The Future Report: Our must-listen episodes

Navigating today’s volatile landscape requires more than just data—it requires actionable foresight. To equip you with the insights needed to future-proof your organisation, we have curated a selection of highly recommended episodes from The Future Report podcast. Hosted by our McCrindle Advisors, these conversations delve into the macro-trends shaping tomorrow, offering leaders the clarity required to make informed, strategic decisions today.

• The 2026 Australian Census: What to look out for and how it impacts you
  • Mark McCrindle and Geoff Brailey explore the new questions and hidden insights demographers will be looking for in the latest Census data. We highly recommend this episode for strategic planners looking to leverage demographic intelligence to identify emerging target markets.
• Declining institutional trust and navigating ageism
  • This episode unpacks insights from our new report on ageism in society, exploring how we can navigate the complexities of generational diversity to unite rather than divide our communities and workplaces.
• Consumer paradoxes and global volatility
  • Sophie Renton and Geoff Brailey discuss the shift toward post-materialism, changing consumer spending habits, and how focusing on belonging, authenticity, and human connection helps us navigate future uncertainty. This is a must-listen for brands wanting to build authentic human connections and secure consumer loyalty amidst economic uncertainty.
• Who will teach the next generation?
  • This episode unpacks the insights from our report “The future education workforce”. It looks at the challenges schools face when training and retaining teachers. It serves as a strategic guide for educational leaders working to future-proof their workforce and attract top talent.
• The trilemma of lower birth rates and how shorter tenures impact the workplace
  • In this episode, we unpack the global shift toward a population plateau as birth rates hit record lows, and explore the “Retention Revolution” as a new generation of workers radically redefines career loyalty and the traditional leadership pipeline.
• Is AI making us more human?
  • Sophie Renton and Grant Dusting discuss the risks of “cognitive surrender” and explore how leaders and individuals alike can champion true human connection in an age of automated everything.
• Communicating with today’s parents
  • With Gen Y and Gen Z now the primary cohort of school-age parents, the education landscape is undergoing a fundamental shift. Our Advisors unpack actionable strategies for schools and organisations looking to effectively engage and communicate with this new generation of decision-makers.
• Shaping a human-centred AI future
  • Sophie Renton and Grant Dusting discuss the strategic insights from our latest report on shaping a human-centred AI future. This discussion equips boards and executive teams with the framework needed to ethically and effectively integrate AI into their operations.
• Budget special: How Australia’s demographic megatrends are rewriting the future
  • Mark McCrindle and Grant Dusting unpack how the budget and demographic megatrends are fundamentally rewriting the future. This episode provides crucial foresight for executives needing to align their long-term organisational strategy with Australia’s shifting population dynamics.
• The conflict in Iran – How it’s impacting each generation
  • Drawing on new survey data from April 2026, this episode explores how global volatility and rising fuel prices are actively shifting consumer travel habits and driving the transition to electric vehicles.

As we look toward the rest of the year, we invite you to keep learning with us. Listen to the latest episode of The Future Report podcast to hear the McCrindle Advisors break down the trends shaping our world today.

If you want to dig a little deeper, we invite you to subscribe to McCrindle Plus. It is the best place to find all our research in one spot. When you join, you get full access to our library of reports, data infographics, exclusive events and many more.

Equip yourself with the clear insights you need to understand the times and lead well. Join us today and let’s navigate the future together!