September 5, 2023
SHARE
The Backbench
#72 GenZ’s Political Apathy-ocalypse
The tale generally goes like this: Gen Z is disconnected, disinterested, and buried so deep into their screens that they don't care about the politics going on around them.
Aviva Lessard
Senior Producer
Noor Azrieh
Producer
Karyn Pugliese
Editor-in-Chief

But it’s also clear that some young people are ready to ignite change if they have to. From the climate marches to the BLM protests to the Maple Spring, young people have been at the forefront of protests and disruptions for a long time. So, is the stereotype of Gen Z as disconnected and apathetic accurate, or is there something we’re missing here?

In this episode of The Backbench, you’ll hear from young people across the country who share their perspectives on how they engage with democracy. Additionally, you’ll hear a conversation between Mattea Roach and Samantha Reusch, the executive director of Apathy is Boring, to understand WHY Gen Z engages in politics in unconventional ways.

Host:  Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

Guests: Samm Reid, Azaad Gill, Alex Stevenson, Jenna Inch, Tannia Vijeyenthiran, 

Samantha Reusch

Sponsors: UWO, Douglas 

If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. 

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

More from this series
After a couple of weeks of pats on the back and trying to find Pierre Poilievre a new home, we’re finally seeing how Mark Carney’s government plans to tackle the country’s biggest problems and who he’s putting in charge to do it.
May 20, 2025
Mark Carney promised tougher bail and more police – a “get tough” agenda that the Liberals shoplifted right off the Conservative shelf.
May 13, 2025
Pierre Poilievre is packing his bags to rural Alberta, after losing his seat to Bruce Fanjoy. How the hell did Fanjoy do it? We asked him.
May 6, 2025
Carney wins, Poilievre loses, Jagmeet steps down. What went down?
April 29, 2025
Today we are bringing you a great episode from our friends at Canardian!
April 25, 2025
April 24, 2025
While most Canadians are gearing up to head to the polls, some are looking for an escape plan.
April 22, 2025
There are 1959 people running to represent YOU in this federal election in the year of our lord 2025 - and we’re looking for dirt. 
April 17, 2025
all podcasts arrow All Podcasts
The Backbench