Is AI Making Gen Z Smarter—or Stealing Our Ability to Think?

Is AI Making Gen Z Smarter—or Stealing Our Ability to Think?

AI is everywhere—from classrooms and workplaces to Google searches, social media posts, and even the way we brainstorm, write, and create. But Gen Z seems caught in a strange contradiction: we use AI constantly, yet many of us are anxious about where it’s taking us. In this episode of Gen Z Unplugged, Catherine and Rachel unpack why Gen Z is both the first generation to grow up with AI and one of the first to push back against it. From “analog bags” and grandma hobbies to AI-written posts, brain rot, creativity, and the fear of a robot-run future, this conversation asks the question everyone should be asking: Are we using AI as a tool—or letting it think for us?  1:02 — Why Gen Z Has to Answer the AI Question 1:56 — Can We Still Tell What’s Real? 3:42 — Star Wars, Humanoid Robots, and a Future That Feels Too Real 4:47 — Half of Gen Z Uses AI—So Why Do So Many Want the Past Back? 5:28 — The Lost Childhood Gen Z Still Longs For 7:28 — Why Nostalgia, Vintage Trends, and “Analog” Living Are Coming Back 8:31 — The Rise of Analog Bags and Grandma Hobbies 9:48 — Thousands of Students Boo AI at Graduation 12:32 — Is AI Damaging Creativity and Making Us Mentally Lazy? 21:34 — The Biggest Difference Between Google and AI: Thinking vs. Being Thought For GenZ Unplugged is the official podcast for the Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women. Rotating hosts are Lauren Husmann, Catherine Hendershott, Rachel Hurley, and Hannah Faulkner. Producer is Sandra Scarlatoiu.  Listen, rate, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform!  ACAST - Apple Podcasts - Spotify - Google Podcasts - YouTube - Rumble  Send us your thoughts on this episode @realgenzunplugged!   X - Instagram - Facebook - Truth Social  SFX Credits:  neon sign buzz hum stereo close lowcut to taste6.flac by kyles -- https://freesound.org/s/453493/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 swipes and whooshes plastic umbrella fast and short swings stereo ORTF 8040.wav by Soundholder -- https://freesound.org/s/425853/ -- License: Attribution 3.0 Power Cord Unplug 1_2 by Joao_Janz -- https://freesound.org/s/477641/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Abstract Glitch Effects_015 by jalastram -- https://freesound.org/s/412303/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Fear, Isolation, and the Fight for Our Minds with Stella Morabito (Repost)

Why are so many young people feeling isolated, anxious, and afraid to speak the truth? Former CIA analyst and author Stella Morabito reveals the terrifying strategy behind modern censorship, gender ideology, social media addiction, and cancel culture: the weaponization of loneliness. In this explosive interview, Stella dives into: How tyrants and regimes use fear and isolation to control the masses The dark connection between identity politics, political correctness, and mob rule The truth behind gender ideology, porn culture, and the destruction of family COVID-19’s role as a “social engineering” experiment Why Gen Z must break the spiral of silence—and how to do it 💥 This episode will open your eyes to how freedom is being quietly stripped away—and how YOU can push back. 📘 Grab Stella’s book The Weaponization of Loneliness and visit StellasBookClub.com 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:19 Stella's Background and Book Overview 02:34 Understanding the Weaponization of Loneliness 04:04 Historical Context and Modern Implications 06:23 Impact on Youth and Society 07:10 Gender Ideology and Hypersexualization 08:57 Social Media and Self-Censorship 22:53 COVID-19 and Enforced Isolation 30:39 Final Thoughts and Advice for Gen Z 33:45 Conclusion and Where to Find the Book, "The Weaponization of Loneliness" GenZ Unplugged is the official podcast for the Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women. Rotating hosts are Lauren Husmann, Catherine Hendershott, Rachel Hurley, and Hannah Faulkner. Producer is Sandra Scarlatoiu. Listen, rate, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform! ACAST - Apple Podcasts - Spotify - Google Podcasts - YouTube - Rumble Send us your thoughts on this episode @realgenzunplugged! X - Instagram - Facebook - Truth Social SFX Credits: neon sign buzz hum stereo close lowcut to taste6.flac by kyles -- https://freesound.org/s/453493/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 swipes and whooshes plastic umbrella fast and short swings stereo ORTF 8040.wav by Soundholder -- https://freesound.org/s/425853/ -- License: Attribution 3.0 Power Cord Unplug 1_2 by Joao_Janz -- https://freesound.org/s/477641/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Abstract Glitch Effects_015 by jalastram -- https://freesound.org/s/412303/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The Pen, The Press Room, and The Fight for What’s Real with Mary Margaret Olohan (repost)

She walked into the White House with a notebook and conviction — and shook the room. Mary Margaret Olohan isn’t just reporting the news, she’s exposing the silence, breaking the narrative, and refusing to bow. From homeschooling to headline-making, Mary Margaret opens up about how her faith shaped her fight, what legacy media won’t say about abortion and gender ideology, and why Gen Z girls are done playing nice. 00:00 – Why Mary Margaret Olohan is a Gen Z icon 01:00 – The Kavanaugh moment that changed everything 03:00 – Breaking into media with grit and grace 04:30 – Reporting on abortion, gender, and the stories no one else would 06:00 – Inside the White House press room: chaos, courage, and questions 10:00 – From viral moments to Air Force Two: journalism at the front lines 12:30 – Facing backlash — and not backing down 17:00 – Advice for young women who feel silenced 20:00 – How faith and homeschooling forged her fire 25:00 – What phones and social media are doing to girls 28:00 – The media’s toxic portrayal of womanhood 30:00 – Real love vs. TikTok fantasies 34:00 – Her dad’s advice: “The truth will set you free” 35:00 – Endurance, purpose, and living for something bigger GenZ Unplugged is the official podcast for the Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women. Rotating hosts are Lauren Husmann, Catherine Hendershott, Rachel Hurley, and Hannah Faulkner. Producer is Sandra Scarlatoiu. Listen, rate, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform! ACAST - Apple Podcasts - Spotify - Google Podcasts - YouTube - Rumble Send us your thoughts on this episode @realgenzunplugged! X - Instagram - Facebook - Truth Social SFX Credits: neon sign buzz hum stereo close lowcut to taste6.flac by kyles -- https://freesound.org/s/453493/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 swipes and whooshes plastic umbrella fast and short swings stereo ORTF 8040.wav by Soundholder -- https://freesound.org/s/425853/ -- License: Attribution 3.0 Power Cord Unplug 1_2 by Joao_Janz -- https://freesound.org/s/477641/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Abstract Glitch Effects_015 by jalastram -- https://freesound.org/s/412303/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Counteract USA: From One “Yes” to a Nationwide Movement

It started with a hard “yes” in the middle of doubt—and turned into something no one expected. In this episode of Gen Z Unplugged, we sit down with Abigail DeJarnatt and Allie Paris of Counteract USA to unpack the unexpected story behind a movement that’s reaching young people across the country. What started with one reluctant “yes” quickly turned into something much bigger—answering a question so many are afraid to ask: why is Gen Z walking away from faith? From losing friends to deconstruction, to wrestling with calling, identity, and purpose, this conversation dives into the real tension young Christians are facing today. But it doesn’t stop there—this is also about rebuilding: forming bold community, speaking truth with courage, and living out faith when it actually costs something. If you’ve ever felt alone in what you believe—or unsure how to stand firm in today’s culture—this episode is for you. — Abigail founded Counteract USA in June 2021 in Northwest Arkansas after watching her peers in Gen Z struggle with hopelessness and the deconstruction of their faith. Though once in pursuit of a career as a professional choreographer, God changed the calling on Abigail’s life and ignited a passion within her to equip her generation of Christians to stand upon the truth of the Word of God and counteract the narratives of our culture with the hope of the gospel of Jesus. — Allie joined Counteract USA in 2021, quickly realizing that taking Counteract USA from an idea to an organization was exactly what God was calling her to–what stood out to her about Counteract USA is that the gospel was the “why” behind every meeting and conversation. Based in Northwest Arkansas, Allie continues to make it “happen,” serving Counteract USA tirelessly to reach her generation for Christ.  — 1:16 — Welcome + Meet Counteract USA 2:11 — The Moment Everything Changed: Friends Leaving the Faith 3:34 — Why Cultural Issues Are Actually Spiritual Battles 4:16 — Discovering the Answers Were Always in Scripture 5:21 — Running from the Calling (and Why It Didn’t Work) 6:36 — Surrendering the Plan: Career, Relationship, Everything 7:44 — Starting Over—and Finding Unexpected Peace 9:14 — “You’re the Only One”: The Isolation of Gen Z Christians 10:14 — From Conversations to Community 11:16 — When the Movement Became Bigger Than Expected Learn more about Counteract USA here: https://counteractusa.org/  GenZ Unplugged is the official podcast for the Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women. Rotating hosts are Lauren Husmann, Catherine Hendershott, Rachel Hurley, and Hannah Faulkner. Producer is Sandra Scarlatoiu. Listen, rate, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform!  ACAST - Apple Podcasts - Spotify - Google Podcasts - YouTube - Rumble  Send us your thoughts on this episode @realgenzunplugged!   X - Instagram - Facebook - Truth Social  SFX Credits:  neon sign buzz hum stereo close lowcut to taste6.flac by kyles -- https://freesound.org/s/453493/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 swipes and whooshes plastic umbrella fast and short swings stereo ORTF 8040.wav by Soundholder -- https://freesound.org/s/425853/ -- License: Attribution 3.0 Power Cord Unplug 1_2 by Joao_Janz -- https://freesound.org/s/477641/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Abstract Glitch Effects_015 by jalastram -- https://freesound.org/s/412303/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The Mom Who Took on the Education Machine — with Erika Donalds - Episode 28 (repost)

What would make a successful finance executive walk away from it all to fight for America’s kids? Erika Donalds did exactly that. When her son came home miserable from school, she discovered a broken system—and made it her mission to change it. In this powerful episode of Gen Z Unplugged, Erika shares how one mom’s love turned into a nationwide movement for school choice and education freedom. From battling bureaucrats to building better schools, she reveals how faith, family, and fierce determination can take on even the biggest machine. Founder and Chairman of OptimaEd and Chair of the America First Policy Institute’s Center for Education Opportunity. Erika is a national expert on education policy and school choice, a frequent media commentator and speaker, and a seasoned business executive. 01:30 – Erika Donalds shares how her faith and family shaped her calling to fight for education freedom. 02:53 – From college sweethearts to changemakers: how Erika and Byron Donalds built a mission from humble beginnings. 04:33 – When her son’s school labeled him the problem, Erika refused to listen—and discovered the power of school choice. 06:05 – The moment everything changed: a miserable child, a leap of faith, and a mom on a mission. 07:35 – What school choice actually means—and why it’s revolutionizing education across America. 09:05 – How parents can take back control: education freedom explained in plain terms. 10:35 – Why Erika no longer trusts the public school system—and what she’s seen from the inside. 12:05 – Fighting misinformation: when people say school choice “defunds” public schools. 13:35 – The surprising truth: public school teachers are the biggest supporters of school choice. 15:05 – Homeschool, charter, hybrid—how the Donalds family has tried it all. 16:41 – Erika’s message to moms: “If your child is miserable, that’s not God’s plan.” 18:01 – What to do if you’re stuck in a bad school district—and how to find better options. 19:41 – “Where there’s a will, there’s a way”: Erika’s challenge to moms to put their kids first. 21:13 – The myth of “having it all”: how Erika learned to reorder her life around faith and family. 23:11 – Leaving a corporate career to follow God’s plan—how risk turned into purpose. 24:55 – The importance of setting boundaries, priorities, and putting family above ambition. 26:43 – Erika’s advice to young advocates: why showing up at school board meetings still matters. 28:19 – Why every taxpayer—parent or not—has “skin in the game” for education. 30:09 – The First Amendment, civics, and what too many Americans have forgotten. 32:00 – How Erika is helping lead America’s 250th civics revival with Turning Point, Hillsdale, and others. 33:55 – “If you don’t know your rights, you can’t defend them.” Why civics education matters now more than ever. 35:57 – Erika’s final message to young women: stay rooted in God’s Word and your priorities. 37:41 – The power of sisterhood, faith, and finding your calling with like-minded women. GenZ Unplugged is the official podcast for the Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women. Rotating hosts are Lauren Husmann, Catherine Hendershott, Rachel Hurley, and Hannah Faulkner. Producer is Sandra Scarlatoiu. Listen, rate, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform! ACAST - Apple Podcasts - Spotify - Google Podcasts - YouTube - Rumble Send us your thoughts on this episode @realgenzunplugged! X - Instagram - Facebook - Truth Social SFX Credits: neon sign buzz hum stereo close lowcut to taste6.flac by kyles -- https://freesound.org/s/453493/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 swipes and whooshes plastic umbrella fast and short swings stereo ORTF 8040.wav by Soundholder -- https://freesound.org/s/425853/ -- License: Attribution 3.0 Power Cord Unplug 1_2 by Joao_Janz -- https://freesound.org/s/477641/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Abstract Glitch Effects_015 by jalastram -- https://freesound.org/s/412303/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.