Generational communication expert, author and President of the Professional Speaking Association UK & Ireland, Alastair Greener, is celebrating the first anniversary of his Generationally Speaking podcast, which has now reached 30 episodes and continues to explore how people of different ages see the world.
Alastair said he launched the podcast to create more honest conversations across age groups and to challenge assumptions about how different generations think.
“I wanted to create a space where people could share their experiences openly and where we could really listen to each other,” he said. “Over the past year it’s shown me just how much we have in common, even when our perspectives seem very different.”
Over the past year, the podcast has welcomed guests from across the generations, from teenagers shaping new ideas to business leaders with decades of experience. Each episode looks at how life stage, technology and cultural context shape the way people communicate, work and connect.
Among the standout episodes is his conversation with Kenan Noori, a 15-year-old founder of the Nexus political party. Alastair said Kenan represents a new kind of young leadership, combining curiosity with a willingness to listen.
“On paper he might fit some of the usual Gen Z labels, but when you speak to him you realise he’s far more nuanced,” Alastair said. “What really struck me was how much respect he has for older perspectives and how keen he is to build bridges.”
At the other end of the generational spectrum, one of the most talked-about episodes features Maurice Collins, who at 90 continues to run businesses, mentor young entrepreneurs and explore new ideas. Alastair said Maurice challenges every stereotype about older generations.
“Maurice has such energy and curiosity,” he said. “He’s a reminder that experience and innovation can go hand in hand, and that learning doesn’t stop at any age.”
The podcast also shines a light on the role of millennials through a conversation with Kristine Long, a technology leader and new mum working at IBM. Alastair said her story captures how many millennials now sit between senior leaders and younger colleagues.
“Kristine really embodies that bridge between generations,” he said. “She understands the expectations coming from both directions and is helping to translate them in a really thoughtful way.”
Reflecting on the first year overall, Alastair said the conversations have reinforced his belief that generational understanding starts with listening.
“Every episode has reminded me that while each generation has its own experiences, there’s far more that connects us than divides us,” he said.
Generationally Speaking is available on major podcast platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, with new episodes continuing to explore how communication shapes relationships at work, at home and in wider society.
Alastair Greener is a keynote speaker, author and President of the Professional Speaking Association UK & Ireland. His book Generationally Speaking: How to bridge the generation gap and communicate with confidence explores how eight generations can communicate more effectively at work and in everyday life.
More information about Alastair’s work, book and podcast can be found at www.generationallyspeaking.co.uk