Hello dear listeners,

In this episode, we explored youth participation and democracy, and how children and young people are engaging with public life in new and challenging ways. We talked with Andrés Falk and Marcela Guerrero, Executive Director and Project Manager, respectively, at CoGlobal, whose work across Spain focuses on creating meaningful participatory spaces for children and young people.

CoGlobal has implemented methodologies such as school-based participatory budgeting, youth councils, and citizen assemblies. One of their initiatives is Ágora Infantil, an approach that involves entire classrooms over several months, empowering children to influence real local decisions - while ensuring they learn what it means to participate in practice.

The conversation addressed key challenges to participation with Gen A, including rising expectations for quick feedback, the impact of disinformation, and increasing polarisation around issues such as gender equality and climate justice. Despite this, both our guests were hopeful for the future of democracy and the role that Gen A can have. Their keen sense of justice, digital savviness, creative problem-solving, and rapid learning through exploration are powerful tools for participatory democracy, provided they are nurtured in supportive environments.

Finally, we reflected on the importance of rethinking youth work and participation altogether. What if we could redesign our democratic systems from scratch, unburdened by centuries of tradition? Andres suggests that such a radical reimagining might be necessary, especially considering the limitations of current institutions in engaging youth authentically.

Listen now and join the conversation on how participation can be reimagined with — and not just for — young people.

For any ideas, comments, or suggestions, feel free to email us at talkingyouthworkpodcast@gmail.com.

This episode is part of the Inception of Learning project, funded by the Erasmus+ Youth Programme, which supports youth workers, trainers, and educators in delivering high-quality learning experiences for young people in the context of Generation Z and Generation Alpha.

#YouthWork #GenerationAlpha #ParticipatoryDemocracy #YouthParticipation

In this episode, we talked to Alena Tomanová, Youth worker, innovator and researcher, currently the chairwoman of YouthWatch.

In our conversation, we explored what makes Generation Z, and the emerging Generation Alpha, so distinct from the generations before them. We reflected on how digital culture, instant access to information, and shifting social norms are influencing how young people learn, communicate, and imagine their futures.

Today, young people are surrounded by images, videos, and short-form content that can be consumed in seconds. This shift toward visual and fast-paced media has a real impact on how young people engage with the world. We talked about how this challenges educators and youth workers to move beyond simply delivering information and instead create spaces that encourage exploration, reflection, and curiosity, places where young people can leave and re-engage without judgment.

Flexibility came up again and again in our conversation. Young people today live in a world shaped by immediacy, where interests and commitments can change quickly. Rather than seeing this as a lack of commitment, we can see it as a natural response to the fast-moving digital environments they navigate every day.

We also spent time reflecting on intergenerational relationships. Misunderstandings and assumptions exist on both sides; adults can feel confused or concerned about youth culture, while young people may carry stereotypes about older generations.

Finally, we talked about how, in particular, Generation Z is questioning institutions and demanding change on issues like climate action, governance, and social justice. Rather than viewing this as disruption, we can see it as engagement. Their readiness to question the status quo holds enormous potential to drive innovation and create more inclusive futures—if we’re willing to listen and respond constructively.

Hello dear listeners,

In this episode, we talked with Ashley Fell, a social researcher, TEDx speaker, and the Director of Advisory at McCrindle, an Australian-based research firm renowned for its work on generational trends. Ashley is also the author of two insightful books: Work Wellbeing and Generation Alpha, and she hosts The Future Report podcast.

Together, we explored the unique characteristics of Generation Z and Generation Alpha—two generations growing up in a world that is non-linear, visual, digital, and virtual. Ashley also explained how global events like 9/11 and the pandemic, have deeply influenced how these generations see the world, learn, and relate to others.

One key takeaway? These generations need trustworthy adults more than ever. In a noisy, uncertain world, full with information and misinformation, the role of youth workers, educators, and caring adults is critical. Ashley shared how we can support young people by encouraging them, equipping them, and entrusting them with opportunities and responsibilities that build confidence and agency.

We also talked about how Gen Z and Gen Alpha are deeply concerned with the environment. They’re connected, cause-driven, and eager to contribute. But to do so meaningfully, they need learning environments that make space for authentic connection, autonomy, and safety.

Ashley brought fresh insights into how technology is shaping learning behaviours - often in unexpected ways - and challenged us to think about how we can design balanced learning spaces that resonate with their digital realities while still offering opportunities for meaningful human connections.

Books mentioned in the episode:

• Work Wellbeing Book by Ashley Fell and Mark McCrindle
• Generation Alpha Book by Ashley Fell and Mark McCrindle
• Generation Alpha Website
• Future Report podcast

For any ideas, comments, or suggestions, feel free to email us at talkingyouthworkpodcast@gmail.com.

This episode is part of the Inception of Learning project, funded by the Erasmus+ Youth Programme, which supports youth workers, trainers, and educators in delivering high-quality learning experiences for young people in the context of Generation Z and Generation Alpha.

#YouthWork #GenerationAlpha #GenerationZ #DigitalYouth #LearningDesign #McCrindleResearch