The Generation Youth Podcast with James McLamb

Ep. #166: What Makes a School Worth Showing Up For? With Danny Bauer

What Makes a School Worth Showing Up For? With Danny BauerWhat if the real issue in education is the kind of school experience we keep asking students to accept? 🎓In today’s episode, host James McLamb welcomes Danny Bauer for a sharp conversation on school culture, student engagement, education leadership, and the future of youth development. If you care about stronger schools, healthier environments, and better outcomes for young people, this episode will challenge the way you think. Listen now and reimagine what school can become. 🚀Danny Bauer is an educator, leadership coach, and founder of Better Leaders Better Schools. As the voice behind the Ruckus Maker movement, he helps school leaders lead with more courage, clarity, and creativity through his podcast, writing, coaching, and newsletter. 📚Reach out to Danny:Website: https://betterleadersbetterschools.com/ 
Newsletter: https://ruckusmakers.news/subscribe & https://ruckusmakers.news/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heydannybauer/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heydannybauer/ Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDheS3bA5a1eUo2ylnR_rYyQ_ct2WeXWm Episode Resource:
A Beautiful Constraint - https://amzn.to/4rZc0BS Mastermind: Unlocking Talent Within Every School Leader - https://amzn.to/41hQJsN 
Build Leadership Momentum: How to Create the Perfect Principal Entry Plan - https://amzn.to/4mAj3PK 
The Remarkable Vision Formula: A Guided School Leader Retreat - https://amzn.to/4mY02Xg 
Calm in the Chaos: Ancient Stoic Wisdom for Successful School Leadership - https://amzn.to/3Jqneie 
Episode highlights:(0:00) Intro(2:18) Danny's story
(9:09) The meaning of a ruckus maker
(13:26) Creating school worth showing up for
(15:52) What teachers can change first
(21:59) Building classrooms students want to enter
(25:20) What principals must rethink now
(31:16) How parents can shape school culture
(35:29) Resources for education ruckus makers
(39:40) Outro

Ep. #165: Are We Misreading What Kids Really Need? With Nicole Runyon

Are We Misreading What Kids Really Need? With Nicole RunyonRethinking how we help kids. 🧠 In this episode, James McLamb sits down with Nicole Runyon to unpack the growing tension between youth mental health, modern parenting, and the culture shaping today’s kids 📱 Together, they explore why this conversation matters for parents, educators, coaches, and youth leaders, while offering a more grounded lens on what young people need to grow, lead, and thrive. 🌱
 
Nicole Runyon, LMSW, is a psychotherapist, parent coach, keynote speaker, and author of the bestselling book Free To Fly: The Secret To Fostering Independence In The Next Generation. ✍️ Nicole is renowned for her expertise in child and adolescent mental health, backed by an extensive 22-year career in the field. Most importantly, she is the mother of 2 children. 💛Episode Resource:Download Nicole’s FREE book in PDF format - https://icy-bread-97966.myflodesk.com/itdoa6ei8l Social Handles:Website: https://nicolerunyon.com/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolerunyonlmsw/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/igenerationmentalhealth/ Nicole’s Book:Free to Fly: The Secret to Fostering Independence in the Next Generation - https://nicolerunyon.com/free-to-fly/ Episode highlights:(0:00) Intro(2:13) Why parents need more support today
(5:13) When kids need coaching, not therapy
(10:35) How parenting shifted in the digital age
(16:05) Why parenting work starts with you
(20:15) Building purpose, resilience, and confidence
(22:57) What parent-coaching really looks like
(29:04) Therapy culture and modern parenting pressure
(32:04) Online influence and youth mental health
(40:03) Outro

Ep. #164: Is Your Parenting Style Helping or Hurting Your Teen? With Steve Galley and Nate Crandall

Is Your Parenting Style Helping or Hurting Your Teen? With Steve Galley and Nate CrandallIn today’s episode of The Generation Youth Podcast, James sits down with longtime educators and coaches Steve Galley and Nate Crandall to talk about a shift many parents are beginning to notice as their kids grow into teenagers 🎧. After decades in classrooms and on the court 🏀, Steve and Nate bring real-world perspective from years of working with teens, parents, and athletes navigating pressure, identity, and growth.Together, they look at why traditional parenting approaches often start to break down during the teenage years and what can happen when adults begin thinking more like coaches than controllers. Their insights offer a thoughtful perspective for parents, educators, coaches, and youth leaders who care deeply about helping young people grow with confidence, resilience, and direction 🚀.Learn morea bout Steve & Nate:Website: https://createtransformbecome.com/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-galley/ & https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-crandall-a6900119a/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stop-parenting-start-coaching/id1696708860 Episode highlights:(0:00) Intro(2:17) Two educators’ journey into mentoring teens
(7:32) The idea behind “Stop Parenting, Start Coaching”
(12:02) Why modern parenting feels harder today
(14:14) How coaching strengthens parent-teen relationships
(16:56) The power of trusted non-parental mentors
(24:09) Inside their coaching approach for families
(28:33) Helping parents rethink their role with teens
(31:20) Why teens need guidance beyond the classroom
(43:13) Outro

Ep. #163: How Does Fatherhood Shape the Future of Youth? With Jonathan Guerrero

How Does Fatherhood Shape the Future of Youth? With Jonathan GuerreroWhat happens when fathers begin asking deeper questions about their role in their children’s lives? 🗣️In this episode, host James McLamb welcomes Jonathan Guerrero, founder, producer, and host of The Fatherhood Challenge, a syndicated radio program and podcast focused on strengthening families by helping fathers become more present and intentional in their children’s lives. Together, they explore the deeper questions surrounding fatherhood, responsibility, and the influence dads carry in shaping the next generation 👑. The conversation challenges assumptions and invites parents, educators, coaches, and youth leaders to think more carefully about the role fathers play in raising resilient young people ⚔️.🔥 Press play and listen closely. Your kids may never hear this episode, but they will experience the results of the choices you make afterward 🕊️.Reach out to Jonathan Guerrero:Website: https://www.thefatherhoodchallenge.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefatherhoodchallenge/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-guerrero-a6029341/ Episode highlights:(0:00) Intro(2:07) Jonathan Guerrero introduces The Fatherhood Challenge
(5:07) Struggling with identity, purpose, and fatherhood
(11:40) Why fatherhood became the focus of his mission
(16:37) The deeper issue behind youth crises and violence
(20:37) A call for fathers to grow, not pursue perfection
(24:11) Cultural shifts that reshaped views of fatherhood
(30:14) Why intentional fatherhood matters more than ever
(34:32) The vision that launched a mission for families
(41:43) Outro

Ep. #162: Are We Helping Young People Lead with Purpose? With Dave Herpy

Are We Helping Young People Lead with Purpose? With Dave HerpySmall moments shape future leaders 🌱. In today’s episode, James McLamb sits down with Dave Herpy, an author, coach, and speaker, to rethink what leadership really looks like for young people today. With decades of experience in youth development and camp leadership 🏕️, Dave brings a perspective that speaks directly to the pressure, comparison, and confidence challenges many teens face and why the environments around them matter more than we often notice.For parents, educators, coaches, and youth leaders, this conversation offers a thoughtful lens on how purpose, identity, and influence start forming long before adulthood. It may change the way you see your role in shaping the next generation 🚀. Hit play now ▶️. Your younger self would probably approve.Connect with Dave Herpy:Website: https://daveherpy.wordpress.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daveherpyleadingwithpurpose LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dherpy/ Episode highlights:(0:00) Intro(2:01) Who is Dave Herpy
(9:51) What leading with purpose really means
(13:45) Why do some youth resist leadership roles
(22:08) Why college students should work at camp
(29:30) Why kids benefit from summer camp
(32:20) Parenting independence and camp safety
(36:23) Outro

Ep. #161: How Do We Lead Kids in a Screen Age? With Kathy Van Benthuysen

How Do We Lead Kids in a Screen Age? With Kathy Van Benthuysen
🔥 In this episode of The Generation Youth Podcast, James interviews longtime educator, mother of 20 years, 30-year classroom teacher, and coach with more than 67,000 hours working with kids, Kathy Van Benthuysen, about the growing tension between technology and healthy youth development 📱🧠. After decades in education, she began noticing shifts in communication, attention, and confidence that raised deeper questions about how the digital world is shaping young people today.Together, they explore what parents, educators, and leaders are navigating, why this moment calls for more intentional guidance, and how everyday decisions can influence a child’s long-term trajectory 🚀. If you care about helping young people build real connections and resilience in a screen-driven culture, this conversation will stay with you 🤝.Learn more about Kathy Van Benthuysen:Website: https://www.converlation.com/ 
Email: Kathy@Converlation.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-van-benthuysen/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Converlation/ Episode highlights:(0:00) Intro(3:47) Technology’s impact on social development
(6:48) Why parents need new support today
(10:12) Mental health trends and digital culture
(18:32) Practical parenting in a screen world
(25:33) Schools, learning, and technology debates
(33:07) Changing norms and social expectations
(36:56) Programs supporting families and schools
(43:04) Outro

Ep. #160: Can Sports and Nature Shape Stronger, More Resilient Kids? With Marci Kornegay

Can Sports and Nature Shape Stronger, More Resilient Kids? With Marci Kornegay
What does it really take to help young people build confidence, resilience, and belief in themselves when the path feels uncertain? 💭In today’s episode, host James McLamb welcomes Marci Kornegay for a thoughtful conversation on how sports, outdoor challenges, and supportive leadership shape strong, confident young people. 🏃‍♀️ Drawing from her experience as a coach and mentor, Marci reflects on how curiosity, discomfort, and encouragement can lead to lasting growth. 🚀This conversation is for parents, educators, coaches, and youth leaders who care about building character, not just short-term success. 📚 If you want to help young people grow stronger from the inside out, press play and be part of this meaningful discussion. 🎧Reach out to Marci Kornegay:Websites: https://girlsportcollective.com/ & https://wecoachsports.org/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blondebearhikes/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcikornegay/ Episode highlights:(0:00) Intro(2:06) From athlete to coach and mentor
(6:47) Building confidence through sport and curiosity
(11:18) How sports shape long-term character
(16:13) Lessons from hiking the Appalachian Trail
(19:48) Never quit on a bad day
(23:46) How sports and nature build resilience
(28:20) Packing fears and personal leadership
(30:22) Backpacking adventures 
(34:18) Why this message needs sharing

Ep. #159: Why Do Young People Struggle to Build Real Confidence and Resilience? With Kaz Langness

Why Do Young People Struggle to Build Real Confidence and Resilience? With Kaz Langness
🏆 Building stronger minds for life and sport. In this episode, James McLamb sits down with Kaz Langness, a mental performance coach who works with youth and collegiate athletes across the country, to unpack what truly shapes confidence, resilience, and performance under pressure. They explore where belief comes from, how it gets shaken, and why the adults in a young person’s life often matter more than they realize. 🧩This conversation is for parents, educators, coaches, and youth leaders who want more than quick motivation and surface-level advice. 🚀 Do not let this play in the background. Listen with intention, then carry what you learn into the next young person who needs you most. 🔥Connect with Kaz Langness:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kazlangness/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kazlangness/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kazlangness 
Episode highlights:(0:00) Intro(2:29) Kaz’s work with youth and college athletes
(4:28) Why confidence breaks down in young people
(7:11) The role of coaches, parents, and safe spaces
(11:59) How encouragement shapes lives
(13:31) Recognizing hidden self-doubt in youth
(16:36) Fear Vs. Scared
(20:32) Building resilience that lasts beyond sports
(25:26) A powerful first step for young leaders
(30:05) Outro