Gen Z is more connected than any generation in history, yet also more isolated, anxious, and uncertain about their identity and purpose.

In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens sits down with Dr. Stephanie Shackelford, senior fellow at the Barna Group and author of You on Purpose, to explore the findings from Barna’s latest research on Gen Z mental health.

While anxiety and depression are on the rise, this conversation goes deeper. What if the core issue is not just mental health, but a lack of purpose, connection, and grounded identity?

Drawing from extensive research and expert interviews, Stephanie shares six key themes that offer a path forward for families and schools:

Creating tech-free spaces to reduce anxiety and restore focus
Supporting parents as a critical foundation for student wellbeing
Rebuilding real, in-person relationships and community
Helping students reframe struggles with resilience and hope
Returning to faith practices that ground identity and purpose
Cultivating a sense of responsibility and calling beyond self

🎧 Tune in to hear:

Why Gen Z is called a “generation of paradox”
The surprising connection between purpose and mental health
How small changes at home can make a lasting impact
Why church and community matter more than ever

This episode is both eye-opening and deeply practical, offering simple but powerful ways to help the next generation flourish.

Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:

Wisdom and Eloquence
The Herzog Foundation
Life Architects
Wisephone by Techless
ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy

Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.com

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