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In this episode, you’ll meet Pepper, an 18-year-old with a love for planes, a flair for music, and a thoughtful take on navigating young adulthood today. Pepper talks candidly about the realities of college applications, the highs and lows of participating in band and choir, and the challenges of finding a college that feels safe and welcoming as a trans student. There are genuine moments of joy—like making Allstate Choir—and lots of honest conversation about choosing a career that fits, moving between states, and the everyday balance of passion and practicality. With warmth and openness, Pepper shares what friendship, family support, and self-discovery look like alongside the complexities of growing up queer in today’s America. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your next steps, or just want to hear what life looks like from Gen Z’s perspective, this episode is an easy and inviting listen.

This is our Season 1 finale! Season 2 of Rated Gen Z kicks off in the new year—see you in 2026!

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In episode 32 of Rated Gen Z, we're diving deep into the power of youth-driven change with special guest Taylor Thigpen. From starting a thriving houseplant business at 14 to launching nonprofit initiatives that bridge cultures between American and Ukrainian youth, Taylor’s journey is all about purpose, passion, and real-world impact. Host Raquel returns from filming a Gen Z documentary to chat with Taylor about 4H, leadership, social entrepreneurship, and what it means to build authentic, intergenerational connections in a digital world. We cover creativity, critical thinking in the age of AI, and why young people aren’t just the leaders of tomorrow—they’re leading today.

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In this episode, we chat with Megumi, a Northwestern University student athlete who's got some real talk about what it's like to be Gen Z right now. She opens up about her work with the Evanston Special Olympics and how it changed her view on what success in sports really means. But that's just the start.

Megumi doesn't hold back when it comes to the job hunt struggle. She breaks down how weird it is that we're all told to be unique, but then companies just want to see the numbers. It's like, what gives? And don't even get her started on those robot interviews.

We also dig into the whole social media thing. Megumi's got some thoughts on why her generation is so into the 90s and early 2000s vibe. It's not just about the fashion - it's about missing a time when we weren't all glued to our phones 24/7.

Speaking of phones, we get into how they've changed the way we talk to each other. Megumi shares how watching "Sex and the City" with her mom is like looking at a whole different world of hanging out and dating. It's wild to see how much has changed, but also how some things about being human never do.

This conversation's got it all - laughs, real talk about the challenges Gen Z faces, and some surprising insights about how different generations can actually connect. Whether you're trying to figure out your own path or just want to understand what's up with the kids these days, Megumi's take is fresh, honest, and might just change how you see things.

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In this episode, we kick it with Ryan, a young creative powerhouse who's crushing it in the world of content creation, podcasting, and business strategy. Ryan spills the tea on his journey from existential crisis at 19 to building a multi-faceted career that's all about making creativity his life's work. He's not just talking the talk - this guy's walking the walk, running a podcast production company and DJing on the side.

But it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Ryan gets real about the struggles of comparison in the digital age and drops some serious wisdom on why true competition in business is basically non-existent. (Spoiler alert: there's no finish line, so chill out and focus on your own goals.)

We dive into the AI revolution in content creation, with Ryan singing the praises of ChatGPT and other tools that are changing the game for creators. But don't worry, he's not about to let the robots take over. Instead, he's all about using tech to boost productivity and free up time for what really matters - making art.

Speaking of art, Ryan's got some fire advice for young creators out there: "Don't stop doing your art." Whether you're into music, podcasts, or interpretive dance, he's adamant that your passions aren't just hobbies - they're essential parts of who you are and could be the key to your future success.

From mentorship hacks to daily goal-setting strategies, this episode is packed with actionable tips for anyone looking to level up their creative game. So grab your headphones and get ready for a dose of Gen Z realness that'll leave you feeling inspired, motivated, and maybe a little bit obsessed with AI. Trust us, you don't want to miss this one.

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In this episode, we hang out with Swetha, a 22-year-old entrepreneur fresh out of UT Austin who's shaking things up in the world of AI and student empowerment. She's all about getting students AI-powered and ready to take on the future. But it's not just tech talk - Swetha gets real about the ups and downs of job hunting, modern dating, and figuring out your mental health in your twenties.

From building websites with AI to navigating the wild world of situationships, Shweta's experiences are a window into Gen Z life. She's not afraid to call out the BS in traditional job applications or share her journey with therapy and attachment styles. And let's be real, her take on "decentering men" in women's lives is both refreshing and thought-provoking.

Whether you're curious about how AI is changing the game, struggling with dating app fatigue, or just trying to get your life together, Swetha's blend of tech savvy and emotional intelligence hits different. She's got this way of turning life's challenges into experiments that'll make you want to level up your own game.

This conversation is a mix of practical wisdom and raw honesty that'll resonate whether you're a student, a young professional, or just someone trying to make sense of this crazy world. It's like grabbing coffee with that friend who's always got the best advice - but with a side of AI revolution.

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In this episode, we catch up with Joshua Jones, a marketing student at LSU who's back to spill the tea on his college life and Gen Z experiences. Joshua's got some exciting news - he's part of my upcoming documentary that's all about giving young voices a platform. He's pumped to show how his generation is tackling everything from social media drama to COVID curveballs.

Joshua's not just sitting around waiting for opportunities to knock. He's out there hustling, landing campus jobs before he even started classes. Talk about initiative! He's also killing it with his internship at Kids Orchestra, where he's snapping pics and managing social media for this awesome nonprofit that's all about unleashing kids' creativity.

But it's not all work and no play. Joshua gets real about dating in the Gen Z world. He's not buying into the whole "swipe right" culture. Instead, he's all about making genuine connections and keeping things low-key until it's time to go public. And when it comes to shows like Love Island? Joshua's not letting that TV drama dictate his love life. He's keeping it 100, focusing on shared interests and real conversations.

Throughout the chat, Joshua drops some serious wisdom bombs. He's all about being true to yourself, not following the crowd, and leading with purpose. Whether you're trying to navigate college life, land that dream internship, or figure out this whole dating thing, Joshua's got some fresh takes that'll have you nodding along. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to get the real scoop on what it's like to be young and ambitious in 2025.

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In this inspiring episode, we connect with Vanessa Rosalie, a 22-year-old former foster youth who's turning her challenging past into a powerful force for change. Vanessa pulls back the curtain on her 13-year journey through the foster care system, sharing the raw realities of living in 12 different homes and attending 5 schools. But this isn't a story of defeat - it's a testament to resilience and the transformative power of education.

Vanessa tackles head-on the stereotypes that often box in foster youth, revealing how these labels can become self-fulfilling prophecies. She credits her success to a foundation of normalcy before entering care and a deep-rooted faith that kept her anchored through the chaos. Her insights on trauma's physical toll - including her own struggle with obesity - offer a fresh perspective on the long-lasting effects of childhood instability.

But it's not all heavy. Vanessa's warmth and humor shine through as she dishes on the power of simply being present for traumatized youth, setting boundaries with family (even when it's tough), and why working on yourself is a non-negotiable for a good life. From her current work creating safe spaces for kindergarteners to her acceptance into UCLA's law program, Vanessa proves that your past doesn't define your future.

Whether you've experienced foster care, know someone who has, or just want to be a better ally, Vanessa's story will challenge your assumptions and leave you inspired to create positive change. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the real experiences of Gen Z foster youth and the incredible potential they hold.

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In this illuminating episode, we chat with Lachelle, a 20-year-old marketing intern at the DMAX Foundation who's making waves in mental health awareness. She spills the tea on what it's really like to balance college life, social media, and emotional well-being in today's always-on world.

Lachelle gets real about the DMAX Foundation's mission to create safe spaces for young adults to talk openly about mental health. She shares her own journey of finding community and support through DMAX events at Cheney University, from chill table talks to stress-busting pet therapy sessions.

But it's not all serious stuff. Lachelle dishes on the love-hate relationship Gen Z has with social media. She admits to the anxiety and FOMO that comes with constant scrolling, but also highlights how platforms like TikTok and Instagram are opening doors for creatives and entrepreneurs.

We dive into the offline world too, with Lachelle revealing how painting and journaling have become her go-to methods for finding calm in the chaos. It's a refreshing reminder that sometimes the best self-care doesn't require Wi-Fi.

As a rising star in communications, Lachelle shares her dreams of becoming a social media manager, painting a picture of a future where digital platforms are used for good. Her enthusiasm for creating content that connects and inspires is seriously contagious.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to figure out how to adult in the digital age. Whether you're struggling with mental health, questioning your relationship with social media, or just looking for some real talk about life as a young adult, Lachelle's mix of honesty, hope, and practical wisdom hits different. Get ready for a conversation that's as refreshing as it is real.

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