The Generation Youth Podcast with James McLamb

Generation Youth, James McLamb
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  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to the Generation Youth Podcast, where real conversations lead to real impact in the lives of today’s youth. Hosted by James McLamb, founder of Generation Youth, this podcast brings together voices who are in the trenches with the next generation. You will hear from educators, authors, coaches, leaders, and culture shapers who understand what young people are facing right now. Each episode goes deeper than surface-level talk. We explore the challenges shaping this generation, including identity, relationships, purpose, and the pressures of a rapidly changing world. More importantly, we focus on what can be done to guide and support them well. Expect honest conversations, practical insight, and stories that remind you what is possible when young people are truly seen and heard. If you care about raising, leading, coaching, or simply understanding today’s youth, this podcast is for you. The next generation is not waiting. They are already here, and how we show up for them matters.

  1. Sep 29

    Ep. #178: Can You Lead Young People Without Knowing Yourself? With Paul Meunier

    Can You Lead Young People Without Knowing Yourself? With Paul Meunier 🎙️ In today’s exciting episode of The Generation Youth Podcast, host James McLamb welcomes Paul Meunier for a conversation that looks beyond programs, techniques, and quick fixes to consider the role of trust, self-awareness, purpose, and meaningful relationships. 🤝 Together, they discuss what parents, educators, coaches, and youth leaders can learn from the way they show up for young people and for one another. You will hear a fresh perspective on supporting young people while growing into the kind of leader who leaves a meaningful mark. 🌱 If you want to build stronger connections and create a lasting impact in young people’s lives, this episode offers a thoughtful place to begin. Lead with more than a strategy. 🚀 🧠 Paul Meunier is the executive director of the Youth Intervention Programs Association (YIPA), a youth work leadership coach, speaker, and author. With a master’s degree in psychology, he began as a clinical therapist and later moved into leadership and training roles supporting those who serve young people. 📚 He is the author of Relationships Are Everything: What Youth Workers Teach Us About Leadership. Reach out to Paul Meunier: Website: https://paulmeunier.life/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-meunier-77485115/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/paul.meunier.14 Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (2:42) Paul’s path into youth development (4:39) Relationships at the heart of youth work (6:27) Self-awareness before supporting young people (10:20) Authentic leadership over quick fixes (17:07) The unifying principle and how people make the greatest difference (23:24) Purpose and virtues in youth leadership (28:08) Creating a legacy through relationships (33:34) Investing in the growth of staff (41:13) Outro

  2. Sep 22

    Ep. #177: Why Do Young People Feel Unheard? With Raquel Borras

    Why Do Young People Feel Unheard? With Raquel Borras 👂 Bridging the generational gap begins when adults stop assuming and start listening. In this episode, James McLamb chats with Raquel Borras about what Gen Z is really experiencing, what adults often misunderstand, and why listening may be one of the most powerful ways to support the next generation. 💬 Raquel shares what she learned while traveling across the country, speaking directly with young people about mental health 🧠, social media 📱, identity, relationships 💛, AI 🤖, the future, and the pressures shaping their lives. Together, they discuss the surprising common ground she found among Gen Zers from different backgrounds, why mentorship matters more than many adults realize, and how parents, educators, and leaders can build stronger connections by replacing judgment with curiosity. ✨ 🎬 Raquel Borras is a documentary filmmaker, youth advocate, media creator, and founder of RAQVISION LLC. A UCLA alumna and mother of two Gen Z children, she hosts Raq The Boat 🎙️ and Rated Gen Z, where she creates space for young people to share their experiences and perspectives. She is also the executive producer of the documentary I Hear You, Gen Z, a project that grew from her years of conversations with youth and her commitment to helping their voices be heard. 🫶 Connect with Raquel Borras: Website: https://raq.vision/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/raquel.borras LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquel-borras/ Movie: https://kinema.com/films/i-hear-you-gen-z-wwz0f Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (1:48) Raquel’s calling as a youth advocate (3:04) Why young people need to feel heard (5:00) Creating the I Hear You Gen Z documentary (9:06) Hope and trust found across generations (11:59) Conversations Gen Z wants adults to hear (14:29) What united young people across America (19:12) Why personal stories create real connection (22:29) The mentorship Gen Z is asking for (25:05) Turning screenings into meaningful dialogue (27:42) Where to watch the documentary (35:39) Outro

  3. Sep 15

    Ep. #176: Are You Rescuing Your Child Too Much? With Christy Marvel

    Are You Rescuing Your Child Too Much? With Christy Marvel Could the help you give a young person be holding them back from the confidence they need to grow? 🌱 In today’s episode, James McLamb talks with Christy Marvel about resilience, failure, and the moments adults feel most pulled to step in. 💭 They consider why young people need room to work through challenges, how rushing to fix every problem can send unintended messages, and how parents, educators, coaches, and youth leaders can offer support without taking over. It is an honest conversation about helping the next generation build confidence for whatever lies ahead. 💪   Christy Marvel is an author 📘, entrepreneur 💼, Ziglar Master Coach 🎯, and recording artist 🎤 whose “Be Your Own Superhero” message encourages people to turn adversity into purpose. Drawing from her own experience overcoming childhood trauma, she is the author of Be Your Own Superhero and has also shared its message through the music video “Little Me.” ⚡ Get in touch with Christy: Website: https://marvel.ziglarcoach.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-marvel/  IG: https://www.instagram.com/coach_christy_marvel/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coach.marvel  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christymarvel/ Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (1:51) Who is Coach Christy Marvel? (4:29) When rescuing can limit resilience (6:12) The hidden message of overhelping (10:00) Preparing children to launch confidently (12:31) Questions that build problem-solving skills (14:51) Why resilience matters in uncertainty (18:04) Let children earn their confidence (22:38) Be legendary through service (25:20) How hardship shapes future readiness (29:20) Outro

  4. Sep 7

    Ep. #175: How Can We Help Teen Girls Build Confidence Without Taking Over? With Sheri Gazitt

    How Can We Help Teen Girls Build Confidence Without Taking Over? With Sheri Gazitt In this new season of The Generation Youth Podcast, host James McLamb welcomes Coach Sheri Gazitt for a thoughtful conversation about adolescent confidence, emotional independence, and the changing social world teen girls navigate. 🎙️📱James and Sheri examine the pressure surrounding belonging, relationships, and constant digital connection, along with the adult instinct to rush in and solve every problem. 🫶 For parents, educators, coaches, and youth leaders, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how to show up with compassion while still making room for young people to grow. Listen in and reconsider what meaningful support can make possible. 🌱 Sheri Gazitt is an international friendship expert, speaker, and founder of TeenWise. ✨ With more than 30 years of experience and a background in counseling psychology, she has helped thousands of girls and families navigate friendship challenges, social anxiety, and the emotional shifts of growing up. 🤝Sheri is the author of Girl Drama Decoded 📘 and creator of the MomWise Collective, a community that supports mothers raising teen girls. Through private coaching, workshops, and speaking, she makes complex social dynamics easier to understand and gives families practical, compassionate guidance for building stronger relationships. 💬 Reach out to Sheri: Website: https://www.teen-wise.com/ Services: https://be.teen-wise.com/momwise  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherigazitt IG: https://www.instagram.com/beteenwise  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeTeenWise/ Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (2:00) Coach Sheri’s mission to support girls early (3:48) Why friendship conflict intensifies for girls (6:00) The inner critic behind isolation and loneliness (7:13) Why confidence often dips during middle school (11:52) Supporting your daughter without arguing her feelings (14:17) Self-mastery builds lasting confidence (18:20) When stepping back helps young people grow (23:58) A reminder for girls who feel alone (25:54) Eternal problems of distractions (29:30) Sheri's services (32:08) Outro

  5. May 26

    Ep. #174: Are We Teaching Kids the Skills That Actually Matter? With Rob Heller

    Are We Teaching Kids the Skills That Actually Matter? With Rob Heller The real-life skills every young person needs next. 🚀 In this episode, James McLamb talks with Rob Heller about preparing students for life beyond grades, tests, screens, and resumes. As a parent, entrepreneur, and youth development leader, Rob brings a timely perspective on helping young people build the confidence, character, connection, and mindset they need to thrive in today’s world. Press play and hear why real-world readiness may be one of the most important gifts we give the next generation. 🌱 Rob Heller is the founder of the BOOST program, a life skills curriculum for high schools and youth organizations. 💡 After building and selling an employee benefits brokerage company for eight figures and spending 17 years in corporate leadership, Rob returned to his passion for youth development. Inspired by his own experience as a parent, he now helps young people build practical skills for communication, resilience, responsibility, and future success. 🧭 Connect with Rob Heller & Boost Program: Website: https://boostprogram.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boost-program1/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boost_program/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boostkids X: https://x.com/BoostProgram_ Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (2:17) The core skills youth are missing (4:54) Why mindset matters more today (10:12) Character as a life foundation (11:49) Phones, goals, and a healthy mindset (14:42) Helping teens see life as skill-based (18:50) Where parents can begin at home (21:21) Real-life testimony and age bracket (24:58) Preparing youth for an AI-driven future (29:02) How to connect with BOOST (32:46) Outro

  6. May 19

    Ep. #173: What Builds Self-Belief in Struggling Youth? With Kyle Robinson

    What Builds Self-Belief in Struggling Youth? With Kyle Robinson In this episode of The Generation Youth Podcast, host James McLamb sits down with Kyle Robinson, whose story reminds us that a young person’s past does not have to define their future. After years of struggle, low self-belief, and the weight of negative influences, Kyle found a new path through encouragement, ownership, and steady personal growth. 🌱 Together, they explore what helps young people build confidence, why one caring adult can shift the direction of a life, and how small choices can open the door to lasting change. This conversation is for anyone helping young people rise beyond labels, setbacks, and self-doubt. ⚡   Kyle V. Robinson is a licensed attorney, entrepreneur, speaker, and ultrarunner based in Lakewood, Ohio. 🧭 After a difficult academic path, including six years in high school and a 1.04 GPA, Kyle went on to earn his law degree and build a career rooted in resilience, purpose, and growth. Today, he uses his story to show young people that a non-linear path can still lead to a powerful future. 🚀 Get in touch with Kyle Robinson: Website: https://kylevrobinson.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylevrobinson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylevrobinson/ Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (2:18) From troubled childhood to turning point (6:37) Building confidence after years of negativity (9:26) Small habits that shape growth (11:49) Turning obstacles into opportunity (15:47) Growth begins with a decision (19:00) From 1.04 GPA to law school (26:37) Parenting from love, not fear (30:41) Helping youth find better options (36:17) Outro

  7. May 12

    Ep. #172: Is College Still Worth It? With Shellee Howard

    Is College Still Worth It? With Shellee Howard Host James McLamb welcomes Shellee Howard to help parents, educators, coaches, and youth leaders rethink the college path. 🎓 Shellee shares her experience as a mother, author, and college consultant to show why preparing students is about more than applications and acceptance letters. Together, they point families back to clarity, purpose, service, and helping young people step into adulthood with confidence. 🌱 Listen now, because their future needs more than a checklist. It needs direction. Shellee Howard is the founder and CEO of College Ready, a bestselling author, mother of four debt-free college graduates, and the 2026 Global Educational Consultant of the Year. She helps families navigate college admissions with less stress, more clarity, and a stronger plan for life after high school. ✨ Reach out to Shellee: Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleehoward/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shellee.howard1 Free Resources: Complimentary 30-minute call: collegereadyplan.info College planning workbook: https://go.collegereadyplan.com/podcast-gift-workbook Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (2:11) Shellee Howard and College Ready (6:36) Why college feels so complicated (12:17) Helping students find clarity beyond social pressure (19:26) Asking if college is the right path (22:30) How service builds student clarity (29:34) Understanding college return on investment (34:05) When parents chase the badge (40:59) How families can connect with Shellee (44:58) Outro

  8. May 5

    Ep. #171: How Can Kids Own Their Life Before the World Does? With Brandon Lee White

    How Can Kids Own Their Life Before the World Does? With Brandon Lee White Where confidence begins, ownership starts to grow. 🧭 In this episode, James McLamb talks with Brandon Lee White about what it takes to help today’s young people build identity, courage, and real-world confidence in a culture full of distraction, pressure, and easy escape. Their conversation looks at the quiet forces shaping kids today, from screens 📱 and fear to family connection and the adults who help them believe they are capable of more.   Brandon Lee White is a Kansas City-based author, speaker, and youth leadership voice known online as Youth Mover. For 16 years, he has spoken across 48 states and reached more than one million students, staff, and leaders. Through school programs, conferences, workshops, and leadership experiences, Brandon helps people grow in character, connection, and purpose with a mix of humor, heart, and practical wisdom. ⚡ Connect with Brandon: Website: https://brandonleewhite.com/ Email: brandon@brandonleewhite.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leadwithbrandon/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youthmover Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/youthmover Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (1:56) Ownership as authorship (4:08) Why young people lack confidence (6:01) Predictable devices Vs. Purposeful adventures (8:49) Balancing people, progress, and play (11:41) Why ownership matters early (15:13) Role models who shape identity (19:30) Practical ways parents can connect (23:49) Love, authority, and household leadership (26:44) How family meetings build ownership (35:38) Outro

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About

Welcome to the Generation Youth Podcast, where real conversations lead to real impact in the lives of today’s youth. Hosted by James McLamb, founder of Generation Youth, this podcast brings together voices who are in the trenches with the next generation. You will hear from educators, authors, coaches, leaders, and culture shapers who understand what young people are facing right now. Each episode goes deeper than surface-level talk. We explore the challenges shaping this generation, including identity, relationships, purpose, and the pressures of a rapidly changing world. More importantly, we focus on what can be done to guide and support them well. Expect honest conversations, practical insight, and stories that remind you what is possible when young people are truly seen and heard. If you care about raising, leading, coaching, or simply understanding today’s youth, this podcast is for you. The next generation is not waiting. They are already here, and how we show up for them matters.

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