Gen Z, Faith, and Fighting for Nevada’s Future: My Night on “Talk With a Conservative"
Digging Into the Issues: Culture, Faith, Politics, and Community
Recently, I had the opportunity to join Garland and Patricia Brinkley on their radio show, Talk With a Conservative, on KSHP in Las Vegas. Alongside my friend Kimmy Johnston-Lindsey, we covered everything from Gen Z’s distrust of politics to education, trafficking, corporate influence, and faith.
Why I Got Involved in Civic Engagement
Early in the conversation, we talked about what led me into this space.
For me, it didn’t start in politics. It started in business.
After getting married and stepping into marketing through an internship, I realized quickly that we could build something of our own. That became Golden Medina Services.
At first, it was about making a living.
Over time, it became something bigger.
I began to see how powerful media really is. It shapes perception, culture, and ultimately direction. That realization pushed me to expand into work that intersects with civic engagement, storytelling, and community impact.
That’s ultimately what led me to found the Gen Z Coalition of Las Vegas (GZLV), a platform focused on giving young people a real voice in conversations that impact their future.
Reaching Gen Z Where They Actually Are
A major focus of the discussion was Gen Z.
If you want to reach them, you have to understand them.
You can’t rely on outdated strategies or expect engagement just because you’re “right.” You have to:
Show up on the platforms they actually use
Understand the content they’re consuming
Earn their attention, not demand it
I shared a simple truth:
“If we want Gen Z involved, we have to give them a seat at the table, not just a role on the sidelines.”
That’s a big part of what GZLV is built around. Creating space for real participation, not performative involvement.
Why Gen Z Doesn’t Trust Institutions
One of the most important conversations we had was about trust. Gen Z isn’t disengaged, they’re skeptical.
They’ve grown up watching:
Broken promises
Constant infighting
Performative leadership
What they’re looking for isn’t perfection. It’s consistency, transparency, and authenticity.
If those aren’t present, they tune out.
I pointed out a real problem:
“At a lot of conservative events, Gen Z is just there to hand out cookies. That has to change.”
If we want Gen Z to take ownership, we must give them the mic, not just a stack of name tags.
That’s why building something new matters. Not just another organization, but a culture where dialogue is actually encouraged and people can engage without feeling boxed in.
Economic Reality & Rethinking Education
We also touched on economic challenges facing younger generations.
One idea discussed was the concept of more efficient degree pathways, like streamlined programs that allow students to enter the workforce faster and with less debt.
The bigger point wasn’t just education, it was adaptation.
The reality is:
Cost of living is rising
Traditional timelines aren’t working
Ownership feels out of reach for many
So the conversation has to shift toward entrepreneurship and practical pathways to stability.
Corporate Influence & the American Workforce
We also addressed concerns about corporations and labor.
There’s a growing frustration among young people who feel like:
Wages aren’t keeping up
Opportunities are limited
Systems aren’t built with them in mind
The conversation isn’t just political, it’s practical.
How do we create an environment where people can actually build something sustainable for themselves? That’s the real question.
Human Trafficking Awareness in Las Vegas
Another important topic was human trafficking.
This is not a distant issue. It’s happening locally, including in Las Vegas.
The key takeaway from this part of the conversation was simple:
Awareness matters.
Prevention starts with education, community awareness, and people being willing to speak up when something doesn’t look right.
Regardless of organization or affiliation, this is an issue that requires collective responsibility.
Faith: The Foundation Behind It All
Toward the end of the show, Garland and Patricia asked how our faith shapes what we do.
For me, faith isn’t a side piece. It’s the only reason I’m still standing.
I’ve faced personal challenges that would have crushed me without:
My Savior, Jesus Christ, and
My wife, who has stood as a pillar alongside me.
I told listeners:
“I know the debt I owe to Christ can never be fully repaid.
The only thing I can do is spend my life trying, by spreading the Gospel and defending the freedom to worship.”
One of my biggest fears is that we sleepwalk into a future where it’s no longer safe or acceptable to openly follow Christ in America. So part of my “why” is simple:
Preserve the country that allows us to worship freely.
Use media, organizing, and activism to keep that door open for the next generation.
Honoring the Conversation
This wasn’t just an interview, it was a real exchange of ideas.
Garland and Patricia brought years of experience and perspective, and Kimmy added strong insights from her own background in service and community work.
We also heard from callers who asked thoughtful, challenging questions about the future. Exactly the kind of dialogue we need more of.
Where We Go From Here
I closed with a simple message:
Stop waiting for change. Be part of it.
That’s the mission behind GZLV.
We’re building something focused on:
Open dialogue
Real civic engagement
Giving Gen Z a voice that actually matters
If you’re in Las Vegas and want to be part of that, we’re actively growing.
This is just the beginning.
America is worth investing in.
Nevada is worth building in.
And the next generation is ready, if we give them the opportunity.
