The Generation Youth Podcast with James McLamb

What Helps Kids Stick With Big Dreams? With Alessandro Concas 🎧 In this special episode of The Generation Youth Podcast, James interviews Alessandro Concas, a teenage creator who challenges how young people approach success, effort, and follow-through. 🚀 This episode offers a grounded look at why patience and discipline still matter in a world that pushes fast wins and instant results. ⏳ Parents, educators, and youth will walk away thinking differently about what it really takes to turn ideas into something real. 💡 Alessandro Concas is a teenage author, entrepreneur, and speaker from Santa Clarita, California 📍. He is the founder of EterniCat, a creative platform that connects his books, speaking work, and youth-driven projects 🎤. He also hosts The EterniCat Podcast, where he shares practical perspectives that encourage young people to stay consistent, think long-term, and follow through on what they start. 📚 Learn more about Alessandro Concas: Website: https://eternicat.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/entreprekid/ The EterniCat Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGqrTwPHKPuuUbw0cH0VHSg Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (3:30) Writing a book at eight years old (7:01) Why patience finishes projects (8:20) Being a young entrepreneur (10:03) Helping young dreams come true (12:12) Discipline matters more than motivation (14:03) Speaking plans and future projects (17:30) A message directly for parents (21:21) Outro

How Does Self-Talk Affect Young People’s Stress? With Matt Kovatchis What if the stress young people feel isn’t about workload, but about perspective? 🎧 🎙️In today’s episode, host James McLamb welcomes Matt Kovatchis, an expert in vulnerability and compassion, dynamic keynote speaker, former corporate banker, mental health podcast host, and certified executive coach. 🔥Together, they unpack teen stress, young adult mental health, self-talk, and the daily habits shaping how adolescents and emerging adults respond to pressure. The conversation challenges hustle-first thinking and points toward healthier ways to build resilience, emotional regulation, clarity, consistency, and character under stress. It’s a grounded listen for anyone seeking stronger decision-making skills without burnout. 🔍 If you care for, guide, teach, or influence young people, this episode will sharpen how you support youth mental health, leadership development, and long-term well-being for the next generation. 🌱 Reach out to Matt Kovatchis: Website: https://mattkovatchis.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kovatchis-cpcc-1b74b3aa/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/mkovatchis23/?hl=en Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (2:14) Success without purpose leads to burnout (6:04) Why self-criticism increases stress (9:37) What self-compassion really means (11:26) Three parts of self-compassion (13:52) Signs adults should watch for (17:29) Helping youth respond to stress (23:55) How friends can support without fixing (30:38) Regulate first, then change habits (35:17) Outro

What Will Help Today’s Youth Grow Strong Again? With Tom Horner 🎯 What if the key to helping the next generation grow stronger starts with simple, small steps? In this episode, James McLamb talks with Tom Horner, an educator, speaker, endurance athlete, and Mental Health and Wellness Coordinator for Pine Island Schools, about how schools can build confidence, teach life skills, and support kids through hard moments. 🌼 Tom shares how his role came to life, why students need steady tools for real challenges, and how small habits can shape character, courage, and community. 🌿   🔥 Together, they shine a light on what kids need most and open a clearer way of thinking about how we guide them. This conversation invites parents, teachers, coaches, and caring adults to see the hearts of young people more clearly and to help them grow into capable, confident, resilient leaders. ⭐ Get to know Tom Horner: Website: https://sites.google.com/view/tomhorner-wellness/home LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-horner-b988b857/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/mr_horner_/ X: https://x.com/HornerPe Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (2:50) Tom’s role and mission in schools (6:36) Creating a wellness role from scratch (8:44) Post-COVID confidence, mental health, and how Hope Squad saves lives (12:04) School-wide wellness and prevention ideas (15:50) What makes a school truly healthy (21:09) Doing hard things and growing confidence (28:30) Helping youth face fear instead of avoiding it (31:46) Where to find Tom and learn more (33:54) Outro

What Breaks When Coaches, Athletes, and Parents Stay Silent? With Janine Tucker and Tracey Currey 🎙️ In today’s special episode of The Generation Youth Podcast, James sits down with Janine Tucker and Tracey Currey for a powerful look at the pressure young athletes face 🏅 and the unseen weight carried by the adults guiding them 🤝. This conversation opens the door to the heart-level moments that shape confidence, identity, and connection in youth sports ❤️. It is honest, human, and full of insight that can shift how families and coaches support the kids they care about 🌱. Janine Tucker and Tracey Currey are the leaders behind ISNation 🌈, a growing movement supporting the mental and emotional health of young athletes, parents, and coaches 🧠💬. Janine is a celebrated coach with more than 30 years of athlete-centered leadership at Johns Hopkins 🎓. Tracey, ISNation’s founder, built the platform after witnessing the quiet battles her own children faced in sports 💛. Together, they are creating a connected community where no athlete, coach, or parent has to navigate the journey alone 🌍. Learn more about: 🌐 Website: https://www.isnation.com/ Connect with Janine Tucker: 📧 Email: janine.tucker@weareisnation.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-tucker-52865336/ 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/janinetucker1/  Connect with Tracey Currey: 📧 Email: tracey@isnation.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-currey-b4a08622a/ 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/tm.currey/  Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (2:32) Coach Janine Tucker’s mission after 30 years (4:40) The real pressures young athletes carry (7:25) A mother’s story that changed everything (11:35) How coaches can support mental health (15:45) When sports become numbers over people (18:51) The shift toward connection and community (22:42) Coaches’ mental health and rising burnout (26:09) Parents and coaches as partners (35:11) ISNation’s daily tools for support (38:40) Outro

Why Are Young Athletes Hiding Their Mental Stress? With Tracey Currey 💔 What if the strongest young athletes you know are carrying silent battles you never see? In this episode, host James McLamb 🎙️ welcomes Tracey Currey, founder and CEO of ISNation LLC. ✨ Tracey is a purpose-driven leader known for her heart-centered approach to strengthening the mindset and emotional resilience of youth athletes. 🌱💛 She brings years of leadership experience, a deep commitment to service ❤️, and a mission to help kids feel grounded, confident, and connected in a high-pressure sports world. 🏆🌍   Together, they pull back the curtain on the mental stress hiding behind performance culture ⚡, the quiet weight kids carry 😔, and the simple shifts that can change how young athletes see themselves. 💡✨   If you care about the next generation, your child, your team, or your community, this conversation will stay with you. 🚀🔥 Reach out to Tracey Currey: 📧 Email: tracey@isnation.com 🌐 Website: https://www.isnation.com/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-currey-b4a08622a/ 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/tm.currey/  Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (3:25) The birth of ISNation (6:13) The hidden mental load of athletes and the real enemy (9:19) Identifying sports-related stress (12:15) How parents can spot stress and the impact of mentors (17:29) Why struggle isn’t failure and how ISNation works (21:03) Athletes inspiring athletes (23:27) Bringing connection face-to-face (29:34) What schools are missing (36:10) Outro

How Do Injuries Shape Young Athletes' Confidence? With Tami Matheny 🔥 What happens when an injury suddenly sidelines a young athlete? 🌟 In today’s eye-opening episode, 🎙️ James McLamb talks with Tami Matheny 🧠💡, a Mental Game Coach, author, certified Jon Gordon Team trainer, and founder of Refuse2LoseCoaching, LLC, about the emotional and mental challenges kids face when they can’t play the sport they love 💛💭. They discuss why confidence often drops after injury, the mindset shifts that help athletes return stronger 🌱✨, and the practical ways parents can support their child without adding pressure 🙌💬. This episode gives honest guidance, real hope, and a simple plan to help young athletes turn setbacks into strength 🚀🌈. Link up with Tami Matheny: 🌐 Website: https://tamimatheny.com/ ✍️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tami.matheny.9 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tami-matheny/ 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/tamimathenycoaching/ 📧 Email: tami@tamimatheny.com 🎙️ Podcast: https://apple.co/4oQgRVd Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (2:03) Who is Tami Matheny? (5:39) Why the injured athlete book was needed (9:45) Identity loss when an athlete gets hurt (13:34) Visualization as a secret recovery tool (16:45) What parents should actually say and do (23:43) How negative self-talk slows healing (29:25) When injuries damage confidence beyond sports (32:04) Helping athletes reconnect with their purpose (38:37) Outro

What’s Missing in How We Shape Tomorrow’s Minds? With Jeff Heggie 🔥 What if we taught young minds to master life before life tested them? 🎯 In this week’s episode of The Generation Youth Podcast, 🎙️ James McLamb sits down with entrepreneur, author, and success coach Jeff Heggie 💪 to challenge everything we think we know about raising confident, capable young people. 💭 Together, they expose the hidden gaps ⚡ in how we train students, athletes, and future leaders, 🧠 revealing what it really takes to build lasting mental strength. 🧩 If you care about empowering the next generation 🚀 of thinkers, dreamers, and doers 🌍, this one will hit home. ❤️ The real test isn’t in the classroom. 📚 It’s in the mindset. 💡🎧 Hit play, stay sharp, and coach the future like it matters. 💥🔥💫 Learn more about: The Generation Youth Coaching Certification - https://www.generation-youth.com/  Connect with Jeff Heggie: 🌐 Website: https://www.jeffheggie.com/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffheggie/ 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/jeffheggiecoaching/ ✍️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeffHeggieCoaching ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JeffHeggieSuccessCoach 📧 Email: jeff@jeffheggie.com Episode Resource: The Confident Athlete Program: 🎁The most Incredible FREE Gift Ever! - https://www.confidentathleteprogram.com/confident-athlete-mifge Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (2:09) Jeff’s story and what “coach” really means (5:54) Why youth coaching matters today (8:47) How adult mentorship has changed (11:40) Why do parents invest in sports but not in mindset? (14:46) The lifelong value of mental training (19:39) What makes youth coaching unique (26:09) Who youth life coaching is really for (28:18) Inside the Generation Youth Certification (32:20) Final thoughts and ways to get involved (34:50) Outro

How Do We Raise Kids Who Win Without Trophies? With Wendy Winn 🏆✨ What happens when kids grow up chasing trophies instead of character? 💭 In today’s powerful conversation on The Generation Youth Podcast, host James McLamb 🎙️ connects with Wendy Winn, an entrepreneur 💼, master saddle fitter 🤠, public speaker 🎤, life coach 🌱, and equine industry consultant, 🌍 to challenge today’s definition of success 🏁 and what it means for the next generation 🌟. Together, they reveal the quiet truths behind competition ⚔️, parenting 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, and character 💪 that every parent, teacher, and coach needs to hear 📚. This isn’t about giving everyone a trophy. 🥇 It’s about raising champions 🦅 who know their worth 💫 without one. 🎧 Tune in 🎯 and discover the kind of winning that never fades 🔥💖 Reach out to Wendy Winn: 🌐 Website: https://www.winnhorses.org/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-winn-78604a97/ 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/winnjwendy/# ✍️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wendy.winn.18/ ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Winnjwendy Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (2:03) Who is Wendy Winn? (4:09) “You don’t always stand in the winner’s circle” (8:03) Redefining what it means to win (11:37) Parents, stop living through your kids (14:16) Lessons from loss, faith, and growth (19:06) Teaching kids accountability and humility (24:52) Coaching with heart and conviction (32:11) Nervous Vs. Anxious (34:13) The power of one more (36:40) Winning through belief and preparation (43:50) Outro

What Makes a Student Truly Self-Motivated? With Walter Cullin Jr. 🔥 Is success born from the flame inside, not the prizes in sight? 🌟 In this episode of The Generation Youth Podcast, 🎙️ James McLamb sits down with educator, connector, podcast host, and author Walter Cullin Jr. 🧠💡 to reveal the true source of intrinsic motivation. 💪✨ Together, they share how to help students 🌱 develop grit, confidence, and the inner drive 🚀 to lead their own growth at home 🏡, in class 🎓, and in life 🌍. Whether you’re a teacher 🍎, parent 👨‍👩‍👧, or mentor 💬, this episode will remind you why planting the right seeds 🌻 today shapes tomorrow’s leaders 🦋 💭 Press play ▶️ and learn how to light the spark that lasts. ⚡ Get in touch with Walter Cullin Jr. 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/walter-cullin-jr-m-ed-776a7320a/ 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/intrinsicallymotivated/?hl=en 📧 Email: intrinsicallymotivated4@gmail.com Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (2:30) Who is Walter Cullin Jr? (4:17) The story behind the books (8:34) How to stop dangling the carrot? (13:04) How to help kids build inner drive (16:05) Parents Vs. Teachers: Balancing motivation (22:02) Long-term benefits of intrinsic growth (27:44) Real-life success stories from students (33:02) Where to connect with Walter (37:05) Outro

Can Coaching Turn Your Teen’s Fear into Confidence? With Laura Ollinger 🎙️ What if the biggest shift your teen needs isn’t therapy but coaching? 💭 In today’s powerful episode of The Generation Youth Podcast, James McLamb is joined by 💫 Laura Ollinger, a speaker, educator, podcast host, teen and parent well-being coach, and mom of four teens, 👩‍👧‍👦 who helps young people break free from anxiety, fear, and self-doubt 😔. They open up about why today’s teens struggle with pressure 🎓💥, how hidden beliefs shape behavior 🧠, and what parents can do to bring calm 🕊️ and connection ❤️ back home 🏡. Laura’s story will touch your heart 💓 and open your mind 🌈 to what’s truly possible for the next generation 🌍✨. Stop managing your teen’s chaos 😩🚫. Press play ▶️, turn up the volume 🎧🔥, and discover how to help them rise with confidence 💥🙌. Connect with Laura Ollinger: 🌐 Website: https://www.positivelyhealthycoaching.com/ 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/positivelyhealthycoaching/?hl=en 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-ollinger/ 🎧 Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-positively-healthy-mom/id1716580771 Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (2:06) Meet Laura and her coaching journey (5:33) Understanding fear and limiting beliefs (8:12) How coaching shifts a teen’s mindset (11:31) Motivational interviewing and neuroencoding philosophies (15:46) Helping parents communicate better (19:24) Measuring emotional growth (23:06) Parent coaching and trust building (25:39) Why coaching matters more today (30:42) Coaching as transformation, not therapy (34:36) Outro

Are We Losing This Generation to Fake Happiness? With Rosalie Kissmann 🔥 Why are so many teens hurting, and what part do we play in it? 🧠💔 In this bold and eye-opening episode of The Generation Youth Podcast, host James McLamb interviews Rosalie Kissmann, a passionate 24-year educator and speaker on finding happiness 🎤📚, to uncover what’s really behind the growing sadness, stress, and disconnection among today’s kids. 😔📱From the myth of “bigger, better, more” 💼➡️💭 to the quiet crisis of fake happiness, this conversation exposes what the next generation is truly up against, and how we can start to heal it. 🛡️⚔️If you care about helping teens rediscover real joy in a noisy, digital world 🎧🌍, this one’s for you.🔥 Listen now and be part of the change. 🚀 Learn more about Rosalie Kissmann: 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/joy_redefined/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosalie-kissmann/ 🌐 Website: https://joy-redefined.com/ Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (2:32) Meet Rosalie Kissmann (5:56) How Rosalie became a happiness speaker (9:23) The science of happiness explained (13:53) Social media and isolation’s hidden toll (20:20) How parents can help their children open up (23:44) The power of community among parents (29:18) Moving from temporary fixes to lasting joy (32:59) Helping teens rebuild hope through small steps (34:16) Training your brain for a better day (41:40) Outro

🌟💫👟 Every parent knows the heartbreak of watching their teen struggle, but what if those struggles are the very moments that shape their future strength? 🎧🔥 On this episode of The Generation Youth Podcast, James McLamb speaks with Tevin Ali about helping kids see setbacks 🧗‍♂️🌄 not as endings, but as turning points. 🚦🌈 Together, they share insights that remind parents, mentors, and youth leaders that rejection can be redirection 🛡️⚔️ and failure can be the setup for tomorrow’s success. 🎯💪 Press play and hear the hope-filled message 🎶✨ every heart needs right now. 🌍⚡ 📚📝🎤 Tevin Ali is a motivational speaker, author, and founder of Talk With Tevin LLC. From first-generation college graduate 🎓🌟 to award-winning writer of Forging Your Inner Diamond 💎✨ and Ambitious Archie 🦸‍♂️📖, Tevin helps youth and families turn struggles 🎮🎨🎧 into stepping stones 🚀💡. Through his talks and workshops 👥⚡, he empowers the next generation to see rejection as redirection 🛡️➡️ and build a legacy that lasts. 🏆 Reach out to Tevin Ali: 🌐 Website: www.talkwithtevin.com 💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tevinalidna 📸 IG: instagram.com/talkwithtevin Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (2:14) Who is Tevin Ali? (4:27) Roots before branches: Building foundation (7:54) Cheer yourself on like a movie hero (14:39) Struggles and setbacks set up success (16:07) Parenting step: Ask your kids “why” (19:26) Respond, don’t react: Grounding technique (25:15) Legacy: Leaving something in others (27:49) Rest and reflection (32:57) Outro

What If Imperfection Is the Key to Raising Confident Teens? With Derrick Kinney 🌟✨ Is imperfection the secret to raising confident teens? 🎧 In today’s episode of The Generation Youth Podcast, James McLamb 🎙️ sits down with Derrick Kinney, a dad of four 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, bestselling author 📚 of Good Money Revolution, and creator of Simple Teen Success 🚀, to uncover how vulnerability 💡 shapes stronger connections between parents and kids ❤️. Derrick shares practical strategies from his playbook 📝, showing how everyday choices 🔑 and small shifts ⚡ can help teens build confidence 💪, develop real-world skills 🎯, and step into future opportunities 🌍🌈. Whether you’re a parent 👩‍👦, teacher 👩‍🏫, or mentor 🧑‍🏫, don’t miss this conversation 🔥. It could change the way you guide the next generation 🌱🙌💫. Link up with Derrick Kinney: 🌐 Website: https://www.simpleteensuccess.com/  💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/derrickkinney 📸 IG: instagram.com/derrickkinney  📧Email: derrick@simpleteensuccess.com Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (2:13) Why Derrick created a teen success playbook (4:56) People like imperfect people better (8:51) Modeling mistakes builds courage in teens (13:06) What teens think adults believe about them (17:13) The retail store play for confidence (19:15) The sports stand play and golden question (22:34) Why a plan gives teens a superpower (27:10) The negative takeaway strategy for parents (31:23) Inside the Simple Teen Success course (38:46) Outro

How Administrators and Teachers Beat Burnout Together? With Rae Hughart   What if teacher burnout wasn’t inevitable? ✨ In this episode of The Generation Youth Podcast, James McLamb welcomes Rae Hughart to share simple, proven strategies that help educators and leaders build healthier classrooms 🏫 and stronger schools 📈. From time-saving tips ⏰ to smarter support systems 🤝, they show how small changes can create lasting impact. If you’re a teacher, administrator, or parent who wants to keep great educators in the classroom, tune in now ▶️ and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement 💡 and tools to thrive. Rae Hughart is an educator, author 📖, and TEDx speaker 🎤who equips schools with practical tools 🛠️ to help teachers thrive 💪. As founder of Teachers Deserve It (TDI), she leads a movement 🚀 dedicated to giving educators the strategies and support they need to flourish 🌷. Connect with Rae Hughart: 🌐 Website: https://teachersdeserveit.com/  💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rae-hughart/ 📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/teachersdeserveit/  🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1ZDo7psMhu9TTomUBKxVvO Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (2:20) Why Rae joined Ignite Summit (4:40) Rae’s mission with Teachers Deserve It (7:39) Balancing passion and avoiding burnout (12:21) Rethinking professional development for impact (19:15) The role of administrators as teachers (26:11) Why Professional Development must be action-focused (29:09) Solving real teacher pain points (33:41) How to connect with Rae Hughart (41:55) Outro

Can Teens and Young Adults Master Their Future? With Sai Vasam   🔥✨ Why do so many young people feel stuck, even after doing “all the right things”? 🎓💡 In today’s episode, James McLamb connects with Sai Vasam, an educator, entrepreneur, speaker, and author of Self-Investor. 🚀 Together, they uncover surprising truths about the challenges facing today’s teens and young adults. 🎤📘Their conversation 🎧🌍 shines a light on what’s beneath the surface of success 💎 and invites listeners to rethink what it really takes to move forward with confidence. 💪🔑 If you’re a student, recent graduate 🎓📈, or a parent guiding the next generation, this episode will challenge assumptions 🧩 and spark a fresh perspective 🌱🌈. Learn more about Sai Vasam: 🌐Website: https://www.saivasam.com/  💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sai-vasam/ 📗Get your copy of Self-Investor on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3V8VkKl  Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (2:08) Sai Vasam’s story (4:58) Quarter-life crisis support (9:22) Identity over results (11:40) Role models for young men (14:07) Spotting when someone’s stuck (21:18) First client transformation (25:56) Four keys to growth (32:05) Parent tips for struggling young adults (35:55) Outro

How Do Kids Really Find Purpose? With Shannon Anderson   What if kids could see how today’s learning 📚 shapes tomorrow’s future? 🌟 In this week’s inspiring episode of The Generation Youth Podcast, James McLamb talks with Shannon Anderson about purpose 🎯, motivation 💪, and building resilience 🔑. From sparking curiosity in the classroom 🏫 to guiding young adults 🎓 toward direction, you’ll discover practical insights to help the next generation grow with confidence ✨. Shannon Anderson is a children’s author ✍️, TEDx speaker 🎤, professor 🎓, and brain coach 🧠 with over 25 years of teaching experience. Recognized nationally 🏆 for her impact in education, she now inspires students, educators, and parents through books 📖, keynotes 🌍, and coaching 💡 that unlock potential and spark lasting growth 🌱. Find out more about Shannon Anderson: 🌐Website: https://www.shannonisteaching.com/  💬Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannon.b.anderson.58 ✍️X: https://x.com/Shannonteaches 📸IG: https://www.instagram.com/shannonisteaching/  💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonisteaching/ ▶️YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShannonAnderson/featured  Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (2:20) Shannon introduces her background (4:40) Connecting schoolwork to real careers (7:19) Ikigai: The four keys to purpose (11:53) Why mentors matter more than lectures (16:10) Real-world experiences shape direction (26:19) Purpose helps kids find belonging (29:59) Praising effort Vs praising ability (38:14) Helping young adults who feel lost (42:30) Growth mindset through children’s books (48:41) Outro

✨ What if the hardest seasons of life revealed your true calling? In this moving episode of The Generation Youth Podcast, host James McLamb 🎧 chats with Justin Pickens 🌱, who turned his story of adversity into a message of hope 💡. From battling the effects of a high ACE score 📊 to rediscovering his passion for education 📚, Justin shares powerful lessons on overcoming burnout 🔥, embracing purpose ✨, and creating lasting impact 🌍. Together, they share honest reflections and practical advice that will encourage teachers, parents, and anyone who feels stretched thin to find strength 💪 and meaning in their work. Justin Pickens is a teacher 📚, coach 🏀, storyteller 🎤, and encourager ✨ with a gift for turning hardship into hope. Having grown through adversity 🌪️ and come back stronger 💪, he now pours into educators and leaders with wisdom born from experience. His mission: to help others rediscover the joy of teaching 🎓, the strength of calling, and the quiet power to change lives, one student at a time 🌍. Connect with Justin Pickens: 🌐Website: https://justinpickens.com/  📧Email: justin@justinpickens.com  💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-pickens/  📞Call: 913-238-7668 Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (1:55) Who is Justin Pickens? (3:20) Overcoming adversity and ACE score (5:48) Leaving teaching and lessons learned (14:29) Teacher burnout Vs. Human burnout (19:30) Permission to be “above average” (28:54) Prayer, breathing, and perspective (32:22) Ripple effects of teaching (40:46) Outro

Why Are Teens Struggling So Much with Discipline? With Dave Christensen   🔥 How do you build rock-solid discipline and resilience? 🤔💥 In this episode, 🎙️ James McLamb links up with Coach Dave Christensen—legendary football coach 🏈 turned keynote speaker 🎤 and leadership expert. 🏆 With 40 years of molding athletes into champions at powerhouse programs like Missouri, Wyoming, and Texas A&M, Christensen knows exactly what it takes to build a winning mindset. 💡💪   🚀 They dive into the power of discipline, daily habits 💯, and why structure is the secret weapon for young people—even if they don’t see it yet. ⏳🔑 Plus, Coach Christensen breaks down his ADAPT game plan 🏁—a next-level strategy for bouncing back from setbacks and unlocking success. 🎯🔥 Learn more about Dave Christensen: Website: https://www.coachchristensen.com/  Email: dave.christensen18@gmail.com  Linktree: https://linktr.ee/CoachChristensen  Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (1:28) Who is Dave Christensen? (3:27) How mentorship shaped Dave’s life and career (6:01) Discipline, expectations, and accountability for teens (11:03) Building better habits in youth (17:21) The ADAPT game plan explained (21:23) Practical tips for parents to instill discipline in kids (24:10) Helping young adults who struggle with discipline (27:20) Breaking bad habits, developing self-awareness and accountability (30:25) How to connect with coach Christensen (32:35) Outro

Are We Teaching Kids the Wrong Way to Handle Bullying? With Justin Larsen   🔥 What if how we teach kids to handle bullying is making things worse? 🤯 In today’s episode of The Generation Youth Podcast, 🎙️ James McLamb welcomes Justin Larson 🏆, a speaker, educator, and founder of LarsenMotivates 🚀, who shares his raw and powerful journey from being bullied 😞 to becoming a voice for youth empowerment 💪✨ specializing in conflict resolution and anti-bullying strategies 🛑📢.   Together, they expose why “just ignore it” doesn’t work ❌, how bullying affects confidence into adulthood 😰, and a game-changing 🕶️ method that helps students stand up for themselves—without making things worse. ⚡💡 Whether you're a parent 👨‍👩‍👦, educator 🎓, or teen 🏫, this episode will challenge what you think you know 💭 and give you honest, practical solutions 🏁🔑. Get in touch with Justin Larsen: Website: https://www.larsenmotivates.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larsenmotivates/ X: https://x.com/LarsenMotivates YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LarsenMotivates TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@larsenmotivates LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larsenmotivates/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LarsenMotivates  Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (2:06) Justin’s story: From bullying victim to speaker (5:43) Why conflict resolution matters more than ever (8:09) Is bullying just a part of growing up? (10:47) The mistakes Justin made in handling bullying (16:58) How parents can spot the signs of bullying (19:55) What parents & educators can do to help (23:33) The D.A.E.S. method for responding to bullies (29:33) How to handle cyberbullying effectively (34:20) Where to find Justin for more resources (36:49) Outro

🔥 Are today’s teens struggling more, or are they facing tougher challenges than past generations? 🤔 In this powerful episode of the Generation Youth Podcast, 🎙️ host James McLamb jives with Kwesi Millington 🎤—keynote speaker, coach, resilience expert, author, and former RCMP Police Officer 🚔—to uncover what’s happening with youth today. Kwesi breaks down why many young people hesitate to push through adversity 💭, how social media 📱 fuels self-doubt 😟, and what parents 👨‍👩‍👧, teachers 🍎, coaches 🏆, and mentors 👏 can do to help build genuine resilience 💪. From practical mindset shifts 🧠 to simple daily habits 📅, together, they unpack fundamental, actionable strategies. 🚀 Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation—because how we support youth today will shape their future tomorrow 🌎✨! Link up with Kwesi Millington: Website: https://kwesimillington.com/  Email: kwesi@kwesimillington.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kwesimillington Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/kwesim  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakshareserve  X: https://x.com/kwesispeaks  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kwesispeaks  Episode highlights: (0:00) Intro (2:15) Kwesi’s background & mission (3:52) Are today’s youth less resilient? (7:30) More choices, more confusion – How abundance creates stress (10:16) Doing nothing and lack of patience (12:29) Building resilience: Practical steps for youth (17:48) How parents can support their kids (22:20) Controlling screen time Vs. Being controlled by it (25:31) Why praising effort matters more than results (29:09) Kwesi’s work (31:29) Outro