that appeals to professionals and strategists, and a knack for connecting technical topics to everyday public outcomes. Potential listeners inclu... more

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These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Page 94: The Private Eye Podcast
2. IFS Zooms In: The Economy
3. Quiet Riot
4. Origin Story
5. Political Fix

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched a year ago and published 67 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Mark Pack
2. Dan Mead
3. Tym Syrytczyk
4. Hannah Keenan
5. Dan Davies
6. Maxwell Marlow
7. Andrew Greenway
8. Asif Ghafoor

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