What does it look like to build a better community today? Two local leaders- a college student and a faculty member, share the framework for how to be successful community organizers. Join us for this master class in how to make impactful, long-term change.

Time Stamp:
00:00 What is Community Organizing?
03:40 Meet the Guests: Dr. Panadus & Derek Doe
06:39 Why Community Organizing Matters
09:32 Personal Journeys into Organizing
13:07 Nurturing Relationships & Community Trust
15:15 The Five-Step Framework for Youth Impact
17:41 Step One: Gathering More Leaders
21:43 Balancing Joy and Frustration in Communities
23:41 The Power of Listening and Learning
28:06 Building Community through Dialogue
32:01 Why Listening Creates Real Change
35:02 Wrapping Up: What's Next in Part Two?

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Youtube Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@Phoenix_Generation
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phoenix-generation-rising-together/id1847692072
Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3lSZW99bo5xLObTLY1fYTG
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Copyright @2026 Phoenix Generation. All rights reserved.

What does it take to lead in a deeply divided society?

Rev. Dr. Gary Mason brings firsthand experience to that question. A Methodist minister from Belfast who lived and worked through the decades of conflict known as "The Troubles," he has spent his career building relationships across sectarian lines and facilitating dialogue between communities shaped by violence. In this episode, Dr. Mason reflects on the historical roots of Northern Ireland's conflict, where identity, religion, and politics became deeply intertwined across generations. He examines the significance of the Good Friday Agreement while emphasizing that sustainable peace is not a singular achievement, but an ongoing, relational discipline. For emerging leaders, this conversation offers more than history. It explores ... How trust is built across difference How listening becomes a strategic skill Why unresolved trauma and inequality can quietly undermine institutions. Drawing on John Paul Lederach's framework for sustainable reconciliation, Dr. Mason outlines what it means to cultivate credibility, create neutral spaces, and lead with patience in polarized environments. The lessons extend far beyond Northern Ireland — offering a blueprint for those who hope to build institutions, movements, and communities that endure.

Time:
00:00 Introduction & Passing Down Skills
00:30 Welcome & Guest Background
01:18 Defining Conflict Transformation
02:29 Role of Civic Society in Peace Processes
03:37 Challenges of Societal Healing
04:55 Impact of the Good Friday Agreement & The Next Generation
05:58 Emerging Young Leaders & Global Peacebuilding
07:53 Applying Northern Ireland Lessons to Global Conflicts
08:14 Parallels: Northern Ireland & US Polarization
10:12 Complexity & Legacy of Prolonged Conflict
12:32 Can Conflict Truly Be Resolved?
15:32 Faith, Religion, and Peacebuilding
19:32 Empathy, Humanization & Toxic Histories
21:13 Negotiations & Building Trust Between Opposing Sides
24:34 Transferrable Lessons for Global Peace Processes
27:00 Empowering Young Leaders & Passing the Torch
29:04 Changes Across Generations & Societal Progress
31:13 Making Space for Youth Leadership
32:06 Closing Thoughts & Podcast Wrap Up

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Youtube Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@Phoenix_Generation
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phoenix-generation-rising-together/id1847692072
Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3lSZW99bo5xLObTLY1fYTG
RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/595190/rss

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/phoenix-generation-conference/about/

CREDITS:
Host: Samatha Romero
In-Studio Producer: David L. Yahn
Visual & Audio Editor: David L. Yahn
Music: David L. Yahn
Photo 1: AP Photo / Michel Laurent
Photo 2: Garsmeur / Getty Images: Alain Le
Photo 3: Hulton Archive / Getty Images: William Rukeyser
Photo 4: John Paul Lederach / United State Institute of Peace Press

Copyright @ 2026 Central Florida Pledge & Phoenix Generation. All rights reserved.

If you hope to lead — in government, nonprofits, business, or community life — you will eventually face the tension between faith and public responsibility. This episode explores how moral conviction shapes political engagement, and why effective leadership in diverse societies requires restraint, empathy, and credibility. You are not asked to change your beliefs. You are challenged to elevate your behavior.

Time Stamp:
00:00 Welcome & Purpose of Event
03:30 Panelist Introductions
09:00 Origins of Faith and Politics Dialogue
16:00 Defining the Relationship: Faith & Politics
23:00 Multi-Faith Democracy & Pluralism
28:00 Faith Across the Political Spectrum
32:00 Stereotypes in Faith and Politics
39:00 Dialogue Skills & Respectful Disagreement
43:00 Is Religion Linked to Political Ideology?
47:00 Staying Informed vs. Protecting Your Faith
53:00 Responding to Hate & Misuse of Religion
01:00:00 Making Moral Decisions Through Faith
01:10:00 Audience Q&A & Final Reflections
01:14:00 Event Wrap-Up & Acknowledgements

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Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3lSZW99bo5xLObTLY1fYTG
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/phoenix-generation-conference/about/

Credits:
On Location Producers: David L. Yahn and James Bruehl
Audio / Video Editor: David L. Yahn
Music: David L. Yahn

Copyright @2026 Phoenix Generation. All rights reserved.

In an era when disagreement often turns into division, a new generation of leaders is experimenting with a different approach: curiosity. Harvard graduate Shira Hoffer has dedicated her work to teaching students how to engage across political, religious, and ideological differences without abandoning their convictions. Through initiatives like the Institute for Multi-partisan Education, she is helping people rediscover the lost art of constructive disagreement — proving that meaningful conversation may still be one of the most powerful tools for strengthening democracy and community.

Time Stamp:
00:00 Introduction & Importance of Dialogue
02:22 Meet Shar: Background & Inspiration
05:55 Constructive Disagreement Upbringing
09:09 Viewpoints Project: Mission & Programs
13:06 Benefits of Difficult Conversations
17:17 Overcoming Fear and Practicing Dialogue
21:23 Sensitive Topics: Language & Mindfulness
25:13 Finding Common Ground & Consensus
29:32 Goals of Conversation & Workplace Skills
34:14 Fellowship Program & Student Opportunities
36:37 Closing Thoughts & How To Get Involved

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Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phoenix-generation-rising-together/id1847692072
Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3lSZW99bo5xLObTLY1fYTG
RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/595190/rss

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/phoenix-generation-conference/about/

Credits:
Host: Samantha Romero
In-Studio Producer: David L. Yahn
Audio Engineer: David L. Yahn
Audio / Video Editor: David L. Yahn
Music Composition: David L. Yahn

Copyright @2026 Phoenix Generation. All rights reserved.

Join us as we ask local student leaders:
" Why do you fast?" "What do people wonder about your fasting?" "How does it change you?"

For one of the rare moments in a generation, multiple sacred seasons—Ramadan, Lent, Purim, Holi, and the Bahai Fast—are overlapping, with billions of people around the world observing in their own way, including fasting. In this episode, students and young leaders give an honest look at what these traditions really look like day-to-day, how their perspectives have evolved since college, and why these seasons still matter.

Time Stamp:
00:00 Opening Thoughts on Conflict & Humanity
00:43 Introducing Faces of Faith Subseries
02:01 Shared Seasons: Faith Fasting Traditions Aligned
02:45 Big Questions: Living Faith, Choice, and Reflection
03:10 Meet the Panel: Student Introductions & Faiths
03:56 Christianity: Lent Practices & Challenges
05:00 Judaism: Purim and Community Identity
06:10 Islam: Ramadan and Spiritual Connection
08:18 Baha'i Fasting: Meaning & Shared Experiences
10:04 Personal Experiences With Fasting Across Faiths
11:01 Evolving Faith: Practicing as Young Adults
12:27 Judaism: Kosher Practice & Personal Choices
13:37 Yom Kippur: Jewish Fasting and Forgiveness
17:15 Christianity: Lent's Personal Meaning in College
19:59 Building Better Habits: Social Media & Spirituality
20:56 Islam: Growing Understanding and Empathy
22:04 Service and Community Across Faiths
23:31 Service in Practice: Teaching and Leading Youth
24:49 Common Misconceptions: Fasting and Spiritual Intention
26:32 Community and Sharing Faith Practices
27:45 Challenges and Fears: Sharing Christianity Openly
29:48 Stereotypes, Media, and Seeing People as People
32:24 Unity, Dietary Similarities, and The Golden Rule
35:40 Hope for the Future: Humanity, Reflection, and Change
38:02 Personal Growth: Learning and Research Through Faith
41:09 Closing Reflections & Power of Youth

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/phoenix-generation-conference/about/

Credits:
Host: Dr. Lua Hancock
In-Studio Producer: David L.Yahn
Video Recording: Robert Andrescik
Audio Recording: David L. Yahn
Video / Audio Editor: David L. Yahn
Music: David L. Yahn

Copyright @2026 Phoenix Generation. All rights reserved.

Generational Differences 2 - Want to have better conversations and relationship in your family, community and workplaces? Check out the second in our series about Generational Difference where we welcome panelists from four generation exploring how formative experiences—such as advances in technology, shifting social norms, and major historical events—shape attitudes toward work, relationships, and authority. We get into misunderstandings between generations, particularly around communication methods, expectations, and definitions of success, and encourages mutual respect, open dialogue, and active listening.

Time Stamp:
00:00 Welcome & Podcast Introduction
01:10 Meet the Panel: Generational Introductions
03:15 Generational Demographics & Data
05:20 Dissecting Stereotypes: Gen Z
10:00 Technology, Communication & Connection
14:30 Changing Family Dynamics Across Generations
18:00 Mental Health: Anxiety & Social Isolation
22:00 Stereotypes: Boomer, Gen X, and Millennial Reflections
26:30 Work-Life Balance & Cultural Differences
32:00 Workplace Attitudes: Loyalty, Sacrifice & the Great Resignation
36:10 Midlife Reflections & Generational Change
39:00 Stereotypes About Other Generations
42:00 Evolution of the Brain and Modern Adolescence
45:10 Gen Z: Delayed Milestones & Less Peer Pressure
49:40 Hope, Fears, and Optimism for the Future
50:40 Closing Thoughts & Takeaways

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Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phoenix-generation-rising-together/id1847692072
Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3lSZW99bo5xLObTLY1fYTG
RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/595190/rss

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Website: https://www.phoenixgeneration.org/
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568209207587
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/phoenix-generation-conference/about/

CREDITS:
Host: Dr. Lua Hancock
Producer: David L. Yahn
Editor: David L. Yahn
Music: artist.io

Copyright @2026 Phoenix Generation. All rights reserved.

Let's Play" - features a group engaging in a guided conversation game designed to move participants from light, fun questions into deeper and more meaningful dialogue. As the game progresses, the players begin to open up, sharing personal stories, perspectives, and emotions that reveal how play can serve as a bridge to trust, empathy, and connection. The episode highlights the power of structured games to create safe spaces where people feel seen, heard, and respected, while also showing how laughter and vulnerability can coexist. Ultimately, the video demonstrates that intentional conversation—when paired with play—can break down barriers and foster genuine human relationships.

Timestamp:
00:00 Welcome & Introductions
00:36 How the Card Game Works
01:12 Reflecting on Childhood Lessons
01:56 Teamwork & Thinking Ahead
02:22 Balancing Personal & Group Goals
03:39 The Importance of Lived Experience
06:29 Racing Minds & Finding Balance
10:18 Making an Impact Through Your Major
15:58 Small vs. Large-Scale Community Change
18:08 Phoenix Generation and the Central Florida Pledge
20:23 Leadership Summit & Creating Real Change
21:57 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

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Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phoenix-generation-rising-together/id1847692072
Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3lSZW99bo5xLObTLY1fYTG
RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/595190/rss

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US Website: https://www.phoenixgeneration.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phoenix_generation/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568209207587
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/phoenix-generation-conference/about/

CREDITS:
Host: Samantha Romero
Producer: David L. Yahn
Editor: David L. Yahn
Music: artist.io

Copyright @2026 Phoenix Generation. All rights reserved.

Generational Differences 1 - Join Dr Joel Hunter, Pastor of Community Impact at Action Church and past spiritual advisor to President Obama, and Dr Alicia Scott, Major Gifts Officer at Stetson University and creator of GENtentional Leadership™ to explore how people from different age groups develop distinct values, perspectives, and communication styles based on the social, technological, and cultural environments in which they were raised. We highlight common misunderstandings between generations and speak to how to get to mutual respect, open dialogue, and active listening. Generational diversity as an opportunity for growth, learning, and stronger collaboration for us all.

Time Stamp:
00:00 Welcome & Introduction to the Phoenix Generation
01:00 About the Podcast and Today's Topic
03:30 Meet the Guests: Dr. Joel Hunter and Ally Scott
07:00 Understanding Generations: Who Are We Talking About?
10:30 Why Generational Stereotypes Persist
15:00 Defining Moments for Each Generation
18:30 Generation Z: Misunderstandings and Adaptations
23:00 Comparing Boomers and Zoomers: Fears and Values
28:00 Shifts in Inclusivity and Personal Relationships
32:00 The Value of Dialogue Across Generations
35:30 Raising Generational Intelligence: A Practical Framework
40:00 Pluralism, Curiosity & Learning From Each Other
44:00 Closing Reflections & Call to Action

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Youtube Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@Phoenix_Generation
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phoenix-generation-rising-together/id1847692072
Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3lSZW99bo5xLObTLY1fYTG
RSS: https://feeds.libsyn.com/595190/rss

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Website: https://www.phoenixgeneration.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phoenix_generation/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568209207587
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/phoenix-generation-conference/about/

CREDITS:
Host: Dr. Lua Hancock
Producer: David L. Yahn
Editor: David L. Yahn
Music: artist.io

Copyright @2026 Phoenix Generation. All rights reserved.