Explore every episode of the podcast Democracy, Explained

• Generations Ahead is a new podcast from The Walrus Lab and the Wilson College at McMaster University. The series explores imaginative approaches shaping the future of Canada and the world, spotlighting changemakers tackling complex problems and the ideas that could shape generations to come.

  In this episode, Apathy is Boring's Executive Director, Sam Reusch, helps kick off the series by unpacking why trust in politicians is at a historic low, how social media and AI are reshaping civic engagement, and the programs her organization uses to connect young people with democratic processes, from dinner table conversations to youth-led initiatives and advocacy campaigns. The conversation also explores what sustains a strong democracy, the challenges of pluralism in polarized times, and why investing in civil society matters for future generations.

  Learn more and subscribe to Generations Ahead: https://lnk.to/generations-ahead

Canada’s elections are fair, but they aren’t perfect. In this episode, we explore what really keeps elections trustworthy, why people are dissatisfied with the system, and how reforms like fairer voting rules and campaign finance transparency could make elections more reflective of the public interest, and help restore confidence in democratic outcomes..

Our rights are not abstrac, they shape everyday life. In this episode, we break down the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, why it matters, and how it evolves with society.

We also explore what happens when rights are violated, and how young people can navigate the systems meant to protect them.

Pluralism means living side by side with people who think, believe, and experience the world differently.

In this episode, we explore what it takes to coexist in a time of polarization, why protests have become divisive, and how institutions, communities, and youth can help rebuild trust in a diverse society.

Democracy depends on reliable information. But what happens when facts are harder to find, misinformation spreads quickly, and local news disappears?

This episode unpacks how information flows through media, algorithms, and social platforms, why trust is declining, and what it means for young people trying to make informed decisions about their future.

Participation is more than voting, it’s about who gets to take part, how accessible the process is, and why so many people feel left out. This episode explores the barriers to participation, the difference between theoretical and real access, and the reforms that could make engagement more fair, transparent, and inclusive for all.

What is democracy at its core, and how do institutions like schools, courts, and election bodies keep it alive?

This episode explores why institutions matter, how trust in them is changing, and how young people already interact with them often without realizing it.

Understanding these systems is the first step to holding them accountable.