Episodes

  • Teach Me Three - Zach

    Teach Me Three - Zach
    Oct 7 2026
    Gen Z may be the most digitally connected generation yet—but they’re also embracing analog technology, creating new rules for sharing their lives online, and borrowing language from gaming to make sense of everyday life. In this episode of #GENZ’s Teach Me Three series, Dr. Meghan Grace sits down with her former coworker and longtime friend Zach Jones, who has been teaching her about Gen Z culture long before the series officially existed. Zach teaches Meghan why Gen Z is rediscovering vinyl records, physical books, and digital cameras, breaks down the art of the “soft launch” versus the “hard launch,” and explains how gaming terms like “side quests,” “locked in,” and “aura points” have made their way into everyday language. Along the way, they talk about authenticity, slowing down in an increasingly digital world, and why a little inconvenience might actually make life more meaningful. It’s a lighthearted conversation about the trends shaping Gen Z culture—and how they reflect a larger desire to make everyday life feel more intentional, playful, and human. We Discuss: Why Gen Z is embracing analog and physical media The return of vinyl records, physical books, and digital cameras What it means to “soft launch” or “hard launch” something online How gaming culture is influencing Gen Z language What “side quests,” “locked in,” and “aura points” actually mean Why authenticity matters so much to Gen Z What other generations can learn from Gen Z’s approach to everyday life ⁠Have a topic or guest you’d like to hear in Season 9?⁠Share your suggestion at strategieswithgrace.com/podcast. Connect with Zach on LinkedIn.
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • Gen Z and True Crime Consumption

    Gen Z and True Crime Consumption
    Sep 23 2026
    True crime has always fascinated audiences—but TikTok, podcasts, and social media have fundamentally changed how we participate in it. In this episode of #GenZ, Dr. Meghan Grace sits down with Dr. Simon Hobbs, Senior Lecturer in Visual Culture at the University of Portsmouth and co-editor of #True Crime: Digital Culture, Ethics and True Crime Audiences, to explore how Gen Z is reshaping true crime culture. Simon explains how younger audiences have moved beyond simply watching or listening to true crime. They're discussing cases in real time, sharing theories, amplifying overlooked stories, questioning representation, and increasingly challenging the ethics behind the content they consume. Meghan and Simon dig into why true crime has historically resonated so strongly with women, the complicated line between feeling informed and becoming fearful, and how overconsumption can influence our perception of safety. They also explore whose stories receive attention, whose are overlooked, and whether platforms like TikTok can actually create opportunities for more ethical and inclusive storytelling. The conversation ultimately asks a bigger question: What responsibility do we have for the media we choose to consume? Connect with Dr. Simon Hobbs on LinkedIn
    Show More Show Less
    51 mins
  • Breaking Down Gen Z Slang and Language

    Breaking Down Gen Z Slang and Language
    Sep 9 2026
    Every generation evolves the way we speak—but what makes Gen Z’s language feel different? Research on language change suggests that the way we speak is constantly evolving alongside our social networks, identities, and culture. For Gen Z, growing up online has expanded networks dramatically, allowing slang, speech patterns, and cultural references to spread faster and farther than ever before. In this episode, Dr. Meghan Grace sits down with sociolinguist and author Dr. Valerie Fridland to explore what the way Gen Z communicates can tell us about the generation and the culture shaping them. In this episode: Why every generation reinvents language Where Gen Z slang comes from Why regional accents are changing How social media spreads language How AI could shape the way we communicate What Gen Z’s casual communication reveals about their values How to communicate better across generations ValerieFridland.com Instagram: @LikeLiterallyDude Like, Literally, Dude and Why We Talk Funny
    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
  • Teach Me Three - Charlie

    Teach Me Three - Charlie
    Aug 26 2026
    Gen Z is constantly evolving—from the language they use to the way they travel, work, connect, and adopt new technology. In this episode, Dr. Meghan Grace kicks off a new #GENZ series where members of Gen Z teach her three things they think the rest of us should know. Her first guest is Charlie, a 23-year-old Butler University graduate, young sales professional, and Meghan’s former roommate—and longtime unofficial Gen Z correspondent. Charlie teaches Meghan what it means when something is “chopped,” introduces her to the anxiety-inducing world of “airport theory,” and explains why he believes Gen Z’s early adoption of AI could become a major advantage. Along the way, they talk about generational differences, social media, digital habits, and why a generation known for being chronically online may also be learning when it’s time to put the phone down. It’s a lighthearted conversation about what Gen Z is actually thinking, doing, and talking about—and what the rest of us might learn by simply asking. We Discuss: What “chopped” means in Gen Z slang The viral “airport theory” trend Why Gen Z is embracing AI How AI is changing the way young people work and solve problems Why Gen Z may be becoming more intentional about screen time What different generations can learn from one another Connect with Charlie Instagram @_charliesteel LinkedIn Charlie Steel
    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
  • Gen Z and Manifestation Culture

    Gen Z and Manifestation Culture
    Jun 25 2026
    Manifestation has a presence in Gen Z culture—but what's really driving its popularity? Research on self-efficacy, goal-setting, and positive self-talk suggests that our beliefs can influence our motivation, confidence, and ability to pursue opportunities. In a generation navigating economic uncertainty, rapid technological change, and constant digital connection, it's no surprise that concepts like manifestation, affirmations, and mindset have become part of the conversation. In this episode, Dr. Meghan Grace sits down with creator, podcast host, and manifestation educator Ryan Lu to explore why manifestation resonates so deeply with Gen Z. Ryan shares his journey from aspiring songwriter and content creator to building a community centered around confidence, personal growth, and possibility. Together, they discuss the psychology behind self-belief, the role of social media in shaping our perceptions of success, and why Gen Z approaches life's biggest challenges with equal parts ambition, humor, and optimism. Whether you're curious about manifestation, interested in understanding Gen Z, or looking for practical ways to build confidence and resilience, this conversation offers a thoughtful perspective on how mindset can shape the way we move through the world. We Discuss: Why manifestation has become part of the Gen Z mindset The connection between affirmations, confidence, and self-belief How social media influences our understanding of success The difference between optimism and toxic positivity Ryan's philosophy of being "realistic-delulu" Practical ways to build resilience and pursue your goals Connect with Ryan: Instagram: @e.mo.tions TikTok: @e.mo.tions Podcast: Delulu with Ryan Lu
    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
  • Gen Z Navigates the Economy

    Gen Z Navigates the Economy
    Jun 3 2026
    What does it mean to come of age in an economy that feels increasingly expensive, uncertain, and impossible to navigate? In this episode, Megan sits down with economist, creator, and founder of The Junior Economist, Guyesha Blackshear, to unpack how Gen Z is experiencing today's economy differently than previous generations. Together, they explore everything from financial anxiety and "late-stage capitalism" to side hustles, social media, AI, and the changing definition of success. Guyesha shares why Gen Z has become one of the most adaptive generations in recent history, how economic instability has shaped their mindset around work and money, and why traditional financial advice often falls short in addressing today's realities. Whether you're Gen Z yourself or someone who works with, leads, parents, teaches, or mentors young adults, this conversation offers insight into the economic forces shaping a generation and the resilience helping them navigate it. In This Episode, We Discuss: Why Gen Z approaches work, money, and risk differently than older generations The connection between economic instability and financial anxiety What people really mean when they talk about "late-stage capitalism" How social media has changed perceptions of wealth, success, and career paths The benefits and challenges of the creator economy and side hustles Why AI literacy is becoming a critical career skill The role of community, relationships, and adaptability during uncertain economic times Practical mindset shifts for building long-term resilience Connect with Guyesha TikTok: @TheJuniorEconomist Substack: The Junior Economist LinkedIn: Guyesha Blackshear
    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
  • Gen Z's Approach to Parenthood

    Gen Z's Approach to Parenthood
    May 21 2026
    Parenthood is a major life milestone andGen Z is approaching it with their own mindset. In this episode of #GenZ, Meghan Grace sits down with perinatal therapist and Nameberry Editor-in-Chief Sophie Kihm to explore how Gen Z is rethinking parenting, relationships, emotional health, and family-building in real time. This conversation is about more than babies - It’s about how an entire generation is approaching adulthood with more intentionality, self-awareness, and openness around topics previous generations often kept private. Drawing from Sophie’s work with parents and parents-to-be, Meghan and Sophie unpack why Gen Z adults are: Thinking more critically about whether or not they want children Having earlier conversations about finances, caregiving, and relationship expectations Bringing therapy, emotional intelligence, and self-development into parenting conversations Navigating the tension between individuality and caregiving Redefining fatherhood, paternity leave, and equitable parenting roles Trying to build healthier family systems than the ones they may have grown up with Connect with Sophie: Website: sophiekihm.com Instagram: @sophiekihm Chicago Perinatal Therapy: chicagoperinataltherapy.com Nameberry: nameberry.com
    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
  • Gen Z's Influence on the Wedding Industry

    Gen Z's Influence on the Wedding Industry
    Apr 15 2026
    We knew this day would come, we just didn’t think it would be here so soon - Gen Z is getting married. In this episode of #GenZ, Meghan Grace sits down with Adrienna McDermott, founder of Ava and The Bee, to unpack what’s really shaping how Gen Z approaches weddings—and what that reveals about how they make decisions more broadly. Because this is about much more than weddings. It’s about what’s underneath it all that drives their consumer decisions around big life moments. From industry insights to real-time client behavior, Meghan and Adrienna explore why Gen Z couples are: Doing significantly more research before making decisions Expecting full transparency in pricing and process Prioritizing guest experience and community over tradition for tradition’s sake Balancing individuality with trend-driven aesthetics Planning faster, but with higher expectations While those shifts might feel disruptive, this episode reframes them with depth: Gen Z is redefining weddings with intention, values, and a focus on meaningful experiences. Connect with Adrienna on Instagram
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins