The Cost of Everything

Archaeology isn’t just about dusty ruins and ancient artefacts—it’s about uncovering the stories of the past to better understand our present and future. In this episode of The Cost of Everything Podcast, I dive into the fascinating world of buried treasures, exploring their historical, economic, and cultural significance.I discuss:The value of archaeological discoveries like the Didcot Hoard and the lost Roman emperor Domitianus.How ancient currencies such as shekels and drachmas inform our understanding of historical economies.The critical role of legal frameworks like the Treasure Act in preserving our shared heritage.How modern construction projects incorporate archaeological assessments to protect cultural history.The fallacies and challenges of assigning value to historical artefacts in modern economic terms.Join me as I uncover how ancient coins, forgotten hoards, and a modern day treasure hunt connect to today’s world. From construction sites in the UK to international treasure hunts, we’ll explore the enduring allure of buried treasures and why their value goes far beyond money.🎧 Don’t miss this journey through history, economics, and discovery!Subscribe for more episodes on the costs that shape our world. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share with your network.Cost estimating everything from infrastructure to software, from people to the cosmos. Amritpal is the host of the podcast, and is himself a professional cost estimator.

Flooding is one of the most pressing and costly consequences of climate change, with its impacts felt across homes, businesses, ecosystems, and economies. In this episode of The Cost of Everything Podcast, I investigate the financial, social, and environmental toll of flooding, focusing on the UK as a case study.We explore:The direct and indirect costs of major flood events like the recent Storm Bert and the 2007 and 2015 floods.The long-term financial impacts on property values, insurance, and local economies.The role of flood defenses and nature-based solutions in building resilience and mitigating future risks.Global flood management strategies and what the UK can learn from them.The critical role cost estimators play in ensuring efficient resource allocation for flood defense.Join me as I uncover how flooding affects us all and why investing in resilience is both an economic necessity and a moral imperative.Link to donate to the Canal and River Trust charity: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/support-us/our-campaigns/perfectstormJoin the CostViz LinkedIn Page: HereLink to the ICEAA website to find out more about the next Symposium: https://www.iceaaonline.com/workshop/Subscribe to the podcast for more expert insights into cost. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share it with your network. Cost estimating everything from infrastructure to software, from people to the cosmos. Amritpal is the host of the podcast, and is himself a professional cost estimator.Cost estimating everything from infrastructure to software, from people to the cosmos. Amritpal is the host of the podcast, and is himself a professional cost estimator.

In this episode of The Cost of Everything, we explore the rising interest in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and the financial realities behind their potential to transform nuclear energy. SMRs have been hailed as the future of nuclear power, with their smaller footprint, modular design, and faster build times. But what are the true costs involved in bringing them to scale?Join us I look into:The unique cost structure of SMRs versus traditional reactorsInsights from the World Economic Forum’s recent white paper on accelerating SMR deployment and building a supportive regulatory frameworkAdvanced applications of SMRs beyond electricity, including decarbonizing shipping and supporting deep-space missionsHow SMRs could pave the way for Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) and innovative fuel cycles that reduce nuclear wasteFor cost estimators, nuclear industry professionals, and anyone interested in the future of clean energy, this episode unpacks the economic, regulatory, and technological factors shaping the future of SMRs.Tune in to understand what it will really take for SMRs to succeed as a scalable, carbon-free energy source!Join the LinkedIn Page: Here Link to the ICEAA website to find out more about the next Symposium: https://www.iceaaonline.com/workshop/Subscribe to the podcast for more expert insights into cost. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share it with your network. Cost estimating everything from infrastructure to software, from people to the cosmos. Amritpal is the host of the podcast, and is himself a professional cost estimator.

In this episode of The Cost of Everything, we’re going where (many) have gone before: on a journey into the financial frontier of space! 💸Space exploration has transformed over the past few decades. Once the domain of billion-dollar government programs, it’s now opening up to commercial ventures, groundbreaking private companies, and even tourism. But what does it really cost to reach the stars?🎧 Tune in to learn about:The evolving costs of space missions, from Apollo to Mars and beyondHow companies like SpaceX are changing the economics of space by reducing launch costs The emerging market for space tourism and who’s leading the chargeThe economic impact of satellite constellations and commercial space projectsThe innovative techniques used to estimate costs in complex, cutting-edge projectsWe also look at parametric estimating, a crucial tool for early stage estimating of complex projects.The future of space exploration looks bright—and surprisingly accessible. Whether you’re a space enthusiast, cost analyst, or tech innovator, this episode is for you!👉 Listen now to uncover the real costs (and benefits!) of reaching the final frontier!Link to the ICEAA website to find out more about the next Symposium: https://www.iceaaonline.com/workshop/Subscribe to the podcast for more expert insights into cost. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share it with your network. #SpaceExploration #CostAnalysis #Aerospace #SpaceX #Starship #Innovation #TheCostOfEverything #PodcastCost estimating everything from infrastructure to software, from people to the cosmos. Amritpal is the host of the podcast, and is himself a professional cost estimator.

In this episode of The Cost of Everything, I explore the fascinating history of the Spice Wars — a series of intense conflicts that shaped global trade in the 16th and 17th centuries. Discover how the pursuit of spices like nutmeg, cloves, and pepper drove European empires to battle for control over Southeast Asia’s valuable spice routes. I also introduce a new section describing different definitions or techniques in estimating. This week, it's the Dunning-Kruger effect, a cognitive bias that can impact cost estimators and analysts today, making this episode a perfect blend of history and practical insights. Link to the ICEAA website to find out more about the next Symposium: https://www.iceaaonline.com/workshop/Subscribe to the podcast for more expert insights into cost. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share it with your network. Cost estimating everything from infrastructure to software, from people to the cosmos. Amritpal is the host of the podcast, and is himself a professional cost estimator.