Episode 1: Being Vulnerable

To kick it off for Episode 1 of the OK Zoomer podcast Jack, Elly and Mia present stories of vulnerability relevant to Generation Z. Jack’s piece Eulogy For My Youth takes a nostalgic look at 2000s experiences and reflects on the memories of childhood for Gen Z. Hear from Elly’s piece which dives into the experience of Year 12 from a high achieving student’s perspective. How does the stress of school performance negatively impact a student’s wellbeing? Finally, take a step into the crazy underworld of Berlin through the eyes of Mia as she unexpectedly ends up in one of the world’s most exclusive nightclubs.

Growing up in the 2000s was an experience unique to our generation. The Macca’s birthday parties, loading VHS’s into the video player, and being introduced to the iPad, marks an unforgettable time that should be reminisced with future generations. Delve into Jack’s ‘eulogy for my youth,’ a sentiment to the days of our upbringing where you can romanticise with your childhood. We aren’t getting any younger, but there’s always time to look back on our youth. Whether it’s to have a laugh or cry, this piece will have you dreaming about the easy days of childhood.

Elly McDonald interviews her sister Bethany who is in her final weeks of Year 12 in the lead up to exams. She shares the highs and lows of her year along with the negative impact that tests and exams have on her mental health. Discussed is the struggle of balancing school and mental wellbeing and the downfalls of seeking academic validation and perfectionism.

For Gen Z the notion of finally finishing school and embarking on the wonder’s of travel is something that sits at the forefront of our minds, especially given the recent long-lasting agony of Covid-19 travel bans. Mia Simmons offers a deep dive into the weird and wild travel stories of her own – reflecting on her experiences in Berlin. Buckle up and sit tight because who knows where you’ll end up?