Generation born between the early 2010s and the mid 2020s.
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Kyle Worley is joined by Shane Pruitt and Shelly Melia to discuss their book “Reaching Generation Alpha: A Ministry Guide for Discipling the Church Beyond the Screen.” Questions Covered in This Episode: Why Gen Alpha and why now? Who is Gen Alpha? How do we reach them with the gospel? What are some misunderstandings of Gen Alpha? Does the church strategically withdraw or strategically engage them? What is the value of peer-to-peer and peer-to-adult relationships for Gen Alpha? Have we overestimated the value of peer-to-peer relationships? What is one way a family or the church can meaningfully engage in discipleship for Gen Alpha? Guest Bio: Shane Pruitt is the National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board. He and his wife, Kasi, reside in Rockwall, Texas, with their six children: Raygen, Harper, Titus, Morris, Elliot, and Glory. Shane has been in ministry for more than twenty years as a denominational leader, church planter, lead pastor, and student pastor. He holds a bachelor's degree in biblical studies, a master's degree in history, and a Ph.D. in clinical Christian counseling. Shane is also a traveling communicator, evangelist, and Bible teacher. Shelly Melia serves as Associate Dean and Program Director for the Master of Arts in Children's Ministry and the Master of Arts in Family Ministry in the Graduate School of Ministry at Dallas Baptist University. She speaks throughout the nation at children's and family ministry conferences. She is a repeat speaker at Lifeway's ETCH, Children's Pastor Conference, Heart of the Child, Early Childhood Christian Network, the Child Discipleship Forum, and D-6 Family Ministry conferences. She has been featured on podcasts with Lifeway and D-6 and been a speaker for Baptist conventions in Oklahoma, South Carolina, Louisiana, Georgia, Missouri, and Texas. She is a board member of the Disciple Leaders Network, served as the President of the Board for the Early Childhood Christian Network, and is a consultant for Single Parent Ministries. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: “Reaching Generation Alpha” by Shane Pruitt and Shelly Melia Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The Tim Conway Jr Show Hour 3 (7.29) Ever pulled a tugboat with your teeth like fitness legend Jack LaLanne? Timmy kept his Alaska cruise completely offline for safety reasons and says the absolute best thing about the trip was the free shuttle to Walmart. On a scarier note, DSA co-chair Megan Romer went on Shannon Bream’s show and openly called for abolishing the Senate, replacing the presidency and Supreme Court, abolishing borders and ICE, defunding the Pentagon, abolishing prisons, and ending corporate ownership. Yikes. Two people missed the Alaska cruise when it left Seattle at 5 p.m., then spent two days chasing it down by plane, boat, and taxi just to catch up in Ketchikan — and it turns out Timmy had met the guy 13 years earlier. Waymos are causing chaos in Santa Monica by clustering in the same charging zones, and a judge has ordered them to stop. The Boyle Heights warehouse fire aftermath continues with lingering stench, flies, and rodents as kids head back to school. And Costco has somehow become cool with Gen Z and Gen Alpha — the kids are all over the food court, snagging designer dupes, buying merch, and even throwing Costco-themed parties. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Steve Dennis and Michael LeBlanc open episode 308 with a check on Steve's number one prediction for 2026 — uncertainty reigns supreme — and it's holding up. The flat 10% global tariff is gone, replaced by a 10–12.5% range on nearly all U.S. imports, with steeper rates for Canada and Brazil. The new forced-labor justification behind the increases strikes Steve and Michael as ridiculous and unlikely to survive a court challenge. The retail numbers look better than the tariff logic. June retail sales rose 5.7% year over year, led by sporting goods (a World Cup bump) and electronics. Grocery managed just 1%. Steve walks through why: dollars flat, units falling, prices 33% above pre-COVID levels, food bank use climbing on both sides of the border. Albertsons is the clearest case — sales nearly flat, guidance cut, stock down 20% in a day. Then, recorded live in the pop-up studio at the CommerceNext Growth Show in New York, Ulta Beauty Chief Retail Officer Amiee Bayer-Thomas argues stores are queen. Thirty years into a career she calls a lattice rather than a ladder — seven roles at Ulta alone, including chief supply chain officer through 2020 — she now owns everything from site selection and store design to services, asset protection, eventing, and the omni guest journey. Stores, she says, are experiential hubs delivering "beautytainment" through 60,000 associates across 1,500 locations. The numbers: 47 million loyalty members, 95% of whom shopped in-store last year. A NielsenIQ study of Gen Alpha found the most AI-engaged shoppers still pick stores over apps, 57% versus 36%. Amiee's take on AI: it's an "and," not an "or." Technology can flag a replenishment; only an associate reads the confusion on a guest's face in the skincare aisle. Omni guests visit and spend three times more. She previews a Times Square flagship alongside outlet and small-format stores, plus an eventing calendar headed toward 140,000 events this year. In the news, Wayfair is expanding its store footprint. Shein is heading toward a Hong Kong listing at roughly half its 2022 valuation. Also on the radar: fuel costs rising again as back-to-school and holiday approach, and U.S. population growth of 0.25% turning retail into a fight over share. About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling author of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail, The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2026 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.
How do you step into the lead pastor role of a massive, multi-site urban church at a young age? In this episode of Leaders in Living Rooms, host Sean Morgan sits down with Josiah Jobe, lead pastor of New Life Community Church in Chicago. Spanning 26 locations, over 40 worship services, and utilizing multiple languages, New Life represents a highly complex and deeply scaled urban ministry. Josiah candidly shares his initially reluctant journey toward pastoral ministry, fighting a distinct call during his youth and navigating the immense pressure and expectations that come with following in the footsteps of his father, Mark Jobe. Together, they explore the profound lessons learned from watching a father's decision-making process, the critical baseline of matching public and private integrity, and how keeping strict structure at home ultimately fuels a leader's health for the ministry. Welcome to Episode 164 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.
Monday, July 27. The seven stories you need to know today. Read today's briefing.
According to the latest Keurig Dr Pepper “State of Beverages” Trend Report, the “Go-To” drink era is officially over. And the packaged beverage giant is blaming Gen Z and Gen Alpha for completely rewriting the rules of what we sip. For us old farts, wellness meant restriction. No sugar, no fun. But for younger consumers…wellness is a vibe check. They don't have one favorite drink anymore. Instead, they rotate through SIX different beverage categories weekly. Every choice is a personal statement, an emotional support beverage…with Gen Z and Gen Alpha 58% more likely than Millennials to choose drinks based on mood or occasion and 25% more likely to switch beverages based on their current activity. So, what do the drinks in your refrigerator say about you?
Is your attention being trained the same way an algorithm is trained? In this micro, Carl Hayden Smith joins me to unpack what he calls the attention war: how algorithms and short-form media shape the brain toward ADHD-like patterns, whether you have ADHD or not. We also talk about what surfaces in the mind after a few phone-free days, and why Carl believes AI's real danger isn't sentience, but a mass hallucination of it: one that's already changing how we see ourselves. Watch this MICRO on YouTube This is a clip from 'Hyperhumanism: Reclaiming Our Humanity in the Age of AI | Carl Hayden Smith', Adventures Through The Mind Podcast, episode 198. FULL EPISODE Listen on Apple Podcasts Watch/Listen on Spotify Listen on Overcast Watch on YouTube Read the show notes MORE AI & TECHNOLOGY EPISODES The Future of Visionary Art in an Era of AI ~ Psychedelic Café 11 How Psychedelics Can Help Us Make Sense of the Meta-Crisis | Alexander Beiner ~ ATTMind 185 Connect with Carl Noonautics The Museum of Consciousness Cyberdelic Nexus Support the Podcast Become a Patreon member Donate via PayPal All support options Stay in Touch Newsletter Instagram: @attmindpodcast EPISODE TIMESTAMPS (00:00) Cold open: are screens training our brains toward ADHD? (00:45) McLuhan's "the medium is the message" (01:28) Is technology leading us, or are we leading it? (02:54) Losing wifi in Egypt, and realizing how addicted we are to data (03:37) "It is an attention war": algorithms harvesting consciousness (03:53) Gen Alpha, dumbphones, and phone-free tree apps (04:51) Will AI's fake-everything problem make us abandon screens? (05:56) Outsourcing cognition to AI, reclaiming the felt experience (06:31) Attention seeds consciousness: seeing the world through memes (07:45) "Designed to be like gambling machines" (08:10) A phone-free hike, and what surfaced in the mind that night (08:56) TV as "the opium of the masses," and a life review (10:50) Jaron Lanier: "AI won't destroy us, it will make us insane" (11:34) Machine learning vs. sentience: AI's "mass hallucination" (12:43) Should the machine be the artist, or should we keep that role? (13:21) Outro: about this clip and the full episode with Carl Hayden Smith
Beauty retail whisperer Alison Hahn is one of the industry's most sought-after experts, with a track record of identifying major players like Patrick Ta, Kayali, and Makeup by Mario. On this episode of Fat Mascara: Business Desk, Hahn talks about selling to Gen Alpha, reengaging Gen Xers, beauty dupes, the big mistake celebrity founders often make, tough vendor conversations, and more. More from Fat Mascara Instagram: @fatmascara @jessicamatlin Shop the products mentioned on Fat Mascara: https://shopmy.us/shop/fatmascara Private Facebook Group: Fat Mascara Raising a Wand Submit a Raise a Wand product recommendation, guest suggestion, or just say hello: info@fatmascara.com Production for this Podcast Provided by Redd Rock Music IG: @reddrockmusic www.reddrockmusic.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Chief Financial Correspondent Christine Romans walks through the creative new ways thieves are scamming consumers. Also, Clinical Psychologist Becky Shaw shares how parents can set better boundaries when it comes to kids and screentime. Plus, catching up with soccer champion Megan Rapinoe, a player known for her impact on and off the field. And, Skyler Bouchard shares her viral chicken cutlet recipe. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The world our kids are growing up in has changed faster than most of us can keep up with, but this conversation left me more hopeful than afraid. Dave Boden shares practical wisdom for raising Gen Alpha in an age of anxiety, AI, endless screens, and constant pressure to perform. We talk about resilience, emotional health, why kids need stretch zones instead of comfort zones, and how parents can help children build the kind of character that will matter no matter what the future looks like. If you've ever wondered how to prepare your kids for a world that didn't exist when you were growing up, this episode will leave you encouraged and equipped. Dave's book, Raising Gen Alpha, is available wherever books are sold. Connect with Dave at https://daveboden.uk and subscribe to his newsletter, Empowering the Next Generation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of On The Mark, Mark Immelman is joined by New York Times bestselling author Steve Eubanks to discuss his latest book, Godball — a powerful look at the growing movement of athletes speaking openly and boldly about their Christian faith. Steve shares how the idea for Godball came from noticing a major shift in sports culture. What was once often limited to quick post-game “thank you” moments has become something much deeper: athletes using interviews, press conferences, social platforms, and public moments to share their faith stories with clarity, conviction, and courage. Mark and Steve explore why this movement is happening now, how athletes are helping lead a renewed interest in faith, and why performance, trophies, wins, and careers can never fully define a person. From Scottie Scheffler and Bernhard Langer to Rose Zhang, Kirk Cousins, Dusty Baker, Dottie Pepper, and Betsy King, the conversation highlights athletes who understand that what they do is not who they are. This episode is a thoughtful conversation about faith, identity, peace, pressure, grace, revival, and the unique platform sports provides for sharing something eternal. In This Episode, You'll Discover: What inspired Steve Eubanks to write Godball Why athletes are becoming more outspoken about their faith How sports have become a platform for revival and spiritual conversation Why modern athletes are moving beyond surface-level faith comments How Scottie Scheffler models identity beyond performance Why trophies and wins cannot fill the deeper spiritual need How Gen Z and Gen Alpha are responding to authentic faith Why young men are helping drive a renewed interest in church and Scripture How COVID changed many athletes' view of time, calling, and platform Why peace is essential for athletes performing under pressure How faith helps competitors handle failure, transition, and identity loss Why grace, redemption, and spiritual grounding matter in sports and life. Key Takeaways: Athletes are using their platforms more intentionally to share their faith. Performance may define what an athlete does, but it should never define who they are. Sports reveal merit, pressure, failure, discipline, and resilience in a very public way. Many athletes are discovering that trophies do not provide lasting peace. True peace does not come from positive thinking alone, but from a deeper spiritual foundation. Younger generations are drawn to authenticity, and they can quickly recognize what is real. Faith gives athletes a way to process success, failure, pressure, and life after competition. The current faith movement in sports is not isolated — it is visible across golf, football, baseball, basketball, soccer, softball, and more. This podcast is also available on YouTube - search and subscribe to Mark Immelman.
Many enterprise brand strategies face dropping engagement rates because they allocate budgets through disruptive paid networks that modern digital consumers systematically tune out.Josh Rosenberg, co-founder and CEO of Day One Agency, breaks down how to construct high-yield earned media strategies by balancing core storytelling with targeted community tracking.He shares his operational playbook for using internal data vaults to monitor internet trends, running short flash promotions to validate memes safely, and partnering with niche independent Substack curators to capture trusted audience authority.Key tactical themes covered:Transitioning expensive paid media spend into unfragmented organic sharing pipelines.Utilizing specialized data vaults to track long-term consumer communication patterns.Running short flash validation loops to de-risk full campaign budgets.Tracking how Gen Alpha media habits influence millennial family spending choices.Partnering with independent newsletter networks to increase long-term brand authority.Josh Rosenberg is the Co-Founder and CEO of Day One Agency, directing integrated public relations, earned creativity frameworks, and cross-channel marketing systems for dominant global enterprises.Connect with your guest:Follow Josh Rosenberg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jzrosenberg/Explore Day One Agency: https://d1a.com/Simplify Paid Social with Strike Social: https://strikesocial.com/guaranteed-paid-social-media-ads-outcomes/Connect with Host Dylan Conroy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylanconroy/
We discuss Hollywood's decline in recent years, how they have destroyed cash-cow franchises, and ruined nearly everything they touch. Companies like Disney buying up whole libraries of IP and running them into the ground. Gen Z and Gen Alpha apparently can't read!! And Chud the Builder was involved in a shooting and might be screwed. All this and more!!#skids #skidspodcast #podcast #comedy #funny #hollywood #disney #paramount #genz #genalpha #franchise #entertainment #ip #chudthebuilder
Connor Pugs tells a Storytime about Teacher Gets Fed Up With DUMB Gen Alpha Kid..So today I tell a story about this teacher who crashes out on this brainrot gen alpha kid because this gen alpha kid can't stop trolling and ragebaiting. Yet this teacher may have gone too far, so let me know your thoughts about this story.
07/17 Hour 3: NFC East Position Power Ranking: Running Backs - 1:00 You Won't Believe What Drab's Doing With ChatGPT - 19:00 Generation Alpha Can't Stop Wearing This - 34:00
Connor Pugs tells a Storytime about a Gen Alpha Kid Gets Caught in Class.. Today, I tell a story, and this is a cringey one.. this gen alpha kid has brainrot, and the teacher catches him in class doing something well... he shouldn't have done. This story is so cringe, so please brace yourself, and try not to cringe at this cringey, yet hilarious and funny storytime! Enjoy :) and of course, leave a like to get your own cringe armor (needed for this story guys...)
Host Jonathan Morrow, author and Director of Cultural Engagement at Impact 360 Institute, examines the state of discipleship in the American church and offers a clear, biblical framework for what it means to follow Jesus.Topics Discussed Why "disciple" is used often in Scripture but rarely clearly defined or practiced Recent Lifeway Research findings: only 11% of U.S. Protestant pastors strongly agree discipleship is their church's strongest function The need for both clarity and a plan in disciple-making (Colossians 4 — gospel clarity + wisdom toward outsiders) Impact 360's definition of a disciple — a faithful follower of Jesus who: Thinks like Jesus (Romans 12:2, Colossians 2:3 — biblical worldview) Is transformed by Jesus (spiritual transformation, fruit of the Spirit) Shares Jesus (verbally sharing the gospel, not just "living it out") Lives out their calling with Jesus (everyday influence, starting where you are) Multiplies disciples like Jesus (the Great Commission, generational faithfulness) Why "attendance-only" faith and a Sunday-morning-only Christianity fail to form true disciples The Ministry Leader Collective — a 9-month cohort through Impact 360's Center for Student Discipleship, helping pastors and youth leaders build a clear, confident disciple-making plan for Gen Z and Gen Alpha (new cohort launching early fall; space limited) A summer challenge to listeners: pick one of the five discipleship marks and ask God where to grow Mention of the Realign Conference (September 10, Atlanta area) featuring Jonathan Morrow, Rosaria Butterfield, Alisa Childers, and Jeff Myers Episode Notes & Links Learn more / apply for the Ministry Leader Collective: impact360.org → Coaching, or impact360institute.org/collective Realign Conference (Sept 10, Atlanta area): impact360.org → Realign Conference Online courses (Explore Truth, Explore the Resurrection) and on-campus programs: impact360.org Connect with Impact 360 Institute Website: impact360.org
Connor Pugs tells a Storytime about when He Thinks Jax is his DAD (no, I'm not kidding)Today, i tell a story time about this gen alpha kid who claims jax, from the amazing digital circus, is actually his dad. It was Bring Your Parent to School Day in class, and this Gen Alpha kid claimed his dad was Jax from TADC, and well... no one believed him...
Gen Alpha kids (born 2010 to 2024) are reshaping what families expect from children's ministry, and most churches need some practical, achievable adjustments to keep up. In this episode, Scott and A.J. walk through three concrete changes any church can make to better reach Gen Alpha kids and their parents. Whether your church is just getting started or looking to sharpen what you already have, this conversation will give you a clear path forward. Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are the co-hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast, produced by the Malphurs Group, a church consulting organization dedicated to helping churches move from decline to health. Scott brings the perspective of a millennial parent raising Gen Alpha kids, while A.J. brings a Gen X practitioner's eye for what actually works in the local church. Together they offer frank, field-tested guidance for pastors and ministry leaders every week. [4:07] Communication With Parents: Why digital-first but not digital-only matters for millennial families [9:09] Finding the Right Communication Mix: Avoiding the constant deluge and building a consistent plan [11:18] Safety Systems: Why check-in and checkout protocols are non-negotiable for Gen Alpha families [17:18] Practical Safety Setup: Single point of access, digital check-in, and low-cost ways to make it work [18:36] Tech Expectations in the Classroom: Meeting Gen Alpha where they are without dumbing down the message Free 7-Day Trial: https://healthychurchestoolkit.com Episode Article: https://malphursgroup.com/348 Facebook: https://facebook.com/malphursgroup Instagram: https://instagram.com/malphursgroup YouTube: https://youtube.com/themalphursgroup X: https://x.com/malphursgroup
Connor Pugs tells a Storytime about a Delusional Gen Alpha Kid Says “Teachers Aren't PEOPLE” This gen alpha kid has brainrot, and he thinks teachers are actually robots because he saw a video on youtube shorts saying so... this story is cringe and cringey and hilarious so try not to laugh at this funny gen alpha kid story time!
Connor Pugs tells a Storytime about a Gen Alpha Kid Says “Water is POISON” gen alpha might be cooked and this story is hilarious
Ep. 190. In this episode, I'm joined by Queen Michele, a spiritual educator, author, and founder, to explore ancestry, spirituality, and conscious living. We discuss her journey of reconnecting with her Fula heritage, visiting her ancestral homeland in Guinea-Bissau, building a life in Mexico, and the lessons she's learned about generational healing, New Earth consciousness, and raising Generation Alpha with intention.If you've ever wondered how reconnecting with your roots can transform the way you see yourself and the future, this conversation is for you.In this episode, we discuss:Queen's Fula HeritageAncestry and Ancestral PracticeNew Earth ConsciousnessGen Alpha's CurriculumBioQueen D. Michele is an author, blogger, and creator whose life bridges continents and consciousness. After living four years in Mexico's Lake Chapala region, she followed her ancestral trail to West Africa, discovering her Fula roots through African Ancestry DNA testing. She is the founder of the Fula History & Genealogy Society in America, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving African heritage and healing generational trauma. Queen's writings—like Traveling Home Together and The Road to WellBeing—guide readers through spiritual awakening and wholeness. Now based in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico, she continues her mission of mindfulness, cultural reconnection, and conscious education through her curriculum 52 Insights for Gen Alpha.To explore Queen's writings, her blog My Soul's Journey Home, or to support the mission of the Fula History & Genealogy Society in America, visit fulaamerican.org.
Connor Pugs tells a Storytime about Mom Checks Gen Alpha Kid's Search HistoryToday, I tell a story about when this gen alpha kid got his search history looked at by his parent, and there was tons of cringey brainrot and also some sussy amoung us type things too, so try not to laugh at this funny and hilarious storytime..
This week, Sonia and Jessica recap a wildly hot holiday weekend filled with fireworks, matching toddlers, snackle boxes, dads being dads at the park (it's called observational research), and one very unexpected parenting realization: somewhere along the way, some parents decided it's perfectly acceptable to let other adults raise their kids at the playground. The conversation takes a turn into millennial parenting, why Gen Alpha kids are basically tiny emotionally intelligent CEOs, whether full moons actually make kids go feral, and the internet rabbit holes every mom inevitably ends up in. Plus, Jessica shares a work-from-home parenting moment that includes ants, poop, a Google Meet, and a very hungry frog toilet. Somehow... it all makes sense. And because no Geriatric Mamas episode would be complete without asking the important questions, we also discuss why do men disappear into the bathroom for 45 minutes? Why is Netflix recommending questionable "kids" content? And why... WHY... did Mike decide to tell us what he did with his blister? In This Episode ✨ Surviving a 100-degree Fourth of July with toddlers ✨ Snackle boxes, bubble wands, and becoming the unofficial kid headquarters ✨ The fine line between building a parenting village and accidentally babysitting everyone else's children ✨ Millennial moms raising Gen Alpha—and why we're determined to break cycles ✨ Do full moons actually affect kids? (We have thoughts.) ✨ A surprising Netflix PSA every parent should know ✨ Working from home with a toddler ✨ The viral bathroom prank every wife should try on her husband ✨ The blister story absolutely nobody asked for Connect with the Geriatric Mamas: Instagram Facebook Email us at hello@geriatricmamas.com Want to be a guest? Fill out our Be a Guest Form and share your motherhood, pregnancy, or fertility journey. We'd love to feature your story! And remember: We're committed to sharing raw, honest experiences, so stay tuned for more heartwarming, hilarious, and relatable episodes. Thanks for listening, and we're so glad to be back! What we're reaching for:
Connor Pugs tells a Storytime about a Gen Alpha Kid Crashes Out Over Steal a Brainrot Today I tell a story where this gen alpha roblox kid loves the game steal a brainrot, where he rages and crashes out when his super rare brainrot in steal a brainrot gets stolen. This story is hilarious and funny so try not to laugh at this funny roblox steal a brainrot storytime!
Justin Jackson grew up in Sherwood Park, Alberta, with an active radio in the house largely tuned to CBC or 630 CHED. Today he owns and operates Transistor.fm, a Canadian company that is one of the leading podcast hosting companies. We discussed the evolution of podcast hosting and where the industry is headed, and he shared how he and his partner bootstrapped the company starting in 2018 with $5,000 each, growing it into a profitable business without venture capital. He explains how observing creator behaviour—rather than relying on surveys—guided product decisions like offering multiple shows for one price and building private podcast features.Things Bandied About: Why Transistor allows unlimited shows per subscription and how that model reflects actual podcaster behaviorThe role of RSS feeds in podcasting's future and why younger audiences don't inherently understand their valueHow video podcasts and HLS streaming fit into the RSS ecosystem without abandoning audio-first listenersApple's demographic challenge in attracting Gen Z and Gen Alpha away from YouTube and SpotifyWhy content and format matter more than pristine audio quality, using Peter Mansbridge's "The Bridge" podcast as an example.Please sign up for the SOUNDING OFF Newsletter. All the things that went unsaid on the show.Also we added the Sound Off Podcast to the The Open Podcast Prefix Project (OP3) A free and open-source podcast prefix analytics service committed to open data and listener privacy. You can be a nosey parker by checking out our downloads here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Connor Pugs tells a Storytime about Gen Alpha Kid Makes a Pomni “Cult” (disturbing) Today I tell a story time about this gen alpha kid who loves the amazing digital circus TADC and loves pomni
John Franklin returns to The Cosmic Switchboard to discuss Robotics, A.I. and the impending and perhaps over A.I./Alien Takeover. In Part 1, John Franklin explores the rapid integration of artificial intelligence and robotics into daily life, starting with Melania Trump's recent appearance alongside a C-3PO-style robot at an education forum and Donald Trump's 4th of July painting featuring an Optimus bot. He discusses Elon Musk's mass production of humanoid robots, Chinese companion units, and how AI tutors will personalize education for Gen Alpha through neural links and tailored messaging. John also connects this technological shift to decades of cultural manipulation, noting how grunge and hip-hop music were engineered to breed indifference, and how demonic spiritual forces are already merging with digital devices and nano operating systems. In Part 2 John Franklin and James Bartley discuss current events and how it ties into the A.I. Revolution and Alien Agenda. John discusses to the geopolitical and military applications of AI, highlighting the Ukraine-Russia conflict as a live testing ground for drone warfare and battlefield data collection. He examines how Putin is pressuring European targets, the escalating tensions in Lebanon and the Middle East, and the potential for tactical nuclear strikes. John explains how fast-food automation and video game simulations are preparing a generation of soldiers for combat, while AI extracts physiological data from young gamers to recruit them into special forces. He concludes by discussing the impending global economic collapse, the seamless transition into a robot-dominated society, and how John sees younger generations fully immersed in this synthetic reality. First Lady Melania Trump walks with robot to White House event on children’s technology Part 1: https://www.thecosmicswitchboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/John-Franklin-Interview-on-thecosmicswitchboard.com-Part-1.mp3&Download: mp3 Audio Part 2 – Members Only: https://www.thecosmicswitchboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/John-Franklin-Interview-on-thecosmicswitchboard.com-Part-2.mp3To Play or Download: Login or Join To Download Use the link under the player for the part you want to download. The post AI Takeover of Humanity, Robots and the War Lab – John Franklin Interview with James Bartley appeared first on The Cosmic Switchboard.
Nick Kunze from Sanlam Private Wealth unpacks Hudaco's results in a tough trading environment and whether Japan's weak yen, rising yields and stronger markets are creating opportunity. Ian Anderson from Merchant West Investments reviews first-half Reit performance and the appeal of Italian property deals. Chris Fraenkel, Wealth Manager at Private Client Holdings, discusses the saving habits of Gen Z and Gen Alpha.
Connor Pugs tells a Storytime about a “Genius” Gen Alpha Kid Claims “The Earth Is Flat”
Send us Fan MailGen Alpha Is Here. Is Your Ministry Ready?The students walking into your ministry today have never known life without smartphones, algorithms, or instant access to the world.They're also asking bigger questions than many churches are prepared to answer.In this episode Zac Workun sits down with Dr. Shelly Melia at SBC2026 to discuss what makes Generation Alpha unique,and why youth ministry may need to rethink some of its biggest assumptions.From AI and biblical literacy to belonging and family discipleship, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom for leaders who want to disciple students instead of simply entertaining them.Why Gen Alpha is fundamentally different from Gen ZThe coming impact of AI on discipleshipWhy biblical literacy is declining faster than many leaders realizeHow COVID shaped students' expectations of faith and sufferingThe importance of teaching lament and resilienceWhy belonging—not attendance—is becoming the key metricHelping parents become disciple-makers at homeMoving from information transfer to transformational dialogueWhy every student needs trusted adults—not just a great youth pastorPractical ways to reduce digital dependence inside your ministry"The whole world is Gen Alpha's neighborhood.""Students are receiving far more discipleship from their phones than from the church.""Stop talking at students. Start dialoguing with them.""Students don't just need to belong. They need to be needed.""The truth is stronger than the questions.""Youth ministry isn't just about entertaining students. It's about empowering disciples."Practical TakeawaysBuild your ministries that prioritize relationships over production.Teach students how to wrestle with suffering before suffering arrives.Assume less biblical knowledge and teach foundational Scripture intentionally.Create environments where questions are welcomed.Equip parents instead of replacing them.Help students practice presence in an age of constant distraction.Shift from event-centered ministry to disciple-making communities.Reaching Generation Alpha — Dr. Shelly Melia & Shane PruittSupport the showJoin the community!
Why does an empty office hallway feel scarier than a monster? Folklorist Dr. Lynne S. McNeill breaks down the psychology behind Backrooms, Severance, and the internet's obsession with liminal spaces.If you've ever felt unsettled walking through an abandoned mall, a fluorescent-lit office at night, or scrolling past another eerie "backrooms" photo on your feed, this episode is for you. Host Aaron Sagers speaks with Dr. Lynne S. McNeill — folklore professor and Chair of the Folklore Program at Utah State University — to unpack why "liminality" has become one of horror's biggest cultural forces.Lynne traces the concept back to anthropologist Arnold Van Gennep's work on rites of passage, then connects it straight through to Backrooms, Apple TV's Severance, Slender Man, analog horror, and the "uncanny" spaces that dominate TikTok and Reddit. They also dig into: What "liminality" actually means — and why folklorists say it's nearly universal across cultures How the COVID-19 pandemic supercharged our fascination with in-between, abandoned spaces Why Gen Z and Gen Alpha are drawn to liminal horror even without nostalgia for malls or offices The difference between "the Backrooms" as a place vs. the Backrooms as a mythology (and why that split matters) AI, "latent space," and the unsettling folklore already forming around it (yes, they talk about Loab) _______________________________________________________________ The Talking Strange Show with Aaron Sagers is a weekly paranormal pop culture show featuring celebrity and author interviews, as well as experts in all things strange and unexplained. Talking Strange is a creation of Aaron Sagers with production help from Michael Ahr. Host Aaron Sagers is a paranormal TV host and journalist who appears as host of 28 Days Haunted on Netflix, and on Paranormal Caught On Camera on Travel Channel, Discovery+, and MAX streaming service. If you like Talking Strange, please subscribe, leave a nice review, and share with your friends. The Talking Strange Paranormal Show is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you check out spooky content. Connect with the show community on Facebook as well. Email us with episode ideas, guest suggestions, and spooky stories: Contact@TalkingStrange.com Follow Host Aaron Sagers: Twitter/X Blue Sky Instagram Facebook TikTok Patreon (For Q&As, livestreams, cocktail classes, and movie watches) Until Next Time: Be Kind. Stay Spooky. Keep It Weird. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Connor Pugs tells a Storytime about when Parents Check Gen Alpha Kid's Search History Today i tell a story of when this gen alpha kid was looking up weird stuff on his ipad and this story was cringey so try not to cringe
It's the launch of our new summer series, "Raising Them Well!" We're kicking it off with an in-depth look at the generation you're likely raising...but that get's overlooked!Show Notes: https://bit.ly/49VVMDz Key Topics:Generational studies and their importanceThe emergence of Gen Alpha and its characteristicsThe impact of COVID-19 on Gen AlphaThe role of technology and AI in shaping young mindsParenting trends and their effects on children's mental healthSound Bites:"One generation will tell of your deeds to the next""Anxiousness in Gen Alpha is rising rapidly""Every source of information may be driven by AI"Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Generational Conversations02:38 Understanding Generational Dynamics06:47 The Anxious Generation: Gen Alpha14:39 Gentle Parenting and Its Implications19:29 The Impact of the Pandemic on Gen Alpha25:44 Navigating AI and Future Careers for Gen AlphaKeywords: Generations, Gen Alpha, Parenting, Technology, Anxiety, AI, Education, Faith, Youth, Cultural Milestones
Since I was in youth, the big question has been… “Why are students leaving the church after graduation?”That's been the game since I was in youth group. I'm a millennial. We've blown through Gen Z and most of my students are now classified Gen Alpha. Everything about their lives is different. But we generally haven't changed how we reach them.I think those are the wrong starting questions.The better question is: “What kind of disciple are we trying to produce?”
Connor Pugs tells a Storytime about a Gen Alpha Kid Thinks He's a “Roblox Gangster” Today, I tell a story about this gen alpha brainrot kid who loves roblox, but is cringe and corny bc he thinks he is actually a roblox gangster whatever that is supposed to mean lol
Join host Cassandra Napoli, Head of Consumer Forecasting at WGSN, in conversation with Paula James-Martinez, Founder and Editor-In-Chief of Cuqui Magazine, about what's next for teen culture. They explore how the decline of teen-focused spaces, social media bans and shifting cultural behaviours are reshaping adolescence and how brands can connect authentically with young people by understanding what they want, giving them a voice and something they can claim.
Connor Pugs tells a Storytime about when a Gen Alpha Kid FLOODS His Entire SchoolToday i tell a story time about this gen alpha kid who is obsessed with brainrot, and it leads him to flooding the school... I know, this story is crazy
Serve No Master : Escape the 9-5, Fire Your Boss, Achieve Financial Freedom
Can AI build a brand — or just accelerate a broken one faster? Jonathan Green sits down with brand strategist Edward Farley (Newport LLC) on purpose-driven brand strategy in the age of AI: why your brand is far more than a logo, why AI is like NOS (it speeds you up in whatever direction you're already going — including off a cliff), and how to keep the human soul in your marketing while AI scales the rest. Key Takeaways: • AI accelerates everything — including weak branding. Fix the strategy before you optimize with AI • Brand isn't your logo; it's purpose, authenticity, and the problem you uniquely solve • Gen Z & Gen Alpha see straight through trend-chasing and hollow "social cause" marketing • Don't outsource all customer communication to AI — you lose the early warning signs and the brand's soul (and you're still legally on the hook for what it says) • The sweet spot: AI scales human, humans give it soul — keep a person making the decisions Notable Quotes: "AI is kind of like NOS — if you're going in the wrong direction and you push that button, you're in the wrong direction faster." — Edward Farley "AI scales human; humans give it soul. You don't want to lose the soul of anything." — Edward Farley Connect with Edward Farley: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-farleyjr Website: https://newportllc.com Enjoyed this? Follow The Artificial Intelligence Podcast and share it with someone building a brand in the AI era.Connect with Jonathan GreenThe Bestseller: ChatGPT ProfitsFree Gift: The Master Prompt for ChatGPTFree Book on Amazon: Fire Your BossPodcast Website: https://artificialintelligencepod.com/ Subscribe, Rate, and Review: https://artificialintelligencepod.com/itunesVideo Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@ArtificialIntelligencePodcast
Connor Pugs tells a Storytime about a Gen Alpha Kid Thinks The Backrooms are REAL! Today i tell a story time of this gen alpha kid who thinks the backrooms are real. The backrooms has had a huge resurgence with the backrooms movie and captain clark, and so have the gen alpha kids...
Connor Pugs tells a Storytime about a Gen Alpha Kid Starts a "Cookie Filter Cult"Today i tell a story time about a cringey brainrot gen alpha kid who starts a "organization" (ok buddy) that claims the youtube shorts cookie filter is actually the true ruler of the universe. Yes, this gen alpha kid actually has brainrot, and makes me think gen alpha is COOKED
Connor Pugs tells a Storytime about Teacher Checks Gen Alpha Kid's Search HistoryToday i tell a story time of when a teacher caught a brainrot gen alpha kid using his computer for... strange purposes... involving pomni from the amazing digital circus. try not to laugh at this funny and hilarious gen alpha kid story!
Connor Pugs tells a Storytime about a Gen Alpha Kid is Obsessed With PomniToday i tell a story time about this brainrot gen alpha kid who is creepily obsessed with Pomni from the amazing digital circus (TADC). Do what you like in your own free time guys... but do not being this cringey and creepy gen alpha kid who is way too obsessed with Pomni
Modern advertising is louder, faster, and more crowded than ever, yet so much of it feels forgettable. In an AI-saturated landscape where campaigns blur together and creativity is often watered down by committees, truly distinctive work is rare. Today's guest, Kyle Duford, associate partner at Optimism (a five-time Ad Age Small Agency of the Year), is on a mission to bring back magic, momentum, and meaning to marketing for brands like Airbnb, DoorDash, Bachan's Barbecue Sauce, and Habit Burger. In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Kyle Duford reframes what optimism really is, and what it isn't. It's not blind positivity or fake happiness. Instead, Kyle defines optimism as the belief that tomorrow can be better with intentional change and hard work. He shares how Optimism uses this mindset as a strategic engine to design ideas people choose, ideas that build belief, earn attention, and turn cultural energy into growth. Rather than chasing vanity metrics, his team focuses on real business drivers: deeper customer connection, brand differentiation, and momentum that actually moves the needle. https://youtu.be/mWYj_EErXrw?si=HVlWVjQgrxBvQYWV You'll hear specific stories from campaigns for Bachan's and Habit Burger, where Optimism took “ordinary” food products and transformed them into irresistible, talk-worthy brands. Kyle explains how his team starts with a rigorous brand and competitive strategy, then chooses the right mix of executions, TV spots, YouTube shorts, outdoor, social, stunts, events, or print based on the problem they're solving, not the latest marketing fad. He also unpacks why independent agencies are critical to saving great advertising in a world dominated by holding companies and safe, committee-approved ideas.Kyle dives into the role of AI in advertising, outlining why Optimism uses AI to iterate, not ideate. Humans set the strategy and originate the ideas; AI helps rapidly explore variations, visualize directions, and speed up production, without replacing the creative leap that only people can make. He ties this into a bigger conversation about the generational divide in media consumption, from Gen X's analog-to-streaming evolution to how Gen Z and Gen Alpha navigate a fragmented, choice-rich world where there is no longer a single “monoculture.” If you're a marketer, founder, or brand leader wondering how to stand out when audiences are overwhelmed, distracted, and skeptical, this conversation will give you a powerful new lens. Kyle introduces “Optimism: A Case for the Only Idea That Has Ever Actually Worked,” a research-backed, story-driven book that shows how optimism has consistently driven breakthroughs in business, science, art, and life. If you've been feeling like your brand is stuck in the “mushy middle” of lookalike messaging and safe campaigns, Kyle's perspective on optimism, creativity, and momentum may be exactly what you need to break through. Quotes: “If you look at what makes a human, a company, a brand, anything different than all the other things like it, you start finding these little idiosyncrasies of people that are just so fucking gorgeous.” “The independent agency is still very important in advertising, and it's the independent agency who has the ability to; really form an opinion of a brand that's going to move the needle.” “Our definition, my definition is that optimism is the belief that tomorrow could be better with some change, that we can work hard together or solo, whatever the task is at hand to achieve better.” Contact Details: Explore Kyle Duford's Official Website Connect with Kyle Duford on LinkedIn Check out the Optimism Website Follow Kyle Duford on Instagram Get a Copy of Optimism: A Case for the Only Idea That Has Ever Actually Worked on Amazon
Connor Pugs tells a Storytime and I Found The Strangest Gen Alpha Roblox Kid! Today i tell a story time about the strangest and funniest roblox kids! These are some funny roblox storytime videos, so I hope you enjoy these roblox stories
This week, Hannah and Barbi kick things off with a surprisingly spirited discussion about gas tanks, including how long they're willing to drive on "empty" and why some people seem to treat refueling as a competitive sport.From there, the conversation turns to something even more exciting: the ways God is moving in the next generation. They talk about the growing number of Gen Alpha kids coming to Christ, encouraging trends among Gen Z, and the incredible story of 2,552 people being baptized through Eleven22.One story in particular stood out. The man who spent the day shuttling people to and from the baptisms ended up becoming the final person baptized himself. Whether it was planned or a spontaneous response to what God was doing, it's a powerful reminder that you never know how God might work through an ordinary day.They also share thoughts on VBS, building relationships, and why loving people well is often the first step toward pointing them to Jesus.It's a shorter episode, but one that's full of encouragement, hope, and reminders that God is still changing lives every day.
Connor Pugs tells a Storytime about a Gen Alpha Kid Can't Stop LarpingToday i tell a story time of this gen alpha ipad kid who brainrot, and he tries to be a miami larper and can't stop larping with a fake temu gucci shirt and claims he is a genius day trader... and he is not... this story is funny, yet cringey, so try not to cringe at this story!
Email: bidemiologunde@gmail.comIn this episode, host Bidemi Ologunde examines Roblox as Gen Alpha's emerging social operating system: a game platform, creator economy, virtual marketplace, identity layer, brand channel, and child-safety test case. How did Roblox turn user-generated play into one of the most important youth platforms in the world? Why do children experience virtual spaces as real social infrastructure? Can a company monetize children's attention, creativity, and social lives while credibly protecting them? And what does Roblox reveal about the future of youth mental health, digital wellbeing, and platform accountability?
"Mogging" is everywhere right now — and it's quietly reshaping how a whole generation sees themselves. Born in the manosphere from the acronym AMOG ("alpha male of the group"), mogging means outdoing or outshining someone on looks and status. It's spreading through Gen Z and Gen Alpha, and it's colliding with the most fragile years of self-worth development. In this episode, Dr. Caroline Leaf breaks down what mogging actually does to the developing brain, why self-worth isn't a feeling but a physical architecture you build, and how to rebuild it using a step-by-step Neurocycle Prescription you can do with yourself or your teen. Plus a Pick My Brain Q&A on why self-worth feels so hard to build and so easy to lose, and whether low self-worth is genetic or learned.