#GenZ

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

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)

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what makes this generation of leaders different - from prioritizing mental well-being and transparency, to rejecting outdated hierarchies and performative “professionalism.”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:

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

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:

Learn more about Claire at Drclairebrady.com

Connect with Claire on LinkedIn

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:

Follow Alexis: @apbenven

Learn more about the research: Eventbrite.com/blog

Why does dating feel harder than ever for Gen Z? This episode features a conversation with sociologist and researcher Kelsey Eyre Hammond from the American Enterprise Institute’s Survey Center on American Life to explore new data from their latest report: The State of American Romance. We break down what’s fueling Gen Z’s “romantic recession”—from the rise of dating apps and shifting gender norms to political polarization and digital disconnection.

In this episode:

Read the report from AEI here: The Romantic Recession

What if aging wasn’t something to fear—but something to understand, embrace, and even look forward to?

In this episode, Meghan Grace is joined by Sharon Rose, a social gerontologist and expert in intergenerational community building. Together, they explore the science of aging and how generational studies intersect with social and emotional development across the lifespan.

Sharon shares insights from her decades of experience designing programs for intergenerational engagement and highlights the importance and power of building relationships across age groups. The episode dives into her framework of the “Three P’s” of healthy aging—and why these values resonate across generations.

Listeners will also learn about:

Connect with Sharon on LinkedIn.

Influencer marketing and content creation has grown from the early days of mommy blogs to an estimated $24B global industry—and Gen Z is leading the charge. This episode features a conversation with Jess Hunichen, co-founder of Shine Talent Group, to break down how content creation became a career path, why it resonates with Gen Z, and what’s next for the space.

You’ll hear about:

Whether you're a marketer, creator, or just influencer-curious, this conversation brings insight into the state of the industry and a glimpse at where this digital economy is headed.

Learn more about Shine Talent Group.

Meghan Grace welcomes back longtime collaborator and generational researcher, Dr. Corey Seemiller, to unpack their latest book, Generations in the World of Work. Together, they explore the realities of today's multigenerational workforce and offer actionable insights for professionals, leaders, and organizations looking to foster stronger collaboration across generations.

In this conversation, we cover:

Whether you're managing teams, mentoring early-career professionals, or simply navigating generational differences at work, this episode is packed with research-backed insights and relatable storytelling to help you lead with confidence and understanding.

Learn more about Generations in the World of Work and grab your copy:

What a year it's been - This season taught us a lot about Gen Z and how they’re reshaping the workplace—and this episode breaks it all down and weaves it together. From career priorities to culture shifts, we're recapping the standout insights, biggest challenges, and game-changing opportunities for engaging Gen Z in the workplace. Whether you’re managing Gen Z or navigating the workforce as a Gen Zer, this episode has insights to set you up for success in 2025 and beyond.

Here’s what we’re diving into: