Today, we're diving into some super important and maybe a bit sobering news: America is running out of young people. Yep, you heard that right! James A. Brown is here to slow down the news and help us unpack this hefty topic. We're not just talking about numbers; we’re peeking into how this demographic shift will affect everything from college enrollment to crime rates. You know, fewer young folks means fewer students in classrooms and fewer kids filling those college dorms, which is a big deal for our economy and culture. So grab your favorite snack and settle in, because we’re going to explore some predictions about where this is all heading and what it means for our future—spoiler alert: it might get a little wild!

Takeaways:

1. In this episode, we dive into why slowing down the news helps us ask better questions about America and its challenges.
2. James A. Brown discusses the alarming trend of America running out of young people, predicting significant societal changes as a result.
3. We explore the implications of fewer young people entering the workforce and how that will impact education, job markets, and cultural institutions.
4. The podcast reveals five predictions about America’s future, including the potential rise in elite college attendance and the fall of crime rates as demographics shift.
5. The discussion touches on the reality that many institutions are preparing for growth in a population that is actually shrinking, which could lead to economic instability.
6. Finally, we consider how governments might incentivize families to have more children, a strategy that’s already being tested in some countries, but may not be effective.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. jamesabrown.net
2. dailynote.net

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Goddard College
2. Wells College
3. University of Rochester