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The Vibe Shift

The Vibe Shift

By: The Gen Z Role Models Project
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The Vibe Shift is a podcast of the Gen Z Role Models Project, based at King’s College London. We explore the fast-changing spiritual lives of the first smartphone generation—diving into original research on religion, influencer culture, and the search for meaning in a digital age. From lifestyle gurus to papal TikTokers, we’re tracking the saints and cynics shaping Gen Z’s world. Featuring fresh voices and participatory research methods, each episode invites you into conversations that matter.

© 2026 The Vibe Shift
Christianity Philosophy Social Sciences Spirituality
Episodes
  • April on Gen Z and the Surprising Growth of Christian Universities / The Gen Z Role Models Project / Season 2, Episode 5
    Mar 31 2026

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    April, a former corporate professional turned professor at Houston Christian University, joined Edward’s week-long seminar on Gen Z at the 2025 Oxford Theology Summer School.

    In this conversation, she reflects on what she is seeing among her students: a generation often cautious of organised religion, yet deeply engaged in a search for meaning, truth, and community. Drawing on both her own vocational journey and her classroom experience, April explores the resonance of the Lost-and-Found Narrative, the importance of peer-driven and relational learning, and the emergence of unexpected moments of collective spiritual engagement. She offers a grounded perspective on how this generation is navigating faith and seeking authentic spaces—including faith-based universities—to explore belief.

    The Vibe Shift Podcast is part of The Gen Z Role Models Project, a study exploring how young people today make sense of religion, spirituality, and role models in a digital age. The new King’s Study is now open—anyone aged 18–28, from any background and location, can take part. And it’s easy to get started: https://bit.ly/GenZ2026

    Visit us at oxfordexemplars.org.

    Music: 'Find Yours Dreams' by Art Flower. CC0 1.0 Universal License.

    Copyright: The Vibe Shift, 2025.

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    22 mins
  • Michelle on Meaning, Community, and Gen Z Anxiety / The Gen Z Role Models Project / Season 2, Episode 4
    Dec 4 2025

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    Michelle, a business professor whose research focuses on calling, purpose, and human flourishing, joined Edward’s week-long seminar on Gen Z at the 2025 Oxford Theology Summer School. In this conversation, she reflects on what the experience revealed to her about Gen Z’s hunger for meaning, the importance of authentic community, and the surprising places young people now turn when seeking order and purpose. Drawing on both her teaching and the seminar discussions, Michelle offers an honest look at the challenges today’s students face—and what educators and faith communities might need to reimagine in response.

    The Vibe Shift Podcast is part of The Gen Z Role Models Project, a study exploring how young people today make sense of religion, spirituality, and role models in a digital age. The new King’s Study is now open—anyone aged 18–28, from any background and location, can take part. And it’s easy to get started: https://bit.ly/GenZ2026

    Visit us at oxfordexemplars.org.

    Music: 'Find Yours Dreams' by Art Flower. CC0 1.0 Universal License.

    Copyright: The Vibe Shift, 2025.

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    24 mins
  • Kasun on Sri Lanka, Saints, and a Simple Faith / The Gen Z Role Models Project / Season 2, Episode 3
    Nov 27 2025

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    Kasun Fernando, a young Roman Catholic deacon from Sri Lanka, joined Edward's week-long seminar on Gen Z at the 2025 Oxford Theology Summer School. In this conversation, Kasun reflects on what the experience taught him about listening, and how the five themes—or narrative-types—of The Gen Z Role Models Project has helped him better understand his generation.

    The Vibe Shift Podcast is part of The Gen Z Role Models Project, a study exploring how young people today make sense of religion, spirituality, and role models in a digital age. The new King’s Study is now open—anyone aged 18–28, from any background and location, can take part. And it's easy to get started: https://bit.ly/GenZ2026

    Visit us at oxfordexemplars.org.

    Music: 'Find Yours Dreams' by Art Flower. CC0 1.0 Universal License.

    Copyright: The Vibe Shift, 2025.

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    25 mins
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