This week, Ms. magazine launched a brand-new limited series podcast, The Z Factor: Gen Z’s Voice and Vote.
Part of a Women & Democracy multimedia package focused on Gen Z and student voters, the podcast amplifies the voices of young people in America—from students in Florida fighting book bans, to young lawmakers in Tennessee working to end gun violence, to young people just trying to make it by each day.
Episode 1 of The Z Factor can be found here, with future episodes dropping on Mondays. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts or on the Ms. Studios site at MsMagazine.com.
I’m Anoushka Chander—a senior at Harvard, an activist and host of The Z Factor. My generation, Gen Z, grew up amid a global pandemic, rapid climate change, rampant gun violence, democratic backsliding, and movements for women’s rights and racial justice. We were born between the mid 1990s and early 2010s, so we are between the ages of 12 and 27. As we reach the cusp of adulthood, many young people are wondering: What comes next?
On The Z Factor, I interview young people across America to see what we are thinking, feeling and experiencing. From reproductive freedom, to the economy, to the impact of AI, young people are concerned about our futures and eager to make change. An estimated 41 million Gen Z voters will be eligible to cast a ballot this November—including 8 million voters who have turned 18 since 2020. Our generation will have a critical impact on this election and the future of our country.
In the opening episode of The Z Factor, I welcome Anil Cacodcar, student chair of the Harvard Public Opinion Project, which conducts the leading biannual poll of young Americans. In the episode, we discuss the role of social media in the 2024 election, how youth voter enthusiasm has skyrocketed, and youth concerns about finding affordable housing and a fair-paying job in this economy.
“Gen Z is a generation that is ready to act,” Cacodcar told me. “This generation as a whole, the most diverse generation we have in America right now, is very onboard with the American dream and hoping to make that dream a reality.”
“I am excited to launch our first podcast that comes from and speaks to Gen Z,” said Ms. Studios executive producer Michele Goodwin. “It is crucial that we amplify the voices of young Americans as they fight for greater attention to gun violence, climate crisis, reproductive freedom, and voter suppression. It is not a cliche—they truly are the future.
“Anoushka Chander is an outstanding host. Our new podcast, The Z Factor, is a bold step forward with centering the voices of young Americans on matters of book bans, the environment, gun violence, voter suppression, and more. We are thrilled to launch this with Ms. magazine and Ms. Studios,” continued Dr. Goodwin.
The Z Factor was launched as part of The Youth Vote Is Essential to Democracy initiative, a collaboration between Ms., DoSomething, and the Anthem Awards. The essay, podcast and video collection includes content from young journalists on voting for the first time, setting a youth political agenda, and maintaining civic engagement after the election.
As a college senior, I have worked alongside the leaders of tomorrow. I run a conference for public service-minded high school students and train them to make a difference in their communities. Growing up in Washington, D.C., I lobbied Congress with other Gen Zers on issues of voter suppression, racial justice and gun violence prevention. I have witnessed Gen Z’s commitment to creating a brighter future firsthand. I am excited to bring those voices to this podcast.
At Ms. magazine, our mission is to deliver facts about the feminist movement (and those who stand in its way) and foster informed discussions—not to tell you who to vote for or what to think. We believe in empowering our readers to form their own opinions based on reliable reporting. To continue providing you with independent feminist journalism, we rely on the generous support of our readers. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today if you value the work we do and want to see it continue. Thank you for supporting women’s voices and rights.
