The Future Report

From regional shifts and hybrid work to changing consumer habits, how well have past predictions held up? Mark McCrindle and Grant Dusting review previous calls to explore how real-world changes are shaping our everyday lives. Access McCrindle Plus here: https://mccrindle.com.au/mccrindle-plus/

Explore the massive societal shifts shaping our future, starting with the incredible population growth and cultural infrastructure investments putting Western Sydney on the global stage. Alongside these major urban advancements, we thoroughly analyse the growing cultural pushback against information overload, highlighting why consumers are increasingly choosing presence over high-tech complexity i...

We unpack exactly what a social research company does on a daily basis. Discover how gathering human insights helps leaders future-proof their organisations and solve complex challenges. Access McCrindle Plus here: https://mccrindle.com.au/mccrindle-plus/

In an era defined by an accelerating pace of change and information overload, it is incredibly easy to feel overwhelmed by what lies ahead. In this episode, Geoff Brailey and Mark McCrindle explore how we can shift our mindset to proactively shape the future rather than simply waiting for it to arrive. We unpack the latest social research on how everyday Australians view the road ahead, exploring...

Australia's demographic landscape is shifting, marked by record-low fertility rates and a rapidly aging population. With projections indicating that deaths will exceed births by the 2060s, future population growth will rely almost entirely on migration. Currently, economic barriers—most notably housing affordability and the rising cost of living—remain the primary hurdles for aspiring parents...

From the latest intergenerational report to the realities of housing, financial stress is a growing part of the modern Australian story. Join us as we unpack the data behind our life choices. We look at the future of our aging population and share historical financial wisdom for uncertain times. Access McCrindle Plus here: https://mccrindle.com.au/mccrindle-plus/

Public sentiment around social media is experiencing a massive global shift. From Australia's proposed "digital duty of care" laws to the landmark Meta lawsuit in the US, leaders are taking vital steps to protect youth wellbeing. In this episode, we unpack fresh data revealing a generation with a love-hate relationship with screens—including the startling fact that nearly half of hig...

We live in an era of rapid change, and it goes far beyond new technology. While artificial intelligence often grabs the headlines, demographics act as a powerful tide quietly reshaping our society. In this episode, Geoff Brailey and Grant Dusting explore the real trends transforming our everyday lives. From Australia's growing cultural diversity to the unique dynamics of a five-generation work...

Join Mark McCrindle and Geoff Brailey as they unpack the shifts transforming our homes and workplaces. This episode explores the rise of Australian homeschooling, driven by digital options and the need for adaptable learning environments. They also dive into the latest 'Shaping a Human-Centered AI Future' report. Tune in to discover why distinctly human skills remain our greatest asset. Ac...

Society is undergoing a significant shift from active community contribution to transactional consumption, driven by modern expectations of instant gratification. This consumer-first mindset frequently manifests as entitled behavior toward educators and service staff, forcing institutions to implement strict codes of conduct to safeguard their teams. To navigate this changing landscape, organisati...

As AI computing power becomes a tradable commodity and company valuations reach astronomical heights, society faces a growing tension between economic momentum and the preservation of it's humanness. In this episode of the podcast we unpack insights from our new report ahead of our virtual event on shaping an AI centered future. Register for the event here: AI’s Impact on Consumers and the Wor...

The landscape of education is undergoing a fundamental shift as Gen Y and Gen Z become the primary cohort of school age parents. These generations are characterised by a digital first lifestyle yet they are increasingly burdened by cognitive overload and notification fatigue. Unlike previous eras where schools operated on a broadcast model of one way information, modern parents view education thro...

The Australian Census is far more than a routine government requirement; it serves as the backbone of infrastructure planning, business decisions and more. In this episode of the podcast we explore what demographers will be looking for in the data as well as the new questions and other fun facts about the Census. Access McCrindle Plus here: McCrindle Plus

Global events like the World Cup highlight a deep-seated human need for shared experience and physical connection in an increasingly digital and isolated age. Sport creates a collective identity that transcends borders. By observing these moments of national and cultural pride, we gain insights into people can foster a sense of belonging. Access McCrindle Plus here: McCrindle Plus

The traditional Great Australian Dream is undergoing a transformation as the gap between average earnings and property prices continues to widen. Younger generations, particularly Gen Z, are navigating an increasingly complex path to adulthood characterised by delayed life markers such as marriage and home ownership. This shift is not merely a financial necessity but a cultural movement where the...

Despite the ongoing cost of living pressures, the Australian giving spirit remains remarkably resilient. As our event on the NFP landscape approaches we unpack new research on how people are engaging with charities. Register for the event here: https://mccrindle.com.au/resource/event/2026-nfp-insights/ Wealth & Income infographic: https://mccrindle.com.au/resource/infographic/wealth-and-income...

The modern landscape of communication is undergoing a significant transformation as attention spans tighten and audiences demand more substantial evidence behind every claim. This shift reflects a broader sociological movement where data is no longer just a set of numbers but a narrative tool used to navigate complex changes. By moving from hour-long lectures to concise, high-impact keynotes, lead...

Current students and graduates are entering the workforce during a time of profound transformation. They're entering the workforce at a time when AI is threatening to wipe out many entry level roles. Recent videos have shown keynote speakers at graduation ceremonies being met by booing a the mention of AI. To unpack the future of work and how AI is re-shaping graduate careers we unpack how lea...

Education is the cornerstone of our society, shaping the future for every child, so who is going to teach the next generation In this podcast we unpack insights from our upcoming report titled "The future education workforce" looking at the challenges schools face when training and retaining teachers. The insights suggest that wellbeing is not a simple problem to be solved, but a constant tension...

The nation's attention has been fixed on the federal budget, something that always provides a unique window into our national priorities. In this episode of the podcast Mark McCrindle and Grant Dusting unpack how the budget and Australia’s demographic megatrends are rewriting the future. Access McCrindle Plus here: https://mccrindle.com.au/mccrindle-plus/

The current zeitgeist is defined by a profound sense of fragility and a long tail of uncertainty. While experts often predict quick recoveries from economic and geopolitical shocks, the collective wisdom of the Australian public suggests a more cautious outlook, with many bracing for challenges to persist for a year or more. This time of perpetual change has produced a unique emotional landscape w...

As global events continue to unfold with increasing volatility, the psychological landscape of the Australians is shifting from a state of personal vulnerability to a sense of compounding frustration. In this new report we explore the impact of global events on Australia’s morale and behaviour. By understanding perceptions and how people are behaving in response to the ongoing volatility. Brands c...

Against all expectation, has AI made us more human? As AI takes on more of the technical tasks, the focus is shifting back to what makes us human. There is a pivot away from constant connectivity toward more intentional and balanced living. At the same time, there is a rising concern that relying too much on technology may weaken critical thinking and personal identity. In response, people are pla...

We're currently navigating a complex landscape defined by a state of permacrisis. With global volatility, fuel price increases and other pressures impacting each generation in different ways. In this episode of the podcast we unpack new survey data conducted in April 2026 to explore: How long the conflict in Iran is going to last Top emotions Australians are feeling about the volatility Behaviour...

Australia is currently navigating a period of business and social transformation. While the economy faces record business exits due to rising input costs and price shocks, the entrepreneurial spirit remains resilient, particularly within the healthcare and construction sectors. This economic pressure is acting as a catalyst for a national reshuffle, with population data revealing a mass migration...