Population Next

What kind of future awaits a generation that has never known a world without AI? Generation Beta, born between 2025 and 2039, will grow up with artificial intelligence shaping their learning, careers, and even their health. In this episode, we explore the profound impact AI will have on their lives and how it will redefine human experience. 

While Gen Beta will benefit from personalized learning, predictive health tools, and new career opportunities, there are risks. AI could deepen social disconnection, erode communication skills, and shape identities before these kids even have the chance to explore their own. 

The future of Gen Beta is in our hands—how will we shape it? Tune in to learn more about what we must do now to build a future worth inheriting.

In This Episode:

- Technological evolution across generations

- Four opportunities in AI-driven Generation Beta

- Risks and challenges of AI integration 

- How can we build an ethical AI future for Gen Beta?

Order Bradley’s Book:

The Super Age: Decoding Our Demographic Destiny: https://a.co/d/gmG6t2P 

Get in Touch with Bradley Schurman: 

Website: https://populationnext.substack.com   

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bradleyschurman 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigschur/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradleyschurman/ 

Are we ready for the inevitable economic shift brought on by changing demographics? With fertility rates plummeting and life expectancy soaring, countries around the world are facing a rapidly evolving workforce, one that will have a profound impact on global prosperity.  

In today’s episode, I sit down with Stefano Scarpetta, the head of the OECD's Employment, Labour, and Social Affairs, to discuss the current and future state of the workforce, the dramatic challenges ahead, and the levers we can pull to turn the tide. 

As we look toward 2060, the reality is stark: many OECD countries will experience a significant decline in their working-age populations, and in some places, that decline could reach over 30%.  

Are we prepared to make these necessary changes in time? Tune in for a fascinating conversation on how we can tackle this complex issue today to secure a prosperous tomorrow.

In This Episode:

- Interesting statistics on global demographic shifts

- The impact of population decline on economic growth 

- Policy levers to mitigate the decline in population and GDP

- How can we increase intergenerational wealth and fairness?

- The role of artificial intelligence in addressing the workforce crisis

- How is the OECD using artificial intelligence?

- Why governments should focus on older workers 

- What incentives do organizations need to attract 50+ workers?

- Key takeaway from OECD’s 2025 report

- Should we be optimistic or pessimistic about demographic shifts?

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

OECD’s 2025 Labor Market Outlook:

https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/oecd-employment-outlook-2025_194a947b-en.html

Order Bradley’s Book:

The Super Age: Decoding Our Demographic Destiny: https://a.co/d/gmG6t2P 

About Stefano Scarpetta:

Stefano Scarpetta is the Director of the Employment, Labour and Social Affairs (ELS) Directorate of the OECD, where he leads initiatives on employment, migration, health, and social inequality. With a Ph.D. in Economics and a background in both the OECD and World Bank, he has influenced policy reforms across OECD countries. Stefano has authored numerous publications in leading academic journals and regularly represents the OECD at high-level international forums, such as the G20 and G7.

Get in Touch with Stefano Scarpetta:

LinkedIn:https://fr.linkedin.com/in/stefano-scarpetta-23718329 

Get in Touch with Bradley Schurman: 

Website: https://populationnext.substack.com   

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bradleyschurman 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigschur/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradleyschurman/ 

What if America’s next great export isn’t goods or tech, but its people? I’m hosting Michele Collu, a Sardinian-born entrepreneur who's helping reverse the population decline in his home region by helping Americans make Sardinia their new home. 

With his deep understanding of both U.S. and Italian cultures, Michele sheds light on what makes Sardinia irresistible for people seeking a slower, more connected life.

We talk about how Sardinia’s stunning beauty and rich cultural heritage remain largely untouched by globalization, making it an ideal escape from the grind. Michele shares why many Americans are trading hustle culture for a slice of coastal paradise, and what it actually takes to make the leap.  

If you've ever fantasized about moving abroad, this episode is your unofficial guide. Tune in to hear Michele’s top advice, the most common misconceptions, and find out if this lifestyle is really for you. 

In This Episode:

-Meet Michele Collu, the visionary behind Sardiamo

-Why Michele moved back to Sardinia

-Economic opportunities: the beauty and potential of Sardinia

-Can foreigners disrupt Sardinia’s cultural uniqueness?

-American dream abroad: Why Americans are moving to Sardinia

-What are the demographics of the American emigrants?

-Success stories of new Sardinian residents 

-Some misconceptions about moving to Sardinia

-How Sardiamo helps newcomers settle in Sardinia 

-Should you move to Sardinia?

Order Bradley’s Book:

The Super Age: Decoding Our Demographic Destiny: https://a.co/d/gmG6t2P 

About Michele Collu:

Michele Collu is the founder and CEO of Sardiamo, a relocation and real estate advisory firm based in Sardinia, Italy. Born and raised in Cagliari, Sardinia, he left the island at 17 to pursue education and career opportunities in Italy, the U.S., Germany, France, and the U.K. With a background in corporate law and experience in business development within the SaaS industry, Michele has worked in both legal and digital sectors. In 2021, he returned to Sardinia and, alongside his family, launched Sardiamo to assist international clients in relocating to the island.

Get in Touch with Michele Collu:

Website: https://www.sardiamo.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/micstardust/ 

LinkedIn: https://it.linkedin.com/in/michelecollu/en  

Get in Touch with Bradley Schurman: 

Website: https://populationnext.substack.com   

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bradleyschurman 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigschur/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradleyschurman/ 

What if the way we think about aging and retirement is all wrong? In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Michael Clinton about the longevity economy and how it’s reshaping the future. Michael shares insights on why companies are still clinging to outdated ideas about aging, missing out on a huge economic opportunity. 

But this conversation isn’t just for businesses—it’s also for individuals. Michael explains how we can take control of our own longevity by making small but powerful changes in our daily lives. It’s about staying active, taking care of our health, and reimagining what’s possible in our later years. 

If you’re ready to embrace this new way of thinking and unlock your full potential, make sure to tune in. The longevity economy is here, and it’s time to get involved!

In This Episode:

-Meet Michael Clinton, author of Roar

-Why companies need to rethink aging

-Which brands are leading the longevity charge?

-Exploring the $8.7 trillion opportunity in aging

-How disruptors are winning with older consumers

-How pop culture and age representation are evolving

-The end of the 18–49 obsession in advertising 

-Democratizing the longevity revolution

-Rewiring, not retiring: A new career mindset for older professionals

-The role of companies in midlife reinvention

-What is the future of the longevity economy?

Order Michael Clinton’s Book:

Roar: Into The Second Half of Your Life (Before It's Too Late):  https://a.co/d/cqoRnTM 

Order Bradley’s Book:

The Super Age: Decoding Our Demographic Destiny: https://a.co/d/gmG6t2P 

About Michael Clinton:

Michael Clinton is the founder and CEO of ROAR Forward, a platform focused on redefining the second half of life through the "New Longevity" movement. A former president of Hearst Magazines, he is also a writer for Esquire, Men’s Health, and Oprah Daily. Clinton has run marathons on all seven continents and holds multiple degrees, including an honorary doctorate. He is also a photographer and a private pilot. Through ROAR Forward, Clinton inspires individuals to embrace the second half of life as a time for growth and fulfillment.

Get in Touch with Michael Clinton:

Website: https://roarforward.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/macglobetrotter/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-anthony-clinton 

Get in Touch with Bradley Schurman: 

Website: https://populationnext.substack.com   

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bradleyschurman 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigschur/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradleyschurman/ 

How do we sustain our food supply when people, the very foundation of agriculture, are disappearing? I am hosting Dr. John Newton to unpack how demographic shifts are disrupting American agriculture. From aging rural populations to global population plateaus, we explore what happens when the “grow more, export more” model no longer works. 

Dr. John shares how farms are being forced to evolve fast. From automation, AI, or transitioning to specialized high-quality products, farmers are racing against time to adapt to a radically different future. We also discuss why labor shortages, land repurposing, and shifting export markets are making it harder for small family farms to survive. 

If you are wondering where your food will come from in the next 20 years, this episode will open your eyes. Stick around until the end for powerful takeaways on what needs to change now and what it means for the future of rural communities. 

In This Episode:

-Meet the agricultural policy expert, Dr. John Newton

-The impact of demographic changes on agriculture 

-How farmers are adapting to a shrinking population

-The impact of population shifts and competition in global markets 

-Why farmers need to meet consumer preferences

-Technological innovations to make up for labor shortages in agriculture 

-Policy solutions and the Farm Bill

-Farmers’ response to demographic changes 

-Top 3 takeaways from the reality of shrinking population

-Final thoughts on thriving in a shrinking world population

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

The Big Shrink – Research by Dr. John Newton’s team: https://www.terrainag.com/ 

Order Bradley’s Book:

The Super Age: Decoding Our Demographic Destiny: https://a.co/d/gmG6t2P 

About Dr. John Newton:

Dr. John Newton is the Executive Head of Terrain, where he leads a team dedicated to providing agricultural market insights and analysis to support farmers and ranchers. With over two decades of experience in agricultural economics, Dr. John has held prominent roles, including Chief Economist for the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry, and the American Farm Bureau Federation. He earned his Ph.D. in agricultural economics, along with master's degrees in applied economics and macroeconomics, from The Ohio State University.

Get in Touch with Dr. John Newton:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-c-newton-econ 

Get in Touch with Bradley Schurman: 

Website: https://populationnext.substack.com   

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bradleyschurman 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigschur/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradleyschurman/ 

Is China’s population decline the next big global disruptor? In today’s episode, we explore how China’s aging population and collapsing birth rate are reshaping its future and the world economy. 

As labor shortages push wages up, automation becomes necessary, and global supply chains shift to survive the crisis. China’s middle class is also shrinking, and consumption is slowing down, signaling a new reality for the global market. 

In short, China's demographic winter is here, and it’s a preview of challenges many countries will face. Tune in to understand why China’s population crisis matters and what it means for the global economy.

In This Episode:

- China's meteoric rise and its hidden cost

- The Chinese housing market crisis

- China’s shrinking workforce and need for automation

- China’s middle class and consumption decline

- Military and geopolitical implications of the population decline

- The global impact of China's demographic winter

Order Bradley’s Book:

The Super Age: Decoding Our Demographic Destiny: https://a.co/d/gmG6t2P 

Get in Touch with Bradley Schurman: 

Website: https://populationnext.substack.com   

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bradleyschurman 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigschur/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradleyschurman/ 

Are you ready for a world where AI is not just a tool, but a partner in the workplace? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Jess Von Bank, a future of work expert, to dive into the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the labor market. From reshaping job structures to creating new opportunities, we explore how AI is transforming the way we work and what it means for the future of employment. 

We discuss the growing skills and people gaps that are challenging organizations today and how AI and automation could help bridge these divides. Jess emphasizes the importance of adaptability in the workforce, highlighting the need for continuous learning, ongoing development, and embracing new technologies to stay competitive in a rapidly changing job market. 

But it’s not all about the technology. We also unpack the human side of AI, including its potential biases and the impact on various demographics. If you're ready to navigate the intersection of technology and human talent, tune in and take the first step toward securing your future in an AI-driven world. 

In This Episode:

- Introduction to AI's impact on jobs

- Skills gap vs. people gap and what it means for jobs

- The Darwinism of work and AI's role in job evolution

- Why HR and the C-suite need to embrace AI automation for efficiency

- Future of work with AI: shifting job roles and new opportunities

- The need for lifelong learning and continuous skill development

- Reimagining education and work for the AI age

- Potential biases within AI, and how to address the issues

- Ethical considerations of AI in the workforce

- Advice for new job entrants on the future of work

Order Bradley’s Book:

The Super Age: Decoding Our Demographic Destiny: https://a.co/d/gmG6t2P 

About Jess Von Bank:

Jess Von Bank is a seasoned HR transformation expert and the Global Leader of HR Transformation and Technology Advisory at Mercer. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in digital-first cultural transformations and workforce technology. Jess is also a recognized thought leader in talent strategy, diversity, and employer branding. Outside of work, she is the President of Diverse Daisies, a nonprofit empowering young girls. She is passionate about creating inclusive environments for both youth and employees.

Get in Touch with Jess Von Bank:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessvonbank/ 

Get in Touch with Bradley Schurman: 

Website: https://populationnext.substack.com   

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bradleyschurman 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigschur/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradleyschurman/

What happens when nations run out of soldiers to fight their wars but still choose to wage them? This is the reality we're facing today as shrinking populations collide with growing geopolitical tensions, particularly in Ukraine and Russia. As both countries grapple with devastating losses in manpower, technology has stepped in to reshape modern warfare. 

In this inaugural episode, I explore how the combination of demographic collapse and radical technological acceleration is transforming the battlefield. As birth rates plummet, drones, AI, and automation are becoming the soldiers and strategists of the future. 

It's clear that the evolution of warfare will be defined by the speed and sophistication of machines, not the number of soldiers on the ground. But will this technological shift make conflict more or less likely? Join me in exploring this and more insights on the intersection of shrinking populations and the future of global conflict.

In This Episode:

- The collision between warfare and demographic change 

- The cost of war in human lives

- The impact of Russia's brain drain and low birth rates

- How technology and AI are taking over the battlefield

- Europe’s Kamikaze drone revolution

- The U.S. military’s AI strategy

- How demographics are driving defense automation

- Global military manpower shortage and its implications

Order Bradley’s Book:

The Super Age: Decoding Our Demographic Destiny: https://a.co/d/gmG6t2P 

Get in Touch with Bradley Schurman: 

Website: https://www.behumanchange.com 

Substack: https://www.populationnext.com  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bradleyschurman 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigschur/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradleyschurman/ 

​​Welcome to Population Next, the podcast that helps business leaders and policymakers navigate the biggest—and most overlooked—threat to their future: demographic change. Hosted by Bradley Schurman, author of The Super Age and a leading expert in population dynamics, this show is your guide to turning challenges into opportunities.

Each episode explores how shifting population patterns—declining birth rates, aging societies, and accelerated global migration—are transforming the way we work, live, and do business. With expert insights, real-world case studies, and forward-thinking guests, Bradley breaks down complex trends into clear strategies. Learn how to build generationally-dynamic teams, adapt to emerging labor markets and technologies, and create future-proof organizations that thrive during this period of demographic disruption.

If you’re a C-suite executive, director, or founder who wants to lead with foresight, build resilience, and unlock new market potential, this podcast is your competitive edge. Tune in to Population Next on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube—and be the first to see what’s coming next.