Future Tense

Terms like "Gen Z", "Boomer" and "Millennial" are popular, but they have no basis in science. Demographers and social scientists are now pushing back.
Generational labelling, they argue, is akin to Astrology and while politicians, journalists and media influencers find them irresistible, they actually promote pseudo-science, sew social division and can reinforce prejudicial stereotypes.
So why are generational labels so popular?
Original broadcast on February 9, 2025.
Guests
Professor Bobby Duffy — Director of the Policy Institute, King's College London. Author of The Generation Myth.
Professor Philip Coen — Professor of Sociology, University of Maryland
Professor Crystal Abidin — digital anthropologist and ethnographer of vernacular internet cultures, Curtin University
Professor David Costanza — Professor of Commerce, University of Virginia
Further information
Philip Coen’s open letter to Pew Research Center on generation labels 
Pew Research Center's response

It certainly feels like a very shouty world. But have we really reached a new low point in civility? And, if so, where to from here? We examine what civility really entails and how it can help foster cooperation but also lead to the submission of minorities. And did you know that even the design of our urban spaces can shape and limit acts of civility? So, how can we make our cities more sociable?
Original broadcast on March 23, 2025.
Guests
Dr Eduardo Sadoval — Social Roboticist, UNSW
Dr Saara Liinamaa — Associate Professor, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Guelph. Also, co-investigator, Sociable Cities Project
Rafi Kohan — US-based freelance writer and author
Dr Keith Bybee — Professor of Law and Political Science, Syracuse University
Further information
Rafi Kohan - Trash Talk: The Only Book About Destroying Your Rivals That Isn’t Total Garbage
Keith Bybee - How Civility Works
Sociable Cities Project

Rana Sylvatica is an unassuming wood frog with an extraordinary gift. In the depths of winter, it can slow down its metabolism, flood its cells with ice and remain in a state of suspended animation for months. But it's what it might be able to teach us about preserving human organs for transplant that has scientists really excited. Also, the menagerie in an icy test tube — San Diego's Frozen Zoo and the fight to preserve biodiversity.
Original broadcast on October 27, 2024.
Guests
Dr Ken Storey — Professor of Biology and Biochemistry, Carleton University, Canada.
Dr Saffron Bryant – Senior lecturer, Department of Physics, RMIT University
Marlys Houck – Curator, Frozen Zoo, San Diego Wildlife Alliance
Dr Justine O’Brien – Manager, Conservation Science,Taronga Conservation Society Australia
Further information
Youtube video of a frozen frog thawing

There’s a growing public sense that the current model of the social contract is broken, due in large part to rising inequality and the pursuit of profit over social progress. The “social contract” defines the relationship between citizens, their government and business. Its modern form emerged after WWII and, in western democracies, was largely structured around the principles of the welfare state. It’s about equity, order and trust. So, does the essence of the social contract still have value? And if so, how can it make fit for purpose in the 21st century? 
Original broadcast on January 28. 2024.
Guests
Professor Sandra Sucher – Professor of Management Practice, Harvard Business School 
Dave Cook – Department of Anthropology, University College London 
Aron Cramer – President and CEO, BSR – Business for Social Responsibility 
Professor Marc Fleurbaey – Paris School of Economics 
Further information
IPSP - International Panel on Social Progress report

Sometimes, despite the hype, despite extensive funding, and despite clever and ingenious thinking, good ideas fail. Or at least don’t live up to their initial promise. There are lessons to be learnt and interesting anecdotes to be told. In this episode we look at four future-focused projects that have never really taken off: Google Glass, solar roads, space tourism and hyperloop technology. 
Original broadcast on November 24, 2024.
Guests
Dr Paul Sutter – Astrophysicist, SUNY Stony Brook and the Flatiron Institute, New York 
Sarah Marquart – freelance journalist, editor of From Quarks to Quasars
Andrew Hawkins – Transportation editor, The Verge 
Quinn Myers – Chicago-based journalist and author 'Google Glass'