Phoenix Generation Rising Together

Phoenix Generation

The Phoenix Generation Rising Together podcast hosts group discussions and interviews on hot topics. Students offer unique perspectives on current issues and help listeners build conflict resolution and communication skills.

  1. MAY 13

    Building What's Next pt. 2

    What does it take to solve complex problems with lasting results? In part 2 of this two-part series, two local leaders- a college student and a faculty member- share the framework for how to be a successful community organizer. Join us for this master class in how to make impactful, long-term change. Time Stamps: 00:00 Intro to Community Organizing 00:52 Podcast Welcome & Guest Introductions 01:40 Defining Community Organizing 02:41 Five Steps of Community Organizing 03:50 Why Relationships Matter 05:04 Gathering Leaders & Listening First 07:07 Strategizing: Focusing the Issue 09:01 Derek's Story of Narrowing a Cause 13:02 Choosing Actionable Community Issues 15:00 From Strategy to Effective Action 17:18 Understanding Power & Context 19:44 Protests, Pressure, and Strategic Action 21:52 Working Within Your Limits 22:55 Reflecting & Learning as a Community 23:53 Relationship Building & Reducing Loneliness 26:59 Final Thoughts & How to Get Involved /// SUBSCRIBE  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 /// FOLLOW 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/ Copyright @2026 Phoenix Generation. All rights reserved.

    29 min
  2. APR 29

    Northern Ireland and the Long Work of Peace

    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 /// SUBSCRIBE 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 /// FOLLOW 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: 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.

    34 min
  3. APR 15

    Faith, Politics, and How You Show Up

    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 /// SUBSCRIBE 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 /// FOLLOW 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: 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.

    1h 15m
  4. APR 1

    Radical Curiosity: How Young Leaders Are Rebuilding Civic Dialogue

    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 /// SUBSCRIBE 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 /// FOLLOW 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 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.

    37 min
  5. MAR 20

    Fasting Across Faith Traditions

    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 /// SUBSCRIBE 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 /// FOLLOW 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: 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.

    44 min
  6. FEB 25

    Generational Differences 2

    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 /// SUBSCRIBE 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 /// FOLLOW 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: Dr. Lua Hancock Producer: David L. Yahn Editor: David L. Yahn Music: artist.io   Copyright @2026 Phoenix Generation. All rights reserved.

    51 min
  7. FEB 11

    Let's Play

    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 /// SUBSCRIBE 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 /// FOLLOW 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.

    22 min

About

The Phoenix Generation Rising Together podcast hosts group discussions and interviews on hot topics. Students offer unique perspectives on current issues and help listeners build conflict resolution and communication skills.