It started with a hard “yes” in the middle of doubt—and turned into something no one expected.

In this episode of Gen Z Unplugged, we sit down with Abigail DeJarnatt and Allie Paris of Counteract USA to unpack the unexpected story behind a movement that’s reaching young people across the country. What started with one reluctant “yes” quickly turned into something much bigger—answering a question so many are afraid to ask: why is Gen Z walking away from faith?

From losing friends to deconstruction, to wrestling with calling, identity, and purpose, this conversation dives into the real tension young Christians are facing today. But it doesn’t stop there—this is also about rebuilding: forming bold community, speaking truth with courage, and living out faith when it actually costs something.

If you’ve ever felt alone in what you believe—or unsure how to stand firm in today’s culture—this episode is for you.

—

Abigail founded Counteract USA in June 2021 in Northwest Arkansas after watching her peers in Gen Z struggle with hopelessness and the deconstruction of their faith. Though once in pursuit of a career as a professional choreographer, God changed the calling on Abigail’s life and ignited a passion within her to equip her generation of Christians to stand upon the truth of the Word of God and counteract the narratives of our culture with the hope of the gospel of Jesus.

—

Allie joined Counteract USA in 2021, quickly realizing that taking Counteract USA from an idea to an organization was exactly what God was calling her to–what stood out to her about Counteract USA is that the gospel was the “why” behind every meeting and conversation. Based in Northwest Arkansas, Allie continues to make it “happen,” serving Counteract USA tirelessly to reach her generation for Christ.

—

1:16 — Welcome + Meet Counteract USA

2:11 — The Moment Everything Changed: Friends Leaving the Faith

3:34 — Why Cultural Issues Are Actually Spiritual Battles

4:16 — Discovering the Answers Were Always in Scripture

5:21 — Running from the Calling (and Why It Didn’t Work)

6:36 — Surrendering the Plan: Career, Relationship, Everything

7:44 — Starting Over—and Finding Unexpected Peace

9:14 — “You’re the Only One”: The Isolation of Gen Z Christians

10:14 — From Conversations to Community

11:16 — When the Movement Became Bigger Than Expected

Learn more about Counteract USA here: https://counteractusa.org/

GenZ Unplugged is the official podcast for the Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women. Rotating hosts are Lauren Husmann, Catherine Hendershott, Rachel Hurley, and Hannah Faulkner. Producer is Sandra Scarlatoiu.

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What would make a successful finance executive walk away from it all to fight for America’s kids? Erika Donalds did exactly that. When her son came home miserable from school, she discovered a broken system—and made it her mission to change it.

In this powerful episode of Gen Z Unplugged, Erika shares how one mom’s love turned into a nationwide movement for school choice and education freedom. From battling bureaucrats to building better schools, she reveals how faith, family, and fierce determination can take on even the biggest machine.

Founder and Chairman of OptimaEd and Chair of the America First Policy Institute’s Center for Education Opportunity. Erika is a national expert on education policy and school choice, a frequent media commentator and speaker, and a seasoned business executive.

01:30 – Erika Donalds shares how her faith and family shaped her calling to fight for education freedom.

02:53 – From college sweethearts to changemakers: how Erika and Byron Donalds built a mission from humble beginnings.

04:33 – When her son’s school labeled him the problem, Erika refused to listen—and discovered the power of school choice.

06:05 – The moment everything changed: a miserable child, a leap of faith, and a mom on a mission.

07:35 – What school choice actually means—and why it’s revolutionizing education across America.

09:05 – How parents can take back control: education freedom explained in plain terms.

10:35 – Why Erika no longer trusts the public school system—and what she’s seen from the inside.

12:05 – Fighting misinformation: when people say school choice “defunds” public schools.

13:35 – The surprising truth: public school teachers are the biggest supporters of school choice.

15:05 – Homeschool, charter, hybrid—how the Donalds family has tried it all.

16:41 – Erika’s message to moms: “If your child is miserable, that’s not God’s plan.”

18:01 – What to do if you’re stuck in a bad school district—and how to find better options.

19:41 – “Where there’s a will, there’s a way”: Erika’s challenge to moms to put their kids first.

21:13 – The myth of “having it all”: how Erika learned to reorder her life around faith and family.

23:11 – Leaving a corporate career to follow God’s plan—how risk turned into purpose.

24:55 – The importance of setting boundaries, priorities, and putting family above ambition.

26:43 – Erika’s advice to young advocates: why showing up at school board meetings still matters.

28:19 – Why every taxpayer—parent or not—has “skin in the game” for education.

30:09 – The First Amendment, civics, and what too many Americans have forgotten.

32:00 – How Erika is helping lead America’s 250th civics revival with Turning Point, Hillsdale, and others.

33:55 – “If you don’t know your rights, you can’t defend them.” Why civics education matters now more than ever.

35:57 – Erika’s final message to young women: stay rooted in God’s Word and your priorities.

37:41 – The power of sisterhood, faith, and finding your calling with like-minded women.

GenZ Unplugged is the official podcast for the Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women. Rotating hosts are Lauren Husmann, Catherine Hendershott, Rachel Hurley, and Hannah Faulkner. Producer is Sandra Scarlatoiu.

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What starts as a quiet nudge can turn into something much bigger.

In this episode of Gen Z Unplugged, two college students share how an unexpected calling—one they initially felt completely unready for—led to the creation of their podcast, Hot Mess, Holy Heart. From navigating loneliness on campus to wrestling with doubt, social media pressure, and the search for real purpose, their story is both honest and deeply relatable.

This conversation dives into what it actually looks like to pursue faith in a generation overwhelmed by noise—and why more young women are starting to look for something deeper.

If you’ve ever questioned your purpose, felt spiritually stuck, or wondered if you’re ready for what God might be asking of you—this episode is for you.

1:03 — Meet Alex & Lauren + Their Unexpected College Journeys

1:44 — Feeling Called Somewhere You Didn’t Expect

2:43 — Introducing Hot Mess, Holy Heart

4:13 — “I Loved the Church More Than God” — A Faith Wake-Up Call

5:18 — From Doubt to Discovering a Calling

7:03 — “This Is the Person” — How Their Partnership Began

11:43 — Getting Out of a Spiritual Rut (Practical Advice)

13:44 — Social Media, Comparison, and Finding Your Worth

19:57 — The Loneliness Epidemic in College Life

24:03 — Is the Gen Z Faith Revival Actually Real?

Follow Lauren and Alex on their new podcast @hotmessholyheart on YouTube and Instagram!

GenZ Unplugged is the official podcast for the Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women. Rotating hosts are Lauren Husmann, Catherine Hendershott, Rachel Hurley, and Hannah Faulkner. Producer is Sandra Scarlatoiu.

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In this raw and emotional episode of GenZ Unplugged, Alex Clark opens up about the loss of Charlie Kirk, the health lies that woke her up, and how Gen Z can honor his legacy by living with conviction. From exposing how Big Pharma misled women for decades to calling out the Church’s silence on health and discipline, Alex shares the hard truths our generation needs to hear.

She reveals the story behind her own transformation—from pop radio host to Turning Point USA’s unapologetic wellness voice—and why reclaiming our faith, freedom, and health is the greatest rebellion of all.

Through her wildly popular podcast, Alex explores remedies for the emotional, physical, and spiritual challenges in today’s culture. Her mission is to empower listeners with practical tools and natural remedies for living well in our culture.

00:56 — Intro: Remembering Charlie Kirk and how his faith and discipline shaped a generation

02:28 — Alex shares her journey from college dropout to pop radio host and Turning Point USA creator

04:15 — How being an outspoken conservative got her “cancelled” before cancel culture even had a name

06:09 — Founding “POPlitics” and the transformation into The Culture Apothecary

07:56 — The moment the pandemic made her question Big Pharma and the health establishment

09:25 — What the opioid crisis taught her about lies, greed, and “safe and effective” narratives

11:12 — When liberals cared about health—and why conservatives must now lead that fight

12:56 — Behind the scenes with Charlie Kirk: work ethic, faith, and how he lived off mission, not fame

14:46 — Alex’s advice: how Gen Z can honor Charlie’s legacy by doing, not posting

16:13 — Turning Point’s prophetic rise and the spiritual revival among Gen Z

17:54 — From activism to action: how faith and family became Charlie’s driving purpose

19:10 — Staying healthy on the road: Alex’s practical hacks for travel and eating clean

21:15 — “You’ll pay now or pay later”: why convenience is the real cost of bad health

23:02 — The church’s blind spot on gluttony and addiction—and why that must change

25:00 — “We were the unconsenting subjects”: Alex exposes the truth about birth control

26:45 — The hidden fallout—autoimmune disorders, infertility, and why women were never told

28:38 — How birth control changes attraction and what that means for modern relationships

30:10 — What Charlie Kirk taught her about reading, discipline, and never stopping the pursuit of truth

31:25 — Alex’s final challenge to listeners: get bold sharing the gospel and live like your time is short

GenZ Unplugged is the official podcast for the Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women. Rotating hosts are Lauren Husmann, Catherine Hendershott, Rachel Hurley, and Hannah Faulkner. Producer is Sandra Scarlatoiu.

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What happens when a viral clip gets taken completely out of context?

In today’s episode, we break down the backlash against Isabel Brown after her CPAC speech sparked outrage on The View. Critics say her message was reckless—but is that actually what she said?

We play the original clip, unpack the media reaction, and dig into what Isabel really meant about marriage, family, and why so many young people are being told the wrong story about fulfillment.

Because this isn’t just about one speech—it’s about a cultural narrative that’s shaping an entire generation.

And the truth might not be what you’ve been told.

0:31 — Welcome + Viral Controversy Explained

Why Isabel Brown is suddenly everywhere—and why people are upset

1:12 — What The View Got Wrong

How The View framed her message (and why it matters)

2:17 — The Clip That Sparked Backlash

Breaking down the CPAC speech moment that went viral

2:59 — “Have Kids Before You’re Ready?”

The line that triggered outrage—and what it actually means

3:34 — Hypocrisy on The View?

Hosts criticize the very life choices they live themselves

4:09 — The Real Meaning Behind Her Message

Sacrifice vs. irresponsibility—clearing up the biggest misconception

4:54 — Affordability Argument Debunked

Responding to claims about finances and raising children

6:21 — Why They Won’t Let Her Respond

Isabel asks to come on—and gets shut down

8:43 — Growing Up in a Big Family

A firsthand look at what life with many siblings is actually like

12:31 — The Hidden Blessing of Family Life

Why fulfillment, support, and purpose look different than culture says

GenZ Unplugged is the official podcast for the Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women. Rotating hosts are Lauren Husmann, Catherine Hendershott, Rachel Hurley, and Hannah Faulkner. Producer is Sandra Scarlatoiu.

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What if everything you’ve been told about your 20s… is wrong?

From “find your dream job immediately” to “avoid commitment” to “follow your feelings,” today’s culture is feeding Gen Z a set of ideas that sound freeing—but often leave you stuck, anxious, and directionless.

In this episode of Gen Z Unplugged, we break down the biggest lies young people are told about work, purpose, relationships, and identity—and what actually leads to a meaningful, grounded life.

If you’ve ever felt behind, overwhelmed, or unsure of your path… this conversation is for you.

It’s time to reject the noise—and build something real.

0:36 — Welcome: The Lies Gen Z Is Being Told

1:24 — Lie #1: You Must Have Your Life Figured Out Early

2:57 — Why Your Career Path Should Change

4:33 — Finding Purpose Beyond Your First Job

6:36 — Fear vs Calling: Choosing the Right Path

8:19 — Lie #2: Avoid Commitment in Your 20s

9:45 — Why Commitment Actually Builds Freedom

11:12 — Lie #3: Hustle = Burnout = Success

13:13 — The Truth About Work Ethic & Your First Job

14:56 — Social Media, FOMO & Chronic Busyness

16:36 — Lie #4: Be the Main Character (or the Victim)

18:48 — Gratitude vs Victim Mentality

20:32 — Lie #5: Follow Your Feelings

22:23 — Why Feelings Can Mislead You

23:56 — Lie #6: You Don’t Need Stable Values

25:46 — Why Timeless Principles Still Matter

25:46 — Olympian Clip Reference: https://youtu.be/Bthfcm5R7Eg

27:45 — Final Challenge: Reject the Lies & Live Differently

GenZ Unplugged is the official podcast for the Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women. Rotating hosts are Lauren Husmann, Catherine Hendershott, Rachel Hurley, and Hannah Faulkner. Producer is Sandra Scarlatoiu.

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In this powerful lecture at Grove City College, Kimberly Begg — president of the Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women — explains why modern feminism has left a generation more anxious, lonely, and confused than ever before, and why the answer isn’t going backward, but rediscovering the truth about women, family, and faith.

Drawing on history, Christian tradition, and her work mentoring young women across the country, Begg argues that the culture has lied to young women about happiness, success, and freedom — and that authentic Christian womanhood offers a far more compelling vision. From the struggles facing Gen Z to the example of Joan of Arc, Proverbs 31, and the saints, this talk lays out how women can shape families, influence culture, and change the world.

This lecture was delivered at Grove City College as part of the Conservative Mind Lecture Series.

00:56 — Introduction & Kimberly Begg’s background

01:48 — Why this generation is facing unique cultural challenges

02:53 — Gen Z has the smallest support system in history

03:58 — Social media, isolation, and the loneliness crisis

04:51 — Indoctrination, identity confusion, and the loss of truth

05:49 — Why strong women are essential to strong families and a strong nation

06:56 — The danger of modern feminism and confusion about womanhood

07:53 — Joan of Arc and the courage to follow your calling

08:54 — The Proverbs 31 woman and the partnership of marriage

09:56 — Your “Joan of Arc moment” — choosing courage over comfort

GenZ Unplugged is the official podcast for the Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women. Rotating hosts are Lauren Husmann, Catherine Hendershott, Rachel Hurley, and Hannah Faulkner. Producer is Sandra Scarlatoiu.

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Is the American dream slipping away — or were we never told how the system really works?

In this episode, we sit down with journalist, author, and Bitcoin advocate Natalie Brunell to talk about why so many young people feel like they can’t get ahead… and why the problem might be deeper than politics. From growing up hearing stories about life under communism, to watching her own family lose everything in the financial crisis, Natalie shares how she went from investigative reporter to one of the leading voices explaining Bitcoin, inflation, and the broken incentives shaping our economy.

We talk about why Gen Z feels financially trapped, why “tax the rich” isn’t fixing the problem, how the money system affects everything from housing to food to family life — and why some people believe Bitcoin could change all of it.

If you’ve ever wondered why life feels harder than it should… this conversation might explain more than you expect.

Natalie Brunell is a leading podcast host, educator, and media commentator focused on Bitcoin education and financial literacy. She is the creator and host of Coin Stories, a top-ranked Bitcoin podcast featuring timely investing insights and in-depth conversations with global thought leaders across finance, economics, and technology. Coin Stories is the No. 1 hosted show in the Bitcoin category, ranks in the Top 10 of Apple Podcasts’ Business News charts, and reaches more than one million monthly viewers and listeners.

Natalie is also the author of Bitcoin Is for Everyone, a guide designed to make Bitcoin accessible to a broader audience. Prior to launching her independent media career, she spent over a decade as an award-winning television journalist and investigative reporter, earning a regional Emmy for breaking news coverage and recognition for her data-driven, deeply sourced reporting.

In addition to her media work, Natalie has served as an adjunct professor of advanced communication and visual storytelling at the University of Southern California. A first-generation immigrant from Poland, she holds a Master of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University.

1:10 — From Communism to America: Why Natalie Questions the System

2:44 — The 2008 Crash That Destroyed Her Family’s Finances

3:42 — Investigative Journalism → Discovering the Truth About Money

4:06 — The Moment Bitcoin Made the System Make Sense

5:41 — Why “Tax the Rich” Doesn’t Fix Anything

7:56 — The Real Reason Inflation Keeps Getting Worse

10:19 — Bitcoin Explained Simply (No Jargon)

14:16 — Bitcoin vs Crypto: Why Most Coins Aren’t the Same

16:30 — Why Gen Z Feels Broke, Stuck, and Hopeless

22:08 — How Broken Money Is Affecting Food, Health, and Culture

Get Natalie's book here: https://a.co/d/0hUYi4dG

GenZ Unplugged is the official podcast for the Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women. Rotating hosts are Lauren Husmann, Catherine Hendershott, Rachel Hurley, and Hannah Faulkner. Producer is Sandra Scarlatoiu.

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