The Gen X/Z Exchange

Chris and Lily Perkins

You might be wondering why you aren’t happier, where your career is going, or feeling adrift without a clear sense of direction. You’re asking, “How do I figure out what I’m even supposed to be doing?” If you feel that familiar knot of confusion, dissatisfaction, or just plain stuckness, you've just found your kindred spirits. This is The Gen X/Z Exchange. Where a Gen X dad and his Gen Z daughter bridge the generational divide to tackle modern life’s biggest headaches.  These aren't just your problems, they're the unspoken struggles of an entire generation - or two!  You're not alone in battling the quiet anxieties of a life that feels off-kilter. Happiness can be hard to find. Perhaps concerns about your mental and physical wellbeing are always bubbling away. Your most important relationships might feel strained, or the relentless demands of your career and finances are leaving you exhausted. These are the universal whispers that, surprisingly, span generations. We can help you untangle all this. Chris has navigated layoffs, career pivots and found happiness after the infamous midlife slump, while Lily is figuring out her career after changing her degree path and reflecting on her early choices in the world of work. Our different generational viewpoints bring new ideas to tackling the big issues we’re both grappling with.  We chat about all this with honesty, realism and the openness a father-daughter relationship brings.  Our candid conversations will help you realise that you’re not alone in feeling this way too. You’ll gain fresh perspectives, practical insights, and the comforting realisation that many of your worries are universal – and solvable.  We’ll get to the heart of your frustrations, offering solutions we figure out together that you won't find anywhere else. Hit follow and join us.

  1. Should social media be banned for under-16s? Phones, schools & the trust gap with Amit Singh Kalley

    3D AGO

    Should social media be banned for under-16s? Phones, schools & the trust gap with Amit Singh Kalley

    Should social media be banned for under-16s in the UK - and what can we learn from Australia? Do phone-free schools actually work, or do they just push problems underground?  In this episode, we’re joined by Amit Singh Kalley - leading commentator on this topic and the creator of the viral Periodic Table of Emojis. Amit helps us explore one of the most urgent debates facing parents, schools, and policymakers. Amit shares how he keeps up with the fast-changing language of teens, and why adults still underestimate the pressure young people face online. Drawing on his experience as a Deputy Headteacher who banned phones at his school, he unpacks what actually works - and what doesn't. You’ll learn: The four questions Amit believes parents should ask their children every dayWhat phone-free schools can achieveHow to rebuild trust when phones have created a wall between parents and children We look at some of the research in Jonathan Haidt’s book ‘The Anxious Generation’ and look at the very real risks like grooming and sextortion. We discuss the peer pressure between parents as well as teens, whether gaming platforms should be included in a ban, and how Gen Z may one day look back on being handed smartphones so young. Listen in and you’ll discover what good conversations about social media actually sound like - and how parents and teens can walk the digital path together, instead of pulling in opposite directions. Hit play now and join the conversation we can’t afford to avoid. How to contact Amit: https://forworkingparents.com/ https://www.instagram.com/forworkingparents/ https://www.tiktok.com/@forworkingparents https://www.facebook.com/forworkingparents https://www.linkedin.com/in/amitsinghkalley 1.00 Intro to Amit 2.05 The idea for the Periodic Table of Emojis 3.40 Keeping up-to-date with how teens communicate 5.14 What are adults still not getting about social media? 7.35 The wall built between parents and children and how to break it down 8.48 The 4 questions to ask your children every day about their online experience 11.07 ‘The Anxious Generation’ and the accidental phone-based childhood 12.12 Amit’s experience of banning phones at school and the results 14.37 Lily’s experience of having phones in school 17.04 The language of the social media ban 18.20 How Gen Z will look back on being given phones & social media 19.35 The dangers of access for young people - grooming and sextortion 23.55 Can we hold the social media companies to account? 28.14 Would a ban work? 30.52 Reports on the changes in Australia so far 32.22 How it could be implemented in the UK and will we do it? 37.45 How to have a good conversation about social media between parents and teens 41.14 Should we ban gaming platforms too? 43.49 How teens might react to losing social media access, how to make them more aware and how to involve them in the discussion 46.50 How to connect with Amit Send us a voice message on Speakpipe! https://www.speakpipe.com/thegenxzexchange Connect with us: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisperkins172/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-perkins-8446a82bb/

    51 min
  2. How to write a CV that actually gets read – For Gen Z, Gen X & career changers with Carl Scutt

    JAN 28

    How to write a CV that actually gets read – For Gen Z, Gen X & career changers with Carl Scutt

    Ever wondered why your CV isn’t getting responses - or how you’re supposed to stand out when everyone’s following completely different advice? Should you write for AI screening, recruiters, or hiring managers… and can you do all three at once? In this episode we're joined by Carl Scutt, the UK’s only certified Career Storyteller, to cut through the confusion and explain what actually works in today’s job market. Carl shares how he got started, why so many CVs fail, and how to build a compelling CV whether you’re just starting out with limited experience or reshaping a long career to stay relevant. From accomplishment statements and keyword matching to career pivots, CV gaps, and whether gimmicks really help - this episode is about clarity, confidence, and telling the right story. You’ll learn: How to write a strong CV when you’re early in your career (and what else counts)How to shape accomplishment statements - even if you haven’t done the job beforeHow to tailor your CV for each role without rewriting it from scratchHow to position a long career history, handle gaps, or pivot into something newHow to write a CV for humans and AI - and the three audiences you must satisfy Whether you’re applying for your first role, feeling stuck mid-career, or trying to future-proof your experience, listen in and you’ll discover how to stop guessing - and start telling a career story that gets noticed. Hit play now and make your CV work harder for you. Connect with Carl: https://www.yourcareerstory.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-scutt/ 2.05 Intro to Carl 3.20How Carl got started  5.08 Challenges with CVs in the current market  6.20 How to build a strong CV when you're starting out  8.40 What else to include when you're starting out (hobbies, interests, etc)  10.27 How to form accomplishment statements if you've not done the job you're applying for before  11.08 How to think about accomplishment statements  12.04 How to tailor your CV for each job application  13.35 How to stand out from other applicants  16.07 How to take a long career history and shape it for a role today  17.20 How long should a CV be? 19.11 How to position yourself in a CV for a pivot or career change 20.30 How to handle gaps on your CV  23.47 How to get through AI screening with your CV - should you write for bots or humans, or both?  29.40 Do gimmicky things help you stand out?  31.34 How to tailor your CV when uploading to job boards  33.13 Cover letters - do recruiters still expect them and if so how to do them?  35.58 How to make sense of all the conflicting CV info and advice that's out there  38.08 What does it mean to be a career storyteller?  43.00 Carl's one guiding principle Send us a voice message on Speakpipe! https://www.speakpipe.com/thegenxzexchange Connect with us: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisperkins172/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-perkins-8446a82bb/

    46 min
  3. JAN 14

    Why Do I Like This Song So Much? The Psychology of Catchy Music

    Why do you like a song so much… and why does it become your song? Why can't you recite the lyrics to an old favourite on demand - but the second the track starts, you’re singing every word? In this episode of The Gen X/Z Exchange, we go beyond “favourite bands” chat and get into the psychology and neuroscience of music - starting with our all-time favourite songs, then unpacking the three things that can turn any track into a lifelong favourite.  From the ‘Reminiscence Bump’ (why music from certain ages sticks more) to the cascading version that explains why your parents’ classics can feel like your nostalgia too, this one’s a proper brain-meets-bangers deep dive. We cover how a live band can become a 'biological conductor' of the crowd, the role music plays in films and laugh at a few misheard lyrics. You’ll learn: The science behind “favourite songs” and why some tracks feel so personalWhat the Reminiscence Bump is - and how it shapes Gen X vs Gen Z tasteWhy lyrics live in your brain differently than spoken wordsHow to find new music (and why many of us stop searching as we get older)How to run an inter-generational family listening partyListen in and you’ll discover how music can unlock memory, boost connection, and - even in some cases - help people access speech and movement when other routes fail. Hit play now! 1.02 Chris and Lily each briefly discuss their all-time favourite song  3.02 The three things that can make a song a favourite 5.40 The 'Reminiscence Bump'  8.03 Why you can't recite lyrics on demand, but as soon as the song starts you can sing along all the way through  10.07 Where to find new music and why we stop listening to new music as we get older  17.23 The 'Cascading Reminiscence Bump'  18.39 How to run an inter-generational family listening party  26.43  Live music - three things that make for a great live performance  31.40 The Playlist for Life and the effect music can have on people who have lost speech or motor skills  33.53 Film music  35.17 Misheard lyrics You can find out more about Playlist for Life here: https://www.playlistforlife.org.uk/ Send us a voice message on Speakpipe! https://www.speakpipe.com/thegenxzexchange Connect with us: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisperkins172/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-perkins-8446a82bb/

    41 min
  4. Gen X, Gen Z, Boomers & Millennials: Gabby Rosely decodes how the generations can all get along at work

    12/03/2025

    Gen X, Gen Z, Boomers & Millennials: Gabby Rosely decodes how the generations can all get along at work

    Ever wondered why your boss, your mentor, or your Gen Z colleague just doesn’t seem to “get” how you work? Or why feedback that fires up one generation can shut down another? Chris and Lily sit down with Gabby Rosely - former competitive swimmer turned entrepreneur, corporate leader and now multigenerational teams expert - to unpack the real reasons behind generational friction at work.  Gabby has managed teams spanning Boomers to Gen Z while still in her twenties, and she’s here to share what actually helps us connect, communicate, and collaborate across age divides. You’ll learn: The surprising historical forces that shaped each generation’s work styleWhy “Engage-Discuss” vs. “Command-Obey” is the key model to understanding generational differencesHow different generations view and want to receive feedback - and how to adapt when it’s not your styleWhether gender plays a role in these workplace dynamicsThe story behind Gabby’s 77-year-old mentee - and her personal motto, “Say yes before you’re ready!”Whether you’re managing, mentoring, or just trying to get along in a multigenerational team, listen in and you’ll discover how to bridge the gap - and build a workplace where every generation thrives. Hit play now and decode the generations with us. 3.10 Intro to Gabby 4.20 Gabby’s story 6.53 Historical influences shaping each generation (7.33 Boomers; 9.13 Gen X; 12.04 Millennials; 13.55 Gen Z) 12.34 Engage-Discuss vs Command-Obey 15.49 How the generations connect and motivate people at work (16.12 Boomers; 17.20 Gen X; 19.45 Millennials; 20.40 Gen Z) 21.18 Different generational views on feedback 23.06 How to avoid getting it wrong with other generations 27.27 Is there a gendered element to these challenges? 32.03 How each generation wants to receive feedback (32.15 Gen Z; 32.54 Millennials; 33.16 Gen X; 33.56 Boomers) 34.30 How to respond if feedback doesn’t meet your preferences 36.08 Gabby’s 77-year-old mentee 38.55 Gabby’s motto - “Say yes before you’re ready!” 41.26 Walking away and moving to Costa Rica 46.48 Gabby’s programs and how you can connect to learn more 49.00 Our key takeaways Connect with Gabby Rosely: https://www.gabbyrosely.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabbyrosely/ Send us a voice message on Speakpipe! https://www.speakpipe.com/thegenxzexchange Connect with us: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisperkins172/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-perkins-8446a82bb/

    52 min
  5. Sober Curious and wondering “Am I drinking too much?” – How to go alcohol free with Steve Kirchell

    11/19/2025

    Sober Curious and wondering “Am I drinking too much?” – How to go alcohol free with Steve Kirchell

    Ever caught yourself thinking, “Maybe I should cut back” or “Am I drinking too much?” If so, this episode is for you. We sit down with Steve Kirchell, Alcohol-Free Performance Coach, to talk about what it really means to be Sober Curious - and why going alcohol-free might be easier than you think. Steve shares his personal journey to becoming alcohol-free, the subtle warning signs your drinking might be becoming problematic, and the number-one reason people stay stuck on the fence. We explore how alcohol affects your brain, body, and behaviour - and how to build confidence in social situations without it. You’ll learn: How to handle social pressure and challenge friends who push you to drinkWhether moderation ever really works, or if it’s all-or-nothingThe 'Joy of Missing Out' instead of ‘Fear of Missing Out’ and how to enjoy life alcohol-freeHow long alcohol stays in your system and what it’s doing to youPractical advice for navigating the Christmas Party season with confidence Whether you’re curious about cutting back, questioning your habits, or ready to quit completely, listen in and discover how to redefine fun, confidence, and connection without the glass in hand. Hit play now. 0.57 Chris and Lily’s thoughts on going alcohol-free 2.40 Steve’s journey to an alcohol-free lifestyle 5.50 Gen Z’s typical experience of drinking escalating 6.24 The warning signs that your drinking is becoming problematic 8.44 The stages of people drinking on a night out 9.33 Has social media made Gen Z more cautious about excessive drinking? 12.00 Will your friends support you? 12.54 Sober curious? Is it all-or-nothing or can you drink in moderation? 14.36 How long it takes for alcohol to leave your system 15.13 The effects of repeated alcohol consumption on your brain and body 18.50 How drinking gets normalised as you get older 19.19 How to get confident you can break ingrained habits 21.08 How to challenge a friend who might pressure you to keep drinking 21.58 The ‘Joy of Missing Out’ 24.00 Considering alcohol-free? How to get over feeling alcohol is essential to loosening you up and making you feel more confident 25.50 The time we all had fun without alcohol 28.53 How going alcohol-free might be easier than you think 30.32 How Steve’s life is different now since stopping drinking 32.00 Other signs that you might want to reconsider your relationship with alcohol 33.40 How to find out more about Steve’s Alcohol-Free Blueprint 34.15 How Steve’s 1:1 support works 36.27 Advice for handling the Christmas Party season Connect with Steve Kirchell: https://alcoholfreeblueprint.info/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-kirchell-8951a73/ https://www.instagram.com/steve_kirchell_coaching/ Send us a voice message on Speakpipe! https://www.speakpipe.com/thegenxzexchange Connect with us: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisperkins172/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-perkins-8446a82bb/

    39 min
  6. Overcoming procrastination at work or study - how to actually get started with Wilson Obeneme

    11/05/2025

    Overcoming procrastination at work or study - how to actually get started with Wilson Obeneme

    “Why can’t I just get on with the things I keep putting off?” If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you. Gen X dad and Gen Z daughter Chris and Lily team up with productivity coach Wilson Obeneme to break down why we procrastinate, how it derails our focus, and what we can do to take action sooner.  Wilson shares surprising stats about procrastination, explores its root causes, and reveals the top three blockers that stop us tackling the tasks that matter most. We also dig into the hidden costs of delaying and how to avoid them. You’ll learn: Two practical approaches to kick-start tasks you’ve been avoidingHow perfectionism and “time-blindness” (ignoring deadlines) trap us - and how to beat themThree actionable steps to overcome procrastination using accountabilityThe single morning micro-habit that can transform your productivity Whether you’re struggling with study deadlines or drowning in a never-ending to-do list at work, listen in and you’ll discover simple tools to beat procrastination.  Even if the habit feels deeply ingrained, you can shift from “I’ll do it later” to “I'm done now.” Hit play now. 1.12 Chris & Lily’s procrastination tendencies 2.20 Introduction to Wilson 3.25 Wilson’s early experience of becoming hyper-productive 5.58 Is procrastination something that happens, a habit or part of your identity? 7.40 Stats on procrastination 11.04 Causes of procrastination and different types 12.05 Three key reasons that stop people doing what they want 15.18 How to get started with tasks you’re putting off 19.40 How to overcome procrastination due to perfectionism and time blindness 22.55 The 8-8-8 rule and the work-rest cycle 25.05 Three additional steps to overcome procrastination using accountability 28.50 The hidden costs of procrastination 30.18 Micro-habits to beat procrastination 33.48 How to connect with Wilson 35.30 Our takeaways Connect with Wilson Obeneme: Take the 3-minute productivity quiz: https://quiz.thegrowthplug.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilsonobeneme/ https://www.instagram.com/thegrowthplug_/ https://www.youtube.com/@thegrowthplug_podcast Send us a voice message on Speakpipe! https://www.speakpipe.com/thegenxzexchange Connect with us: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisperkins172/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-perkins-8446a82bb/

    39 min
  7. 10/22/2025

    The workplace: as seen on TV!

    We spend time at work, think about work, talk about work and then come home and watch TV shows about work! Would you love to message ‘Urgent exit required’ to get out of boring meetings? Would you sever your work self from your self outside work? Could you work in Carmy’s kitchen from ‘The Bear’? We talk about what we can learn from the portrayals of different workplaces in our favourite TV shows. You’ll learn: How Chris learned to launder money from a TV showWhich show Lily thinks is the offspring of a workplace drama and a Black Mirror episodeWhy Lily would want to have a failing business just so Nathan Fielder could visitHow Ted Lasso formed a new Perkins family Christmas tradition Whether you could see yourself working in Suits, Succession or Schitt’s Creek, join us for this episode to hear about how we’ve actually applied some things from TV shows at our work and what these shows have taught us about the workplace. If you love a show we haven’t discussed below, get in touch and let us know as we might revisit this topic in a future episode…. Hit play now. 1.10 Lily’s top TV shows 1.47 Chris’ top TV shows 2.40 The Office (UK) 3.26 THe Office (US) 4.15 Mad Men 5.26 Line of Duty 6.50 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 7.25 Severance 9.48 Parks & Recreation 10.36 The Bear 13.15 Schitt’s Creek 15.03 Ozark 17.30 Nathan for You 19.37 The Curse 20.25 Suits 21.33 Succession 22.26 Ted Lasso 24.15 What does all this mean for us? Send us a voice message on Speakpipe! https://www.speakpipe.com/thegenxzexchange Connect with us: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisperkins172/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-perkins-8446a82bb/

    27 min

Trailers

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

You might be wondering why you aren’t happier, where your career is going, or feeling adrift without a clear sense of direction. You’re asking, “How do I figure out what I’m even supposed to be doing?” If you feel that familiar knot of confusion, dissatisfaction, or just plain stuckness, you've just found your kindred spirits. This is The Gen X/Z Exchange. Where a Gen X dad and his Gen Z daughter bridge the generational divide to tackle modern life’s biggest headaches.  These aren't just your problems, they're the unspoken struggles of an entire generation - or two!  You're not alone in battling the quiet anxieties of a life that feels off-kilter. Happiness can be hard to find. Perhaps concerns about your mental and physical wellbeing are always bubbling away. Your most important relationships might feel strained, or the relentless demands of your career and finances are leaving you exhausted. These are the universal whispers that, surprisingly, span generations. We can help you untangle all this. Chris has navigated layoffs, career pivots and found happiness after the infamous midlife slump, while Lily is figuring out her career after changing her degree path and reflecting on her early choices in the world of work. Our different generational viewpoints bring new ideas to tackling the big issues we’re both grappling with.  We chat about all this with honesty, realism and the openness a father-daughter relationship brings.  Our candid conversations will help you realise that you’re not alone in feeling this way too. You’ll gain fresh perspectives, practical insights, and the comforting realisation that many of your worries are universal – and solvable.  We’ll get to the heart of your frustrations, offering solutions we figure out together that you won't find anywhere else. Hit follow and join us.