Best Demography Podcasts (2025)

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How to Get Older Without Getting Old - Rules for Ageing Well 35:00

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2d ago35:00

35:00

What does it actually mean to age well? We all know people who seem to get older but never old – they're curious, kind, and somehow more alive with each passing decade. And then there are others who retreat, complain, and shrink their world. Today we're decoding what it really takes to age well – mentally, physically, socially, and financially. We'…

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Alexis Madrigal: "To Know A Place" 57:13

9d ago57:13

57:13

Recorded on December 4, 2025, this video features a Social Science Matrix Distinguished Lecture, "To Know a Place," presented by journalist and author Alexis Madrigal. Madrigal has long explored how technology, culture, and environment shape our lives; from his work co-founding The COVID Tracking Project to his books Powering the Dream and The Paci…

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8 Boomer Habits That Drive Younger Aussies Mad – And What It Says About Our Future 30:24

13d ago30:24

30:24

Today we're having a bit of fun – but there's a serious insight behind it too We're going to be talking about "8 things Boomers refuse to stop doing that drive younger generations absolutely crazy." Now you've probably seen those memes and TikToks poking fun at Boomer habits – from insisting on paying with cash to overusing ellipses in text message…

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Maximilian Kasy: "The Means of Prediction: How AI Really Works (and Who Benefits)" 1:07:25

10d ago1:07:25

1:07:25

Recorded on December 2, 2025, this video features a talk by Maximilian Kasy, Professor of Economics at the University of Oxford, presenting his book The Means of Prediction: How AI Really Works (and Who Benefits). This talk was part of a symposium series presented by the UC Berkeley Computational Research for Equity in the Legal System Training Pro…

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Matrix Teach-In: Seth Lunine 1:05:36

10d ago1:05:36

1:05:36

Recorded on November 17, 2025, this recording features a talk by Seth Lunine, Lecturer in the UC Berkeley Department of Geography, who presented a talk reflecting on his experiences with collaborative scholarship between UC Berkeley undergraduates and community-based organizations in Oakland's Fruitvale District. Lunine's courses are part of the Am…

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Matrix on Point: Financializing Disaster 52:48

10d ago52:48

52:48

The technical world of insurance is a critical lens through which to understand the escalating crises in climate change and housing. As climate risks intensify, both public and private homeowner insurance markets face unprecedented pressure, revealing the interconnections between housing affordability, wealth inequality, and the broader financializ…

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Is the Albanese Government About to Rob the Elderly in the Name of 'Fairness' 38:19

20d ago38:19

38:19

Imagine being told that after a lifetime of working hard, paying taxes, saving diligently, and raising a family, you've somehow become part of Australia's problem. That your success – owning a home, saving in superannuation, or simply living longer – is now evidence of "intergenerational unfairness." That's the message emerging from the Albanese go…

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The Retirement Wealth Divide: Winners and Losers in Old Age 28:45

1M ago28:45

28:45

In this episode of Demographics Decoded, Simon Kuestenmacher and Michael Yardney discuss the changing landscape of retirement in Australia, focusing on the widening wealth gap between homeowners and renters. For generations, Australians assumed they'd retire in their own home. It was the cornerstone of our national dream. But new evidence from the …

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The Everyday Things About to Disappear From Our Lives in the Next Few Decades 48:45

1M ago48:45

48:45

Picture this: you take your kids to a museum in 2045, and instead of dinosaurs and ancient artefacts, they're staring at remote controls, plastic packaging, and wheelchairs. They ask, 'Did you really use these every day?' In this episode Simon Kuestenmacher and Michael Yardney explore the technologies, jobs, and habits that will vanish from our liv…

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Matrix on Point: Spaces for Thriving 1:04:58

1M ago1:04:58

1:04:58

Physical spaces profoundly influence community well-being. Understanding this relationship is crucial for leveraging planning and policy to foster equitable outcomes. Recorded on November 3, 2025, this panel brought together experts to explore how thoughtful planning and strategic policy can shift power toward communities, creating conditions where…

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Matrix on Point: Conspiracy Theories 1:23:07

1M ago1:23:07

1:23:07

Conspiracy theories are a pervasive and powerful force in contemporary society, shaping public discourse and influencing real-world events. Understanding their origins, spread, and impact is crucial in navigating today's information landscape. Recorded on October 27, 2025, this panel brought together experts to delve into the multifaceted world of …

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The Four-Day Workweek - Gen X's Dirty Little Fantasy? 22:58

2M ago22:58

22:58

What if we could all work just four days a week with no pay cut and still get the same results? It sounds like a fantasy, but carefully monitored trials across the globe show that it's not only possible, but in many cases, productivity actually goes up. Stress levels fall, staff turnover drops, and companies become more efficient. But is this a wor…

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Shrink or Surge? Australia's Future in a Demographically Contracting World 25:21

2M ago25:21

25:21

For years, we've worried about the world's population growing too fast, straining resources and cities. But what if I told you the real challenge of the future might not be too many people, but too few? While a lot has been written about Australia's massive population growth in the short term, today we explore what's going to happen to not only Aus…

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Why Life in Australia Beats Almost Anywhere Else – Despite All Our Problems 35:14

2M ago35:14

35:14

Let's be honest, we Aussies love a good whinge – about the cost of living, traffic, housing, politics, you name it. But when you take a step back, we still live in one of the most enviable countries on earth. Safe cities, strong economy, stunning natural beauty, and a lifestyle that's the envy of the world. But is it all sunshine and barbies, or ar…

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Engendering Blackness: Slavery and the Ontology of Sexual Violence 1:20:23

2M ago1:20:23

1:20:23

On October 15, 2025, Matrix hosted an Authors Meet Critics panel on the book Engendering Blackness: Slavery and the Ontology of Sexual Violence, by Patrice Douglass, Assistant Professor of Gender and Women's Studies at UC Berkeley. Professor Douglass was joined in conversation by Salar Mameni, Associate Professor of Ethnic Studies at UC Berkeley, a…

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Legitimation by (Mis)identification: Credit, Discrimination, and The Racial Epistemology of Algorithmic Expansion 51:47

2M ago51:47

51:47

Recorded on September 22, 2025, this video features a talk by Davon Norris, Assistant Professor of Organizational Studies and Sociology (by courtesy) and Faculty Associate at the Stone Center for Inequality Dynamics at the University of Michigan. Professor Norris's research is broadly oriented to understanding how our ways of determining what is va…

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Forget Smashed Avo – This Is Australia's New Obsession 25:31

2M ago25:31

25:31

Move over smashed avo and lattes – Australia has a new obsession. The fastest-growing retail sector isn't cafés, restaurants, or even liquor. It's wellness. Today, we examine how demographics, particularly the aging Baby Boomer population and the rising Millennial generation, are shaping these trends. The conversation highlights the growing importa…

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New Directions: Borderlands 1:03:08

2M ago1:03:08

1:03:08

Borders reflect the many social, historical, and political forces that shape global movement and identity. While borders often suggest fixed lines of division, the experiences within and around them increasingly influence national and global understandings of belonging, sovereignty, and human rights. Recorded on October 1, 2025, this panel together…

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Australia's Migration Surge: The Truth About Who's Coming to Australia 27:05

2M ago27:05

27:05

Migration is shaping Australia's future more than almost any other force. In 2024, about 580,000 new residents arrived, while 240,000 left permanently – giving us a net migration gain of 340,000 people. That's far above our long-term average, and it raises big questions about how our nation can handle such rapid growth . But who exactly are these n…

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Australia vs. The World: Are We Still the Lucky Country? 26:58

3M ago26:58

26:58

Is Australia still the lucky country? That phrase has been part of our national identity for decades, but in a world of rising costs, global competition, and shifting demographics, does it still hold true? In today's show, we explore Australia's current standing compared to other nations and how its position has evolved since the 1990s. Whether you…

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Why Fewer Australians Own Their Homes—and What That Means for Our Future 28:12

3M ago28:12

28:12

For generations, owning a home has been at the heart of the Australian dream. In 1966, nearly three-quarters of Australian households owned their home, either outright or with a mortgage. Fast-forward to the 2021 Census, and that figure had slipped to just 63 per cent. For younger Australians, the drop has been even steeper. And while renting is fa…

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Wonder Confronts Certainty, Then and Now

3M ago

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Russian cultural history can be described as the conflict between the radical intellectuals, who imagined they had the ideological key to life and society, and the great writers, who viewed the world as far too complex for any single solution. It was the confrontation of certainty with wonder. The radical intelligentsia seized control in 1917, and …

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Why Australia's Middle Class is Shrinking – and What It Means for You 32:45

3M ago32:45

32:45

Australia's middle class is shrinking, so today Simon Kuestenmacher and I discuss the implications for society and the housing market. We examine the historical context of the middle class, the factors contributing to its decline, and the significance of housing in wealth accumulation. Our conversation also delves into the forces shaping the future…

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Solidarity, Communion, and the City of God: Rowan Williams at the Morningside Institute

3M ago

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Solidarity is a much-used, not to say over-used, slogan these days, both in Catholic Social Teaching and in popular activism. Does it have a clear meaning or is it just an emotive term? In this lecture, Rowan Williams argues that in the context of Christian theology, as St. Augustine's City of God suggests, it does indeed have a strong and distinct…

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You'll Probably Change Careers Twice in the Next 20 Years – Here's How to Survive It 27:10

3M ago27:10

27:10

Believe it or not, the average Australian will change occupations not once, but more than twice over the next 20 years. And that's not just changing jobs—it's likely to be a complete shift into a different occupation. Today, Simon Kuestenmacher and I discuss the evolving landscape of work in Australia, and explore the factors driving this change, i…

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Why More Aussies Are Living Alone — And What It Means for the Future 19:11

4M ago19:11

19:11

What if I told you that one of the most significant demographic shifts shaping our cities, our housing markets, and even our social lives over the next few decades… isn't migration, isn't birth rates, and isn't ageing? It's something far more personal. In today's show, we're talking about a silent revolution - the rise of the single-person househol…

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How Does Your Wealth Stack Up Against Your Generation? 23:43

4M ago23:43

23:43

Whether you're just starting out, deep in your wealth-building years, or nearing retirement, it's only natural to wonder: "How do I stack up compared to others?" In today's show, Simon Kuestenmacher and I look into the fascinating – and sometimes uncomfortable – world of generational wealth. We discuss the current financial landscape, highlighting …

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Love or Leverage? How Soaring House Prices Are Trapping Couples Together 22:44

4M ago22:44

22:44

Have you ever wondered how the housing market is shaping our most personal life choices? In today's show Simon Küstenmacher and I explore fascinating new Australian research that reveals how rising property costs are affecting relationship dynamics, marriage stability, and even divorce rates. We discuss how soaring house prices may be locking indiv…

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From Gloom to Boom? The Housing Shift Facing Gen Z 30:35

4M ago30:35

30:35

Do you ever wonder what the future of housing looks like for Generation Z? Right now, many young Australians feel locked out of the property market – priced out, disillusioned, and deeply pessimistic about their financial futures. But what if the story isn't all doom and gloom? If you're curious about what the housing market might look like in 2034…

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Who Will Replace the Baby Boomers? Rethinking Migration to Fill Australia's Skills Gap 30:06

5M ago30:06

30:06

In this episode of Demographics Decoded, Simon Kuestenmacher and I discuss the significant impact of the baby boomer generation leaving the workforce and retiring. We examine the resulting skills gap, the challenges businesses encounter during leadership transitions, and the implications for various industries. The conversation also explores the ro…

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HSA Can You See? A Deep Dive on Health Savings Accounts, with Katy Spangler 55:55

5M ago55:55

55:55

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and the high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) associated with them, still constitute a minority share of all employer-provided health offerings in the United States. But they probably also represent the most fertile area of employer innovations to reduce cost and improve health care value. That is why the American Ben…

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Will Young Australians Be Better Off Than Their Parents? Delay, Decline or Just Different? 28:52

5M ago28:52

28:52

In this episode of the Demographics Decoded Podcast, I explore with Simon Kuestenmacher and I ask the question – Will younger Australians be better off than previous generations. It's a question that used to have a simple answer. But today, the path to prosperity seems murkier than ever. We discuss the wealth distribution dominated by baby boomers,…

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Double Act or Double Trouble? The Truth About Couple-Run Businesses with Mark Creedon 34:07

5M ago34:07

34:07

Did you know that around 40% of family-owned businesses in Australia are run by couples? Often husband-and-wife teams share not only a home but also a business. On the surface, this might sound like the ultimate partnership - sharing a vision, building wealth together, and celebrating wins side by side. But the reality? It's not always so rosy. Run…

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Australia in 2125: What the Next 100 Years Could Look Like 34:45

5M ago34:45

34:45

What would someone from 1925 make of the Australia we live in today? Would they be amazed by our prosperity? Shocked by how much our values and lifestyles have changed? Or perhaps surprised that a place called the "Gold Coast" even exists? In today's episode of Demographics Decoded, Simon Kuestenmacher and I take a time machine journey through Aust…

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Baby Boomers Are Sitting on Property Goldmines – But Refusing to Cash In 28:36

6M ago28:36

28:36

Have you ever wondered why more Baby Boomers aren't downsizing, even though many are now living in homes that are bigger than they need? Simon Kuestenmacher and I discuss this important demographic trend that affects housing affordability, intergenerational wealth, and how our cities will evolve. So whether you're a policymaker, a property investor…

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The Surprising Data Behind Modern Parenting Styles 24:59

6M ago24:59

24:59

Modern parenting has turned into a competitive sport, with school rankings, extracurricular rosters, perfectly curated lunchboxes, and, of course, constant supervision. But is all this so-called 'help' truly helping? In today's episode of Demographics Decoded, Simon Kuestenmacher and I discuss a parenting trend that has become all too familiar — he…

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Living Well at the End of a World: Angel Adams Parham on “Remembering America: The High Stakes of Memory and Moral Imagination in Civic Life”

6M ago

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In her talk, “Remembering America: The High Stakes of Memory and Moral Imagination in Civic Life,” Angel Adams Parham explores how narratives of the American past, especially those concerning slavery and racial segregation, influence civic unity. She proposes the "integrated blues mode" as a new way to approach American history, which acknowledges …

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Homeownership in Crisis: What the Numbers Are Really Telling Us 25:55

6M ago25:55

25:55

Today, we're diving into a topic that's at the heart of the "Great Australian Dream": homeownership. For over a century, owning your own home was not just a rite of passage—it was an expectation. But that dream is slipping further out of reach for millions of Australians, particularly younger generations. We discuss the evolving landscape of homeow…

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This Surprising Age Could Be the Happiest Time of Your Life 23:01

6M ago23:01

23:01

They say life begins at 40. But is that just a feel-good phrase… or does the data actually support it? In this episode of Demographics Decoded, we explore one of life's most pivotal—but often misunderstood—stages: midlife. And this conversation isn't just for those in their 40s or 50s. Whether you're just starting out, in the thick of your career, …

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The Real Reason Millions Are Moving to Australia – It's Not What You Think 28:31

6M ago28:31

28:31

What does migration really tell us? Not just about borders, jobs, or economic growth—but about freedom, human ambition, and the deep desire for a better life. In today's show we explore the deeper meaning behind one of the most powerful global forces of our time - migration. So, if you're wondering why record numbers of people are choosing to call …

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Technology and China in the New Political Economy 1:24:05

7M ago1:24:05

1:24:05

The innovation, use and experience, and exchange of new and emerging technologies today are influenced by the role that China plays in global politics and economy. Recorded on April 18, 2025, this Matrix on Point panel brought together experts of the Chinese political economy and law and society in a conversation to discuss the political, economic,…

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Living Well at the End of a World: Antón Barba-Kay on “These United States of Books: What Democracy Will Endure Its Digitalization?”

7M ago

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In his talk, Antón Barba-Kay probes how the logics of the digital world—endless choice, algorithmic optimization, and a veneer of neutrality—quietly erode the habits of judgment and shared reality that democracy depends on. He contrasts two futures: one that doubles down on engineering our information streams for “better” engagement, and another th…

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Governing Giants: Law, Politics, and Antitrust 1:18:43

7M ago1:18:43

1:18:43

Large corporations increasingly dominate markets, the flow of information, and political influence. In response, many governments have used antitrust policies in an attempt to rein in companies. Examples include investigations and cases brought by the United States and the European Union against Google, in addition to major investigations against M…

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Suburban Bliss is Back — How Millennials Are Reimagining the Great Aussie Dream 26:19

7M ago26:19

26:19

In today's show we discuss the significant shift of millennials from urban living to suburban areas. This is a generation that once embraced city skylines, inner-city cafes, and the hustle of urban living but are now packing up and heading for the burbs. But not for the white picket fence alone. We explore the reasons behind this migration, the cha…

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They're Coming… But Where Will They Live? Australia's Housing Time Bomb 37:09

7M ago37:09

37:09

Imagine inviting thousands of people to a party… but forgetting to organise enough food, chairs, or bathrooms. That's essentially what Australia is doing by ramping up migration while failing to plan for the housing and infrastructure to support it. The conversation around our housing crisis is often framed around interest rates, investors, or plan…

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Living Well at the End of a World: Stephen Bullivant on “Demography, Religion, and the Eight-Billion Body Problem”

7M ago

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In his talk, “Demography, Religion, and the Eight-Billion Body Problem," Stephen Bullivant delves into the complex interplay between declining fertility rates, evolving religious landscapes, and shifting societal values, particularly in America. He explores how these interconnected trends are reshaping demographics, impacting the economy, and influ…

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Sea Change, Suburbia, and Survival: Australia's New Demographic Divide 24:41

7M ago24:41

24:41

Australia is growing fast. And while we're used to thinking about our population huddling around the edges of this vast continent, new data from the Demographics Group shows the blowtorch of growth is now concentrated in just a handful of places — and that's raising some big questions about the future of our towns, cities, and the services we all r…

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Living Well at the End of a World: Sarah Shortall on “Soldiers of God in a Secular World”

7M ago

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In her talk at Living Well at the End of a World, Sarah Shortall examines the experiences of French Jesuit priests during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period marked by anti-clericalism and exile, and how these crises led to a revolution in Catholic theology known as the Nouvelle Théologie. Forced out of France, the Jesuits found themse…

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The truth about Australian manufacturing will surprise you! 27:19

7M ago27:19

27:19

Most Australians believe that manufacturing in Australia is dead, but after today's show you will realise manufacturing isn't just surviving, it's entering a new year of growth and innovation. In today's show Simon Kuestenmacher and I discuss the evolving landscape of Australian manufacturing and debunk the myth that it is dead. We explore the curr…

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150 Years of Border Control: The Legacy of the 1875 Page Act 1:27:13

7M ago1:27:13

1:27:13

Recorded on April 23, 2025, this event marked the 150th anniversary of the Page Act of 1875, one of the first federal laws to restrict immigration to the United States — especially Asian immigration, as the law prohibited the importation of Asian contract workers, prostitutes (a provision targeted against Chinese women), and criminals. The interdis…