GenZ Unplugged

At just 23 years old, Reagan Reese became one of the youngest reporters in the White House briefing room — and she had no idea if she was ready.In this episode of Gen Z Unplugged, Reagan shares how she went from Hillsdale College to The Daily Caller, what it’s really like covering the White House in the Trump administration, and why the most important thing young conservatives can do is stay brave, stay curious, and stay grounded.From unpredictable days chasing breaking news to the quiet habits that keep her sane, Reagan offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at political journalism — and a powerful reminder that politics matters, but it should never become your whole identity.---Reagan Reese is the White House Correspondent for the Daily Caller and a Visiting Fellow at the Independent Women’s Forum. She previously reported on education for the Daily Caller News Foundation after graduating from Hillsdale College with degrees in Rhetoric and Public Address and Journalism. At Hillsdale, she captained the Division II softball team, leading them to multiple conference championships.--- 0:34 Introduction to Reagan Reese1:01 From Hillsdale to The Daily Caller2:03 The call that changed Reagan’s career2:25 Becoming one of the youngest reporters in the White House briefing room3:52 Why Gen Z belongs in the room4:50 What a White House correspondent actually does5:17 When the news schedule changes overnight5:42 Chasing sources and breaking news7:29 Reagan’s advice for young conservatives8:10 Why politics should never become your identity 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 0swipes and whooshes plastic umbrella fast and short swings stereo ORTF 8040.wav by Soundholder -- https://freesound.org/s/425853/ -- License: Attribution 3.0Power Cord Unplug 1_2 by Joao_Janz -- https://freesound.org/s/477641/ -- License: Creative Commons 0Abstract Glitch Effects_015 by jalastram -- https://freesound.org/s/412303/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

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 USA2:11 — The Moment Everything Changed: Friends Leaving the Faith3:34 — Why Cultural Issues Are Actually Spiritual Battles4:16 — Discovering the Answers Were Always in Scripture5:21 — Running from the Calling (and Why It Didn’t Work)6:36 — Surrendering the Plan: Career, Relationship, Everything7:44 — Starting Over—and Finding Unexpected Peace9:14 — “You’re the Only One”: The Isolation of Gen Z Christians10:14 — From Conversations to Community11:16 — When the Movement Became Bigger Than ExpectedLearn 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 0swipes and whooshes plastic umbrella fast and short swings stereo ORTF 8040.wav by Soundholder -- https://freesound.org/s/425853/ -- License: Attribution 3.0Power Cord Unplug 1_2 by Joao_Janz -- https://freesound.org/s/477641/ -- License: Creative Commons 0Abstract Glitch Effects_015 by jalastram -- https://freesound.org/s/412303/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

What happens when a college student can take an entire class on Marxism—but struggles to find courses on Locke, Burke, or the ideas behind America’s founding?Author Joelle Webb joins Gen Z Unplugged to explain why that experience inspired her to write Conserving Truth, how political philosophy can help Gen Z move beyond viral soundbites, and why understanding conservatism’s intellectual roots matters now more than ever.From Marxism and campus ideology to liberty, tradition, and the pursuit of truth, Joelle makes the case that young conservatives shouldn’t just know what they believe—they should know why.---Joelle Webb is a writer, legal researcher, and graduate student whose work focuses onAmerican conservatism, constitutional law, civil rights, public policy, and higher education.Webb recently graduated from Drake University with a B.A. in Law, Politics, and Society, whereher studies centered on constitutional law, political theory, contemporary public-policy debates,and legal jurisprudence. She is currently pursuing a Master of Legal Studies at the University ofDenver Sturm College of Law.Her professional experience has spanned politics, state government, public policy,communications, and legal advocacy. Most recently, Webb worked as a Legal ResearchAssistant for the Equal Protection Project, where she assisted attorneys with research related tocivil-rights issues in higher education, including federal civil-rights complaints challengingrace-based programs and policies.Before entering legal advocacy, Webb worked in state government and political campaigns,including the Iowa Attorney General's Office, the Iowa Secretary of State's Office, and nationaland state political organizations. These experiences gave her an opportunity to seeconservative politics from several perspectives: as a student of its intellectual history, assomeone working within the political movement, and as a legal researcher examiningcontemporary constitutional disputes.In 2025, Webb independently published two books exploring questions that had increasinglyshaped her academic and professional interests: What does it actually mean to be aconservative? What principles should conservatism seek to preserve? And whathappens when contemporary institutions move away from principles of individual rightsand equality before the law? ---1:52 — Why Joelle Webb Wrote Conserving Truth3:23 — Taking a College Class on Karl Marx4:23 — Why Marx Gets Taught—but America’s Founders Don’t5:29 — How Campus Ideology Captivates Young People7:38 — Conservatism Isn’t About Stopping Change8:08 — Locke, Burke & Tocqueville: The Ideas Behind America11:23 — Is Gen Z Hungry for Something Deeper Than Soundbites?13:18 — Conservatism vs. the Republican Party15:19 — How a College Journal Became a Published Book19:24 — Conservative Women Shaping the Next GenerationCheck out Joelle's latest book here: https://www.amazon.sg/Conserving-Truth-History-Western-Conservatism/dp/B0FDKZTJFY GenZ Unplugged is the official podcast for the Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women. Rotating hosts are Lauren Husmann, Anastasia Leffas, and Rachel Hurley. 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 0swipes and whooshes plastic umbrella fast and short swings stereo ORTF 8040.wav by Soundholder -- https://freesound.org/s/425853/ -- License: Attribution 3.0Power Cord Unplug 1_2 by Joao_Janz -- https://freesound.org/s/477641/ -- License: Creative Commons 0Abstract Glitch Effects_015 by jalastram -- https://freesound.org/s/412303/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Can young women build meaningful careers without sacrificing faith, family, or motherhood? Alexis Lange believes the answer is yes—and she grew up watching it happen.In this episode of Gen Z Unplugged, 2026 Luce Center summer intern Alexis Lange shares how her patriotic upbringing, Benedictine College education, and strong female mentors shaped her understanding of leadership, work, and womanhood. From her mother balancing a legal career while raising eight children to the lessons Alexis has learned about citizenship, the pro-life movement, mentorship, and the dignity of work, this conversation offers a hopeful vision for Gen Z women entering adulthood.Plus, Alexis explains why her time in Washington, D.C. has made her more optimistic about the future of Gen Z—and the country.00:33 – Meet Alexis Lange: Faith, Patriotism & Washington, D.C.01:57 – How a Liberal Arts Education Shaped Her Politics05:17 – A Family Legacy of Patriotism and Pro-Life Advocacy08:16 – Why Young Women Need Strong Female Mentors10:43 – Learning Leadership by Doing, Not Being Spoon-Fed10:49 – How Her Mom Balanced Law, Motherhood & Eight Kids13:17 – Career or Family? Why Women Don’t Have to Choose14:51 – Finding Dignity and Purpose in Your Work16:47 – Why Gen Z Gives Her Hope for America17:50 – Loneliness, Technology & Gen Z’s Crisis of MeaningGenZ Unplugged is the official podcast for the Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women. Rotating hosts are Lauren Husmann, Anastasia Leffas, and Rachel Hurley. 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 0swipes and whooshes plastic umbrella fast and short swings stereo ORTF 8040.wav by Soundholder -- https://freesound.org/s/425853/ -- License: Attribution 3.0Power Cord Unplug 1_2 by Joao_Janz -- https://freesound.org/s/477641/ -- License: Creative Commons 0Abstract Glitch Effects_015 by jalastram -- https://freesound.org/s/412303/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

AI isn’t just changing how we work—it could reshape politics, education, relationships, national security, and even how we understand what it means to be human.In this episode of Gen Z Unplugged, Wynton Hall, author of Code Red: The Left, the Right, China, and the Race to Control AI, breaks down the battle already underway over artificial intelligence. He explains why conservatives can’t afford to simply opt out, how AI could disrupt entry-level jobs while creating enormous opportunities for young entrepreneurs, and why America’s race against China matters far beyond Silicon Valley.From political bias and socialism to AI girlfriends, transhumanism, and a coming “crisis of meaning,” Hall warns that the stakes are much bigger than ChatGPT. His message to Gen Z: learn the technology before the technology learns to control you. ---Wynton Hall is the social media director for Breitbart News, where his data-driven strategies have generated billions of interactions and helped forge one of the most influential digital platforms in American politics and media.A Dis­tinguished Fellow at the Government Accountabil­ity Institute and former Visiting Fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution, he has authored or collaborated on twenty-seven books, including mul­tiple New York Times bestsellers, for world leaders, tech moguls, and celebrities.---0:52 — Why Wynton Hall Felt Compelled to Write Code Red2:29 — Who Are the “Tech Overlords” Behind AI?5:19 — Why Conservatives Can’t Afford to Reject AI7:03 — Will AI Wipe Out Entry-Level Jobs?8:29 — Is AI Paving the Way for Socialism?10:49 — America vs. China: The Race to Control AI12:28 — Why Early AI Adopters Will Win14:05 — AI and the Coming “Crisis of Meaning”15:58 — The Rise of AI Girlfriends and Boyfriends19:51 — AI Isn’t Just a Tool—It’s Political Power Check out Wynton Hall's latest book, "Code Red: The Left, the Right, China, and the Race to Control AI," here: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/code-red-wynton-hall?variant=44115332104226 GenZ Unplugged is the official podcast for the Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women. Rotating hosts are Lauren Husmann, Anastasia Leffas, and Rachel Hurley. 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 0swipes and whooshes plastic umbrella fast and short swings stereo ORTF 8040.wav by Soundholder -- https://freesound.org/s/425853/ -- License: Attribution 3.0Power Cord Unplug 1_2 by Joao_Janz -- https://freesound.org/s/477641/ -- License: Creative Commons 0Abstract Glitch Effects_015 by jalastram -- https://freesound.org/s/412303/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Gen Z is more connected than any generation in history—so why are young people desperate to escape the digital world?In this episode of Gen Z Unplugged, we introduce our new host, Anastasia Leffas. She shares how faith, family, mentorship, and conservative community shaped her worldview—and why Gen Z is searching for something more meaningful than social media, artificial intelligence, and online validation.Anastasia also discusses the transition from college to working life, the responsibility of mission-driven work, the growing appeal of socialism, the battle over human dignity, and the competing ideas confusing young people about what it means to be a man or woman. ---Anastasia Leffas was first introduced to the Luce Center during her Summer 2025 internship, which opened up a whole new world for her both personally and professionally. She joined as a full-time staff member in June of 2026, ready to further the Luce Center’s mission. Anastasia is thrilled to be a part of the Center’s work to reach and raise up phenomenal women like the ones she looks up to as mentors and friends.Having graduated from Benedictine College in 2026 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Minor in Theology, Anastasia is passionate about fostering a love for Western Culture and the Humanities. This love was especially encouraged through her time as a student leader in the Sheridan Honors Institute, a Presidential Scholar, a Constitutional Fellow with the Center for Constitutional Liberty, and an Angelico Fellow with the Center for Beauty and Culture.  ---0:20 Meet Gen Z Unplugged’s New Host0:59 How Anastasia Found Her Conservative Voice2:25 The Faith and Family Foundation That Shaped Her3:10 Debating Abortion at Just 12 Years Old5:32 The Post-College Identity Crisis Nobody Prepares You For7:43 The Biggest Difference Between College and a Career9:13 Why Gen Z Is Desperate to Escape the Digital World10:20 Human Dignity, Socialism, and the Fight for Gen Z11:29 The Gender Debate Is Trapping Men and Women15:16 Anastasia’s Dream Podcast GuestGenZ Unplugged is the official podcast for the Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women. Rotating hosts are Lauren Husmann, Anastasia Leffas, and Rachel Hurley.  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 0swipes and whooshes plastic umbrella fast and short swings stereo ORTF 8040.wav by Soundholder -- https://freesound.org/s/425853/ -- License: Attribution 3.0Power Cord Unplug 1_2 by Joao_Janz -- https://freesound.org/s/477641/ -- License: Creative Commons 0Abstract Glitch Effects_015 by jalastram -- https://freesound.org/s/412303/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Alena entered Vanderbilt expecting to find a more conservative environment in Tennessee—but instead, she often felt alone in her beliefs and hesitant to speak openly in class. Now a Summer 2026 Luce Center intern, she reflects on how her faith gave her the courage to challenge political complacency, question ideological bias, and refuse to stay silent.She also explains why conservative students should not simply abandon liberal campuses, why Christians must remain rooted in Scripture, and why young conservatives need practical skills in AI and technology to shape the future rather than surrender it.She also explains why conservative students should not simply abandon liberal campuses, why Christians must remain rooted in Scripture, and why young conservatives need practical skills in AI and technology to shape the future rather than surrender it.0:00 Introduction0:27 Meet Alina: Faith, National Security, and AI1:20 Growing Up as a Pastor’s Daughter7:52 How Social Media Made Her Liberal10:52 Feeling Alone as a Conservative at Vanderbilt12:46 The Required Class That Made Her Afraid to Speak16:28 Why Conservatives Shouldn’t Flee Liberal Campuses20:54 Why Conservatives Cannot Ignore AI26:06 AI Therapy and Artificial Relationships27:38 Her Advice for Christians Entering CollegeGenZ Unplugged is the official podcast for the Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women. Rotating hosts are Lauren Husmann, Anastasia Leffas, and Rachel Hurley. 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 0swipes and whooshes plastic umbrella fast and short swings stereo ORTF 8040.wav by Soundholder -- https://freesound.org/s/425853/ -- License: Attribution 3.0Power Cord Unplug 1_2 by Joao_Janz -- https://freesound.org/s/477641/ -- License: Creative Commons 0Abstract Glitch Effects_015 by jalastram -- https://freesound.org/s/412303/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Erika Donalds joins Gen Z Unplugged to deliver a wake-up call on artificial intelligence, education, and the future of America. While many young people are being taught to fear AI, Erika argues it may be one of the greatest tools for opportunity, entrepreneurship, and learning—if we use it wisely. She also explains why parents must take back responsibility for teaching patriotism, civics, and truth at home, what’s really happening with the Department of Education, and why young women don’t need to wait until motherhood to start defending the next generation. ---Erika Donalds is the Founder of Education Freedom Foundation and Chairman of OptimaEd. Erika is a national expert on education policy and school choice, a frequent media commentator and speaker, and a seasoned business executive.---0:37 Intro1:15 Why Gen Z Shouldn’t Fear AI1:48 Students Are Being Lied To About AI3:00 How Parents Can Teach Kids to Use AI Wisely4:22 AI Needs Guardrails—Not Panic5:13 Why AI Is the New Internet6:51 Educators Must Adapt or Fail Students8:28 America’s Civics Crisis Before the 250th9:40 Patriotism Starts at Home12:08 The Plan to Dismantle the Department of Education14:58 How Young Women Can Defend Education Freedom 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 0swipes and whooshes plastic umbrella fast and short swings stereo ORTF 8040.wav by Soundholder -- https://freesound.org/s/425853/ -- License: Attribution 3.0Power Cord Unplug 1_2 by Joao_Janz -- https://freesound.org/s/477641/ -- License: Creative Commons 0Abstract Glitch Effects_015 by jalastram -- https://freesound.org/s/412303/ -- License: Attribution 4.0