Why So Many Gen Z's Can't Take a Joke with Ted and Courtney Balaker
Are you completely lost when it comes to understanding Gen Z’s need for safe spaces, their mental health issues and political views? Our podcast with filmmakers Courtney and Ted Balaker is here to explain. Courtney and Ted made a documentary, based on the book, The Coddling of the American Mind, by Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff, to explain the alarming cultural trends and to start deeply needed conversations across college campuses.
In our podcast, we discuss the alarming trends in Gen Z's mental health crisis, how we got here and some ideas for getting out of this mess. We also discuss the impacts of educational environments that prioritize emotional safety over intellectual freedom and critical thinking — and how this emphasis has backfired, contributing to the growing mental health crisis.
Clips from the podcast:
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Links from our latest podcast:
The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a aGeneration for Failure by onathan Haidtand Greg Lukianoff
Listen now:
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Must Reads:
Jeremy Renner and the Science of Extraordinary Near-Death Experiences
“There is no scientific consensus on what causes near-death experiences. But whatever their cause, they can change people’s lives. Some lose all fear of death; others change careers or leave relationships. The reactions to near-death experiences seem to outstrip what researchers have seen in people who nearly die but don’t have such an experience.”
The University of Michigan Doubled Down on D.E.I. What Went Wrong?
Michigan’s largest division trains professors in “antiracist pedagogy” and dispenses handouts on “Identifying and Addressing Characteristics of White Supremacy Culture,” like “worship of the written word.” The engineering school promises a “pervasive education around issues of race, ethnicity, unconscious bias and inclusion.”
The JPAC Summit is two-day gathering n Sacramento with hundreds of participants from across the state. It’s a policy conference for learning, networking with lawmakers and activists and participating in direct lobbying to help advocate for legislative priorities On May 4-5, dozens of Jewish organization united to advocate for a bill that asks for unbiased ethnic studies for California students. Other bills included resources for education and protecting vulnerable families.
Definitely put it on your calendar for next year if it sounds interesting to you!
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PS: Did you notice we changed our podcast name to Meant For YOU?
When we started Meant For It, our focus was on meaningful careers and the paths people take to find purpose. But as our conversations evolved, so did our vision. We realized it’s not just what you do that changes the world — it’s about your personal growth as you follow the path that aligns with who you are.
So we’re shifting in a more personal direction, exploring different ways of seeing the world and participating in community, self-discovery, bold living, and what it means to lead a life you truly feel is meant for you.