Australia is growing fast.

And while we’re used to thinking about our population huddling around the edges of this vast continent, new data from the Demographics Group shows the blowtorch of growth is now concentrated in just a handful of places — and that’s raising some big questions about the future of our towns, cities, and the services we all rely on.

Over the past decade, we’ve added 3.7 million extra people, but that growth hasn’t been evenly spread — some areas are booming while others are slowly hollowing out.

In today’s show we discuss the significant demographic changes occurring in Australia, focusing on population growth, the challenges faced by regional towns, and the implications for property investors and businesses.

We explore the concentration of growth in major cities, the decline of rural areas, and the potential for revitalization through targeted migration and government strategies.

 The conversation highlights the need for a national demographic strategy to address these issues and ensure a balanced future for all regions.

Takeaways 

·         Australia's population has grown by 3.7 million in the last decade.

·         80% of population growth occurred in the five largest cities.

·         Infrastructure development is lagging behind population growth in our big cities.

·         Regional towns are losing population due to a lack of jobs.

·         Aging populations in rural areas are creating staffing shortages.

·         Migration policies need to be more targeted to support regional areas.

·         Social cohesion is at risk due to the divide between urban and rural populations.

·         Future planning is essential to manage demographic changes effectively.

Chapters 

00:10 Introduction to Australia's Demographic Trends

01:15 Population Growth Concentration in Major Cities

03:58 Challenges Facing Regional Towns

07:01 Potential for Revitalizing Rural Areas

10:15 The Role of Migration in Addressing Aging Population

13:05 Government Strategies for Regional Vitalization

15:13 Emerging Growth Hotspots in Australia

17:56 Two-Speed Economy: Urban vs. Rural

20:54 Future Planning for Population Growth

Links and Resources:  

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.

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.

Most Australians believe that manufacturing in Australia is dead, but after today’s show you will realise manufacturing isn’t just surviving, it’s entering a new year of growth and innovation.

In today’s show Simon Kuestenmacher and I discuss the evolving landscape of Australian manufacturing and debunk the myth that it is dead.

We explore the current state of the industry, the impact of automation and technology, and the importance of government support and energy policy.

The conversation also touches on regional development, housing solutions, and emerging trends that could shape the future of manufacturing in Australia.

Takeaways 

·         Manufacturing in Australia is not dead; it's evolving.

·         The workforce in manufacturing is still significant, despite a decline in percentage.

·         Automation and technology are reshaping manufacturing jobs.

·         Energy policy is crucial for the future of manufacturing.

·         There are opportunities for high-tech and value-added manufacturing.

·         Regional development can alleviate housing challenges.

·         Government support is needed to make energy cheaper.

·         The pandemic highlighted the need for local manufacturing of essential goods.

·         Emerging trends include pharmaceuticals and biotech manufacturing.

·         Consumer demands are driving changes in manufacturing practices.

Chapters 

00:10 The State of Australian Manufacturing

03:16 Shifts in Workforce Dynamics

05:55 Global Trade and Manufacturing Efficiency

09:09 The Future of Manufacturing Jobs

12:15 Value-Added Manufacturing Opportunities

15:01 High-Tech Manufacturing and Innovation

18:03 Sustainability in Manufacturing

21:17 Regional Manufacturing Potential

23:59 Government's Role in Manufacturing

Links and Resources:  

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.

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.

Have you ever felt like you’re playing a game of property monopoly in Australia, but someone else got to pass “Go” decades before you and now owns half the board, you’re not imagining it.

That “someone else”? It's the Baby Boomers. They’ve won the property game in Australia.

In today’s show we discuss with the generational wealth disparities in the Australian property market, focusing on the advantages that Baby Boomers have had over younger generations.

We explore the impact of cultural shifts, the role of the Bank of Mum and Dad, and the emerging trend of rent-vesting as a strategy for younger Australians.

The conversation also touches on the need for policy changes to support future generations in achieving home ownership and financial stability.

Takeaways 

·         Baby boomers have a significant advantage in property ownership.

·         Younger generations face higher debt levels and housing costs.

·         Cultural shifts have changed expectations around home ownership.

·         The Bank of Mum and Dad plays a crucial role in helping younger buyers.

·         Rent-vesting is becoming a popular strategy for young Australians.

·         Demographic insights can guide better policy decisions.

·         Policies should focus on increasing housing stock and affordability.

·         Generational wealth transfer is a key factor in property dynamics.

·         Understanding demographic trends is essential for future planning.

·         Every generation faces unique challenges based on their time.

Chapters 

00:00 Introduction to Property Wealth Disparity

01:13 The Baby Boomer Advantage

03:21 Wealth Distribution and Debt Dynamics

06:50 Changing Expectations in Home Ownership

12:39 Generational Challenges and Delayed Family Life

15:53 The Squeeze on Generation X

18:52 The Role of the Bank of Mum and Dad

22:06 Emerging Trends: Rent-Vesting

23:53 Advising Policymakers for Future Generations

25:44 Recommendations for Housing Policy

Links and Resources:  

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.

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.

The war between Russia and Ukraine has dominated the news for quite some time a few years ago, and then it  was slowly relegated to old news section until more recently with Donald Trump’s involvement.

In today’s podcast, Simon Kuestenmacher shares some interesting demographic statistics that help us understand what's going on over there and Vladimir Putin’s game plan.

Takeaways 

·         Demographics play a crucial role in understanding geopolitical events.

·         Russia's military spending is significantly higher than many countries but much of it is wasted through corruption.

·         The economic output of Russia is comparable to Australia despite its population being around 6 times the size.

·         Young Russians are fleeing the country due to the war and economic conditions.

·         Putin's ambitions are driven by a desire to restore Russia's former power.

·         The aging population in Russia presents long-term economic challenges.

·         Migration is not a viable solution for Russia's demographic issues like in other countries.

·         The war in Ukraine has strengthened Ukrainian nationalism.

·         Understanding demographics is essential for strategic planning in any context.

Chapters 

00:10 Introduction to Demographics and War

02:58 Russia's Military Spending and Economic Context

06:30 Putin's Strategic Timing and Demographics

10:41 The Impact of Alcohol on Russian Society

15:29 Long-term Challenges for Russia's Demographics

19:34 The Future of Russia and Geopolitical Implications

Links and Resources:  

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.

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.

We all know that Australia’s population is growing fast—faster than we’re building homes, roads, schools, or even planning for the future. Migration is up, infrastructure is lagging, and housing is stretched to breaking point.  

Yet instead of managing all these moving parts together, our governments still treat them like isolated problems. 

In today’s episode of Demographics Decoded, we answer the question: “What if Australia had a national strategy to plan for our demographic future—one that actually aligned migration, housing, infrastructure, and workforce policy?” 

I think you’ll be fascinated by the answer… 

Takeaways 

• Australia's population is growing faster than infrastructure can keep up.
• A national demographic strategy is essential for future planning.
• Migration impacts housing prices and availability.
• The dependency ratio is crucial for economic stability.
• Public housing stock needs to increase to address affordability.
• Long-term policies are necessary to support younger generations.
• Political cycles hinder the implementation of effective demographic strategies.
• Millennials play a significant role in future workforce planning.
• International students contribute significantly to the economy.
• A transparent approach to migration and housing is needed 

Chapters 

00:00 Introduction to Demographic Challenges in Australia 

02:44 The Need for a National Demographic Strategy 

05:26 Understanding Migration and Its Economic Impact 

07:59 Housing Affordability and Public Housing Solutions 

10:53 The Interconnectedness of Policy Areas 

13:25 Targeting Dependency Ratios and Migration 

16:10 Public Housing and Its Role in Affordability 

18:41 Long-term Strategies vs. Short-term Politics 

23:04 The Future of Australia's Demographic Policies 

31:14 The Importance of Demographic Awareness 

31:34 Understanding Market Trends 

Links and Resources:   

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. 

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. 

Have you ever stopped to think about how far Australia has come since 1966?That was the year we ditched pounds and pence for dollars and cents… but that’s just the start.Back then, we were a country of just over 11 million people, mostly of Anglo-Celtic heritage, with an economy built on factories, farming, and following Britain’s lead. Fast forward almost 60 years, and we’ve become one of the most diverse, service-based, urbanised economies in the world — and one of the wealthiest too.But how did we get here? Was it luck? Policy? Population? Or just being in the right place at the right time? 

In this episode of the Demographics Decoded Podcast we explore the evolution of Australia's demographics over the past six decades, focusing on unemployment trends, the impact of global events, and the role of technology and immigration in shaping the workforce. 

We discuss the resilience of the Australian economy, particularly during crises like the Global Financial Crisis and COVID-19, and make predictions about future employment trends and economic stability.  

Takeaways  

• Australia has undergone significant demographic changes since 1966. 
• Unemployment rates have fluctuated due to various global events. 
• The mining sector has been crucial for Australia's economic resilience. 
• Technological advancements have reshaped the job market. 
• Women entering the workforce has boosted household spending. 
• The 1990s saw a recovery from recession and rising optimism. 
• COVID-19 led to innovative economic safeguards to prevent mass unemployment. 
• Demographic shifts will continue to influence the workforce. 
• Immigration plays a vital role in addressing labor shortages. 
• Future unemployment rates are expected to remain low.  

Chapters  

00:00 Australia's Transformation Since 1966 

02:51 Unemployment Trends and Economic Shifts 

05:16 The Impact of Global Events on Employment 

08:05 Demographic Changes and Workforce Dynamics 

10:39 The Role of Mining and Agriculture in Australia's Economy 

13:05 The 1990s Recession and Recovery 

15:54 The Global Financial Crisis and Its Aftermath 

18:36 COVID-19's Impact on Employment 

21:06 Future Employment Trends and Demographics 

24:01 The Role of Immigration and Gender in Workforce Changes 

28:07 Looking Ahead: Australia's Economic Future 

33:32 The Importance of Demographic Awareness 

33:51 Understanding Market Trends 

Links and Resources:   

Join Simon Kuestenmacher and Michael Yardney at Wealth Retreat 2025 –Australia’s Premier Wealth Retreat for Elite Investors and Business People – learn more here. 

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. 

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.

In this episode we’re tackling a hot topic that affects us all - climate change. 

But we’re not just discussing the weather; we explore how different generations perceive and react to climate issues and what that means to us. 

We also discuss the psychological impact of climate anxiety on younger generations, the implications for family planning and career choices, and the stark differences in climate change impacts between urban and rural areas. 

Takeaways 

• Different generations perceive climate change differently. 
• Younger generations experience significant climate anxiety. 
• Family planning decisions are influenced by climate concerns. 
• Urban areas face less direct impact from climate change. 
• Rural communities are more vulnerable to climate effects. 
• Property values may decline in climate-affected areas. 
• Australia may see uninsurable regions due to climate risks. 
• Norway serves as a model for effective climate action. 
• Investment in green technologies is crucial for the future. 
• Pragmatism is essential in climate policy discussions. 

Chapters 

00:00 Introduction to Climate Change Perspectives

02:52 Generational Views on Climate Change

05:23 The Impact of Climate Anxiety on Younger Generations

07:56 Family Planning and Climate Change Concerns

10:39 The Role of Engineering in Climate Solutions

13:16 Urban vs. Rural Climate Change Impacts

15:45 Property Investment and Climate Risks

17:51 Political Discourse on Climate Change

20:45 Learning from Global Examples

25:09 Pragmatic Approaches to Climate Policy

29:41 Understanding Market Trends  

Links and Resources:   

Join Simon Kuestenmacher and Michael Yardney at Wealth Retreat 2025 –Australia’s Premier Wealth Retreat for Elite Investors and Business People – learn more here. 

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. 

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. 

In today’s chat, Simon Kuestenmacher and I explore various themes related to two interesting article articles he  recently wrote. One about "Time Travel" and the other about "Bicycles as a Time Saver."

Reading them made me rethink the rhythms of our daily routines and the spaces we inhabit, because Simon proposed innovative ideas on how our cities can adapt to our evolving needs for efficiency and quality of life.

We discuss the concept of 15-minute cities, the implications of demographic shifts, the benefits of bicycles as a mode of transport as well as urban planning, demographics, and the future of transportation.

Takeaways

• 15-minute cities aim to improve accessibility and livability.
• Walkability is an important factor in urban living and how to assess an areas “walk score”
• Demographic shifts influence consumer behavior and urban planning.
• Commuting by car negatively impacts mental health.
• Bicycles can save time and improve health.
• Active transport offers more control and satisfaction.
• Understanding generational values is crucial for businesses.
• Listening to Podcasts can enhance the commuting experience.
• Bicycles are an energy-efficient mode of transport.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Urban Planning and Time Travel

02:21 The 15-Minute City Concept

07:51 Demographics and Their Impact on Urban Living

12:22 Bicycles as Time Machines

20:26 The Psychological Impact of Commuting

21:40 Future Trends in Commuting and Demographics

23:41 The Importance of Demographic Awareness

Join Simon Kuestenmacher and Michael Yardney at Wealth Retreat 2025 –Australia’s Premier Wealth Retreat for Elite Investors and Business People – learn more here. 

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. 

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. 

In today’s episode of Demographics Decoded, Simon Kuestenmacher and I discuss the various phases of retirement, the demographic changes affecting retirees, and the importance of financial planning and community support. 

Now, for those listening or watching who are not reaching retirement age any time soon, please keep listening because even though this may not affect you for years to come, it probably will affect your parents or grandparents, and they definitely will affect you sometime in the future

While much has been written and spoken about the financial side of retirement, if you’re not preparing emotionally and socially, and many baby boomers aren’t –retirement will be a bumpy ride.

Takeaways

• Retirement consists of several phases that individuals must navigate.
• The 'feeling lost' phase can lead to mental health issues.
• Reinventing oneself in retirement is crucial for fulfillment.
• Demographic changes are reshaping retirement trends.
• Early retirement can lead to identity crises for athletes.
• Financial planning is more challenging for today's retirees.
• Community support is vital for mental health in retirement.
• Technology can enhance independent living for seniors.
• The retirement living market is rapidly growing in Australia.

Chapters

01:12 Understanding the Phases of Retirement

02:50 The Holiday Phase of Retirement

04:33 Navigating the Feeling Lost Phase

06:09 Trial and Error: Rediscovering Purpose

07:05 Finding Fulfillment in Retirement

08:22 Changing Trends in Retirement Age

09:50 The Unique Challenges for Early Retirees

11:24 The Impact of Retirement on Relationships

13:00 Financial Concerns in Retirement

15:01 Public Policy and Retirement Support

17:12 Community and Social Interaction in Retirement

21:29 Technology's Role in Aging

23:40 The Future of Retirement Living

Join Simon Kuestenmacher and Michael Yardney at Wealth Retreat 2025 –Australia’s Premier Wealth Retreat for Elite Investors and Business People – learn more here. 

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. 

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. 

Have you ever stopped to wonder if there’s been a better time to be alive than right now?

Or maybe you’ve thought about the unimaginable challenges of living in past centuries.

 Every era has its golden moments and dark chapters, but when you weigh up the pros and cons, it’s hard to argue that any other time in history compares to the opportunities and advancements we enjoy today.

So in this episode of the Demographics Decoded podcast Simon Kuestenmacher and I take a look at when life may have been at its peak—and when it was undeniably tough.

Takeaways

• Every era has its golden moments and dark chapters.
• Expectations play a crucial role in perceived happiness and satisfaction.
• The Baby Boomers grew up at a great time experiencing significant economic growth and social change.
• In the last few decades, technological advancements have transformed our lives in unprecedented ways. Medical breakthroughs have significantly improved our quality of life.
• Understanding historical context helps us appreciate our current situation.
• Living in a stable economy provides unique opportunities for wealth creation.
• Despite challenges, there are more opportunities today than ever before.
• The importance of community and support systems in navigating challenges.
• It's our responsibility to give back to the community as we succeed.

Chapters

02:12 Reflecting on the Past: The Baby Boomer Era

08:41 The Digital Revolution and Its Impact

13:39 Medical Advances and Their Significance

20:49 The Horrors of War and Historical Context

23:58 The Best Time in History to Be Alive

24:34 Conclusion: The Ovarian Lottery and Future Opportunities

29:58 Introduction to Demographics Decoded

31:19 The Importance of Demographic Awareness

Join Simon Kuestenmacher and Michael Yardney at Wealth Retreat 2025 –Australia’s Premier Wealth Retreat for Elite Investors and Business People – learn more here. 

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. 

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.