The Talking Youth Work Podcast

Youth Participation with Gen Z, Elena Avramovska , season 4, episode 9

Hello dear listeners,

 

In this episode, we talked with Elena Avramosvska, a researcher with over 10 years of experience studying democracy, political participation, and gender equality, with a special focus on Generation Z across Europe.

The conversation was rich, nuanced and at times surprising. Elena challenged the common narrative that young people are simply apolitical or disengaged. The reality, is far more complex: Generation Z is not uninterested in politics, they are deeply disillusioned with the politics they are getting.

They feel unrepresented, and when something truly resonates with their lived experience, they can mobilise quickly and powerfully.

One of the most striking findings from her research is how socioeconomic anxieties have overtaken climate change as the dominant concern among young people across Europe. Housing, job insecurity, healthcare, and even pensions are now top of mind (yes, pensions) reflecting a profound and somewhat unexpected sense of long-term uncertainty.

As Elena explains, this generation feels they have done everything right, (finished their education, found work, tried to be good citizens) and yet the system doesn't seem to be holding up its end of the bargain.

We also explored the growing gender divide in political attitudes. Young women are moving towards more progressive positions, while young men lean increasingly towards the right. Yet beneath this apparent polarisation, Elena finds something more hopeful: both groups share the same diagnosis. They see the same broken system, the same economic insecurity. Where they differ is in how they interpret what that means for their own lives, and what should be done about it.

Authenticity, Elena notes, matters enormously, young people can tell when they're being talked about rather than talked to.

For youth workers, her message is clear: stop thinking about how to "activate" young people and start thinking about how to genuinely connect with their real, everyday concerns. Trust is built locally, one meaningful relationship at a time.

It was a truly inspiring conversation — we hope you enjoy it!

 

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 # ElenaAvramovska #PoliticalParticipation #Democracy

Bridging Generations Through Reflection with Paul Meunier, season 4, episode 8

Hello dear listeners,

We know you missed us, you don’t have to play tough, we missed you too!

In this episode we talked with Paul Menier, Executive Director of the Youth Intervention Programs Association (YIPA), and we discussed how we can support the next generation in a fast-paced world.

A clear idea that our guest left us was that effective youth work begins with the practitioner’s own self-awareness. He argues that we cannot separate the youth worker from the work, as our own integrity and life journey are our primary tools.

Another important takeaway was that technological shifts, like social media and AI, are shared human experiences. Instead of viewing the struggles of Gen Z and Gen Alpha as unique "problems," Paul encourages us to recognise that adults are navigating these same hurdles together, and everyone is struggling at some point.

Despite the rise of AI and digital connection, he argues that the biological and emotional nuances of human relationships cannot be replaced.

Paul advocates for a shift away from over-pathologising youth behavior and toward understanding the environmental context. Many behaviors often labeled as "mental health disorders" are actually survival-mode responses to a young person's environment.

Sometimes we can forget that the goal of youth work is to model healthy relationships and provide mentorship that helps young people navigate their own development.

Our guest left us with a lot to think about, and decision makers must reflect that, for youth work to be effective, leadership must prioritise and protect the space for practitioners to reflect on their practices.

Ultimately, Paul offers a hopeful vision: by staying grounded and curious, we help young people lead meaningful lives of integrity.

You can check Paul’s book “Relationships Are Everything: What Youth Workers Teach Us About Leadership”.

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 the context of Generation Z and Generation Alpha.

#YouthWork #PaulMeunier #Leadership #Relationships

How to Support Learning with Dr. Barbara Oakley, season 4, episode 7

Hello Dear Listeners,

In this episode we had the absolute pleasure (and a bit of a "starstruck" moment) of talking to Dr. Barbara Oakley, a professor of engineering, researcher, and the mind behind some of the most popular online courses on the planet, including the famous “Learning How to Learn” and “Mindshift”.

Youth workers, often pride themselves on creating engaging, social, and beautifully designed non-formal learning experiences, but Dr. Oakley poses a slightly uncomfortable question:

• Are the methods we cherish really helping our learners retain information, or are they just distracting them from gaining true expertise?

The younger generations have been told to "Just Look it Up", and according to to Dr. Oakley that is a myth. We’ve often been told that in the age of Google and AI, memorisation is dead. "Why learn the multiplication tables when you have a calculator?"

Dr. Oakley argues that this approach actually cripples the brain. Without internalizing "neural schemas" we lack the internal "radar" to realize when something is wrong. If a student hasn't memorized basic patterns, they can't think critically about the complex outputs AI gives them. To truly innovate, you need a foundation that is "rock solid," built through the very thing modern education often avoids: repetition and practice.

In the youth work field, we talk a lot about psychological safety. However, Dr. Oakley warns against the misuse of "safe spaces" where young people are protected from any emotional distress or differing opinions.

True critical thinking, she argues, requires the discomfort of hearing conflicting views and opinions. When we create environments where young people are afraid to speak for fear of causing offense, or where they never learn to truly listen to someone they disagree with, we aren't protecting them we are leaving them unequipped for the real world.

This episode is an invitation to balance our love for creativity with the neurological necessity of discipline and foundational knowledge.

Whether you are a teacher, a youth worker, or a lifelong learner yourself, this conversation with Dr. Barbara Oakley will leave you with plenty of "food for thought" to chew on for a long time.

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 #LearningHowtoLearn #DrBarbaraOakley

Youth Participation with Gen Alpha, Andrés Falk and Marcela Guerrero, season 4, episode 6

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

Rethinking Gen Z with Alena Tomanová, season 4, episode 5

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.

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.

 

Learning Trends in Generation Alpha with Ashley Fell, season 4, episode 4

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

Psychological Safety in Learning Environments with Romy Alexandra, season 4, episode 3

Hello dear listeners,

In this episode, we talked with Romy Alexandra, an expert in psychological safety and experiential learning. Her work with NGOs on youth leadership and human trafficking prevention highlighted the need for engaging, effective learning methods, leading her to experiential learning and psychological safety as its foundation.

Romy defines psychological safety, drawing from Dr. Amy Edmondson, as a shared environment where individuals feel safe to take interpersonal risks without fear of punishment or humiliation. This environment fosters vulnerability, inclusion, and innovation, which are essential for learning spaces. She emphasises that it’s not about comfort but about creating trust to navigate discomfort, enabling youth to contribute authentically.

We explored some of the misconceptions around these topics, such as assuming humour indicates safety. Romy cautioned that sarcasm or inappropriate humour can alienate participants, while humour often masks discomfort. Another pitfall is forcing vulnerability too soon, which can shut down the learning process. Instead, facilitators should offer choices and gradual engagement to build trust.

Romy also addresses generational shifts, noting that post-COVID attention spans are shorter, and younger generations use technology as a safety net. She advocates for new conversations to address these changes while grounding youth work in the core principles of experiential learning. In response to the common critique that younger generations are "too sensitive," Romy suggests approaching conflicts with curiosity, fostering dialogue to repair relationships rather than shutting down in the face of discomfort.

Find more about Romy Alexandra Resources and Articles

People and books mentioned in the episode:

• Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
• The Fearless Organization by Amy C. Edmonson

For any ideas, comments or suggestions, please email us at talkingyouthworkpodcast@gmail.com.

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

#YouthWork #PsychologicalSafety #ExperientialLearning

Spaces of Unlearning with Juan Camilo, season 4, episode 2

Hello dear listeners,

In this episode, we begin exploring the idea of unlearning, joined by Juan Camilo, a youth worker from Colombia who has been living in Iceland. Juan has a background in international education, cultural media communication, and religious studies. He is also an artist and educator who uses transformative pedagogy and non-formal education to promote human ecology and holistic human development.

Unlearning is the process of questioning deeply ingrained beliefs and assumptions. We discuss what unlearning means, how educators can approach it, and how we can create safe spaces for it—both for young people and ourselves.

In the context of Western civilisation, climate change, and social unrest, Juan suggests that unlearning can help dismantle harmful systems. He believes it is essential to recognise our interconnectedness with life and the environment rather than centring ourselves as humans.

Unlearning involves exploring different perspectives, letting go of ingrained assumptions, and using creative and playful methods. It requires courage to navigate uncertain spaces and emphasises the importance of community support. Juan also highlights the need to integrate ancestral knowledge into contemporary youth work to foster deeper connections with ourselves, our surroundings, and the larger community.

It was an insightful and enriching conversation—we hope you enjoy it!

For any ideas, comments, or suggestions, please email us at talkingyouthworkpodcast@gmail.com.