What is a generation and why do we have them?

Brains On! Science podcast for kids

Lemonada Media

Kids & Family, Education For Kids

4.5 • 14.7K Ratings

🗓️ 17 February 2026

⏱️ 31 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

We’re all part of a generation, that’s a large group of people born around the same time as us. These generations have names too, like Gen X, Baby Boomers or Gen Alpha. Who came up with these generations and why do we have them? We’ll speak to experts and learn what makes each generation unique. Plus, what if you could rename your generation? Plus, Mr. Bonejangles can’t remember his birthday so he has no idea what generation he’s part of! All this and a timeless mystery sound. Enjoy! Guests:Dr Jean Twenge: Professor of psychology at San Diego State University, and author of iGen, Generations, and 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World. Kim Parker: Director of social trends research at Pew Research Center. Corey Seemiller: Professor of leadership studies in education and organizations at Wright State University, and author of Generation Z. Want to support Brains On and all of the shows in the Brains On Universe? Sign up for Smarty Pass. You'll get ad-free episodes of all our shows, bonus content, virtual hangouts, discounts on merch and more! Want to see Brains On live?!? We are probably coming to a city near you. For a complete list of shows and links to tickets head to our events page. More shows announced soon! Feb 21 - Just for Laughs Festival, Vancouver, BC Feb 22 - The Neptune, Seattle, WA March 7 - Turner Hall Ballroom, Milwaukee, WI March 8 - Fitzgerald Theater, St. Paul, MN March 28 - Center Stage, Atlanta, GA March 29 - Amaturo Theater, Fort Lauderdale, FL Click here for a transcript of this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcript

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0:00.0	Lemonada.
0:07.3	Brains-on Universe.
0:10.9	You're listening to Brains-on, where we're serious about being curious.
0:17.1	Brain rot.
0:18.4	Skibbitty toilet.
0:19.9	Riz.
0:20.5	These are words often associated with Generation Alpha.
0:23.7	Generation Alpha is the name given to people who are born after 2010.
0:27.7	So people like me, and maybe you too.
0:29.9	Not me.
0:30.7	People my age are called millennials.
0:32.8	We say things like yolo and adulting.
0:36.1	Generations aren't just about the language you use.
0:38.8	They're supposed to help others understand what people your age have been through.
0:42.5	Because, like, let's say your grandparents just grew up in a very different time.
0:48.0	And you can talk to them about what it was like when they were children.
0:51.4	That's a generational difference.
0:52.9	And if you can ask them about their experience, then you might understand them better.
0:57.3	But do they always help us understand each other?
1:00.0	Coming up, we're going to learn about the generations alive today and how they're different from each other.
1:05.5	Plus, what if you really don't feel like you're part of your generation?
1:08.7	No matter your age, you'll learn something cool. Stick around. You might never know who made your dinner table, or your tennis racket,
	...

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