The Generation Youth Podcast with James McLamb

Ep. #137: Are We Teaching Kids the Wrong Way to Handle Bullying? With Justin Larsen

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

Ep. #136: Are We Raising Resilient Kids or Setting Them Up to Struggle? With Kwesi Millington

🔥 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

Ep. #135: What’s the Secret to Raising Strong, Confident Kids in Today’s World? With Paul Plotkin

🎙️ What if the secret to raising confident, resilient kids is letting them struggle? 🚀 In this episode, host James McLamb sits down with Paul Plotkin, founder and creator of Mission Grit™, to explore how intentional challenges and hands-on experiences shape the next generation of leaders. 💪 Paul shares his inspiring journey from military service 🌟 to creating innovative youth programs that build confidence, character, and resilience. 🌍 Together, they uncover how struggle can become a powerful tool for growth ✨ and why today’s kids need more than just encouragement to thrive. 🧗‍♂️ Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation that might change how you view youth development! 🌟🔥
 
How to connect with Paul Plotkin:
Website: https://missiongrit.com/ 
Email: info@missiongrit.com 
Phone: 704-733-9103
Episode highlights:(0:00) Intro(1:55) Paul’s journey: Soviet Union to the U.S. (5:41) The four pillars of development
(8:37) How mobility and mental activities boost confidence and teamwork
(11:05) Importance of social skills and character development
(15:09) Three services: Adventure-based learning
(22:38) How team challenges teach leadership and budgeting
(24:31) Behavioral improvements and increased confidence
(27:58) The role of veterans as instructors
(33:42)  Mission Grit’s approach and plans
(35:50) Outro

Ep. #134: How Can We Empower Young People to Speak Up, Seek Help, and Thrive? With Zion Givens

🌟 How do you help youth build confidence to speak up about their struggles? 🤔 In today’s episode, host James McLamb 🎙️ connects with Zion “Z” Givens, a mental health advocate 🌈 and co-founder of Up To It, a platform helping youth 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 and adults connect and thrive 💪 while unpacking the critical topic of mental health in youth. 🧠 Together, they discuss the importance of self-advocacy 🗣️, breaking the stigma around asking for help 🚀, and guiding youth toward healthy coping strategies. 🛠️ Learn practical tips for building trust 🤝, starting meaningful conversations 🗨️, and empowering young people to navigate life's challenges. 🌍 This heartfelt discussion ❤️ offers parents, teachers, and mentors 📚 invaluable tools to create stronger, more resilient connections 🔗 with the next generation. 🌟✨💬🎧
Learn more about Zion Givens:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zion__givens/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zion-givens/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/485935524118616 
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/up-to-it-parenting/id1674940041 
Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(2:14) Zion's background and work with Up To It
(4:00) Encouraging self-advocacy in youth
(6:38) Recognizing the difference between bad days and deeper issues
(8:38) Spotting early signs of mental health struggles
(12:49) Youth comparing challenges and traumas
(15:03) Unhealthy coping mechanisms in youth
(19:55) Why youth need trusted adult mentors
(27:49) Building trust through small, fun conversations
(34:47) How to respond to youth sharing struggles
(39:29) Handling serious mental health challenges calmly
(43:48) Outro

Ep. #133: Why Are Teens Struggling With Connection More Than Ever? With Nathan Wray

📱✨ Are today’s youth more connected or lonely than ever before? 🌐🤔 In this compelling episode of the Generation Youth Podcast, 🎙️ host James McLamb sits down with Nathan Wray, a youth life coach and speaker, to uncover the truth about today’s generation’s challenges. 🤝💡 Together, they explore how digital devices 📲 have created a “disconnected connection,” 🔗 leading to rising loneliness 🥺💔 and mental health struggles 🧠💭. Nathan shares his journey of overcoming adversity 🌟🔥 and offers simple, practical ways parents, educators, and students can foster authentic relationships ❤️🤗 and build resilience 💪🏽🌱. 🌈 Learn these valuable insights to strengthen connections 💕 with the youth in their life! 🚀💫
Get in touch with Nathan Wray:
Website: https://www.nathanwrayspeaks.com/ 
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thatnathanwray Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatnathanwray/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanwrayspeaker/ Facebook: https://bit.ly/4j0abRK Email: nathanwrayofficial@gmail.com 
Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(2:22) Nathan's story and his roots
(4:37) Identifying the significant challenges youth face today
(8:52) The loneliness epidemic in youth
(13:53) Creative ideas to foster conversations
(20:21) Parental engagement in the digital age
(25:18) A simple step to connect
(30:58) Building resilience through relationships
(37:12) Where to start helping youth connect
(40:20) Outro
 

Ep. #132: How Can Teens Chase Greatness? with Chase Livingston

How Can Teens Chase Greatness? with Chase Livingston
 
🎯 What’s holding teens back from becoming their best selves? 🧗‍♂️ In this episode, host James McLamb chats with fitness coach and youth mentor Chase Livingston, "Your Trainer for Life." 💪 Chase shares his inspiring journey from a two-time college dropout to becoming a personal trainer, speaker, and life coach passionate about helping the next generation overcome challenges and achieve greatness. 🌟 Together, they tackle key issues like mental health 🧠, societal pressures 🌍, and self-doubt 🤔 while exploring ways to build purpose 🛤️, confidence ✨, and resilience 🛡️ in youth. 🔥 This episode is packed with actionable insights and must-listen for parents, educators, and mentors striving to empower teens to thrive. 🚀
Reach out to Chase Livingston:
Website: https://www.chaseinspires.com/Email: chase@chaseinspires.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chaseinspires 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaseinspires/  
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaseinspires/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chaseinspires 
X: https://x.com/chaseinspires 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chaseinspires 
Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(2:19) Chase’s background and becoming "Your Trainer for Life."
(7:42) Youth challenges and mental health statistics
(13:39) The importance of stepping up as role models
(16:23) Importance of instilling values and finding purpose daily
(25:48) Chase’s holistic approach: The E3 Workout Plan
(37:05) Outro

Ep. #131: Are Betting Apps Creating a Generation at Risk of Gambling Addiction? With Saul Malek

🎙️ How does a harmless bet spiral into a life-altering addiction? 🎲 In this compelling episode, James McLamb sits down with public speaker Saul Malek to uncover a hidden crisis—gambling addiction among teens and young adults. 💬 Saul candidly shares his journey into sports betting during college, revealing the emotional 💔 and financial 💸 toll it took and how he ultimately reclaimed his life. 🚀 As gambling apps 📱 and online betting grow more accessible, they discuss practical strategies for parents 👨‍👩‍👧, educators 📚, mentors 🤝, and teens 🧑‍🎓 to spot the warning signs 🚨 and take action. 🌟 This episode offers eye-opening 👀 insights and real solutions to protect the next generation. 💡 Don't miss this inspiring 💪 and informative 🧠 conversation—it could change lives. 🌍✨ 
How to connect with Saul Malek:Website: https://www.saulmalek.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saulmalekspeaking LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saulmalek/ 
Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(2:03) Who is Saul Malek?
(4:26) Saul's gambling beginnings and impulsive behaviors
(10:27) Early signs of gambling addiction
(15:17) Rationalizing and mental health consequences
(21:31) Steps for parents to address gambling concerns
(23:52) Statistics on youth gambling involvement
(25:29) Saul’s turning point and recovery journey
(31:18) Empowering youth with tools for healthy habits
(37:24) Outro

Ep. #130: How Can We Help Teens Overcome Self-Doubt and Embrace Their Worth? With Kate Garnes

How Can We Help Teens Overcome Self-Doubt and Embrace Their Worth? With Kate Garnes
 
🎧✨ How do you help young people see their worth in a world constantly telling them they're insufficient? 🌍💔 In today’s episode, host James McLamb chats with motivational speaker, author, DJ, gladiator, and former Disney performer Kate Garnes 🎤🎉 to explore teens' struggles—from relentless social media pressure 📱🔥 to finding their voice amidst self-doubt. 🌟🗣️ Kate shares how her journey from Disney performer 🎭🏰 to youth advocate taught her the value of resilience, grace, and joy. 💪💖 Together, they discuss actionable steps for parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors 📚🏅 to connect with kids, help them embrace failure, and build confidence. 🚀🙌 This conversation is packed with stories and strategies to help young people thrive, 🌱✨ making it a must-listen 🎶🎧 for anyone passionate about their success. 🌟💥
 
Learn more about Kate Garnes:
Website: https://www.kategarnes.com/ 
Email: kate@kategarnes.com 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kategarneslive/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kategarneslive 
X: https://x.com/kategarneslive
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4pACxgeqbTpazfI4wLkFIA
Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(2:19) Kate’s background and career journey
(6:18) How teens perceive their worth and value
(10:58) The rise of comparison culture among teens
(14:43) Showing grace and overcoming self-doubt
(20:17) The power of self-talk and finding joy in small things
(27:17) Failing forward with empathy
(35:27) The amplifiers of teens' struggles
(41:51) Reducing bullying and fostering empathy
(44:37) Outro