Gen Z Rage, Anakin Memes and the Gospel | Ep 298

Just three days after his 18th birthday, Andrew Rousseau became an elected official in Virginia. Now he’s on the Family Foundation team—and he has a clear message for discouraged believers: Don’t give up on Gen Z.

In this episode of *Speak Up Virginia*, host Kandi Cushman sits down with Andrew (who just turned 21) to talk about what shaped his generation, why so many young men swung left in the recent election, and why he believes Gen Z is actually more open to the gospel than the generation before them. From Anakin Skywalker memes and housing frustration to the power of family formation and the lasting impact of Charlie Kirk, Andrew offers a hopeful, clear-eyed Gen Z perspective.

If you’ve felt discouraged by the headlines about young voters, this conversation will give you timely hope.

Chapters

0:00 – Introduction: Meet Andrew Rousseau  

4:15 – From Soil & Water Conservation Board to the Family Foundation  

8:40 – Why Gen Z young men swung left in the election  

12:20 – Decoding the Anakin Skywalker memes  

18:05 – Housing costs, delayed marriage, and the family gap  

24:30 – Young dads vs. non-dads: the 59-point voting difference  

29:10 – Why Gen Z men are frustrated with both parties  

34:45 – Charlie Kirk’s influence and church attendance among young men  

40:20 – Israel, identity politics, and generational divides  

46:00 – Cultural aesthetic Christianity and the search for tradition  

50:15 – Advice for Christian guys ages 18–21  

53:40 – Lightning round with Andrew  

58:10 – Closing thoughts

About the Guest  

Andrew Rousseau is the newest member of the Family Foundation Action Team, overseeing data operations. He has been involved in politics since childhood, worked for Congressman Bob Good, and is pursuing a theology degree at Liberty University. He was elected to the Soil and Water Conservation Board in Lynchburg just three days after his 18th birthday.

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