Premium Only Content

Why Young People Are Saying No to Family — And How to Change It with Catherine Pakaluk - Episode 20
Why are fewer young people choosing marriage and children—and what can we learn from those who swim against the tide? Economist and author Catherine Pakaluk joins us to share the story behind her groundbreaking book Hannah’s Children. From her personal journey as a young wife and mother of six overnight, to her research on the cultural and spiritual roots of declining birth rates, Catherine unpacks what it really means to see children as gifts rather than burdens. This conversation is raw, hopeful, and deeply countercultural—perfect for anyone wrestling with questions of calling, career, and family.
01:22 – Welcome and introduction to Catherine Pakaluk
02:22 – Why Hannah’s Children was written
04:22 – The birth rate crisis and cultural shifts in Gen Z
07:22 – Catherine’s personal story: marriage, family, and unexpected callings
13:22 – Balancing being a new wife and instant mother of six
18:22 – “Readiness” and why waiting for the “perfect moment” doesn’t work
23:22 – One child at a time: openness without numbers
25:22 – Money myths: why children aren’t “too expensive”
30:22 – The deeper reasons behind declining birth rates
37:22 – How faith and lived experience shape the desire for children
43:22 – Can the economy incentivize larger families?
48:22 – Marriage, career, and calling: why it’s not either/or
51:22 – Where to find Catherine’s work and a sneak peek at her upcoming project
GenZ Unplugged is the official podcast for the Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women. Rotating hosts are Lauren Husmann, Catherine Hendershott, Rachel Hurley, and Hannah Faulkner. Producer is Sandra Scarlatoiu.
Listen, rate, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform!
ACAST - Apple Podcasts - Spotify - Google Podcasts - YouTube - Rumble
Send us your thoughts on this episode @realgenzunplugged!
X - Instagram - Facebook - Truth Social
SFX Credits:
neon sign buzz hum stereo close lowcut to taste6.flac by kyles -- https://freesound.org/s/453493/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
swipes and whooshes plastic umbrella fast and short swings stereo ORTF 8040.wav by Soundholder -- https://freesound.org/s/425853/ -- License: Attribution 3.0
Power Cord Unplug 1_2 by Joao_Janz -- https://freesound.org/s/477641/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Abstract Glitch Effects_015 by jalastram -- https://freesound.org/s/412303/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
-
UPCOMING
Jamie Kennedy
16 hours agoAre We Being Harvested by Our Own Outrage? | Ep 227 HTBITY with Jamie Kennedy
179 -
UPCOMING
Wayne Allyn Root | WAR Zone
3 hours agoWatch LIVE: The War Zone Podcast with Wayne Allyn Root
161 -
LIVE
LFA TV
20 hours agoLIVE & BREAKING NEWS! | MONDAY 10/20/25
1,113 watching -
LIVE
freecastle
6 hours agoTAKE UP YOUR CROSS- Depart from evil and DO GOOD; seek PEACE and pursue it.
204 watching -
1:11:14
vivafrei
3 hours agoAnother Attempt on Trump? False Flag "Right Wing? Fake News? Flawed Ostrich Warrant & MORE!
94.6K32 -
1:49:23
The Quartering
4 hours agoAttack At Twitchcon, Sniper Nest For Trump Found, Israel BREAKS Ceasefire, Gov't Shutdown To End?
117K59 -
LIVE
Film Threat
1 day agoVERSUS: BLACK PHONE 2 AND BOX OFFICE DISASTER | Film Threat Versus
81 watching -
1:55:10
The HotSeat
2 hours agoNo Kings: Your Summary of Stupidity Over the Weekend
17.5K6 -
10:36
Silver Dragons
3 hours agoThe Silver Market is BROKEN - Prepare for the INEVITABLE
14.8K2 -
LIVE
Dr Disrespect
6 hours ago🔴LIVE - DR DISRESPECT - BATTLEFIELD 6 - CHASING 100 KILLS
1,328 watching