Best Gen Z Work Ethic Podcasts (2025)

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The case for renting forever 29:18

Play Pause

7m ago29:18

29:18

Housing prices aren't coming down, and that's challenging us to redefine the American dream. Maybe renting isn't so bad? This story was supported by a grant from Arnold Ventures. The episode was produced by Miles Bryan and Kelli Wessinger, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and host…

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Fail Fast, Learn Faster 39:40

9h ago39:40

39:40

Send us a text The ultimate theme of The American Hustle is learning through our failures. Neil and Jeff have over 40 years of combined experience failing forward and utilize this episode to talk about the importance of Failing but learning faster.By SFJ4x4 - Simpson Family Jeeps

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Why your health insurance is so expensive 30:24

20m ago30:24

30:24

It’s open enrollment season, and new health insurance premiums are causing sticker shock around the country. So how do you pick a health care plan that won’t break the bank? This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy and Danielle Hewitt, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Adriene Lilly and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill…

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That text is a scam 30:32

4d ago30:32

30:32

You know those annoying scam texts offering an easy, remote job? We find out how they work, why they're so ubiquitous and the dark world behind them. This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen and Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jenny Lawton with help from Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Adriene Lilly and Brandon McFarland…

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Conscious Unbossing: The Gen Z Approach 33:03

6d ago33:03

33:03

Send us a text In this episode Neil and Jeff focus in on the trending Gen Z approach to work known as Conscious Unbossing. What does conscious unbossing even mean? Why is Gen Z using this approach to work life? What can employers do to make the most out of this trend? Tune in as the guys tackle this trendy topic about work ethic and find out if Gen…

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Paging Dr. ChatBot 30:26

11d ago30:26

30:26

Patients and doctors both are turning to AI for help with diagnosing ailments and managing chronic issues. Should we trust it? This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Adriene Lily and Brandon McFarland, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Image credit Vithun Khamsong/Getty Images. …

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The Bacon Heist: A Life Lesson in Ethics, Character, and Trust 37:25

14d ago37:25

37:25

Send us a text When breakfast turns into a life lesson, you know it’s an episode worth tuning into. Jeff shares a hilarious (and slightly smoky) story about his kids, some missing bacon, and the surprising reflections that followed. Joined by Neil, the two dive deep into the moment — unpacking what it reveals about ethics, character, trust, and how…

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Why (some) food tastes better abroad 30:11

20d ago30:11

30:11

We tell the stories of three ingredients that can shine outside the US: beef, bread, and tomatoes. This episode was produced by Denise Guerra and Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Megan Cunnane, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Adriene Lilly and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Creative Touch Imaging Ltd./NurPhoto via Getty Images. If y…

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Should we give toddlers phones? 29:52

25d ago29:52

29:52

What we know about early childhood and screens, including a surprising argument for introducing tech at a tender age. This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Megan Cunnane, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Adriene Lilly and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images. You can …

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The Generations At Work: Are We Really That Different? 18:23

27d ago18:23

18:23

Every generation thinks the next one “just doesn’t get it.” But what if generational conflict at work isn’t really about age it’s actually about context? In this episode of The AscendED Workplace, we break down what’s actually new about Gen Z in the workplace and what’s just history repeating itself. From differing views on work ethic to communicat…

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The Power Of Response 40:57

1M ago40:57

40:57

Send us a text In this episode, Neil and Jeff break down what it means to be responsive to customers and co-workers. Enjoy their breakdown on why responding is so powerful especially in today's world.By SFJ4x4 - Simpson Family Jeeps

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Is empathy toxic? 30:16

1M ago30:16

30:16

Society teaches us empathy is a good thing. But some are now saying the opposite, and science is complicating our assumptions too. This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Megan Cunnane, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Adriene Lilly and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Image credit Olga Pankova/Getty Images. If you have a questi…

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Who is the modern American dad? 29:27

1M ago29:27

29:27

Young men are more interested in becoming parents than young women are, and there's a growing number of single dads by choice. A look at modern fatherhood. This episode was produced by Devan Schwartz, edited by Megan Cunnane, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Adriene Lilly and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Thanks to Jonquilyn Hill for shari…

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A nation of jerks 29:45

2M ago29:45

29:45

Americans seem to be getting ruder. Are our attempts at making ourselves better actually making us worse? This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch and Isabelle Lichtenstein, engineered by Matthew Billy and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Image: Francesco Carta Fotografo/Getty Images. If you hav…

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Built To Last - Habits That Separate Hustlers From Quitters #3 Micro Goal Setting 46:26

2M ago46:26

46:26

Send us a text In this episode, Neil and Jeff talk about micro goal setting. What is micro goal setting and why is it different than big picture goal setting. How can you use micro goal setting to improve your situation.By SFJ4x4 - Simpson Family Jeeps

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Why horror kills at the box office 30:01

2M ago30:01

30:01

Hollywood has always made money from vampires and brain-eating zombies. But this year's a record-breaker thanks to sequels, hilariously unlikely creators, and pure thrills. This episode was produced by Denise Guerra and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Adriene Lilly and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill…

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The United States is Southern now 30:10

2M ago30:10

30:10

From #rushtok to country music, American culture is getting more and more southern. This episode was produced by Denise Guerra, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Matthew Billy and Adriene Lilly and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo of a Beyonce fan waiting to see her perform in LA by Rashida Zagon/For The Washin…

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The golden age of exercise 30:14

3M ago30:14

30:14

Americans are flocking to gyms and fitness classes. It wasn't always that way. This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Miranda Kennedy with help from Naureen Khan, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo of an outdoor group fitness class by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP v…

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26: From Workouts to Work Ethic: Ronit’s GymPact 43:51

3M ago43:51

43:51

In this episode, we’re joined by Ronit Dhingra—a rising high school senior and the creator of GymPact. Ronit shares the challenges and successes of building a fitness app from the ground up and how the experience connects to his passion for business and entrepreneurship. So sit back, plug in your AirPods, and tune in!Intro/Outro Song Credits: Pop b…

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Hacking our health 30:07

3M ago30:07

30:07

We track our steps and our sleep, guzzle supplements and protein shakes, and even inject hormones – all in the name of wellness. This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Naureen Khan and Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Jeffrey Greenberg/Univers…

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25: One Year Later: In Person at Last 24:09

3M ago24:09

24:09

In this episode, David and Lucas record together for the first time in an in-person studio, bringing major updates as the summer of 2025 winds down. They share highlights from their summer jobs at Boston City Hall and look ahead to the fast-approaching college application season. So sit back, plug in your AirPods, and tune in. Intro/Outro Song Cred…

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High Expectations + High Support = High Performance 18:05

3M ago18:05

18:05

Are your Gen Z employees underperforming, disengaged, or resistant to feedback? You do not need to lower the standard. You need to raise the support. In this episode of The AscendED Workplace, Adam and Rebecca reveal a truth that many leaders miss. Gen Z is not lazy, entitled, or soft. They are capable of high performance when given the right struc…

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What wellness costs us 29:38

3M ago29:38

29:38

Americans are investing billions in their health and wellness. What good do all these green powders and costly club memberships actually do? This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Matthew Billy, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Image of a guest floating in a saline sensory d…

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America’s high-speed rail fail 29:35

3M ago29:35

29:35

The US is well behind much of the world in building passenger rail, especially high-speed trains. But we do have one major advantage. This episode was produced by Devan Schwartz, edited by Naureen Khan, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd with help from Andrea Kristinsdottir and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Robert Alexa…

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How to Build a Culture of Accountability That Actually Works 17:10

4M ago17:10

17:10

Are you constantly putting out fires on your team? Deadlines are missed, people are disengaged, and ownership is unclear. The problem is not laziness. It is lack of clarity In this video, Rebecca and Adam from AscendED Consulting walk you through a four-step accountability system built for CEOs, executives, and leadership teams who need to align cu…

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Is tipping fair? 29:45

4M ago29:45

29:45

From raising the tipped minimum wage to "no tax on tips," we look at the challenges of remaking tipped work. This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Patrick Boyd and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images. If …

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Habit #2 Relentless Self Education 31:46

4M ago31:46

31:46

Send us a text Neil and Jeff continue the conversation of Habits. The first habit was focused on time ownership. Now let's talk about education and daily learning. Tune in for tips and tricks that have helped both Neil and Jeff to continue their self education.

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No Deadlines, No Drive: How Schools' Deadline Practices Created a Generation Lacking Initiative 33:25

4M ago33:25

33:25

Hosted by Rebecca Burtram & Adam Howard | AscendED Consulting What if the biggest barrier to Gen Z’s performance isn’t motivation but the absence of deadlines in their education? In this episode, we unpack how schools’ shift to “no deadlines, no zeroes” created a generation that struggles with urgency, ownership, and time management. Now, those sam…

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The summer I turned into a bookworm 30:04

4M ago30:04

30:04

Summer. Time for pools, BBQs, and the beach read. But why do we read "summer books"? This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Matthew Billy, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images. Further Reading: Bad Witches by H.B. Akumiah and Const…

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Chat BFF 30:07

4M ago30:07

30:07

More and more of us are interacting with chatbots. Can we have real relationships with AI, and can AI teach humans to be better people? This episode was a collaboration with Vox's Future Perfect team. It was produced by Denise Guerra, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Kim Slotterback, engineered by Patrick Boyd and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill…

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The Psychological Benefits of Consistent Accountability in the Workplace 13:10

4M ago13:10

13:10

Hosted by Rebecca Burtram & Adam Howard | AscendED Consulting What if accountability isn’t just about performance but also about mental health, motivation, and retention? In this episode, we break down the science-backed benefits of consistent accountability systems and explain why today’s teams, especially Gen Z, don’t just need feedback and goals…

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Our complicated relationship with the flag 29:45

4M ago29:45

29:45

Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar openly celebrate the American flag. But a lot of Black Americans feel differently. What does that tell us about identity today? This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Image of Kendrick La…

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From the Classroom to Boardroom: How School Policies Harmed Gen Z in the Workplace 19:26

5M ago19:26

19:26

Hosted by Rebecca Burtram & Adam Howard | AscendED Consulting Gen Z is here, and leaders across industries are struggling to manage them. Low initiative. High turnover. Fragile under feedback. Sound familiar? In this episode, two former educators-turned-workplace consultants pull back the curtain on the real reason Gen Z is struggling at work: a sc…

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Can we ever know our dogs? 30:09

5M ago30:09

30:09

So many of us believe we understand what our pets are feeling. Are we fooling ourselves? This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Miranda Kennedy and Naureen Khan, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered byPatrick Boyd and hosted by Noam Hassenfeld. Photo by Kylie Cooper for The Washington Post via Getty Images. If you have a question…

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Trying So Hard It Hurts 41:46

5M ago41:46

41:46

Send us a text Ever know you have a customer that has had a bad experience in the past and so you try with all your might to make it the best experience possible?? And then everything goes wrong along the way... Neil and Jeff break down this phenomenon and explain how to still provide a quality customer service experience despite Murphy's Law worki…

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24:Junior Year Wrap-Up, City Hall Jobs & Summer Ahead 27:17

5M ago27:17

27:17

In this episode, David and Lucas share updates as they wrap up junior year—from finals week to the start of summer. They talk about their new jobs at City Hall, reflect on their first days at work, and look ahead to what the summer holds, including college prep. David also gives his long awaited update on his Fidelity portfolio. So sit back, plug i…

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Sleepaway camp's nostalgia economy 30:43

5M ago30:43

30:43

Unpacking the American rite of passage that so many children love — but that isn't right for everyone. This episode was produced by Devan Schwartz, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Sarah Schweppe, engineered by Matthew Billy and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Maskot/Getty Images. If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-854…

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Let's fight over bike lanes 30:25

5M ago30:25

30:25

A caller asks why it's so hard to make biking safe in LA. We bike around different US cities to get the answer. This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Colleen Barrett, engineered by Matthew Billy, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo of a cyclist in a bike lane intersection in Washington, DC by Kevin Car…

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The recession indicator game 30:23

5M ago30:23

30:23

Press-on nails, new music from Katy Perry, and an uptick in Klarna purchases: signs of an economic downturn or no? This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Matthew Billy, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo of Katy Perry performing in Sydney, Australia by Nina Franova/Getty…

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How Gen Z found religion 29:53

6M ago29:53

29:53

For the first time in decades, American Christianity is not in decline. What are young people looking for–and finding–at church? Further reading: The surprising chasm splitting Americans along religious lines by Christian Paz. Pew report: Decline of Christianity in the U.S. Has Slowed, May Have Leveled Off. This episode was produced by Gabrielle Be…

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23: Leading CYMA: How Nikhil Aditya Kumar Is Redefining Youth Marketing 25:10

6M ago25:10

25:10

In this episode, we’re joined by Nikhil Aditya Kumar, president of the Charlotte Youth Marketing Association. Nikhil shares the story and impact of his student-led organization, while also reflecting on his experience competing in DECA as a North Carolina State Officer. So sit back, plug in your AirPods, and tune in!…

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Bonus Episode: Ramblings from a Brainstorm Session 38:31

6M ago38:31

38:31

Send us a text Enjoy this behind the scenes content where Neil and Jeff discuss potential topics for upcoming episodes. More episodes to come after a short break for Memorial Day.By SFJ4x4 - Simpson Family Jeeps

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22: Learn About Junior Achievement with Jacob Shi and Zubair Hasan 28:00

6M ago28:00

28:00

In this episode, we’re joined by Zubair Hasan and Jacob Shi—national competitors in the Junior Achievement Company Program. Over the past school year, they teamed up with fellow students and mentors to launch Happy Backs, a company born from countless brainstorming sessions, failed ideas, and cold emails. Their hard work paid off when their team ea…

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Why are my allergies getting worse? 28:45

6M ago28:45

28:45

It feels like sneezing season lasts longer and takes more victims every year. An allergist and a public health specialist explain how to fight back. This episode was produced by Devan Schwartz, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Matthew Billy, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Photo by Bernd Weißbrod/picture allian…

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The drama and trauma of 23andMe 30:45

6M ago30:45

30:45

With the at-home DNA testing company 23andMe filing for bankruptcy, what happens to all the data millions of Americans handed over? And how should you approach the family you've found through sites like these? If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545. Or send us a note here. Listen to Explain It to Me ad-free by becoming a Vox Membe…

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Behind The Chair: Jim The Barber 50:00

6M ago50:00

50:00

Send us a text Welcome to a very special episode where we are joined by Jim the Barber. We have the pleasure of hearing Jim's business story and how he took over Jim's Barber Shop. Tune in to find out the original name, it's a doozy. This episode is full of great quips from Jim and is definitely one you don't want to miss.…

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Why is personal style so hard? 30:28

7M ago30:28

30:28

Fashion has made a big swing from a strict set of rules to the idea that we should all just wear what we want. But personal style is still dictated by outside forces. And a lot of people don't even know where to start. This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Jolie Myers, fact checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Matthew Bill…

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Built to Last: Habits That Separate the Hustlers from the Quitters 40:57

7M ago40:57

40:57

Send us a text This episode brings Neil and Jeff into a discussion of Habits. Tune in for some great tips and tricks utilizing lessons they've learned in real life. Additionally, some tactics from other leadership teachings are discussed in terms of how they can apply to real world settings or if they are simply exaggerated to make a point. This is…

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21: STEM Leader Hashi Abdulle's Journey: Opening Doors to STEM 22:51

7M ago22:51

22:51

In this episode, we’re joined by Hashi Abdulle—founder of Mirora and a current junior at Boston Latin School. Through his work with Mirora, Hashi has helped students discover a variety of clubs at BLS, creating greater accessibility to leadership opportunities. He also shares a sneak peek into an exciting upcoming project. So sit back, plus in your…

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Retire? In this economy?! 30:11

7M ago30:11

30:11

With 401(k)s taking a hit and the fate of Social Security uncertain, we get some advice for how to talk to the elders in your life about work and retirement. This episode was produced by Carla Javier and Gabrielle Berbey, edited by Miranda Kennedy, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill. Ph…