The Gen X/Z Exchange: Navigating Career, Purpose & Modern Life Across Generations
Ever find yourself wondering why you aren’t happier, where your career is going, or why life suddenly feels uncertain — even when everything looks fine on paper?
If you’ve ever felt stuck, off-track, or unsure what comes next, you’re not alone.
The Gen X/Z Exchange is a life navigation podcast where a Gen X dad and his Gen Z daughter explore the biggest challenges facing modern life - from career direction and purpose to relationships, wellbeing, identity and the changing world of work.
Across generations but facing many of the same questions, Chris and Lily bring honest conversations and real-world perspective to the uncertainty so many people feel today. Chris has navigated layoffs, career pivots and the realities of midlife change, while Lily is figuring out early career decisions, identity and adulthood in a fast-changing world.
Together, they bridge generational perspectives to help you:
- make sense of career and life transitions
- navigate work and purpose in a changing economy
- improve relationships and wellbeing
- feel less alone in the challenges of modern life
These aren’t expert lectures or quick fixes. They’re candid conversations about figuring life out - together.
If you’re navigating a career change, questioning direction, dealing with midlife or quarterlife uncertainty, or simply trying to understand how life looks different across generations, this podcast is for you.
Follow us now and join a growing community learning how to navigate modern life - one honest conversation at a time.
The Gen X/Z Exchange: Navigating Career, Purpose & Modern Life Across Generations
Latest Episodes
Preview of upcoming episodes summer 2026
We don't have a full episode this week - there are two reasons for that you'll hear about in this preview.Instead, here's a sneak peek of some of the topics we have planned. If there are any others you'd like us to discuss, let us know!
Why am I always tired? — and what’s really draining your energy
“Why am I always tired?” — even when you’ve had a full night’s sleep?If you’re constantly exhausted, struggling with low energy, or feeling “tired and wired”, you’re not alone. And it might not be a sleep problem at all.In this ep...
What should I do with my life? Charlie Rogers on a smarter way to build a career at any age
What should you do with your life - when there’s no clear path to follow?Whether you’re just starting out or rethinking your direction later in life, figuring out what comes next can feel overwhelming - especially when traditional career...
How to stop people pleasing - and say no without feeling guilty
Do you ever say yes when you mean no — just to avoid awkwardness, conflict, or disappointing someone?If so, you’re not alone. People pleasing is far more common than we think — and it can shape our work, relationships and sense of self.<...
How to talk to teenagers about drinking and drugs - without pushing them away with Diana Hu McDowell
Why do teenagers take risks with alcohol and drugs - even when they know the dangers? And how do you talk to them about it without shutting them down or pushing them away?In this episode we're joined by Diana Hu McDowell, founder of East...