I Thought Gen Z Had It Easier. I Was Wrong. - Sean Murphy

Many adults assume today's young people have it easier than previous generations. Sean Murphy used to think something similar until a classroom discussion stopped him in his tracks. In this episode. Sean reflects on the uncomfortable moment that forced him to listen more closely, rethink long-held beliefs, and see a new generation through a different lens. Along the way, he shares what he learned from hundreds of poems written by young people about hope, resilience, and the future they're inheriting. ABOUT GUEST Sean Murphy is director of the Center for Story at Shenandoah University and founder of 1455, a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing writers and building community through storytelling. Learn more about their Young Poets Anthology here: https://1455litarts.org/ypa/ CHAPTERS (0:00) Introduction (0:42) Meet Sean Murphy (1:30) The Compliment That Backfired (2:47) Bullying in 2026 (3:34) Checking Our Assumptions (6:01) What Young People Carry (8:28) Hope in Young Poets (9:40) “How to Unburn the World” (12:16) Inspired to Do More (12:51) Conclusion