
The Future Report
By McCrindle

The Future ReportFeb 15, 2022

Gen Y: The loyal generation with Grant Dusting
Generation Y, also known as the Millennials, are a generation who have chosen differently when it comes to traditional life markers by delaying marriage, children, and the purchasing of their first home.
This generation are currently in their family forming years, now pursuing leadership roles.
They are the parents of Generation Alpha, and are a highly innovative, technological, and social generation.
In today's episode, our host, Ashley Fell, sits down with social researcher and Director of Strategy at McCrindle, Grant Dusting, to discuss our latest research on this generation.

Are Gen X as non-descriptive as their label with Mark McCrindle
Generation X describes those born between 1965 and 1979, which currently places them in their early forties to mid-fifties.
They witnessed the introduction of computers in schools and homes, becoming the first generation to experience working parents and higher rates of divorce.
Termed the “latch-key kids” and the “home alone generation,” they developed independence, flexibility, and a peer-oriented mindset.
Gen X, like their non-descript label, have an understated visibility in society but bring a massive influence economically, demographically, politically, and organisationally.
They are the generation at the peak of their leadership and impact.
In today's episode, our host, Ashley Fell, sits down with with social researcher and demographer, Mark McCrindle, to discuss our latest research about this generation.

Baby Boomers and the future of retirement with Mark McCrindle
Today’s Baby Boomers are the ultimate ‘downagers'; redefining expectations of their life stage, and reinventing retirement.
They are buying and selling property later in life and remaining active in the workforce later than ever before.
This is all a response to the improved life and health realities – otherwise known as the longevity boom.
In today's episode, our host, Ashley Fell, sits down with social researcher and demographer, Mark McCrindle, to discuss these insights.

The importance of involved fathers with Geoff Brailey
Those tasked with the important job of parenting Generation Alpha are likely to be those of Generations X and Y.
While most Baby Boomers were shaped in households where fewer mums worked outside the home, today the majority of parents are two-income earning.
Along with the massive increase in the proportion of mums working full-time, expectations towards fathers have also changed, as many have become more actively involved in child-rearing.
From attendance at parent–teacher nights and class concerts, to the school drop-off, pickup, and taking parental leave; it’s the dads of Generation Alpha, not just the mums, who are stepping up.
In celebration of Father’s Day in Australia this upcoming weekend, our host, Ashley Fell, sits down with social researcher and Director of Solutions at McCrindle, Geoff Brailey, to discuss the important role of fathers in our society.

The future of community with Geoff Brailey
Gathering together remains an important part of the cultural makeup of Australia. However, the place in which community is found has evolved.
When you think about where the heart of the community is for you, maybe it is the local park or sports ground, perhaps it’s a cafe, or even the local shopping centre.
In the wake of the pandemic, the way communities come together has evolved, reshaping the significance of various gathering places.
In today's episode, our host, Ashley Fell, sits down with social researcher and Director of Solutions at McCrindle, Geoff Brailey, to discuss our latest research on this fascinating shift in the cultural fabric of Australia.

Leveraging research for PR impact with Anna Colthorpe
Here at McCrindle, we believe data tells a story.
While we work with numbers and statistics on a daily basis, we are also acutely aware that these numbers represent people’s beliefs, opinions, and values.
They paint a picture of the varying sentiments across people groups, and can help guide strategic thinking.
One way that statistics and stories can add real value is to a company’s public relations (PR) campaign.
In today's episode, our host, Ashley Fell, sits down with McCrindle’s Media Research Specialist, Anna Colthorpe, to discuss the power of research for public relations.

Let's talk coffee and tattoo trends with Sophie Renton
Welcome back to another season of The Future Report podcast!
To kick this one off, we’re delving into two topics that we’ve conducted some recent research on, both of which reveal a lot about our society - tattoos and coffee.
Our host, Ashley Fell, sits down with McCrindle’s Managing Director, Sophie Renton, to discuss these fun and interesting findings.

The cost of education with Jason Authers
Obtaining a quality education is incredibly valuable.
Not only does education equip us with knowledge, it equips us with friendships, opportunities for to develop leadership qualities, ways to contribute, and most importantly, the ability to learn. But, how much of a financial impact does providing a quality education have?
This was the purpose of the research we conducted on behalf of Futurity Investment Group.
In today's episode, our host, Ashley Fell, sits down with McCrindle’s research strategist Jason Authers to discuss these insights.

Stats that changed the world with Mark McCrindle
How important do you think statistics are?
We, of course, believe that they are incredibly important - but perhaps not everyone feels the same way.
However, research, numbers, and statistics do have the opportunity to effect real change.
Why?
Because behind the statistics are real people and their stories. And stories are powerful.
In today's episode, our host, Ashley Fell, sits down with social researcher and futurist, Mark McCrindle, to discuss some of the stats that changed the world.

Top baby names of 2023 revealed with Ashley Fell
Choosing a name for your child is a huge decision!
It’s very personal, and with more naming options than ever before, it can be hard.
Analysing baby names over time also paints a fascinating snapshot of that era.
While the Builders generation (born before 1945) chose traditional names such as Peter, Paul, John, Karen, Jennifer or Sharon for their children, in the 1980s, we saw Baby Boomer and Gen X parents begin to draw on baby name books for inspiration and trends.
Meanwhile today’s parents, Generation Y (also known as the Millennials), are not only choosing new and different names, but they are also parenting a new and unique generation – Generation Alpha.
At McCrindle we have the privilege of gathering the top baby names and compiling the top 100 list. We have just released our 2023 baby names report, and there are some interesting naming trends that Gen Y parents are drawing on for their Generation Alpha children.
In today's episode, we are mixing things up a bit! As Ashley Fell is the key media spokesperson for this research and its insights, this episode is hosted by our podcast producer, Holly Schaaf, who sits down with Ashley to discuss the top baby names of 2023.

The future of marketing with Luke Davies
Like many other aspects of society, marketing has changed over time.
Cutting-edge technologies are changing how organisations connect with consumers.
But it's not just about technology - there is also the human side of marketing, and how consumers have changed over time.
All of this is reshaping the landscape as we know it.
In today's episode, our host, Ashley Fell, sits down with McCrindle's Marketing Executive, Luke Davies, to discuss the future of marketing.

Navigating financial dreams amidst economic challenges with Mark McCrindle
Economic uncertainty, the rising cost of living, and rising interest rates are having impacts on Australians, as well as the "recessionette" environment that we find ourselves in.
Despite these tough times, people still have financial dreams, goals and aspirations.
In today's episode, our host, Ashley Fell, sits down with social researcher and futurist, Mark McCrindle, to discuss some key findings from the recent research we have conducted for our client, Insignia Financial.

Burnout in the education sector with Sophie Renton
Never in the history of the world has education been more accessible, more flexible, and more vulnerable to disruption.
That’s why, in the latest instalment of our future of education study, we chose to not only identify these disrupters to the future of education, but also the unique opportunities that flow from them, so that we can all play a part in equipping students to thrive in this changing world.
By hearing from 500 teachers on the frontlines and delving deeper with key educational thought leaders, this research offers some clarity in this ambiguity of changes and trends.
It is our hope that this research will help this noble profession continue to be a resilient, responsive, and relational one.
In today's episode, our host, Ashley Fell, sits down with McCrindle’s Managing Director and key author of this report, Sophie Renton, for part two of exploring disruptors to the future of education.

Disruptors to the future of education with Sophie Renton
The waves of change impacting the education sector are perhaps unparalleled.
There are the demographic trends of new generations entering the classroom, combined with the challenges of attracting and retaining younger staff, technological transformations, social changes, funding challenges, global influences, empowered parents (and students) and the growing expectation of holistic student development as well as an ongoing transition to the new world of work.
This is why, each year, McCrindle conducts a sector-wide study about the trends impacting the education sector so we can better understand them.
Seeing as we just released this research, we thought we would discuss some of these fascinating insights across two episodes of the podcast.
For part one, our host, Ashley Fell, sits down with McCrindle's Managing Director and key author of this report, Sophie Renton, to discuss some significant disruptors impacting the future of education.

How AI will impact jobs of the future with Mike Abecina
Although it seems like Artificial Intelligence has only been on our radar for the last couple of years, it has in fact been something talked about and considered for decades.
In recent years, AI has been utilised in the background, but now with it becoming more accessible and its use widespread, what does it mean for the way humans work and the type of work they will do in the future?
It’s an important question not just for those beginning their careers, but all of us in the workforce.
In today's episode, our host, Ashley Fell, sits down with McCrindle's Data Scientist, Mike Abecina, to chat about how AI will impact jobs of the future.

Generations and their philanthropic giving with Sophie Renton
Every generation has different characteristics.
They have different motivators, preferences, and ways of engaging with companies.
Learning about these is vital for organisations to remain relevant for the future.
This is especially the case for not-for-profits and charities, who rely on donors and supporters to continue to do great work in our communities.
Our latest report about the not-for-profit sector is all about this and understanding donors. It looks to the future by analysing each generation and revealing insights about what motivates them to engage.
In today's episode, our host, Ashley Fell, sits down with McCrindle's Managing Director, Sophie Renton, to discuss the insights from this report and its implications for leaders and decision-makers in the philanthropic space.

The future of the for-purpose sector with Mark McCrindle
Australia has long been blessed with stable governments, high-functioning democracy, and the rule of law.
However, what actively enables the flourishing of our society is not just government and its agencies, or even our local communities, but the for-purpose sector.
While the retail sector facilitates vitally needed communities of interaction, and our diverse local suburbs for many are communities of belonging, it is the charities and non-profits that build communities of purpose.
These for-purpose organisations are defined by three factors which distinguish them from business, retail, or local communities: they are problem focused, outward orientated, and action driven.
This is why Australians, even in this era of declining trust in institutions, continue to hold charities in high regard.
In today's episode, our host, Ashley Fell, sits down with social researcher and futurist, Mark McCrindle, to discuss the insights from our latest report about the future of the not-for-profit sector.

The future of careers with Mark McCrindle
According to a recent study, the average amount of time that an employee stays in one job is now down to two years and nine months.
This means that for a school leaver today, who will live longer and work later into their life, we predict that they will have 18 jobs, across 6 careers, in their lifetime.
Now when we share this forecast, sometimes people audibly gasp in shock. And that’s understandable, because it is a big figure and it has some big implications - for both the employee and the employer.
In today's episode, our host, Ashley Fell, sits down with social researcher and futurist, Mark McCrindle, to discuss this trend and the future of careers.

In the head of Gen Z with Holly Schaaf and Luke Davies
Generation Z describes those born between the years of 1995 and 2009. That places them in their late teens and twenties, today.
People in this life stage are often viewed as a bit of an enigma by other generations – particularly those older than them.
They wear different fashions, they listen to different music and at times it can feel like they speak a different language.
While their age does play a role in some of these generational traits, we believe it is a mistake to view generational characteristics as merely a life stage, or fad that people will outgrow as they age.
Because generations do not change over time to look identical to how their parents looked at the same age.
Rather, a generation is a product of their current age, their times, and importantly the formative technologies and social markers that uniquely shaped them.
In many ways, people resemble their times more than they resemble their parents.
In today's episode, our host, Ashley Fell, sits down to discuss some characteristics of this cohort with two of her Gen Z colleagues, Holly Schaaf and Luke Davies.

Leading teams in changing times with Sophie Renton
It is undisputed that the world of work is undergoing a massive transformation.
From artificial intelligence to robotics and automation, what humans currently do and what we will be doing for work in the future is changing.
Yet, it is not only technological shifts that are having big impacts on the workforce. Although they redefine our world, social and demographic changes also have profound implications for our future.
One of the key definers of our 21st-century workplaces is diversity. There are more women in the workforce now than there has ever been due to redefined life stages, the cost of living, and advances in gender roles.
Additionally, workplaces are now increasingly generationally and culturally diverse.
Workers expect their organisations to reflect the broader society they operate in, which is particularly true for the emerging Generation Z’s, who have been shaped in an era of great cultural and gender diversity.
In today's episode, our host, Ashley Fell, sits down with McCrindle's Managing Director, Sophie Renton, to chat about effectively leading teams in these changing times.

8 trends shaping 2023 with Geoff Brailey
As futurists, we study trends and factors that impact the future.
However, futurists are not crystal ball gazers.
We don’t just make wild predictions of what the future might be. Rather, we gather evidence and extrapolate the trends that are set to shape the years ahead.
Businesses and consumers have encountered huge amounts of change in the last few years and this doesn’t appear to be slowing down in 2023.
We believe that by observing the demographic shifts, social trends and technological advancements that have shaped the past, we can make informed predictions about the trends set to shape the year ahead.
In today's episode, our host, Ashley Fell, sits down with social researcher and Director of Solutions at McCrindle, Geoff Brailey, to chat through what we predict are the top 8 trends shaping 2023.

ChatGPT and how AI will impact the future of education with Mike Abecina
It is true that over the last decade, Artificial Intelligence has been increasingly applied to our everyday lives.
Artificial Intelligence is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems.
One of our trend predictions for 2023 has been Humanit-AI, where we predict that humans and machines will increasingly work closely with one another, and continue to be integrated.
A big indicator of this trend has been the widespread use of ChatGPT, and in particular, the discussion of how it will change aspects of the education sector.
In today's episode, our host, Ashley Fell, sits down with McCrindle's Data Scientist, Mike Abecina, to chat about ChatGPT and the impact of AI on the future of education.

How to respond strategically to trends with Mark McCrindle
Happy 2023 and welcome to another season of The Future Report podcast!
We are delighted that you have joined us again for more insightful discussions around trends and the future.
In today's episode, our host, Ashley Fell, sits down with social researcher and futurist, Mark McCrindle, to explore how we can go about understanding, interpreting, and even strategically leveraging the trends that are happening all around us today.

Year in review with Sophie Renton
If you can believe it, Christmas is upon us and we are about to say goodbye to another year.
As we look ahead to the future, it’s also a worthwhile endeavour to look back at the year that was.
From demographic changes to political events. From social trends to consumer shifts and technology trends. We’re discussing some of the most memorable societal events from 2022 in this episode, with McCrindle’s managing director, Sophie Renton.

A Gen X, Y & Z have a chat, with Mike Abecina and Steph Razey
Generations.
Always such a fun topic for us to discuss.
Why?
Because everyone belongs to one.
There are various generations intermingling in our workplaces and communities, so understanding the unique perspectives of each one is vital.
It was George Orwell who said, ‘Every generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it.’
In today’s episode, our Gen Y host, Ashley fell, sits down with a Gen Z, Steph Razey, and a Gen X, Mike Abecina, to discuss their generational differences.

Generation Alpha are becoming teenagers with Mark McCrindle
They’re the first generation to be fully born in the 21st Century.
The oldest of them began being born in 2010, the same year Instagram and the iPad launched.
Yes, we’re talking about Generation Alpha – the cohort born between 2010 and 2024.
While the youngest of them are yet to be born, the oldest of them are about to become teenagers.
In today's episode, our host, Ashley Fell, sits down with the demographer and futurist who gave this generation their name, Mark McCrindle, to discuss some significant implications of Generation Alpha's entrance into their teen years.

The world’s population has reached 8 billion people with Mark McCrindle
Recently, the world’s population ticked over 8 billion people.
That’s right. 8. Billion.
We’ve reached this latest billion in record time, and the majority of population growth we've seen has occurred in the last 100 years.
In today's episode, our host, Ashley Fell, sits down with demographer and futurist, Mark McCrindle, to discuss if this historic milestone is an exciting one, or something to be concerned about.

How Gen Z can stand out in workplaces of the future with Sophie Renton
Starting out in your career is a memorable experience.
Often our first foray into paid work can be daunting, exciting, overwhelming and memorable - all at the same time.
The world of work is changing, especially for today’s school leavers, Generation Z.
They are entrepreneurial, career mobile, and could have 18 jobs across 6 careers in their lifetime!
In today's episode, our host, Ashley Fell, sits down with McCrindle's Managing Director, Sophie Renton, to explore some advice and tips on how this new generation entering the workforce can stand out in the future of work.

The future of faith with Geoff Brailey
There are many factors that contribute to our overall health and wellbeing. This can include physical exercise, sleep, sense of satisfaction, sense of meaning and purpose, and how one feels their life is going. Holistically it is often a blend of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects.
In a a study of employed Australians that McCrindle conducted with Reventure, we found that the majority of employed persons (42%) defined wellbeing as, ‘When I have found balance across my physical, mental, social and spiritual life’.
It’s also pretty evident to us that people’s personal wellbeing has taken a bit of a hit in recent years.
More than one in six Australians say they have never felt part of a flourishing community, and around the same number report feeling lonely “often”.
More than half of Australian teen and twentysomethings say they are living with a long-term mental health condition such as anxiety or depression, and less than half of this age group report strong satisfaction in their life in measures such as a sense of purpose, contentment, personal growth and spiritual wellbeing.
These are some staggering statistics.
In today’s episode, our host, Ashley Fell sits down with social researcher, Geoff Brailey, to discuss some new research insights about the future of faith.

How we spend our time and how it has changed with Mark McCrindle
Have you ever kept a diary of how you spend your time?
Well, the Australian Bureau of Statistics has.
They have released their time use study which measured the daily activities of 2,000 diverse households, and of those aged 15 years and over in those households, had them keep a diary over two days and account for all their time.
It’s a pretty fascinating study and reveals a lot about how much time people are spending on work, domestic duties, recreation, and even sleep. It also explores how rushed or pressed for time people feel.
So, in this episode, Ashley Fell sits down with social researcher and futurist, Mark McCrindle to unpack what this study reveals about how we spend one of the most precious things we have – which is our time.

The cost of culture with Anna Colthorpe & Hannah Butcher
Gen Z and Millennials describe those in their teens, twenties, and thirties today. This life stage is often characterised by the need to keep up with their peers and the culture around them.
As society continues to adapt to changing lifestyles and economic conditions, our team at McCrindle was commissioned by Afterpay to conduct a study about Gen Z and Millennials.
The study sought to determine how and if these generations are re-balancing their spending priorities, lifestyles, and mindsets to keep up with the ever-shifting role that culture - which this report defines as a pursuit of new trends, innovation, experiences, and wellbeing - has on their lives and back pockets.
As you can imagine, it reveals some fascinating insights about what Millennial and Gen Z Aussies are thinking, buying, investing in, and planning for.
So, joining Ashley Fell on the podcast to discuss this report are two McCrindle researchers who worked on this report, Anna Colthorpe and Hannah Butcher.

The Metaverse and why it matters, with Mark McCrindle
Avatars. NFTs. Blockchain. Bitcoin. Cryptocurrency. Virtual and augmented reality.
What do all these words have in common?
They relate to The Metaverse.
While it may have begun as a vague concept, over the last year it has gained immense traction, and many are now calling it the future of the internet. Particularly as it relates to Generation Alpha.
Gone are the days when kids plugged a console in front of a TV and played Mario Kart with their friends in the living room.
Now, they are socialising in the virtual worlds of Roblox and Minecraft, early adaptations of The Metaverse, or Web 3.0 as many are calling it.
In this episode, we are going to unpack what the Metaverse is, how Generation Alpha are already setting the agenda and why it is essential for organisations to understand and engage with the Metaverse if they want to not only exist but thrive in the future.
Joining Ashley Fell to do just that is social researcher and futurist, Mark McCrindle.

The future of hybrid work with Sophie Renton
Over the last few years, remote work or work-from-home became widespread. This is because it wasn’t something that was just promoted or strongly encouraged. It was mandated.
And it went on for some time. Because of various lockdowns and restrictions, some companies work-ed-from-home, full-time, for years. And possibly still are.
Now, as we (with fingers crossed) say goodbye to lockdowns and work-from-home mandates, workplace leaders have both the challenge and opportunity before them of working out what their new normal will be.
What was mandated and followed through on, has now become a choice.
Will they encourage or even force people back to the workplace? Will they stay fully remote? Or will it be a hybrid? And furthermore, what definition of hybrid will they adopt?
It’s not easy, and it’s not straightforward. But it is important, and that’s why we’ve just released a new report about this topic and why we have the author of that report and Managing Director at McCrindle, Sophie Renton joining us.

The future of home ownership and intergenerational wealth with Mark McCrindle
Breaking into the housing market is a hot topic amongst today’s younger generations with skyrocketing house prices, the rising cost of living, and low wage growth making it pretty difficult to get a foothold.
So, if younger generations can’t break into the housing market, what sort of impact will this have on their financial aspirations and wealth accumulation?
Joining Ashley Fell to shed some light on this topic is Social Researcher and Demographer, Mark McCrindle.

Baby Boomers are redefining retirement, with Mark McCrindle
While the Baby Boomers are currently more active in the workforce for their age than the generation before them, over the next decade we will see a significant changing of the guard as the youngest of the Baby Boomers move past 65 and ease out of the workforce.
When they do, they will leave a very significant knowledge, labour, and leadership gap for the following generations to take up.
But that doesn’t mean a quiet retirement because the Baby Boomers are redefining this life stage and what ageing looks like. Our host, Ashley Fell sits down with social researcher, Mark McCrindle to find out why.

Gen Z's top hopes and fears with Steph Razey
Generation Z describes those born between 1995 and 2009, placing them today aged between 13 and 27. While many of them are students, in just a few years they will comprise a third of the workforce.
In our work we find so many people wanting to understand the mindset and perspective of Gen Z; who they are, what is important to them, and how to remain relevant for this emerging generation.
Joining Ashley Fell to discuss this, is our Research Lead at McCrindle, Steph Razey.

Is Cancel Culture helping us or hurting us? With Mark McCrindle
Today we want to talk about a word or phrase that made its way to the Oxford English Dictionary Word of the Year in 2020 which is: Cancel Culture.
As social researchers, each week are deploying surveys and analysing demographic and community data. We gather content from focus groups and in-depth interviews and draw out the trends. That is social research. While analysing these data sets gives us specific insights into certain groups or areas, it also gives us a very broad read on our society.
One outcome of this type of work is that we are often asked to share insights and perspectives not just from a particular study, but a general perspective on our society and where we see it going. This is often labelled as social commentary.
So, in this episode we going to take our social research hat off and put the social commentator hat on, to see what is going on in our broader society and where things are going.
Joining our host, Ashley Fell, to do just that is Social Researcher and Principal of McCrindle, Mark McCrindle.

Millennials overtake the Boomers with Geoff Brailey
A few weeks ago, the latest Census results were released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. While there were a lot of interesting findings, one big generational shift has occurred in the last five years: the Millennials have overtaken the Baby Boomers to become the largest generation.
So, in today’s episode, Ashley Fell sits down with Social Researcher, Geoff Brailey to talk about this shift, the differences between life 40 years ago compared to today and reframing some of the social stereotypes of the Millennial generation.

Are we in a post-Covid era yet? with Mark McCrindle
Welcome back to another season of The Future Report! Over the last few weeks, Mark McCrindle and Ashley Fell have been out travelling and sharing insights at conferences in Europe and the United States, which after two years of closed borders has been a bit of a treat! In today’s episode, our host, Ashley Fell sits down with social researcher, Mark McCrindle to discuss international conferences and travelling in a post-covid world.

What the 2021 Census results reveals about our changing nation with Mark McCrindle & Geoff Brailey
Once every five years in Australia, we have the night that stops the nation, the census night. The Australian Bureau of Statistics then works busily away and analyses and compiles the data for almost a year and then releases it to the nation. For us, self-professed data nerds at McCrindle, the release day feels like our Christmas’ have all come at once, with a brand new data snapshot of the nation. This data tells the stories of our friends, families, communities, and our nation.
In this episode, we will be unpacking the census insights that you need to know about. Our host, Sophie Renton sits down with social researchers, Mark McCrindle and Geoff Brailey.

Data science and the future of education with Mike Abecina
The education sector is at the centre of many different trends. From changing generations of students and teachers to adapting the curriculum to suit the future of work to respond to changes brought about by the pandemic, to focusing on teacher and student wellbeing and collecting data and knowing what to do with it.
Clearly, there is a lot on the plate for those working in the sector!
Therefore, it’s no wonder that when we speak to educators, they are feeling fatigued and a bit overwhelmed.
Yet, there is hope! If leaders in the sector understand the trends at play and how to utilise the data at their disposal, they can make informed and strategic decisions going forward.
Joining Ashley Fell on the podcast to discuss the role of data science in the future of education is McCrindle's Data Scientist, Mike Abecina.

How we define our identity and the concept of home with Grant Dusting
Have you ever thought about whether you are an ‘anywhere’ or ‘somewhere’ type of person?
If you are an ‘anywhere’ type of person, it is likely that you can find home, community, or work, anywhere.
On the other hand, if you are a ‘somewhere’ person, it is likely that you have strong connections to a particular place.
As people continue to move and relocate, the idea of how we define our identity, and the concept of home is an interesting topic to explore.
Joining Ashley Fell on the podcast is social researcher, Grant Dusting.

Let's talk teens with Collett Smart
At McCrindle, we love to talk about the generations. Today’s high school students and those in their early twenties belong to Generation Z, who were born between the years 1995 and 2009.
If you parent, lead or engage with this generation in any context, you will know that they are quite different from those who have gone before.
The questions on many people’s mind is, how do we best care for this generation who have grown up on screen-based devices and in a more technologically supplied world than we have ever experienced?
We're delighted to have psychologist and author, Collett Smart, joining the podcast to share her wisdom and insight with us about teenagers.

Gen Alpha in the great screen age with Mark McCrindle
If you are old enough to remember dial-up, when you had to wait for the internet to connect and when the world wasn’t in our pockets, it’s a pretty stark contrast to the world shaping children today.
In the last two decades, technology has advanced at lightning speed, and it can be challenging to keep up for all of us – no matter what generation we are a part of. Especially since something we were once a little unsure of, perhaps skeptical of, is now an everyday experience at home, at work, at school and throughout society.
When we speak to parents and educators on the issue of generational differences, technology almost always comes up as the consistent answer as to how Generation Alpha are different from generations past.
Screens also come up as a source of tension. On the one hand, parents and educators want to ensure children are equipped with the necessary digital skills to thrive in an increasingly technological world. On the other hand, they also want them to develop resilience, interpersonal and life skills that come from activities and interactions away from screens.
In a recent survey we conducted, more than four in five Australians (83%) agree that for children aged eleven and under, the use of screens causes more harm than good.
So, what do we need to be aware of and how can we help raise Generation Alpha in the great screen age?
Joining Ashley Fell is the person who gave the name Generation Alpha to those born 2010-2024, Mark McCrindle.

Top baby names for 2022: The results are in with Anna Colthorpe & Kimberley Linco
Analysing baby names paints a fascinating picture of the era that we live in. The Builders generation (born before 1945) chose traditional names such as Peter, Paul, John, Karen, Jennifer, or Sharon for their children. In the 1980s, the Baby Boomers began drawing on baby name books for inspiration and trends. Meanwhile, today’s parents, Generation Y (also known as the Millennials), are not only choosing new and different names, but they are also parenting a new and unique generation – Generation Alpha.
At McCrindle, we have the privilege of gathering the top baby names and compiling the top 100 list. We have just released our 2022 baby names report, and there are some interesting naming trends that Gen Y parents are drawing on for their Generation Alpha children.
And in big news, we also have a new top baby girls name for the first time in a few years.

The Thankyou™ story with Daniel Flynn
Thankyou™ is an organisation founded in Australia that seeks to serve people living in extreme poverty by redistributing wealth, from consumer spending. Thankyou provides consumers with alternate product choices for body care and baby care.
When people purchase these products, it allows shoppers to purchase products that have a positive impact for those living in poverty. If you live in Australia, then it's very likely that you've seen Thankyou's products on the shelves of your Coles and Woolies for a number of years now.
We are delighted to have Co-Founder and Managing Director at Thankyou, Daniel Flynn to share insights into this incredible social enterprise, their workplace culture, phenomenal growth, and dedication to their mission.

Tensions for students in the new world of work with Sophie Renton
While most people have an interest in the future, educators have a direct role in shaping it, as they educate and equip the emerging generations. Importantly, this impact is recognised and appreciated by students. Our research shows that 70% of students can think of at least one teacher who has made a massive, positive difference in their life.
Yet, amidst this positive student feedback, the waves of change impacting the sector are perhaps unequaled. Educational communities bridge the widest generational gaps in our society, connecting grandparents to those aged four and five who are on the innovative edge of coding, robotics, IT, and all things cyber. They also have the pretty big task of preparing the next generation for the future and their working life.
From demographic trends to technological transformations catalysed by the pandemic, the education sector continues to have a lot to respond to, and so this is where future analysis is most needed.
That is why we have conducted research to provide insights into the current context of Australian education with a forecast of what to expect as today’s students emerge into the workforce over the decade ahead.
So, joining our host, Ashley Fell, is McCrindle’s Managing Director and author of our latest Education Future Report, Sophie Renton.

Gen Z defined with Steph Razey
If you know anyone born between the years of 1995 and 2009, then you know a Gen Z. Gen Zs are digital integrators who have been shaped in an era of social media and digital technology.
While this generation are our high school students of today, the oldest of them are approaching their late twenties. Many of them may be in leadership roles in their workplaces and some even parents!
In this episode, not only are we going to discuss some of our research about Gen Z, but our host, Ashley Fell sits down with a wonderful Gen Z member of our team who can speak about the research, and also her own experience and interpretation of it.

Talking culture with Shane Hatton
Workplace culture is so important, yet it can be hard to define and measure. It can be an intangible thing, but something that impacts almost all aspects of an organisation, from productivity to employee satisfaction and retention. It is intrinsically linked to an organisation’s ability to succeed.
In this episode, our host, Ashley Fell will be speaking to another thought leader in this space about his new book on culture, Shane Hatton.
Shane is an author, trainer, coach, and speaker on the topics of leadership and culture.

From FOMO to HOGO: Exploring relational fitness with Mark McCrindle
For the last two years, our lives have been significantly interrupted. We didn’t go out. We didn’t socialise much. We mostly interacted through a screen. Similar to the atrophy of muscles when underused, recent lockdowns and restrictions have impacted our social stamina and social fitness.
Understandably, as the world opens up, we’re now having to use social skills that we haven’t had to use in a while.
Our host, Ashley Fell sits down with social researcher, Mark McCrindle to discuss this trend of HOGO (hassle of going out) and relational fitness, or a lack thereof.