Episodes

  • Exploring Spirituality, Science, & Self-Growth: A Conversation with Najuka, Life Coach & Healer
    Apr 1 2026

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    On this episode of Rated Gen Z, Raquel reconnects with Najuka, a 23-year-old healer, life coach, poet, and aspiring novelist based in Mumbai. They discuss Najuka’s unique journey from data analyst to life coach, her experiences helping clients address root issues through life coaching, akashic readings, and numerology, and the increasing openness among Gen Z in India to explore mental health and spirituality beyond traditional career paths.

    The conversation explores the intersection of science and spirituality, the importance of addressing inner blockages to unlock abundance, and practical insights for young people striving for self-improvement and deeper fulfillment. Najuka shares stories of intuitive connection with others, the value of observing one’s own thoughts, and advice for those seeking to reprogram old patterns. The episode closes with reflections on compassion, interconnectedness, and embracing both scientific and spiritual ways of understanding the world—and a simple daily practice to spark self-awareness and positive change.

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    43 mins
  • Gen Z Grit: Navigating Pressure, Purpose & College Life
    Mar 25 2026

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    In this episode of Rated Gen Z, host Raquel Host sits down with 19 year old Maliya for an honest and insightful conversation about growing up, navigating academic and social pressures, and finding your path in today’s world. Maliya shares her journey from San Diego to USC, her passion for behavioral economics and psychology, and the inspiration behind her own podcast, The Mental Playbook. Together, they discuss the challenges of comparison culture, the impact of social media, college life, and the importance of building resilience. Whether reminiscing about their high school days at Francis Parker or diving into the realities of clubs, sports, and sorority rush, this episode brings generational perspectives together in an open and relatable way.

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    50 mins
  • Season 2 E2 : Finding Your Voice and Building Your Brand: A Gen Z Journey with Harshini
    Feb 4 2026

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    In this insightful episode of Rated Gen Z, Raquel sits down with Harshini—an 18-year-old changemaker who’s already deeply involved in community work, personal branding, and even preparing to launch her own podcast. The conversation dives into topics like building a personal brand on LinkedIn as a young adult, finding balance amidst school and extracurriculars, and the pressure Gen Z faces around college applications and choosing their path.

    Harshini opens up about her experiences with nonprofit organizations, the importance of networking, and why she’s choosing the college dorm life for a richer, more connected campus experience. Together, she and Raquel discuss navigating the competitive culture of college admissions, the evolving usefulness of degrees like the MBA, and why self-awareness and authenticity matter more now than ever—especially in an AI-saturated world.

    This episode is a candid look at what it means to be Gen Z today, honoring individuality, mental health, and living in the present. If you’re curious about shaping your future or want real-talk from a Gen Z perspective, this is one you won’t want to miss!

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    42 mins
  • Season 2 EP1 Turning 18: From Pistachio Cake to FDA Testimony with Anvita
    Jan 21 2026

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    Season 2 kicks off with Anvita, who's graduated from Raq the Boat to Rated Gen Z by turning 18. We're covering the important stuff: her new baking obsession (pistachio cake included), what it's like speaking at FDA meetings about pediatric healthcare, and why turning 18 isn't the dramatic transformation everyone promises.

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    38 mins
  • E33: Marching Forward: Acceptance, Allstate Choir & Navigating Trans Teenhood
    Dec 31 2025

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    In this episode, you’ll meet Pepper, an 18-year-old with a love for planes, a flair for music, and a thoughtful take on navigating young adulthood today. Pepper talks candidly about the realities of college applications, the highs and lows of participating in band and choir, and the challenges of finding a college that feels safe and welcoming as a trans student. There are genuine moments of joy—like making Allstate Choir—and lots of honest conversation about choosing a career that fits, moving between states, and the everyday balance of passion and practicality. With warmth and openness, Pepper shares what friendship, family support, and self-discovery look like alongside the complexities of growing up queer in today’s America. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your next steps, or just want to hear what life looks like from Gen Z’s perspective, this episode is an easy and inviting listen.

    This is our Season 1 finale! Season 2 of Rated Gen Z kicks off in the new year—see you in 2026!


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    44 mins
  • E32: Empowering Hope: Gen Z's Global Impact & Entrepreneurship Journey
    Nov 19 2025

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    In episode 32 of Rated Gen Z, we're diving deep into the power of youth-driven change with special guest Taylor Thigpen. From starting a thriving houseplant business at 14 to launching nonprofit initiatives that bridge cultures between American and Ukrainian youth, Taylor’s journey is all about purpose, passion, and real-world impact. Host Raquel returns from filming a Gen Z documentary to chat with Taylor about 4H, leadership, social entrepreneurship, and what it means to build authentic, intergenerational connections in a digital world. We cover creativity, critical thinking in the age of AI, and why young people aren’t just the leaders of tomorrow—they’re leading today.

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    41 mins
  • E31: The Paradox Generation: Why We're Told to Be Unique But Judged by Numbers
    Jul 30 2025

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    In this episode, we chat with Megumi, a Northwestern University student athlete who's got some real talk about what it's like to be Gen Z right now. She opens up about her work with the Evanston Special Olympics and how it changed her view on what success in sports really means. But that's just the start.

    Megumi doesn't hold back when it comes to the job hunt struggle. She breaks down how weird it is that we're all told to be unique, but then companies just want to see the numbers. It's like, what gives? And don't even get her started on those robot interviews.

    We also dig into the whole social media thing. Megumi's got some thoughts on why her generation is so into the 90s and early 2000s vibe. It's not just about the fashion - it's about missing a time when we weren't all glued to our phones 24/7.

    Speaking of phones, we get into how they've changed the way we talk to each other. Megumi shares how watching "Sex and the City" with her mom is like looking at a whole different world of hanging out and dating. It's wild to see how much has changed, but also how some things about being human never do.

    This conversation's got it all - laughs, real talk about the challenges Gen Z faces, and some surprising insights about how different generations can actually connect. Whether you're trying to figure out your own path or just want to understand what's up with the kids these days, Megumi's take is fresh, honest, and might just change how you see things.

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    36 mins
  • E30: Mic Drop Moments: Podcasting, Passion & Personal Growth
    Jul 23 2025

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    In this episode, we kick it with Ryan, a young creative powerhouse who's crushing it in the world of content creation, podcasting, and business strategy. Ryan spills the tea on his journey from existential crisis at 19 to building a multi-faceted career that's all about making creativity his life's work. He's not just talking the talk - this guy's walking the walk, running a podcast production company and DJing on the side.

    But it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Ryan gets real about the struggles of comparison in the digital age and drops some serious wisdom on why true competition in business is basically non-existent. (Spoiler alert: there's no finish line, so chill out and focus on your own goals.)

    We dive into the AI revolution in content creation, with Ryan singing the praises of ChatGPT and other tools that are changing the game for creators. But don't worry, he's not about to let the robots take over. Instead, he's all about using tech to boost productivity and free up time for what really matters - making art.

    Speaking of art, Ryan's got some fire advice for young creators out there: "Don't stop doing your art." Whether you're into music, podcasts, or interpretive dance, he's adamant that your passions aren't just hobbies - they're essential parts of who you are and could be the key to your future success.

    From mentorship hacks to daily goal-setting strategies, this episode is packed with actionable tips for anyone looking to level up their creative game. So grab your headphones and get ready for a dose of Gen Z realness that'll leave you feeling inspired, motivated, and maybe a little bit obsessed with AI. Trust us, you don't want to miss this one.

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    41 mins