Épisodes

  • Gen Z’s Mindset on Retirement Financial Planning

    Gen Z’s Mindset on Retirement Financial Planning
    Sep 5 2025
    What does retirement and financial planning look like when you're 25? And, why should young people start caring about it now? In this episode of #GenZ, Dr. Meghan Grace is joined by Zechariah Schaefer, founder of Ascent Personal Finance, to explore what financial planning and retirement preparation actually means for Gen Z. This conversation dives into how today's Gen Z professionals are redefining success, blending purpose with planning, and seeking financial strategies that truly fit the life they want to live today and in the future. Zechariah shares his personal story—from growing up around Wall Street to launching his own advice-only wealth firm designed specifically for high-earning Gen Z and Millennial clients. Together, Meghan and Zechariah uncover how young people today are navigating wealth-building with intentionality, flexibility, and a healthy skepticism of outdated financial norms. You’ll leave feeling empowered to reflect honestly on your finances and your future. Zechariah leaves us with simple, practical insights: Money is your story. It’s not just numbers. It’s about aligning dollars with your values and the life you want. Rent or buy? Do the math. Owning a house isn’t always best. In many places, renting saves money and reduces stress. 401(k)s and IRAs are buckets. They’re not investments. They’re tools with tax benefits. Use them in the right order. DIY or hire? Test yourself. Do you have the time, talent, and desire to manage your money? If not, find help. And if you hire, make sure they review your tax return. Start simple. Spend less than you earn. Pay off high-interest debt. If possible, save about 15% of income and use tax-advantaged accounts first. Make sure your money is invested and diversified, not just sitting in cash. Connect with Zechariah on LinkedIn Securities offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Focus Financial. Osaic Wealth is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic Wealth.
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    44 min
  • How Gen Z is Rethinking and Preparing for Retirement

    How Gen Z is Rethinking and Preparing for Retirement
    Aug 21 2025
    What is the key to a fulfilling career and life? Maybe it isn’t about what happens when we sign off for retirement - if we ever sign off at all. In this episode of #GenZ, Meghan sits down with Noah Sheidlower, economy reporter at Business Insider, to explore a surprising trend reshaping the workforce: more Americans than ever are staying on the job— including those in their 70s, 80s, and even 90s. Noah has spent the past year interviewing hundreds of older adults about why they work, what they’ve learned during their careers, and what they wish they had known earlier in life. From Home Depot cashiers to 80-year-old construction workers, these stories reveal both the financial realities and deeply human motivations behind working later in life. Together, Meghan and Noah unpack: Why retirement is no longer a one-size-fits-all milestone The role of purpose and social connection in healthy aging Common regrets older generations have — and how Gen Z can learn from them now How younger workers are approaching financial planning earlier than ever The freedom that comes with letting go of “life timelines” Follow along with Noah’s work here: LinkedIn Twitter/X Business Insider Page
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    40 min
  • Gen Z is Getting Off Screens and Connecting IRL

    Gen Z is Getting Off Screens and Connecting IRL
    Aug 6 2025
    We’ve talked about the rise of in-person events and “fourth spaces”—but today, we’re zooming in on the real engine behind this shift: the people who gather others and bring communities together. In this episode, Meghan Grace is joined by Andrew Roth, Gen Z researcher, Forbes 30 Under 30 alum, and Founder of dcdx and Offline. Together, they unpack how Gen Z is moving beyond algorithm-driven influence toward community-led, offline experiences—and what that means for brands, marketers, and changemakers alike. In this episode: Why Gen Z is burnt out on social media and hungry for in-person connection How dcdx’s research shows how young people feel “exhausted” by digital life The difference between influencers and hosts who create influence, and why that matters What is being done to support community builders and how brands can be a part of interest-driven communities How to build trust and connection without disrupting the vibe Learn more about Andrew and Offline: offlinetalent.com Reach out: andrew@offlinetalent.com Follow: @OfflineTalent on Instagram
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    48 min
  • Gen Z and the Grannycore Trend

    Gen Z and the Grannycore Trend
    Jul 24 2025
    What do Mahjong, knitting, and bread baking have in common? They are more than cozy pastimes and they’re at the heart of one of Gen Z’s fastest-growing cultural trends: Grannycore. In this episode, Meghan Grace is joined by Roseli Ilano, Head of Community and Trends Expert at Eventbrite, to explore why younger generations are turning to traditionally “old-school” hobbies and what it reveals about how they want to gather, connect, and decompress. Going beyond retro aesthetics, Meghan and Roseli explore the shift away from digital burnout as Gen Z is choosing connection and presence by creating space to rest, learn, and play with others. Topics Covered: What “Grannycore” means and why it matters Why Gen Z is drawn to slower, hands-on hobbies How simple events are creating stronger community bonds The mental health and cultural benefits of screen-free activities Ideas for how workplaces and educators can support genuine connection Follow on Instagram @eventbrite Want to host your own event? Event Organizer
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    32 min
  • Gen Z & the Freelancer Marketplace

    Gen Z & the Freelancer Marketplace
    Jul 9 2025
    What does it mean to build a career on your own terms? And, how is Gen Z leading that shift? Meghan Grace sits down with Dr. Gabby Burlacu, Senior Research Manager at Upwork, to explore the rise of freelance and portfolio careers among Gen Z professionals. Drawing on findings from Upwork’s 2025 Future Workforce Index, Gabby and Meghan unpack why over half of Gen Z skilled knowledge workers are choosing freelance work over the traditional 9-to-5. They explore the psychological importance of control, how portfolio careers offer more autonomy and growth, and why AI literacy is becoming a non-negotiable career skill. From organizational psychology to real-world strategies, this conversation offers insight for anyone navigating the evolving future of work. Here’s is covered in this episode: Key findings from Upwork’s 2025 Future Workforce Index Why Gen Z is opting out of the traditional 9-to-5 The growing need for AI fluency in career growth What organizations must rethink to retain the next-gen workforce Learn more about the Upwork Research Institute: Future Workforce Index Report (2025)
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    36 min
  • A New Era of Leadership

    A New Era of Leadership
    Jun 26 2025
    In this episode of #GenZ, Meghan Grace explores the evolving landscape of modern leadership with Amanda Litman, author, political strategist, and co-founder of Run for Something. Meghan and Amanda unpack what makes this generation of leaders different - from prioritizing mental well-being and transparency, to rejecting outdated hierarchies and performative “professionalism.” This episode explores setting boundaries, leading without a title, and why Gen Z’s so-called audacity is actually their greatest strength. In this episode: How Millennial and Gen Z leaders are redefining success The myth of hustle culture and why boundaries are essential Why communication norms are an inclusion strategy, not red tape What legacy leadership looks like beyond ego Tactical advice for aspiring leaders at any level When We’re in Charge by Amanda Litman — Available wherever you get your books Amanda’s newsletter: ⁠amandalitman.substack.com⁠ Follow ⁠@amandalitman⁠ on social platforms Learn more at ⁠runforsomething.net⁠
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    41 min
  • Gen Z’s Empowered Approach to Using AI

    Gen Z’s Empowered Approach to Using AI
    Jun 16 2025
    Conversations about AI are everywhere and Gen Z is welcoming the technology into many facets of life. Meghan Grace is joined by AI strategist and higher education consultant Claire Brady to explore how Generation Z is uniquely positioned to thrive in an AI-driven world. They dive into actionable strategies for using artificial intelligence with intentionality and fostering authentic human connections in digital spaces. In this episode, you can expect to learn: How Gen Z can develop strong AI literacy skills Claire’s favorite AI tools (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and more) and how she uses them The role of AI in mental health, productivity, and education How to critically evaluate AI-generated content with discernment What educators and employers need to know to support Gen Z in a tech-heavy future Learn more about Claire at Drclairebrady.com Connect with Claire on LinkedIn
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    45 min
  • Gen Z Gathering & Events

    Gen Z Gathering & Events
    May 29 2025
    What happens when a generation raised on digital connection starts craving real-world relationships? In this episode of #GenZ, Meghan Grace sits down with Alexis Benveniste, writer and trends expert at Eventbrite, to explore the powerful shift happening in how Gen Z gathers. Drawing from Eventbrite’s latest research, Alexis unpacks why young adults are trading screen time for shared experiences and how they’re turning niche online interests into vibrant in-person communities. From “fourth spaces” to sober-curious socials, this conversation reveals what’s fueling Gen Z’s desire for depth, authenticity, and intention in how they connect. In This Episode: What “fourth spaces” are and why they matter more than ever Surprising stats on how Gen Z is forming friendships IRL Why shared passions are the new social glue How event organizers can better connect with Gen Z Tips for showing up with confidence and curiosity in new spaces Follow Alexis: @apbenven Learn more about the research: Eventbrite.com/blog
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    33 min