What happens when a generation of young people begins to feel disconnected—not just from school, family, and community, but from their own sense of purpose? And what if the words “I don't care” are actually hiding something much deeper? In this episode of The Jackie Scully Show, I sit down with teen, young adult, and parent coach Jared Kallen, founder of Action-Packed Coaching, for an honest conversation about the growing disconnection we're witnessing in young people—and what we can do to help them find their way back. Drawing on our shared passion for education, mentorship, and helping young people thrive, we explore how the pandemic, technology, social media, anxiety, and a rapidly changing world have contributed to feelings of isolation, apathy, and uncertainty about the future. But this conversation isn't about blaming kids, parents, or teachers. It's about understanding what's happening beneath the surface. Jared shares real experiences from his coaching practice, including teenagers who have checked out of school, young adults struggling to find direction, and parents who are exhausted from trying to help. Through these stories, we explore why meaningful connection often has to come before motivation, accountability, and lasting change. We talk about the importance of listening to young people, discovering their passions, building trust, creating structure without shame, and helping families move from constant conflict toward greater cooperation and understanding. We also explore what it means to prepare young people for adulthood in the age of AI—not simply by teaching them to succeed academically or professionally, but by helping them recognize their own humanity, gifts, purpose, and capacity to contribute. Because sometimes, behind the defiance, procrastination, disengagement, or endless scrolling is a young person who simply wants to feel that someone sees them, hears them, and believes in them. And maybe the first step toward changing someone's life isn't telling them what to do. Maybe it's showing them that they matter. ✨ Connection before correction. Curiosity before judgment. And the reminder that no one is too disconnected to begin finding their way back. About Jared Kallen Jared Kallen is the founder of Action-Packed Coaching, where he works with teenagers, young adults, and parents to build stronger relationships, improve academic and life skills, and navigate the challenges of growing up in today's world. His coaching approach combines academic strategies, executive functioning, motivation, organization, accountability, and life coaching with a strong emphasis on trust, individualized support, and meaningful human connection. Jared also supports young adults experiencing difficulty transitioning into independent adulthood and works with families to establish healthy boundaries, strengthen communication, and create practical systems that encourage responsibility and confidence. At the heart of his work is a simple philosophy: understand the person first, build the relationship, and then create the conditions for meaningful change. ✨ Connect with Jared 🌐 Website: Action-Pact Coaching 💼 LinkedIn: Jared Kallen 📸 Instagram: @action_pact_coaching
