#GenZ: Recent Episodes
Meghan M. Grace
GenZ is a podcast about Generation Z. The post-Millennial generation born 1995-2010. We chat about various topics related to Generation Z, but also talk with members of Generation Z to hear their stories, listen to their experiences, and understand their perspectives.
The 2024 election is right around the corner and eyes are on Gen Z voters, who predominantly make up the youth and young adult voting bloc. Vaughan Bagley, Director of Social Impact for SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios, discusses the evolution of young adult voter engagement and MTV’s ongoing role in promoting civic participation. From MTV's iconic Rock the Vote campaign to today’s Vote 24 initiative, this episode explores how to empower young voters and the role of employers and higher education are key in reaching Gen Z voters.
Discover the issues driving Gen Z—climate change, affordable healthcare, and more—and how companies, organizations, and colleges can support democracy through engaging Gen Z.
Key topics:
- MTV’s voter engagement legacy
- Reaching and empowering Gen Z voters
- The role of colleges and universities in voter outreach
- Corporate responsibility in elections
- Key issues for Gen Z voters in 2024
Learn more about MTV's Vote 24 Initiatives at votevotevote.com.
Are you struggling to retain your interns and early career employees? This episode features a conversation with Parker Pell, co-founder of Abode HR. Parker shares practical tips on how to effectively manage Gen Z talent and create a workplace that fosters loyalty and long-term engagement. Discover strategies to attract top talent, provide meaningful development opportunities, and build a positive company culture that resonates with Generation Z.
Learn more about Abode HR and connect with Parker on LinkedIn.
Generation Z views and navigates the world differently than past generations - Including their perspectives on time and time management practices.
This episode features Dylan Diamond, co-founder and CEO of Saturn, a calendaring app that is revolutionizing how Gen Z is managing time. Dylan provides insights on how Gen Z looks at time and how Gen Z can develop and implement empowering time management skills.
Learn more about Saturn.
The world of work is constantly evolving, and for early career professionals in Generation Z, the job search can feel like an uncharted territory.
In this episode, Sophie O'Brien, founder of Pollen Careers, sheds light on the realities of career development today. Sophie provides actionable tips on how Gen Z can approach the job search process with confidence and land the perfect opportunity.
Learn more about Pollen Careers.
What does Gen Z look for in a workplace? What can employers do to keep Gen Z professionals engaged?
Gather some data-informed strategies from Christina Sugimoto of Wasserman Next Gen in this episode. We cover key findings from a recent Gen Z census study, including:
- How Gen Z defines success
- When and how Gen Z is job searching
- What they are looking for and expect of employers
Christina also shares strategies to engage and retain Gen Z in the workplace.
Learn more about Wasserman Next Gen.
Feeling like you can't be your full self at work? Struggling to balance your identity in professional environments? You're not alone. In this episode, we dive deep with Rex Wilde, LGBTQ+ speaker and consultant, to explore how authenticity in the workplace is being redefined by Gen Z. Learn how to bring your whole self to work and thrive in a more inclusive environment.
Learn more about Rex's work here: rexwilde.com.
Read the Vox Media report on Gen Z Identity: For Gen Z, Identity is What They Make It.
Forget textbooks and lectures - Gen Z is redefining workplace learning and AI is a big part of that. Tune in to this episode featuring a conversation with Sanne Fouquet, founder of Melon, and Sydney Santos, a Gen Z learner and marketing professional. We discuss:
- Fresh learning trends: What makes Gen Z different in their approach to learning and leveling up?
- Melon's innovative platform: How is Melon empowering Gen Z learners?
- Actionable hacks & tips: How can you inspire Gen Z learners in the workplace?
Learn more about Melon here: Melon AI.
As Gen Z reaches voting age, many are wondering if this generation will step up to the plate and run for office. While elected positions are often the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about careers in government, there are a plethora of opportunities beyond the ballot box. But will Gen Z, known for their activism and social consciousness, embrace these avenues to make a difference?
Join us for an insightful conversation with Brianna Carmen, Political Director at Emerge, as we delve into the motivations and aspirations of Gen Z regarding government careers. Uncover what drives this generation to seek out meaningful employment in the public sector and discover strategies to encourage them to pursue these impactful opportunities.
What does Gen Z want from their bosses and leaders? New research from Deloitte Digital points to exactly that. Amelia Dunlop, Chief Experience Officer, and Michael Pankowski, Analyst, from Deloitte Digital join the conversation to share insights from their latest research on Generation Z's perspectives on work, their bosses, and how to best lead them in the workplace.
If a dream job doesn't exist, go create it. That's what many Gen Zers would do. Episode 48 features a conversation with Abbie Stasior, founder of Be About Being Better and content creator. Abbie shares her insights and experiences in building a business and designing a career.
Globetrotting while still getting the job done? Yes, it's possible and it's something Gen Z professionals have their eyes on when considering their working environment. Episode 47 features a conversation with tech start-up founder and digital nomad, Harrison Lee, who shares how he travels the world while leading two companies.
Where is the world of work heading? Especially with the growing presence of Generation Z in the workforce. Episode 46 features a conversation with work futurist and innovation specialist, Sophie Wade. We discuss the changing environments and dynamics of work and the role that Gen Z is playing in shaping the future of work.
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Welcome back! Season 5 is here and we're diving into the world of work with Generation Z. This episode features an interview with Dr. Corey Seemiller, generational expert and co-lead of the Institute of Generational Research and Education. We kick off this season with a deep dive into the findings from our research on Generation Z over the last decade related to how they view work and the themes that employers need to be paying attention to.
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Season 5 of #GenZ is on the way! Get excited and get ready for this new season. In this teaser, Corey and I share about a new study we are launching with the Institute for Generational Research and Education later this spring: Generations in the Workplace.
This study is open to working professionals in the United States in all industries. To express interest in participating and learning more about the study: Participate in the Generations in the Workplace Study
What's in a name? Actually quite a bit. Episode 44 features a conversation with Sophie Kihm, Editor-in-Chief of Nameberry and baby name expert, where we discuss how names play a role in our identity and how names showcase the culture of a generation. We dive into how names have evolved with Generation Z and how Gen Z continues to shape trends related to names as they start to pick out names for children of their own.
Follow along with Nameberry and Sophie Kihm.
We can't talk about culture without exploring values and identity. Episode 43 features a discussion with Sam LaCrosse, author of the book, Values Economics: The Study of Identity, where we explore how Gen Z thinks about and expresses identity. We also dive into how we, among all generations, can hold more productive spaces for our own identities and to interact with others who hold different identities and perspectives than our own.
Is there alignment between military service and Gen Z's interests and passions? This episode features a conversation with Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr., Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force. We discuss the strengths of Gen Z service members and the opportunities for Gen Zers within military service and the United States Air Force.
Measuring cohort culture is no small feat, which is why we need multiple minds working to build greater knowledge. In part 2 of Measuring Cohort Culture, Tyler Mitic, the CEO and founder of Teen View, shares about his work in developing a community of Gen Zers to help companies and organizations gain insights into the world of Generation Z.
Can you quantify the culture of a generational cohort? This two-part series dives into that question and kicks off with a conversation with Andrew Roth, founder and CEO of dcdx, a Gen Z research and strategy firm. We chat about how Andrew and the dcdx team are leading a community of Gen Zers to develop better insights to support brands and organizations to truly understand Gen Z culture.
Can you quantify the culture of a generational cohort? This two-part series dives into that question and kicks off with a conversation with Andrew Roth, founder and CEO of dcdx, a Gen Z research and strategy firm. We chat about how Andrew and the dcdx team are leading a community of Gen Zers to develop better insights to support brands and organizations to truly understand Gen Z culture.
Grab your favorite snack because this episode is all about food. Sophia Rascoff, founder of the social media app ReCon Food, joins this episode to discuss Gen Z food culture. From what Gen Z likes to eat and Gen Z values around food to the role of social media and digital environments, this episode dives into all things Generation Z food culture.
Expressing and celebrating culture can take place in so many ways. It can be creative, meaningful, and fun. That's exactly what Mike Alfaro, does through his hit games, Millennial and Gen Z Lotería. In Episode 38, Mike shares how he came up with a modern twist on the game he grew up playing in Guatemala and how he captures and celebrates cohort culture.
How do generations develop a shared set of behaviors, values, and perspectives? Dr. Corey Seemiller helps kick off Season 4 and explore generational cohort culture and peer personality. We also share more about our latest global study on Generation Z.
Mentoring relationships provide invaluable relationships, both for the mentee and mentor. These relationships can provide insight and advice that can help with advancing a career, navigating life's challenges, and more. Nicole Rose Stillings, creator of the Queens of Creation mentoring program, joins to discuss the power of mentoring and how to support Gen Z through mentoring.
Generation Z has been knocking on the door of entrepreneurship for years and the "side hustle" has been a huge part of the increased interest among young people engaging in entrepreneurs. Sammy Handler, artist and CEO of KicksBySammy, joins this episode to share how she turned her passion into a side hustle and then a full-time business.
Generation Z has grown up seeing various models and practices of leadership, but they are now in professional, political, and organizational roles of leadership themselves. How does Generation Z view leadership? What is most effective in leading Generation Z? Caleb Gipple joins to discuss what he has found in studying leadership among his Gen Z peers.
How can companies and organizations catch the eye of Generation Z? Marketing to Gen Z consumers requires much more than a flashy campaign. Ava McDonald, CEO of Zfluence, joins the conversation to discuss what matters most in marketing to Generation Z.
Every generation has its trends they've ushered into popular culture. So what is cool and on-trend with Generation Z? Madison Semarjian, the Gen Z entrepreneur and founder of The Mada App, an app focused on finding the styles that make you your most confident self.
Many in Generation Z are on the hunt for jobs and are taking steps towards their career. This episode features Dr. Monica Fochtman, owner and founder of Sheldrake Consulting, a career coaching and consulting company. Monica shares career development insights to help those in Generation Z preparing for jobs and those who want to recruit and retain Gen Z employees.
Money and finance have been top concerns since we first started studying Generation Z in 2014. This episode features Anna Kubiak, a finance professional and member of Generation Z, to discuss money concerns and financial practices.
The media and entertainment industry is no longer about consumption--Users and consumers play a role in shaping content and use platforms as a form of expression. Generation Z is at the forefront of the evolving media industry. Marisa Chib joins this episode to discuss media, entertainment, and personal expression.
More than just going green or celebrating Earth Day, Generation Z has been rallying around the environmental movement for years. This episode features a conversation with a Gen Z youth climate activist, Kevin J. Patel, who works to ensure environmental work is infused with climate justice.
The co-executive directors of Coalition Z join for a conversation about Generation Z voting and political perspectives. We discuss the social issues that are important to Generation Z along with what Generation Z is looking for in elected leaders and politicians. And they provide insight on how to effectively engage Generation Z and encourage political participation.
Season 3 kicks off with a conversation with Dr. Corey Seemiller about Generation Z and voting and politics. We discuss findings from our most recent study on Generation Z's viewpoints on voting, perspectives on politics and ways older generations can help engage Generation Z in voting and civic discussions.
The final episode of a three-part series covering the experiences of Generation Z during the COVID-19 pandemic features three young Gen Zers. Currently in elementary and junior high, these Generation Z students share about how life and school have drastically changed.
This episode is Part 2 of a three-part series covering the experiences of Generation Z during the COVID-19 pandemic. Part 2 features three high school students (Madison, Luke, and Alexsia) who share about how life and school have changed since the pandemic began and their hopes and worries for the future.
This episode kicks off a three-part series covering the experiences of Generation Z during the COVID-19 pandemic. Part 1 features three college students (Jenna Montes from Indiana University, Austin Grashoff from Louisiana State University, and Keenan Pasztor from Chapman University) who share how their lives have been impacted by the pandemic, what they are most worried about, and what they are grateful for in these uncertain times.
Still not convinced Generation Z is a force to be reckoned with? This episode might change your mind. In the Season 2 finale, Ziad Ahmed shares about the potential and power of Generation Z.
Music is a powerful thing that brings people together, creates conversation, and allows listeners to have a soundtrack to their lives. This episode features Karli Farrell, who shares about the Generation Z listening experience, what music is trending with Gen Z listeners, and what matters to Generation Z listeners.
Is Gen Z going to church? What about staying spiritual? This episode features Scofield Foster and Catherine Stretar of the Grace Church in South Carolina, who share how they engage Generation Z teens in their ministry and faith programs.
Growing up as a member of Generation Z means growing up a world vastly different than previous generations. Benjamin Laufer joins me to discuss what is shaping Generation Z and how society is influencing their cohort culture.
The media paints Generation Z as the most anxious and depressed generation to date. But are they really? This episode features Cassanora Lampley, who has supported Generation Z's mental health in a variety of environments. She shares insights on the mental health trends among members of Generation Z and how those who work with Generation Z can best support their mental health and personal wellbeing.
From the classroom to conferences and staff development and training sessions, Generation Z learners are everywhere. This episode explores ways to engage Generation Z in learning environments. Dr. Jim Downey shares some strategies he has used to create a course experience that is in tune with Generation Z's learning preferences.
In this episode, Avery Wagar joins me to discuss the next frontier of technology: Virtual reality. We discuss what virtual reality is, augmented and extended reality, and his learning experiences that have been integrated with virtual reality technology.
Generation Z experiences many aspects of life online and through social media. How they lead and who they look to as leaders are also influence by digital spaces. Dr. Josie Ahlquist joins me for a conversation about digital leadership. We explore what exactly is digital leadership, how to create an authentic online presence, how to navigate conflict online, and ways to practice digital wellness.
Generation Z is ready to make the world a better place. Aware of social issues and with the technology to confront them, Gen Z isn’t waiting for permission to engage in advocacy and activism. This episode features an interview with Nadya Okamoto, founder ofperiod.org. Nadya started her first non-profit at age 16 and remains a powerful voice and advocate for women’s rights and gender equality. Nadya shares her experiences as a Gen Z activist and what other generations can do to support Gen Z changemakers wanting to engage in advocacy and activism.
GenZ is back! Season 2 kicks off with a focus on communicating and connecting with Generation Z. Andrew Roth, of Gen Z Designs, shares his insights on how to best communicate and engage Generation Z. From in-person to FaceTime and texting to TikTok, we discuss Generation Z’s preferences in communication, as well as growing trends in effective engagement for Gen Z.
And that’s a wrap on Season 1!
In this episode, Dustin Ramsdell of The Higher Ed Geek Podcast helps me reflect on season 1 of #GenZ. We talk about what I love about Generation Z, what I’ve learned about podcasting and life, what surprised me most, what I would have done differently, and what I’m looking forward to for season 2.
In this episode, Dr. Corey Seemiller and I reflect on our newest book Generation Z: A Century in the making. We discuss what the book is about, who should be reading it, our writing processes, and what we are excited about.
You can get your copy from Amazon or Routledge.com.
In the second part of the series on Microgenerations, I spend some time chatting with three Little Zs, some of the youngest members in the Generation Z cohort. To learn about the differences between the very oldest and very youngest in the Generation Z cohort, we chat about similar topics as I did with the Big Zs, including technology, communication, what we want to be when we grow up, what we do for entertainment, and what we love about Gen Z.
In the first part of this two-part series, we begin to dive into the concept of microgenerations. Kicking off the conversation, my guests include three members of Generation Z who fall within the "Big Z" age-range being some of the oldest in the generational cohort. This conversation covers a variety of topics to gain perspectives on how some of the oldest in Generation Z may view the world so we can compare these views in part 2 with the views of "Little Z's", or the youngest in the generational cohort.
In this episode, I chat with Kathleen Hessert and Lydia Laramore of the We R Gen Z Think Tank. We R Gen Z was created to provide a platform to give Generation Z a way to share their voice, opinions, insights, and experiences. Kathleen and Lydia share strategies for how to engage and give Gen Z voice.
This episode dives into entrepreneurship, innovation, and inspiring Generation Z's big ideas. Haley Hoffman Smith shares her experiences in engaging in entrepreneurship at a young age and how she works to empower and support entrepreneurs through her work as an author, speaker, and the Director of Community for the Next Gen Summit. We talk about finding passion, supporting one another, and aspiring towards our Big Ideas.
This is the second half of the two-part series on Generation Z's post-graduate plans after K-12 education. In this episode, Aisha Kassim, a rising college sophomore shares her experience of choosing to attend college, her college search process, and her experience since enrolling. She also shares her insights on her Generation Z peers and their attitude of determination.
This episode the first half of a two-part series focusing on Post-Grad Plans and Gen Z's perspectives on life beyond K-12 education. In this episode, Jack Brennan, a recent high school graduate, shares his story of forgoing college to pursue his professional career full-time. But he didn't wait until graduation to do so. He shares his insights on working full-time as a high school student, forging his own path, where he has found support, and the assets of Generation Z new professionals.
Corey and I recently collaborated on some Generation Z research with a university in Brazil. In this episode, we reflect on that process, our experience working with our research team, and our time we spent in Brazil. We chat about the similarities, differences, food, and the wonderful people we met on our trip.
Generation Z knows their way around social media. As I've done more research on Generation Z social media behaviors, I want to know the Generation Z perspectives behind those behaviors. Natalie Riso, member of Generation Z and content marketing strategist, shares her insights and experiences with growing up in the digital age of social media.
We talk about popular platforms, misconceptions, authenticity, building community, creating change, and if Snapchat is dead.
What do you get when a Gen Xer and Millennial get together to research and chat about Generation Z? The story of how Dr. Corey Seemiller and I started our work with Generation Z. In this episode, we chat about our inspiration, our favorite parts of our work, and important aspects of generational research.
Welcome to #GenZ! A podcast where a Millennial generational researcher discusses Generation Z. Give Episode 1 a listen to hear a bit about my story, the inspiration for this podcast, and what you expect to hear in later episodes.