Episodes

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…