Manifestation has a presence in Gen Z culture—but what's really driving its popularity?

Research on self-efficacy, goal-setting, and positive self-talk suggests that our beliefs can influence our motivation, confidence, and ability to pursue opportunities. In a generation navigating economic uncertainty, rapid technological change, and constant digital connection, it's no surprise that concepts like manifestation, affirmations, and mindset have become part of the conversation.

In this episode, Dr. Meghan Grace sits down with creator, podcast host, and manifestation educator Ryan Lu to explore why manifestation resonates so deeply with Gen Z. Ryan shares his journey from aspiring songwriter and content creator to building a community centered around confidence, personal growth, and possibility. Together, they discuss the psychology behind self-belief, the role of social media in shaping our perceptions of success, and why Gen Z approaches life's biggest challenges with equal parts ambition, humor, and optimism.

Whether you're curious about manifestation, interested in understanding Gen Z, or looking for practical ways to build confidence and resilience, this conversation offers a thoughtful perspective on how mindset can shape the way we move through the world.

We Discuss:

Why manifestation has become part of the Gen Z mindset

The connection between affirmations, confidence, and self-belief

How social media influences our understanding of success

The difference between optimism and toxic positivity

Ryan's philosophy of being "realistic-delulu"

Practical ways to build resilience and pursue your goals

Connect with Ryan:

Instagram: @e.mo.tions

TikTok: @e.mo.tions

Podcast: Delulu with Ryan Lu

What does it mean to come of age in an economy that feels increasingly expensive, uncertain, and impossible to navigate?

In this episode, Megan sits down with economist, creator, and founder of The Junior Economist, Guyesha Blackshear, to unpack how Gen Z is experiencing today's economy differently than previous generations. Together, they explore everything from financial anxiety and "late-stage capitalism" to side hustles, social media, AI, and the changing definition of success.

Guyesha shares why Gen Z has become one of the most adaptive generations in recent history, how economic instability has shaped their mindset around work and money, and why traditional financial advice often falls short in addressing today's realities.

Whether you're Gen Z yourself or someone who works with, leads, parents, teaches, or mentors young adults, this conversation offers insight into the economic forces shaping a generation and the resilience helping them navigate it.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Why Gen Z approaches work, money, and risk differently than older generations

The connection between economic instability and financial anxiety

What people really mean when they talk about "late-stage capitalism"

How social media has changed perceptions of wealth, success, and career paths

The benefits and challenges of the creator economy and side hustles

Why AI literacy is becoming a critical career skill

The role of community, relationships, and adaptability during uncertain economic times

Practical mindset shifts for building long-term resilience

Connect with Guyesha

TikTok: @TheJuniorEconomist

Substack: The Junior Economist

LinkedIn: Guyesha Blackshear

Parenthood is a major life milestone andGen Z is approaching it with their own mindset.

In this episode of #GenZ, Meghan Grace sits down with perinatal therapist and Nameberry Editor-in-Chief Sophie Kihm to explore how Gen Z is rethinking parenting, relationships, emotional health, and family-building in real time.

This conversation is about more than babies - It’s about how an entire generation is approaching adulthood with more intentionality, self-awareness, and openness around topics previous generations often kept private.

Drawing from Sophie’s work with parents and parents-to-be, Meghan and Sophie unpack why Gen Z adults are:

Thinking more critically about whether or not they want children 

Having earlier conversations about finances, caregiving, and relationship expectations

Bringing therapy, emotional intelligence, and self-development into parenting conversations 

Navigating the tension between individuality and caregiving

Redefining fatherhood, paternity leave, and equitable parenting roles

Trying to build healthier family systems than the ones they may have grown up with

Connect with Sophie:

Website: sophiekihm.com

Instagram: @sophiekihm

Chicago Perinatal Therapy: chicagoperinataltherapy.com

Nameberry: nameberry.com

We knew this day would come, we just didn’t think it would be here so soon - Gen Z is getting married.

In this episode of #GenZ, Meghan Grace sits down with Adrienna McDermott, founder of Ava and The Bee, to unpack what’s really shaping how Gen Z approaches weddings—and what that reveals about how they make decisions more broadly.

Because this is about much more than weddings. It’s about what’s underneath it all that drives their consumer decisions around big life moments.

From industry insights to real-time client behavior, Meghan and Adrienna explore why Gen Z couples are:

Doing significantly more research before making decisions

Expecting full transparency in pricing and process

Prioritizing guest experience and community over tradition for tradition’s sake

Balancing individuality with trend-driven aesthetics

Planning faster, but with higher expectations

While those shifts might feel disruptive, this episode reframes them with depth: Gen Z is redefining weddings with intention, values, and a focus on meaningful experiences.

Connect with Adrienna on Instagram 

Season 8 is here—and we’re starting with a question that feels bigger than dating:

Is Gen Z actually avoiding love… or protecting themselves from it?

In this episode of #GenZ, Meghan Grace sits down with Dr. Corey Seemiller to unpack what’s really shaping Gen Z’s approach to love, dating, and relationships right now.

Because this isn’t about “dating advice.”It’s about what’s underneath it all.

From new research to real-life observations, Meghan and Corey explore why so many Gen Z'ers are:

And while those trends might sound discouraging, this episode reframes them with clarity:

Gen Z isn’t disengaged from love—they’re being intentional, cautious, and values-driven about how they approach it.

Connect with Corey on LinkedIn

Find her book: The Soulmate Strategy: My Imperfect Plan to Conquer Heartbreak and Find True Love here

In the Season 7 finale of #GenZ, Dr. Meghan Grace brings her production team, Callie Waters and Leah Kramer, from behind the scenes to the mic. Together, they reflect on the standout moments from this season and what the conversations revealed about where Gen Z is heading next.

This year, #GenZ explored how young adults are navigating work, money, relationships, health, and purpose in an unpredictable world. From redefining leadership and community to finding creative paths toward stability and fulfillment, Season 7 uncovered a common thread: Gen Z is approaching adulthood with intention, adaptability, and authenticity.

They also share what’s next for #GenZ in Season 8—new voices, new topics, and fresh perspectives on how this generation continues to grow, lead, and make sense of adulthood.

There’s a reason the phrase “laughter is the best medicine” became such a popular thing to say. A good helps us feel better, but is also a way Gen is making sense of the world and their lives. In this episode of #GenZ, host Meghan Grace sits down with the podcast’s own editor — comedian, creative producer, and grief group facilitator Leah Kramer— to explore how Gen Z is using comedy as a form of critique, connection, and coping.

From launching Crush Comedy  to building Hot People Grieving, a peer-led space for young adults navigating loss, Leah shares how humor and creative expression have helped her — and her generation — process the world with both depth and levity.

Together, Meghan and Leah unpack:

This episode blends storytelling, social commentary, and some serious laughs — all through the lens of what it means to be growing up and creating in a world that feels like it's on fire.

Follow Leah on Instagram: @LJKrAY

Learn about Crush Comedy: @CrushComedy

Connect with Leah on LinkedIn

In this episode of #GenZ host Dr. Meghan Grace sits down with Gabby Beckford — award-winning travel creator and founder of  Packs Light and SeekPTO. From solo trips at 17 to funding travel through scholarships, fellowships, and global programs, Gabby has built a life around one belief:Travel isn’t about money. It’s about mindset.

Together, Meghan and Gabby explore how Gen Z is redefining travel — not as luxury or escapism, but as strategy, identity development, and empowered exploration. They unpack:

Why Gen Z is more likely to pursue growth-oriented travel over traditional vacations

The underrated world of paid travel opportunities and why they’re more accessible than you think

How “delusional optimism” and curiosity can open doors that credentials can’t

What it looks like to build your own eligibility in a world that waits for résumés

Whether you're a student dreaming of seeing the world, an educator looking to support global learners, or someone simply craving more possibility in your daily life, this episode shifts how you think about travel and the opportunities it creates.

Connect with Gabby Beckford:

Instagram & TikTok: @packslight

Explore travel scholarships & global programs: SeekPTO.com

“Going out” is getting a broader definition. More young people are choosing intention and wellness over traditional nightlife or bar hopping.  There’s a shift in what it means to “party” and Gen Z is driving that evolution.

In this episode of #GenZ, Meghan Grace sits down with Hannah Eyre—yoga teacher, breathwork facilitator, and co-founder of the Savannah Ice Tub Club—to explore how Gen Z is changing the way we gather and what it means to party. From cold plunges and contrast therapy to sound bowls and mocktails, Hannah is creating inclusive spaces that prioritize wellness, connection, and intention over traditional partying focusing on alcohol or other substances.

Together, they dive into:

Why Gen Z is trading nightlife for “daylife” gatherings

What it takes to create a community-first event culture

The power of starting small, staying weird, and showing up consistently

Connect with Hannah on Instagram: @icetubclub

Gen Z is approaching their relationship with alcohol differently and reshaping what it means to “go out”, socialize, and connect. 

In this conversation, Meghan Grace is joined by Todd Harris, co-founder of Plift, a THC-infused beverage company rooted in community, culture, and choice. Todd brings a mix of brand wisdom with personal vulnerability, opening up about his recovery journey and the motivations behind launching a new kind of social beverage.

Together, they explore:

How Gen Z is redefining drinking culture and socializing beyond alcohol

The rise of THC beverages, alcohol alternatives, and the wellness-minded, intentional consumers driving this shift

Todd’s take on creating brands with purpose vs. selling products with hype

Day parties, AM clubbing, and why 11 a.m. is the new midnight

Follow Plift on Instagram & TikTok: @drinkplift

Connect with Todd Harris on LinkedIn

Learn more about Plift