Welcome back to Gen Z Unplugged.

Today, we’re jumping on one of the internet’s biggest trends and taking it way deeper than TikTok ever could: our Ins and Outs for 2026. From fashion and food to dating, tech, culture, and mindset, we’re breaking down what we’re officially leaving behind—and what we think is shaping the year ahead.

Some of these takes are fun. Some are spicy. Some might be a little controversial. But all of them reflect a real cultural shift we’re watching unfold: less doomscrolling, more intentional living. Less victim mentality, more accountability. Less noise, more substance.

Whether it’s why doomscrolling is out, real food is in, hobbies are back, or why boyfriends might be out and husbands might be in—this episode is our honest, unfiltered forecast for 2026. Let’s get into it.

00:00 — Why “Ins & Outs” are everywhere—and why we’re doing ours

01:40 — Dressing classy again & the return of intentional fashion

02:20 — Skinny jeans, riding boots, and the 2016 revival

05:15 — Raunchy books and movies are officially out

06:30 — Doomscrolling is out, reading and real life are in

08:15 — Food as fuel: ingredients, whole foods, and protein

14:20 — Sunlight, circadian rhythms, and waking up with the sun

18:15 — Victim mentality and chronic negativity are out

20:55 — Boyfriends out, husbands in: dating and marriage shifts

25:05 — Analog life, hobbies, and reclaiming real-world skills

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.

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Gen Z women aren’t buying the old narrative anymore. The pressure to choose between career-maxing “girlboss” culture or hyper-domestic “tradwife” ideals never fit who we actually are — and now, even the Wall Street Journal is noticing.

In this episode, we break down the WSJ feature on the Luce Center and explore how young conservative women are redefining ambition, family, calling, and success. This generation isn’t rejecting work or motherhood — we’re reframing both through the lens of seasons, purpose, and a new kind of freedom.

With insights from voices like Isabel Brown, KT McFarland, Emma Waters, and Reagan Conrad, we reveal why Gen Z is choosing earlier marriage, embracing faith, prioritizing family, and still building meaningful careers — just not on the culture’s terms.

If you’re tired of being told you only have two options, this episode is proof that a third path exists — and Gen Z women are already walking it.

00:27 — Why the Wall Street Journal is paying attention to Gen Z women

The hosts introduce the WSJ article and the emerging “seasons” mindset among young conservative women.

01:59 — “Have it all — just not all at once”

Discussion of the rising middle ground between girlboss and tradwife, and why Gen Z is carving out a new model.

05:27 — Isabel Brown on why Gen Z is different

Marriage rates, faith trends, and the surprising data showing a cultural shift among young women.

09:25 — KT McFarland’s story: the role model she never had

KT shares the Sandra Day O’Connor advice that shaped her life — and how young women today finally have role models.

13:08 — The power of role models & choosing your influences

How college culture shapes women’s beliefs — and why the Luce Center provides a new model of integrated life.

17:45 — Reagan Conrad on prioritization vs. balance

Reagan explains why the real issue isn’t work itself — it’s having the wrong order of priorities.

24:45 — The data is in: conservative & liberal women are diverging

A look at childbearing trends from the General Social Survey and what they reveal about happiness and fulfillment.

30:29 — The loneliness epidemic & why Gen Z craves family

A discussion of fractured families, declining community, and why young women want something different.

34:21 — The deeper cultural forces at work

How global and political movements have undermined the family — and why Gen Z is pushing back.

36:46 — Quiet acts of courage: how to change the culture

Why the most powerful response to cultural pressure is simply living a joyful, ordered life rooted in faith and family.

Link to the Wall Street Journal Article: https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/careers/conservative-women-career-kids-bc3094f9?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqefKzTyWQGw9yZCboaoX9MZOyq2rbzfTUWqIZ9HSe0oMHFOwyqL_PqsY5DwiOE%3D&gaa_ts=69389f99&gaa_sig=a5sVBJIEyTrXwrjFIFAbwaHI-Gveo7ZnDJu_PtNnLRqAuyfb6-5UbFBFIAOpOgynxMp9rarvn64yw6no8z6v3g%3D%3D

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.

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Attorney and author Kimberly Begg, president of the Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women and author of Unbreakable: Saints Who Inspired Saints to Moral Courage, joins our host—a Belmont Abbey College criminal justice professor and fellow attorney—to discuss how to form courageous young women in a hostile culture.

They explore why so many college women hide their convictions, how mentorship and authentic Catholic womanhood can counter that pressure, and how the stories of the saints shape families, imaginations, and moral courage. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or young woman yourself, this episode offers practical hope and a higher vision of what it means to be a woman today.

Kimberly breaks down the Michigan/Northwestern study revealing overwhelming social pressure on campuses. A pivotal moment that frames the entire conversation about courage and conformity.

A vivid look at how the Luce Center actively forms young women—media training, writing, firearms training, UN visits, and cultural formation. This paints the clearest picture of their mission in action.

Kimberly connects two iconic women across centuries, showing how deep prayer, courage, and clarity of mission create moral heroes. One of the most profound thematic sections.

Mother Teresa’s fearless witness before global leaders, including President Clinton—an unforgettable example of gentle, uncompromising courage.

Kimberly explains the parent’s role in forming spiritual and moral strength—one of the most actionable and widely relevant parts of the episode.

Check out Conversatio here: https://belmontabbeycollege.edu/podcast/

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!

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What would make a successful finance executive walk away from it all to fight for America’s kids? Erika Donalds did exactly that. When her son came home miserable from school, she discovered a broken system—and made it her mission to change it.

In this powerful episode of Gen Z Unplugged, Erika shares how one mom’s love turned into a nationwide movement for school choice and education freedom. From battling bureaucrats to building better schools, she reveals how faith, family, and fierce determination can take on even the biggest machine.

Founder and Chairman of OptimaEd and Chair of the America First Policy Institute’s Center for Education Opportunity. Erika is a national expert on education policy and school choice, a frequent media commentator and speaker, and a seasoned business executive.

01:30 – Erika shares how faith and family fueled her fight for education freedom.

02:53 – From college love to calling: how she and Byron Donalds found purpose.

04:33 – Her son’s struggle in school sparks a life-changing mission.

06:05 – The day she pulled him out—and discovered school choice.

07:35 – What “education freedom” really means for parents.

09:05 – Why the system’s failing—and how parents can take back control.

10:35 – Why Erika no longer trusts public schools.

12:05 – Busting the myth that school choice “defunds” public education.

13:35 – Teachers quietly choosing private and charter schools.

15:05 – Every family’s path is different—there’s no one-size-fits-all education.

16:41 – “If your child’s miserable, that’s not God’s plan.”

18:01 – How moms can find better options—and make it work.

19:41 – Why faith matters in every family decision.

21:13 – The myth of “having it all” and the freedom of new priorities.

23:11 – Leaving finance for faith—and never looking back.

24:55 – Boundaries, balance, and putting family first.

26:43 – Why young people should still show up at school board meetings.

28:19 – Why everyone has “skin in the game” for education.

30:09 – Civics crisis: Americans forgetting their own rights.

32:00 – Erika’s new mission: leading a national civics revival.

33:55 – “If you don’t know your rights, you can’t defend them.”

35:57 – Final advice to young women: root your life in God’s Word.

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!

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Before she became one of Gen Z’s boldest conservative voices, Isabel Brown was a college student preparing for medical school. But when her professors began denying basic biology, everything she believed about truth—and courage—was put to the test.

From being doxxed and threatened on campus to standing beside Charlie Kirk in the fight for free speech, Isabel shares her powerful story of conviction, faith, and resilience. She also opens up about Charlie’s final week and the message he left for every young person daring to stand for truth.

🔥 If you’ve ever felt alone for believing what’s real—this episode will remind you that your voice still matters.

01:16 Isabel Brown joins after a powerhouse event for young women.

02:31 Turning Point USA’s rocket rise + Gen Z’s spiritual awakening.

03:52 Her shock at woke academia ignited a mission for truth.

05:04 When college science class became politics — denying biology.

06:44 2016: the year campus radicalism went nuclear.

08:13 A random TPUSA ad → calling unlocked.

09:23 Meeting Charlie Kirk at YWLS: “Terrible dresser. Life-changer.”

10:56 The invitation that flipped her entire trajectory.

12:02 Facing Antifa, death threats, and “Nazi” smears for free speech.

13:33 If the hate is this intense — something righteous is shaking.

15:05 Becoming a voice for Gen Z and scaling the movement.

16:36 Inside the media machine co-hosting Charlie Kirk.

18:10 Medical school dreams vs God’s mission — she chose mission.

19:32 Remembering Charlie’s legacy — seismic and global.

21:12 His fingerprints were everywhere — from DC airports to yogurt shops.

22:46 “We have to fight together.” — carrying his mission now.

24:00 Debate lesson from Charlie: keep your heart rate below theirs.

25:28 Their last conversation — and the faith that consumed him.

27:10 Charlie’s final charge: don’t use the apocalypse as an excuse.

28:44 Isabel’s call to women: don’t wait for a platform — act.

30:16 World-changers were ordinary believers who said “yes.”

31:48 Make this world look more like the next — Gen Z can lead.

33:20 Final reflections + where to find her new Daily Wire show.

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!

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What if the most controversial president in modern history pulled off the impossible—peace in the Middle East, safety at home, and a generation ready to rebuild America’s strength?

Former Deputy National Security Advisor KT McFarland joins Gen Z Unplugged to reveal the untold story behind Trump’s 20-point peace plan, the global power shifts it triggered, and how Gen Z women can rise as the next generation of leaders in a world at war with truth.

01:00 – KT McFarland returns to Gen Z Unplugged with optimism about America’s future under strong leadership and historic peace efforts.

01:46 – How Trump achieved a peace breakthrough between Israel and Hamas—what global media missed about the 20-point deal.

03:03 – Inside the White House Situation Room: early strategy meetings that set the stage for a generational shift in Middle East leadership.

04:25 – Why Trump bet on a younger generation of Arab leaders—and how that risk reshaped U.S. foreign policy.

05:17 – Building the Abraham Accords and laying the groundwork for an unprecedented regional peace.

06:07 – The 20-point peace plan revealed: how global leaders quietly signed on and what it means for the Middle East’s future.

07:12 – How cutting off Hamas’s funding and rebuilding Gaza could finally bring stability to the region.

08:07 – KT explains how this moment parallels the Reagan era—reviving pride, strength, and confidence in America.

09:20 – From foreign threats to domestic dangers: the rise of Antifa, left-wing violence, and what Americans can do to stay safe.

10:53 – Following the money: KT’s warning on who’s really funding campus chaos and unrest.

12:05 – TikTok as a national security threat—how the Chinese Communist Party weaponizes algorithms against young Americans.

13:49 – Are we repeating history? KT draws striking parallels between Reagan’s America and today’s challenges.

15:35 – Her advice to young women entering foreign policy and national security: “Work now, balance later.”

17:20 – Why your 20s matter—how to set yourself apart and lead with courage and conviction.

18:42 – KT’s final message: don’t believe the lie that America is broken—stand tall, be proud, and protect what’s worth fighting for.

20:23 – Closing gratitude and encouragement to young conservative women standing strong in the face of cultural hostility.

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.

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In this raw and emotional episode of GenZ Unplugged, Alex Clark opens up about the loss of Charlie Kirk, the health lies that woke her up, and how Gen Z can honor his legacy by living with conviction. From exposing how Big Pharma misled women for decades to calling out the Church’s silence on health and discipline, Alex shares the hard truths our generation needs to hear.

She reveals the story behind her own transformation—from pop radio host to Turning Point USA’s unapologetic wellness voice—and why reclaiming our faith, freedom, and health is the greatest rebellion of all.

Through her wildly popular podcast, Alex explores remedies for the emotional, physical, and spiritual challenges in today’s culture. Her mission is to empower listeners with practical tools and natural remedies for living well in our culture.

00:56 — Intro: Remembering Charlie Kirk and how his faith and discipline shaped a generation

02:28 — Alex shares her journey from college dropout to pop radio host and Turning Point USA creator

04:15 — How being an outspoken conservative got her “cancelled” before cancel culture even had a name

06:09 — Founding “POPlitics” and the transformation into The Culture Apothecary

07:56 — The moment the pandemic made her question Big Pharma and the health establishment

09:25 — What the opioid crisis taught her about lies, greed, and “safe and effective” narratives

11:12 — When liberals cared about health—and why conservatives must now lead that fight

12:56 — Behind the scenes with Charlie Kirk: work ethic, faith, and how he lived off mission, not fame

14:46 — Alex’s advice: how Gen Z can honor Charlie’s legacy by doing, not posting

16:13 — Turning Point’s prophetic rise and the spiritual revival among Gen Z

17:54 — From activism to action: how faith and family became Charlie’s driving purpose

19:10 — Staying healthy on the road: Alex’s practical hacks for travel and eating clean

21:15 — “You’ll pay now or pay later”: why convenience is the real cost of bad health

23:02 — The church’s blind spot on gluttony and addiction—and why that must change

25:00 — “We were the unconsenting subjects”: Alex exposes the truth about birth control

26:45 — The hidden fallout—autoimmune disorders, infertility, and why women were never told

28:38 — How birth control changes attraction and what that means for modern relationships

30:10 — What Charlie Kirk taught her about reading, discipline, and never stopping the pursuit of truth

31:25 — Alex’s final challenge to listeners: get bold sharing the gospel and live like your time is short

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!

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Liz Wheeler’s fire didn’t begin on a political debate stage — it sparked in a hospital room. A young athlete, a terrifying diagnosis, and a mother who refused to let the system decide her daughter’s fate. In this powerful conversation, Liz reveals how God redirected her passion from the pool to confronting corruption, exposing evil, and defending American families. She also gives raw wisdom on motherhood, vocation, and raising the next generation to pursue heaven — not likes.

If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to live boldly in truth while guarding the hearts of your children, this episode will light a match inside you.

Host of The Liz Wheeler Show on Blaze TV and author of Hide Your Children: Exposing the Marxists Behind the Attack on America’s Kids.

Liz commands an audience of over 1 million on X, and is known for exposing corruption and calling out the so-called “experts.” She is rigorous in her research, passionate about her faith, and unapologetically fearless.

0:56 — A fearless voice joins Gen Z Unplugged

Welcome & quick intro; Liz’s speech left a mark.

1:30 — The dream that disappeared overnight

Competitive swimmer → chronic illness → identity shaken.

2:59 — A mother’s relentless love against medical gaslighting

How Liz’s mom became the hero who saved her life.

5:20 — The moment Liz uncovered institutional corruption

Why America’s healthcare failures are about more than incompetence.

6:56 — Barack Obama, abortion votes, and political awakening

The exact turning point that launched her activism.

9:16 — Media, speaking tours & God’s redirected plan

How sorrow and passion became purpose.

10:53 — Marriage, vocation & motherhood as a battleground

What true presence requires — and why culture gets it wrong.

12:42 — “Our duty is to shepherd souls to heaven”

Liz’s life rule for career decisions.

14:50 — Protecting kids from culture’s silent predators

Screens, schools & soul-formational vigilance.

17:56 — The humbling truth of parenting

Why even the strongest parents can’t do it without God.

20:43 — Free will, spiritual warfare & raising saints

What happens when kids choose wrong — and why hope remains.

22:49 — When parenting means saying “no” to the entire world

How to be countercultural with courage.

23:53 — Final wisdom from Liz

A pep talk for future wives & mothers answering God’s call.

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!

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Send us your thoughts on this episode @realgenzunplugged!

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SFX Credits:

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Power Cord Unplug 1_2 by Joao_Janz -- https://freesound.org/s/477641/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

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