GenZ Unplugged

In this powerful lecture at Grove City College, Kimberly Begg — president of the Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women — explains why modern feminism has left a generation more anxious, lonely, and confused than ever before, and why the answer isn’t going backward, but rediscovering the truth about women, family, and faith.Drawing on history, Christian tradition, and her work mentoring young women across the country, Begg argues that the culture has lied to young women about happiness, success, and freedom — and that authentic Christian womanhood offers a far more compelling vision. From the struggles facing Gen Z to the example of Joan of Arc, Proverbs 31, and the saints, this talk lays out how women can shape families, influence culture, and change the world.This lecture was delivered at Grove City College as part of the Conservative Mind Lecture Series. 00:56 — Introduction & Kimberly Begg’s background01:48 — Why this generation is facing unique cultural challenges02:53 — Gen Z has the smallest support system in history03:58 — Social media, isolation, and the loneliness crisis04:51 — Indoctrination, identity confusion, and the loss of truth05:49 — Why strong women are essential to strong families and a strong nation06:56 — The danger of modern feminism and confusion about womanhood07:53 — Joan of Arc and the courage to follow your calling08:54 — The Proverbs 31 woman and the partnership of marriage09:56 — Your “Joan of Arc moment” — choosing courage over comfort 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

Is the American dream slipping away — or were we never told how the system really works?In this episode, we sit down with journalist, author, and Bitcoin advocate Natalie Brunell to talk about why so many young people feel like they can’t get ahead… and why the problem might be deeper than politics. From growing up hearing stories about life under communism, to watching her own family lose everything in the financial crisis, Natalie shares how she went from investigative reporter to one of the leading voices explaining Bitcoin, inflation, and the broken incentives shaping our economy.We talk about why Gen Z feels financially trapped, why “tax the rich” isn’t fixing the problem, how the money system affects everything from housing to food to family life — and why some people believe Bitcoin could change all of it.If you’ve ever wondered why life feels harder than it should… this conversation might explain more than you expect. Natalie Brunell is a leading podcast host, educator, and media commentator focused on Bitcoin education and financial literacy. She is the creator and host of Coin Stories, a top-ranked Bitcoin podcast featuring timely investing insights and in-depth conversations with global thought leaders across finance, economics, and technology. Coin Stories is the No. 1 hosted show in the Bitcoin category, ranks in the Top 10 of Apple Podcasts’ Business News charts, and reaches more than one million monthly viewers and listeners.Natalie is also the author of Bitcoin Is for Everyone, a guide designed to make Bitcoin accessible to a broader audience. Prior to launching her independent media career, she spent over a decade as an award-winning television journalist and investigative reporter, earning a regional Emmy for breaking news coverage and recognition for her data-driven, deeply sourced reporting.In addition to her media work, Natalie has served as an adjunct professor of advanced communication and visual storytelling at the University of Southern California. A first-generation immigrant from Poland, she holds a Master of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University.1:10 — From Communism to America: Why Natalie Questions the System2:44 — The 2008 Crash That Destroyed Her Family’s Finances3:42 — Investigative Journalism → Discovering the Truth About Money4:06 — The Moment Bitcoin Made the System Make Sense5:41 — Why “Tax the Rich” Doesn’t Fix Anything7:56 — The Real Reason Inflation Keeps Getting Worse10:19 — Bitcoin Explained Simply (No Jargon)14:16 — Bitcoin vs Crypto: Why Most Coins Aren’t the Same16:30 — Why Gen Z Feels Broke, Stuck, and Hopeless22:08 — How Broken Money Is Affecting Food, Health, and Culture Get Natalie's book here: https://a.co/d/0hUYi4dG 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 does it take to walk away from one of the most powerful institutions in America?In this episode of Gen Z Unplugged, we unpack the story of former FBI Special Agent Nicole Parker—a decorated investigator who worked on nationally significant cases including the Parkland school shooting, the Fort Lauderdale airport attack, and the Cesar Sayoc pipe bomb investigation. GENZ_031126_Nicole ParkerAfter years inside the Bureau, Parker says she saw something troubling: what she describes as “two FBIs.” One filled with agents committed to protecting Americans—and another increasingly driven by politics and internal pressure.Rather than stay silent, she made a decision that few people would: she walked away.We discuss:Why Parker says integrity matters more than career securityThe pressure many agents face to stay quietWhy she refused to be treated as a “token female” in law enforcementThe danger of blind obedience to authorityAnd what her story teaches young Americans about courage, conscience, and standing up for the truthAt a time when trust in institutions is at historic lows, Nicole Parker’s story raises a bigger question:What happens when doing the right thing costs you everything?▶️ Listen now to hear why courage may be the most important virtue of all. 00:33 — Meet Nicole Parker: The FBI Agent Who Spoke Out01:06 — Inside the “Two FBIs” Nicole Says Exist02:33 — Why She Refused to Be a “Token Female” Agent03:26 — How 9/11 Inspired Her to Join the FBI04:08 — Walking Away From the Bureau to Tell the Truth05:38 — The Real Danger of Lowering Standards07:28 — “I Am Not a Token Female” — Nicole Pushes Back11:23 — Men and Women: Equal, But Not the Same15:42 — The Problem With Blind Obedience to Authority22:46 — The Lesson Nicole Wants Every Young Person to RememberWatch Nicole Parker's full speech here: https://youtu.be/5FX02p0Z6u4?si=xUEdNfK6KWV18idr 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

Communism is often sold as a vision of equality, fairness, and security for everyone. But what does it actually require to work?In this episode of Gen Z Unplugged, we unpack the promises behind communist and socialist ideas that are gaining popularity with young Americans—and the realities that often get left out of the conversation. Drawing on the testimony of G. Van Fleet, a survivor of Mao’s Cultural Revolution, we explore how collectivist ideas spread, why they appeal to younger generations, and what history shows about where they lead.Is communism truly about helping the vulnerable—or does it demand far more than people realize?Watch the full conversation and decide for yourself.0:39 – Why a survivor of Communist China is warning Americans1:08 – The shocking similarities between the U.S. and Communist regimes1:39 – Why Gen Z struggles to understand the cost of freedom2:22 – Reagan’s warning: Freedom is one generation away from extinction3:37 – How Marxist ideas spread through universities4:28 – The buzzwords Gen Z should recognize as Marxism7:19 – “Replacing rugged individualism with collectivism” explained9:08 – Why faith and local communities succeed where collectivism fails12:46 – The incentive problem that makes communism collapse28:40 – The final warning: Freedom must be defended by the next generation Xi Van Fleet's talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpJmIUp1Olo  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 if everything culture told you about “success” was backwards?In this powerful summit talk, Lauren Husman dismantles the modern feminist script that says career over family, independence over intimacy, and ambition over motherhood is the only path to happiness. From a viral ad that erased a mom’s family in the name of “focus,” to the rising 4B movement swearing off men entirely, Lauren asks the question most Gen Z women are too afraid to say out loud:What if marriage and motherhood aren’t the problem… but the promise?Backed by eye-opening polling data and her own story as a newlywed, Lauren exposes the lie of the “strong, independent woman” myth and offers something radically countercultural: a vision of the real good life — one rooted in faith, family, and truth.If you’ve ever felt torn between ambition and marriage, career and kids, culture and conviction — this conversation is for you. 6:08 – The Commercial That Says Your Family Is a “Distraction”7:03 – The Modern Definition of a “Successful Woman”8:23 – The Feminist Checklist for Happiness9:39 – How Radical Feminism Became “Mainstream”10:46 – The Happiness Decline No One Talks About11:36 – “Shouting Your Abortion” — What It Really Reveals12:51 – The Poll That Surprised Everyone About Gen Z Women13:51 – “I Just Got Married” — Why I Didn’t Wait14:54 – The Problem With Non-Committal Gen Z Men16:14 – The Real Good Life (And What Actually Matters Most)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

When Hillary Clinton writes about Allie Beth Stuckey in The Atlantic, you know something bigger is happening.In this episode of Gen Z Unplugged, we unpack Clinton’s viral article attacking the idea of “toxic empathy” — a phrase Stuckey has popularized to describe what happens when compassion is manipulated to justify destructive policies.Is empathy being weaponized in today’s culture wars?Can empathy become harmful when it overrides truth and justice?And why are young conservative women suddenly at the center of this national debate?From immigration and abortion to gender ideology and women’s sports, we break down what Clinton actually said, how Allie Beth responded, and why this conversation matters for Gen Z right now.Because this isn’t just a media spat.It’s a fight over what compassion really means — and who gets protected when empathy is pushed to the extreme.Listen in as we explore the headlines, the context, and the deeper question:Is empathy our highest virtue — or has it replaced something even more important?00:46 – Welcome & Why Hillary Clinton Targeted “Toxic Empathy”01:04 – Allie Beth Stuckey’s Reaction to The Atlantic Article02:44 – What “Toxic Empathy” Actually Means04:11 – How Empathy Can Blind Critical Thinking06:10 – The Sermon That Sparked the Controversy07:56 – Allie Beth’s 3-Part Definition of Toxic Empathy09:14 – The Laken Riley Case & Selective Outrage12:13 – Gender Ideology, Regret & Irreversible Consequences14:00 – Why Love (Not Empathy) Is the Highest Virtue20:54 – Social Media, Extremism & The Algorithm Problem Read the full article:“The War on Empathy” by Hillary Clinton, The Atlantichttps://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/01/war-empathy-hillary-clinton/685809/Watch Allie Beth Stuckey’s full response here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxSfytPN2kQ 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 4.0Hillary Clinton thumbnail: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MJK_70656_Hillary_Clinton_(Hillary,_Berlinale_2020).jpg

Happy early Valentine’s Day from Gen Z Unplugged 💌In this fun and thoughtful Valentine’s special, we’re talking everything from dreamy date ideas and “talking stage” confusion to healthy standards and our favorite conservative couples.We share practical (and realistic) dating advice for Gen Z women, reflect on examples of strong marriages like Ronald Reagan & Nancy Reagan, and highlight modern couples like Allie Beth Stuckey, Isabel Brown, and JD Vance & Usha Vance who show that marriage can be joyful, supportive, and faith-filled.Whether you’re planning a candlelight concert, making heart-shaped pancakes, hosting Galentine’s, or navigating an undefined “talking stage” — this episode is for you.00:47 – Welcome to Our Valentine’s Day Special 💐01:34 – Classic vs. Creative Date Ideas (Candlelight Concerts, Pottery & More)03:52 – Group Dates on Valentine’s Day… Yes or No?04:41 – Stay In or Go Out? The Reservation Struggle Is Real06:34 – How Long Do You Have to Be Dating for Valentine’s to “Count”?08:06 – Talking Stage Dilemmas & Subtle Flower Moves 🌹10:34 – What If You’re Single on Valentine’s Day? (Galentine’s & Self-Date Ideas)17:27 – Conservative Couples We Love & Why They Inspire Us24:33 – “Marriage Is 100/100” – Powerful Advice for Young Women28:31 – Low Maintenance vs. Undervalued + Ending the Endless Talking Stage💬 Join the conversation in the comments:What’s your ideal Valentine’s date — dinner out, cozy at home, or Galentine’s night?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

As a new year unfolds, it’s easy to obsess over résumés, productivity hacks, fitness milestones, and the next big achievement. But what if we’re asking the wrong questions altogether?In this episode of Gen Z Unplugged, Hannah Faulkner joins the conversation to unpack what it actually means to set goals with eternity in mind. From faith and fitness to work, mentorship, and burnout, we wrestle with the tension between worldly success and kingdom impact—and why Gen Z feels stuck chasing outcomes that never quite satisfy.We talk about delayed gratification, stewarding your body and mind, resisting the pull of constant productivity, and choosing goals that shape who you’re becoming—not just what you’re accomplishing. If you’re entering 2026 asking “What really matters?”—this episode is for you. 00:49 — Your 2026 Goals Might Be Aimed at the Wrong Thing01:38 — Stop Building a Resume and Start Thinking About Your Eulogy03:56 — When Self-Improvement Quietly Replaces God05:38 — Why Hustle Culture Is Burning Out Gen Z Women07:52 — Doomscrolling, AI, and the Death of Deep Thinking10:18 — The Mentorship Gap No One Is Talking About13:06 — You Become What You Watch, Read, and Follow17:05 — Fitness Culture Is Lying to You About Your Body23:07 — Delayed Gratification Is a Spiritual Skill27:58 — Silence With God Might Be the Hardest DisciplineGenZ 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