Route Notes is a podcast for public health professionals, nonprofit leaders, educators, and changemakers navigating the real work of leadership in complex systems.
We’ve spent years working alongside leaders in public health, education, nonprofits, and advocacy. From board rooms to back roads, the challenges are always complex.
Route Notes shares stories, strategies, and lessons we’ve learned along the way—and introduces you to the people who’ve helped us navigate the terrain.
Because maps are made from the journeys behind us—not the road ahead.
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Route Notes is a podcast for public health professionals, nonprofit leaders, educators, and changemakers navigating the real work of leadership in complex systems.
We’ve spent years working alongside leaders in public health, education, nonprofits, and advocacy. From board rooms to back roads, the challenges are always complex.
Route Notes shares stories, strategies, and lessons we’ve learned along the way—and introduces you to the people who’ve helped us navigate the terrain.
Because maps are made from the journeys behind us—not the road ahead.
Episode 7: Campfire Chat - Abundance, Innovation, and the Cost of Playing It Safe
Route Notes
49 minutes 55 seconds
3 months ago
Episode 7: Campfire Chat - Abundance, Innovation, and the Cost of Playing It Safe
In this episode of Campfire Chat, we dig into Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson, a bold call to rethink how we approach public policy, innovation, and problem-solving. Framed around a powerful question—what if we planned for abundance instead of assuming scarcity?—this conversation explores the real potential of government-driven innovation, from Operation Warp Speed to climate tech, housing reform, and scientific research.
We discuss the book’s techno-optimism, the role of crisis in mobilizing action, and why some of our biggest wins—like the COVID-19 vaccine rollout—became political orphans. We also wrestle with the deeper tradeoffs, like red tape and risk aversion, that slow down real progress. Along the way, we reflect on what this framework could mean for universities, health departments, and anyone leading through complexity. Spoiler: it starts with being willing to change.
Want to read along for next time? We’ll be tackling Moral Ambition by Rutger Bregman in the next Campfire Chat. Grab a copy and join the conversation.
Route Notes
Route Notes is a podcast for public health professionals, nonprofit leaders, educators, and changemakers navigating the real work of leadership in complex systems.
We’ve spent years working alongside leaders in public health, education, nonprofits, and advocacy. From board rooms to back roads, the challenges are always complex.
Route Notes shares stories, strategies, and lessons we’ve learned along the way—and introduces you to the people who’ve helped us navigate the terrain.
Because maps are made from the journeys behind us—not the road ahead.
