FYPod Episode 29: Housing Crisis Gets Worse! Cam’s Fairytale Wedding

Release Date: May 24, 2025

Hosts: Tim Miller and Cameron Caskey Guest: Tara Hoops

1. Introduction and Guest Background

In the latest episode of FYPod, hosts Tim Miller and Cameron Caskey welcome Tara Hoops, a newlywed and policy analyst from The Bulwark's Chamber of Progress. Tara shares her journey from Queens, New York, to Washington D.C., and eventually Los Angeles, where she now collaborates on the Substack publication Rebuild with Gary Winslet. Their work focuses on critical policy areas such as infrastructure, housing, and energy.

Notable Quote:

Tim Miller [02:05]: "Did you recruit him? Is that what happened?"

2. The Worsening Housing Crisis

The primary focus of the episode centers on the escalating housing crisis in America. Tara explains that despite low vacancy rates in cities like New York, the supply of affordable housing remains insufficient. She emphasizes the need for effective policy reform rather than blanket deregulation.

Key Points:

• Infrastructure and Policy Shortcomings: Democrats have historically promised extensive reforms but failed to deliver on essential basics like housing and infrastructure, leading to urban discontent.

• Regulation vs. Deregulation: Tara critiques existing regulations such as NEPA and CEQA, which, while initially intended to protect the environment, have been exploited to block housing developments. She argues for a balanced approach that reforms outdated policies to facilitate housing growth without compromising environmental standards.

• Corporate Influence: The discussion touches on the impact of large corporations like BlackRock on the housing market. Tara debunks exaggerated claims about corporate ownership of housing units, noting that true figures are lower than some reports suggest.

Notable Quotes:

Tara Hoops [06:15]: "These policies started to block progress instead of protecting harms, and people started using them to instead just block anything."

Cameron Caskey [15:55]: "I think there should be a limit on how many properties corporations can own."

3. YIMBY vs. NIMBY and Gen Z’s Political Shifts

The conversation delves into the YIMBY (Yes In My Back Yard) versus NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) movements, highlighting the complexities within Gen Z's political landscape. Tara points out that both left- and right-leaning individuals can exhibit NIMBY tendencies, complicating efforts to increase housing supply.

Key Points:

• Political Polarization: Tara discusses how both sides of the political spectrum have elements that resist housing developments, often using regulation as a tool to enforce their agendas.

• Gen Z’s Political Alignment: Despite Gen Z's significant influence, their political engagement on housing issues appears limited. Tara suggests that societal "vibes" and a sense of helplessness contribute to Gen Z's challenges in mobilizing around housing policies.

Notable Quotes:

Cameron Caskey [21:22]: "Maybe there's something that the NIMBYs could eat that you could easily brand?"

Tara Hoops [18:10]: "It all has to do with a select few because it is even."

4. Gen Z Anxiety and Political Engagement

The hosts and Tara explore the broader theme of Gen Z's social anxiety and its impact on political activism. They discuss how economic uncertainties, such as the inability to afford housing, contribute to a sense of disenfranchisement among young voters.

Key Points:

• Economic Pressures: High rent and mortgage costs dominate the financial concerns of Gen Z, overshadowing other political issues and dampening their willingness to engage in activism.

• Social Construct Perspectives: Tara introduces the concept of "vibe sessions" to describe how economic data can clash with personal experiences, leading to frustration and a tendency to blame external factors rather than seeking collective solutions.

Notable Quotes:

Tara Hoops [18:23]: "It's very easy to jump to, well, there's someone to blame here. It's not me."

Tim Miller [19:56]: "Why give these kids a voice? Find the smart ones that have actually worked to develop an opinion."

5. Tara Hoops’ Wedding and Personal Insights

Interspersed with the political discourse, Tara shares anecdotes about her recent wedding planning. She details the challenges of organizing a wedding, from dress selection to managing guest expectations, illustrating the personal side of Gen Z members balancing major life events amidst broader societal issues.

Key Points:

• Wedding Planning Struggles: Tara candidly admits to hating wedding planning, highlighting common frustrations like choosing a dress and coordinating with friends.

• Social Pressures: Friends and family often impose expectations on young couples, such as questioning the timing of marriage or assumptions about starting a family.

Notable Quotes:

Tara Hoops [34:36]: "Walking down the aisle and looking at him was just like, I can replay in my head all the time."

Cameron Caskey [37:15]: "While I'm picturing my fairy tale wedding, I am so excited to plan it and I want you to kind of tell me why I ought to be afraid."

6. Final Segments and Boomer Mailbag

The episode concludes with light-hearted segments, including a discussion on Gen Z's interactions with millennials and the introduction of the "Boomer Mailbag," where the hosts address criticisms from older generations.

Key Points:

• Intergenerational Tensions: Tim Miller expresses frustration with Boomer critics who dismiss Gen Z's opinions, while Cameron and Tara defend the intelligence and engagement of young political voices.

• Humorous Exchanges: The hosts engage in playful banter about generational differences, vaping, and workplace dynamics, providing a balance to the more serious discussions.

Notable Quotes:

Tim Miller [52:03]: "If you think our guests can't read or are smart, you probably don't want to meet any other Gen Zs because it's getting pretty dumb out there."

Cameron Caskey [54:10]: "If I could only care less about certain things, I would sleep a lot easier at night."

7. Insights and Conclusions

Episode 29 of FYPod offers a comprehensive examination of the worsening housing crisis through the lens of Gen Z's political engagement and societal challenges. Tara Hoops provides expert analysis on policy reforms needed to address housing shortages, while also sharing personal experiences that humanize the broader issues facing younger generations. The episode successfully balances in-depth political discourse with relatable personal stories, making complex topics accessible to a wider audience.

Overall Notable Quotes:

Tara Hoops [22:51]: "This is your livelihood. Like, the rent. Your rent is always going to be the largest share of where your income goes."

Tim Miller [35:15]: "What's the case that they make that it, like, has a point? Because I have trouble seeing it."

Episode Takeaways:

• Policy Reform Over Deregulation: Effective solutions to the housing crisis require thoughtful reforms of existing regulations rather than outright deregulation.

• Gen Z's Role: Empowering Gen Z through policy engagement and addressing their economic anxieties is crucial for future political landscapes.

• Personal Narratives Matter: Integrating personal experiences with policy discussions can enhance understanding and relatability among listeners.

Tune in next week for more sharp insights into America’s youngest voters on FYPod.