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Demographics Decoded - Unveiling the trends shaping your future

Demographics Decoded - Unveiling the trends shaping your future

By: Simon Kuestenmacher and Michael Yardney
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 Join leading demographer Simon Kuestenmacher and wealth and property investment expert Michael Yardney as they share Australian demographic shifts, trend analysis and social change insights to help business decision makers, entrepreneurs, and investors make informed decisions. Each week, we bring you in-depth discussions about how demographics affects our future and actionable advice on demographic factors that influence property investment, business and industry and how to prepare for demographic and social changes in the next decade. Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or investor, our podcast equips you with knowledge to stay ahead of the curve. In a rapidly changing world, empower your business and investment decisions with data-driven insights. By subscribing to Demographics Decoded, you gain access to: • Expert analysis from leading authorities in demography, economics and the future. • Insights into the trends that will impact your business and investments. • Strategies for leveraging demographic shifts to your advantage. https://DemographicsDecoded.com.au2024 Economics Personal Finance
Episodes
  • Shrink or Surge? Australia's Future in a Demographically Contracting World

    Shrink or Surge? Australia's Future in a Demographically Contracting World
    Nov 4 2025
    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 Australia's, but the world's population growth over the medium to long term—and unveil a surprising trend. Whether you're a property investor, a business owner, or just curious about what's ahead for Australia, this should be a fascinating conversation about prosperity, perception, and our future. Takeaways · The global population is projected to peak and then decline. · Fertility rates are falling globally, impacting population growth. · Australia relies on migration to maintain its population levels. · High living costs and urbanization contribute to lower birth rates. · Regional areas face unique challenges due to population changes. · Changing family structures will affect social dynamics. · A shrinking population may lead to economic shifts. · Environmental concerns are tied to population growth and decline. · Attracting skilled migrants will be crucial for Australia's future. · Long-term planning is essential for adapting to demographic changes. Chapters 02:15 - Global Population Peak and the Unstoppable Decline in Birth Rates 05:40 - Migration Age Cohorts and Australia's Future Competition for Workers 08:45 - Why Baby Bonuses Don't Work and What Really Drives Fertility 12:10 - Smaller Families, Weaker Kin Networks and the Rise of Friendship Circles 18:50 - AI, Automation and How Australia Can Prosper in a Shrinking World About Simon Kuestenmacher Simon Kuestenmacher is co-founder and Director – The Demographics Group Simon is a prolific media commentator on demographic and data matters and a columnist for The New Daily and The Australian newspapers. He ranks as one of the world's Top 10 influencers in data visualisation. If you can't get enough of the kind of data that explains how the world works, make sure to follow Simon on Linked In or X (formerly Twitter) or any of his other social channels. Click here for a media enquiry or if you would like to book Simon Kuestenmacher for a speaking engagement. His presentations and quirky observations are enjoyed by audiences from the financial services, property, government, education, technology, retail and professional services industries, among others. https://www.tdgp.com.au/enquire About Michael Yardney Michael Yardney - founder Metropole Property Strategists has been voted one of Australia's 50 most influential Thought Leaders. While he is best known as a property expert, Michael is also Australia's leading expert in the psychology of success and wealth creation. Michael is a #1 best selling author of 9 books and frequently challenges traditional finance advice with innovative ideas on property investment, personal finance and wealth creation. Follow Michael on Linked In or Instagram Are you interested in property investment - let the team at Metropole build you a Strategic Property Plan to help give you clarity, direction and wealth - producing results.
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    25 mins
  • Why Life in Australia Beats Almost Anywhere Else – Despite All Our Problems

    Why Life in Australia Beats Almost Anywhere Else – Despite All Our Problems
    Oct 28 2025
    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 are there cracks forming beneath the surface? Today we explore what really makes life in Australia so good, how our society has changed, and whether we can keep this lifestyle advantage in the future. Stick around, because by the end of this conversation you might appreciate Australia just that little bit more – or see it with completely fresh eyes. So today's discussion will be useful for you as a business owner, an entrepreneur, if you're a property investor. Takeaways · Australia is often seen as the lucky country due to its safety and prosperity. · Critically assessing our society is a sign of a functioning country. · Immigration has played a crucial role in shaping Australia's lifestyle and economy. · Cultural diversity enriches Australian society, particularly through food. · The mining and education sectors are key pillars of Australia's economy. · Urbanization is leading to a shift towards a knowledge-based economy. · The wealth divide is a growing concern in Australia. · Demographic changes impact societal structures and opportunities. · A national demographic strategy could help address regional disparities. · Despite challenges, Australia remains one of the best places to live. Chapters 02:26 - Australia's Business Model and Multicultural Success 07:20 - Post-War Migration and How It Shaped Our Lifestyle 13:15 - Mining, Agriculture, Education and Tourism as Pillars of Wealth 18:20 - The Hollowing of the Middle Class and Inequality Risks 27:13 - Housing Affordability, Regional Divide and Demographic Strategy About Simon Kuestenmacher Simon Kuestenmacher is co-founder and Director – The Demographics Group Simon is a prolific media commentator on demographic and data matters and a columnist for The New Daily and The Australian newspapers. He ranks as one of the world's Top 10 influencers in data visualisation. If you can't get enough of the kind of data that explains how the world works, make sure to follow Simon on Linked In or X (formerly Twitter) or any of his other social channels. Click here for a media enquiry or if you would like to book Simon Kuestenmacher for a speaking engagement. His presentations and quirky observations are enjoyed by audiences from the financial services, property, government, education, technology, retail and professional services industries, among others. https://www.tdgp.com.au/enquire About Michael Yardney Michael Yardney - founder Metropole Property Strategists has been voted one of Australia's 50 most influential Thought Leaders While he is best known as a property expert, Michael is also Australia's leading expert in the psychology of success and wealth creation. Michael is a #1 best selling author of 9 books and frequently challenges traditional finance advice with innovative ideas on property investment, personal finance and wealth creation. Follow Michael on Linked In or Instagram Are you interested in property investment - let the team at Metropole build you a Strategic Property Plan to help give you clarity, direction and wealth - producing results
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    35 mins
  • Forget Smashed Avo – This Is Australia's New Obsession

    Forget Smashed Avo – This Is Australia's New Obsession
    Oct 21 2025
    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 importance of wellness in consumer spending, surpassing traditional leisure activities like dining out and drinking. The discussion also touches on the implications for businesses and property investors looking to capitalise on these trends in the future. Takeaways · Australia's fastest growing retail sector is wellness. · Australians have spent $36 billion more on health and wellness than on cafes. · Baby boomers are increasingly investing in wellness as a form of insurance for their health. · The aging population is driving up spending in the wellness sector. · Wellness is now viewed as a luxury rather than a necessity. · Consumer spending on cafes and liquor is still significant but is being overshadowed by wellness. · The millennial generation is entering their highest spending phase, impacting wellness spending. · Demographics provide insights into future spending trends and consumer behavior. · Businesses should focus on wellness-related products and services to meet consumer demand. · The trend towards wellness is expected to continue growing in the coming decade. Chapters 01:08 - Wellness Spending Surpasses Cafes and Restaurants 03:29 - Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics and Toiletries Outpace Other Retail 06:41 - Activewear as a Lifestyle Statement Across Generations 11:18 - Pools, Saunas and Lifestyle Features in Australian Homes 18:08 - Generational Spending Patterns and the Rise of Millennials About Simon Kuestenmacher Simon Kuestenmacher is co-founder and Director – The Demographics Group Simon is a prolific media commentator on demographic and data matters and a columnist for The New Daily and The Australian newspapers. He ranks as one of the world's Top 10 influencers in data visualisation. If you can't get enough of the kind of data that explains how the world works, make sure to follow Simon on Linked In or X (formerly Twitter) or any of his other social channels. Click here for a media enquiry or if you would like to book Simon Kuestenmacher for a speaking engagement. His presentations and quirky observations are enjoyed by audiences from the financial services, property, government, education, technology, retail and professional services industries, among others. https://www.tdgp.com.au/enquire About Michael Yardney Michael Yardney - founder Metropole Property Strategists has been voted one of Australia's 50 most influential Thought Leaders While he is best known as a property expert, Michael is also Australia's leading expert in the psychology of success and wealth creation. Michael is a #1 best selling author of 9 books and frequently challenges traditional finance advice with innovative ideas on property investment, personal finance and wealth creation. Follow Michael on Linked In or Instagram Are you interested in property investment - let the team at Metropole build you a Strategic Property Plan to help give you clarity, direction and wealth - producing results.
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    26 mins
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