Aktuelle Folge
Did Gen Z Kill Identity Politics? Good. In this episode of What If We?, Kaitlin Funaro sits down with researcher and Gen Z expert Rachel Janfaza, author of the popular Substack The Up & Up to unpack what young people are actually feeling right now, and why so many institutions are getting i
Länge: 23:55
In this episode of What If We?, Kaitlin Funaro sits down with researcher and Gen Z expert Rachel Janfaza, author of the popular Substack The Up & Up to unpack what young people are actually feeling right now, and why so many institutions are getting it wrong.
Drawing from a series of listening sessions with 11–22-year-olds across the country, Rachel explains why Gen Z’s political identity is fluid, why “identity politics” feels outdated to many young people, and how COVID fundamentally reshaped their trust in authority.
They explore the generational “bullsh*t meter,” why authenticity beats jargon every time, and what adults, educators, and institutions can do to create meaningful political dialogue instead of shutting it down.
If you work in advocacy, education, communications, or simply care about the future of civic engagement, this conversation offers a reality check, and a hopeful one.
In This Episode:
Why Gen Z’s political views are fluid not fixedHow COVID reshaped Gen Z’s trust in authorityGen Z evaluates leaders based on results, not political parties.Gen Z can quickly spot inauthentic or top-down messaging (“the sniff test”).They prefer open debate and honest conversation over silence or rigid rules.Frustration with politics does not mean disengagement for GenZ.Learn more:
Read RALLY’s insights report Youth Research: Identity, Culture, & Issue Advocacy
Check out Rachel Janfaza’s work at The Up & Up
About RALLY:
RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges.
Where you can find us:
wearerally.com Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at pod@wearerally.com.
GUID: Buzzsprout-18750130
Erscheinungsdatum: 26.2.2026, 16:00:00
