The Generation Youth Podcast with James McLamb

Generation Youth, James McLamb
  • 5.0 (4)
  • 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. 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

    34 min

  2. 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

    37 min

  3. 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

    46 min

  4. 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

    37 min

  5. Apr 28

    Ep. #170: What Helps Young People Move from Hurt to Hope? With Roxie Smith

    What Helps Young People Move from Hurt to Hope? With Roxie Smith In today’s episode of The Generation Youth Podcast, host James McLamb sits down with Roxie Smith about the 8 to Great process and why it continues to connect with young people navigating real emotional and personal challenges. With wisdom shaped by decades in education and counseling, Roxie offers a practical and hopeful perspective on how adults can better guide kids toward confidence, growth, and purpose. 🌱⚡ This episode is for parents, educators, coaches, and youth leaders who want to lead the next generation with greater understanding and intention. Roxie Smith is a veteran educator, counselor, speaker, and Master Trainer for 8 to Great with more than 30 years of experience helping young people and the adults around them grow in resilience, responsibility, and hope. She now works with schools, educators, and communities to share practical tools that support emotional growth, better decision-making, and lasting impact. 💡🚀 Learn more about Roxie Smith: Website: www.roxiesmith.com Email: roxie@8togreat.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxie-smith-094a3161/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roxie.quicksmith TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@roxie8togreat Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roxiequicksmith/ Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (2:08) Roxy’s path from teacher to counselor (5:19) What 8 to Great really is (8:44) The power pyramid and thought choice (12:25) Dreams risk and full responsibility (15:07) Feelings, communication, forgiveness, and gratitude (19:32) Why hope matters for youth today (25:16) Why do students respond to this process (31:21) A story of healing and hope (34:29) Outro

    36 min

  6. Apr 18

    Ep. #169: Are We Raising Kids Who Can Really Communicate? With Ja’son Forté

    Are We Raising Kids Who Can Really Communicate? With Ja’son Forté What happens when a generation is always connected, but still struggles to truly communicate? 📲 In this episode, host James McLamb welcomes Ja’son Forté to explore what young people are facing in a screen-first world and why real connection still matters ✨. With a grounded voice and a heart for the next generation, Ja’son brings insight that will challenge, encourage, and equip parents, educators, coaches, and youth leaders alike. If you care about helping young people grow in confidence, communication, and character 🚀, this is a conversation worth staying for. Press play before the scroll writes the story 🎧 Ja’son Forté is a speaker, coach, entrepreneur, and author who helps people grow in mindset, leadership, and purpose through his platform, This Is Your Forte. With a message rooted in self-discovery and practical growth, he brings a grounded, honest perspective to conversations that matter. 🔥 Reach out to Ja’son: Website: https://jasonfortespeaks.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisyourforte1554/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisyourforte Email: jasonbforte@gmail.com Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (2:01) Ja’son’s story and heart (7:18) Why phones are changing communication (12:12) Helping parents rebuild real connection (15:56) Why dinner time still matters (21:05) What teens need beyond screens (28:16) Boredom reading and real growth (34:20) How to connect with Ja’son Forté (38:02) Outro

    39 min

  7. Apr 14

    Ep. #168: Why Do Female Athletes Feel Lost After Sports? With Tori Barker

    Why Do Female Athletes Feel Lost After Sports? With Tori Barker Where the game stops echoing. 🎙️ In today’s episode, James McLamb talks with Tori Barker about female athletes, identity after sports, career readiness, mental health, and the hard transition out of competition. 🏃‍♀️🧠 Together, they share why parents and coaches need to think beyond the next season and help young women prepare for life, work, and purpose after athletics.   Tori Barker is the founder and CEO of Beyond Her Game, where she helps female athletes build identity, confidence, and direction beyond sports. 💪 A former Division I softball player 🥎 and longtime marketing professional, she brings both personal experience and practical insight to her work, helping young women see that the skills they build in athletics can carry into leadership, career, and life after the game. ✨ Social Handles: Website: https://beyondhergame.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toribarker/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondhergame.official/ Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (1:48) Tori’s path to Beyond Her Game (3:18) Identity loss after sports ends (5:18) Why parents need open conversations? (7:20) Turning sports skills into careers (10:21) Seeing strengths beyond the sport (17:16) Let the athlete own the dream (23:05) Coaches need a support community (25:42) Five pillars for athlete transition (28:46) Why identity is the biggest issue (34:00) Outro

    35 min

  8. Apr 7

    Ep. #167: How Do We Help Kids Believe They Are Enough? With Nick Tokman

    How Do We Help Kids Believe They Are Enough? With Nick Tokman In this episode of The Generation Youth Podcast, James sits down with speaker and former Deadliest Catch cast member Nick Tokman to talk about a struggle many young people are carrying right now. After working one of the toughest jobs in the world 🌊 and later speaking to students across the country 🎤, Nick brings a grounded perspective on courage, identity, failure, and self-worth. Together, they unpack why so many students wrestle with confidence, how outside pressure can shape the way they see themselves, and why learning to trust yourself matters so much in a noisy world 📱. For parents, educators, coaches, and youth leaders, this is a thoughtful conversation about helping young people build resilience, purpose, and the confidence to grow into who they are meant to be 💡 Learn more about Nick Tokman: Website: https://nicktokman.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicktokman X: https://x.com/NickTokman Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicksunshinetokman/ Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (1:57) Nick Tokman from Alaska, from fishing to speaking (5:22) Why self-worth struggles affect youth (7:17) Social media comparison and identity pressure (10:52) Building a relationship with yourself (14:46) Learning confidence through failure (20:17) Advice for parents supporting struggling kids (25:12) Courage to step outside comfort zones (29:19) The coat story and embracing identity (32:25) Outro

    34 min
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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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