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Explore every episode of the podcast The Psychology of your 20s

Dive into the complete episode list for The Psychology of your 20s. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
417. The pressure to be extraordinary in our 20s14 May 202600:42:38
In our 20s, we can feel intense pressure to be extraordinary, to stand head and shoulders above the pack, to thrive across all aspects of our life. But when we put pressure on ourselves to be extraordinary, we can fall victim to social comparison, lose sight of what we really want, and experience long-term feelings of inadequacy. In this episode, unpack where the pressure to be extraordinary comes from, and reframe our thinking towards a healthier, more balanced approach. We explore: 
• How social media creates an ‘artificial average’, making us feel inadequate 
• Why being gifted as a child can lead to burnout as an adult 
• The myth of linear success, and why taking a scenic route is just as worthy 
• Why learned helplessness can make us stop trying at all 
• How we can expand our definition of being ‘extraordinary’ into many areas
• Why our relationships, not our work achievements, are the biggest predictor of long-term happiness Watch on Netflix: HERE Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast Subscribe on Substack: @thepsychologyofyour20s For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com  Our favourite sources:  https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/nov/05/under-pressure-why-athletes-choke https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KkKuTCFvzI https://paulasanderson.com/2020/12/04/30-under-30-and-the-pressure-to-be-extraordinary/ The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
416. The surprising neuroscience behind your anxiety11 May 202600:44:46
Anxiety has a way of making ordinary moments feel life-or-death. A simple interaction can feel significant, a passing thought can spiral into catastrophe, and your body can react as if something is deeply wrong - even when rationally you know you’re probably okay. In this episode, we get into the neuroscience behind anxiety - why your brain becomes obsessed with certain thoughts, why false alarms feel so convincing, and what actually helps when you want to feel less trapped inside your own mind. We explore: 
•        Why anxiety feels so intense and urgent
•        Our physical and emotional reactions to anxiety
•        The role of GABA and glutamate in anxiety
•        Why trying to ‘stop thinking about it’ doesn’t work
•        How avoidance perpetuates the anxious cycle
•        Practical ways for living with an anxious brain Happy listening! Watch on Netflix: HERE Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast Subscribe on Substack: @thepsychologyofyour20s For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com  Our favourite sources:  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9559819/ https://www.nature.com/articles/nrn2555 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41386-022-01332-2 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S027273580000057X The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
407. Loving yourself, will make you more attractive16 Apr 202600:37:04
We are bombarded with ideas about how we should look, behave, and be. But instead of trying to constantly strive for the societal ideal, we can cut through the noise another way - and that’s by cultivating self-love. The funny thing is, psychology actually shows us that the more confident and self-loving we are, the more attractive we become. It’s a win-win… if we can get there. Today, we're going to talk about how loving ourselves makes us more attractive. We unpack: 
•  The power of the mind-body link and self-esteem
•  Why plastic surgery might not make us happy 
•  The damaging physical effects of negative self-talk
•  How simple behavioural changes affect how others see us
•  Why cultivating self-love is the greatest gift we can give ourselves Watch on Netflix: HERE Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast Subscribe on Substack: @thepsychologyofyour20s For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com  The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
318. Dealing with uncertainty in your 20s31 Jul 202500:37:33
Uncertainty is the defining emotion of our 20s. Career paths, relationships, identity, purpose ... so much of this decade is marked by not knowing. Does that have to be as uncomfortable as we think it does? In today’s episode, we unpack the psychology of uncertainty: why our brains fear it, how it triggers anxiety and avoidance, and why trying to “figure it all out” might be doing more harm than good. We explore:
  • The neuroscience behind our discomfort with the unknown
  • Why perfectionism is often a mask for our fear of uncertainty
  • The cultural myths that make us believe we need a step-by-step life plan
  • How to assign meaning to uncertainty and build resilience through it
  • Practical strategies to take action even when the future feels unclear
If you've never felt more confused than you do now, and are unsure 'what's next', this episode is for you.    ORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean  Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
317. The psychology of OCD29 Jul 202500:56:36
Have you ever heard someone say they are “so OCD” for simply having a tidy house? Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions, frequently reduced to stereotypes about neatness or organisation. But for those living with OCD, the reality is far more complex - and far more invisible. In today’s episode, we go beneath the surface to explore the lived experience of OCD: the hidden compulsions, the mental spirals, and the exhausting need for certainty. We unpack the psychology behind it, challenge common misconceptions, and explore what recovery and support can actually look like. We explore:
  • The role of the OCD cycle
  • Why intrusive thoughts can feel so threatening
  • Types of OCD beyond cleanliness and order
  • Why compulsions don’t always look like rituals
  • How OCD thrives on shame, secrecy, and doubt
  • Approaches to treatment and the path toward healing
Whether you live with OCD, love someone who does, or just want to understand it more deeply, this episode is for you. Treat my OCD: https://www.treatmyocd.com/  Zachary: https://www.instagram.com/ocdestigmatize?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==  Elizabeth Colbert was our researcher for this episode! Thank you Libby! 
 
Listen to my NEW PODCAST, Mantra: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ckds0BoJDDpODInN9cWcc?si=b6ad5d555c1940e0 
 
Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg
Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast
For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com 
 
The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
316. The 20 biggest mistakes people make in their 20s25 Jul 202500:42:40
Over the past 6 months I've been asking people: what is the biggest mistake you made in your 20s? I've heard from over 5'000 people, some of them 21, some of them 80 and I have combined all their responses to make the ultimate list of the 20 biggest mistakes people make in their 20s, for the people, by the people.  From love, to career, to finances, going to college, friendship, taking risks: today we talk through the most common responses we received and what we can learn from these moments and regrets. Listen now!  ORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean  Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
315. The psychology of trinket collecting22 Jul 202500:51:09
Why are we so obsessed with the tiny, adorable objects cluttering our desks, bags, and social media feeds? From plushies and vinyl figures to keychains and charms, trinket culture has exploded - but behind the cuteness lies something deeper. What do these seemingly insignificant objects reveal about us, our identities, and the times we’re living in? In today’s episode, we explore the psychology  of trinket culture: why we love collecting, how these objects shape our self-expression, and what they tell us about joy, nostalgia, and even economic anxiety in our twenties and beyond. We explore:
  • The digital rise of trinkets through TikTok, Pinterest, and aesthetic micro-trends
  • How trinkets offer identity, status, and belonging
  • The role of inner child healing and nostalgia
  • Why scarcity, blind boxes, and “drops” feel so addictive
  • Links between trinkets, impulse spending, and economic uncertainty
  • Using trinkets to spark joy
Whether you’re a proud Labubu owner or just curious about why these tiny objects hold such big meaning, this episode is for you. Listen to my NEW PODCAST, Mantra: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ckds0BoJDDpODInN9cWcc?si=b6ad5d555c1940e0  
 
Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg
Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast
For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com 
 
The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.
 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
314. 5 signs they're the 'one'18 Jul 202500:41:34
"What makes someone “the one”? There is so much pressure tied into that question. Instead, it might be better to ask: how can we focus on recognising the key pillars of long-lasting, fulfilling love? In today’s episode, we explore some fundamental characteristics so you can discern whether they are “the one” for you, while also acknowledging that our soulmates are often built, rather than found. We explore:
  • Unpicking the “one” narrative
  • The difference between initial spark and lasting connection
  • Love as a mutual, ongoing choice
  • The fundamental pillars of long lasting relationships - shared values, emotional proximity, and reciprocal effort
  • The role of intuition vs anxiety
  • The need for authenticity and growth within a partnership
If you’re feeling the pressure to pick the ‘right’ person, or want to learn about the fundamentals of deep connection, this episode is for you.
Listen to my NEW PODCAST, Mantra: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ckds0BoJDDpODInN9cWcc?si=b6ad5d555c1940e0 
 
Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg
Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast
For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com 
 
The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist. "See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
313. Confidence is a skill, not a trait15 Jul 202500:46:43
You know when someone seems to breeze through life, can approach any social situation and challenge with such self-assured confidence? It seems innate - something they were born with. But what if that's not true? What if, instead of a fixed personal trait, confidence is actually a set of learnable abilities, a dynamic skill that anyone can cultivate, sharpen, and ultimately master? Today, we’re challenging the notion that confidence is a trait, and instead something you build. Things we discuss:
  • Why confidence is dynamic and adaptable
  • Self-efficacy as a driver of confidence
  • How "growth mindsets" can revolutionise your approach to challenges and setbacks
  • Understanding the locus of control to fuel or hinder your forward momentum
  • Actionable strategies to build your confidence from the ground up
  If you’ve ever thought, “if only I was just born confident”, this episode is for you.   Listen to my NEW PODCAST, Mantra: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ckds0BoJDDpODInN9cWcc?si=b6ad5d555c1940e0    Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
312. Can self improvement go too far?11 Jul 202500:49:22
Does chasing your "best self" ever feel like an endless race? You're constantly striving, optimizing your routines, and learning new skills, yet sometimes a quiet exhaustion creeps in, or you wonder if you're truly any happier. It's as if the very pursuit of perfection leaves you feeling perpetually inadequate. In today's episode, we're diving into the hidden costs of this modern obsession with betterment: when personal growth can go too far.
 
Things we discuss:
•        The deep-seated desire to grow and reach our potential
•        The impact of societal pressures and the booming self-improvement industry
•        Understanding the roles of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation
•        When toxic over-striving is disguised as discipline
•        Self-improvement burnout
•        Actionable ways to cultivate sustainable growth If the non-stop quest for "more" sometimes leaves you feeling depleted, this episode is for you.  Listen to my NEW PODCAST, Mantra: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ckds0BoJDDpODInN9cWcc?si=b6ad5d555c1940e0 ORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean  Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com  The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
311. How to stop ruminating08 Jul 202500:48:23
Does your brain seem to hit replay on that embarrassing memory, or go over the way that situationship ended in hopes you’ll find some kind of closure? From dissecting past conversations to catastrophising about what might happen, repetitive thinking can feel like a mental trap. In today's episode, we break down the psychology of rumination: why our minds get stuck in these unhelpful thought cycles, and how we can actively disengage to find mental clarity. Things we discuss:
  • What rumination truly is and what it isn't
  • The distinctions between everyday rumination and OCD
  • Metacognition: thinking about our thinking
  • Cognitive diffusion and detaching from thoughts
  • Using mindfulness and grounding techniques to anchor yourself in the present
  • Taking back your attention from thought spirals
If you’re tired of your mind rerunning your “best and worst” moments, this episode is for you. Listen to my NEW PODCAST, Mantra: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ckds0BoJDDpODInN9cWcc?si=b6ad5d555c1940e0 
 
Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg
Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast
For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com 
 
The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
310. 5 signs you’re on the wrong career path03 Jul 202500:39:10
Is your job making you feel drained, disconnected, or just deeply unfulfilled? In today’s episode, we unpack the five major signs that your career may not be the right fit — from emotional numbness and burnout, to identity disalignment and daydreaming about quitting more than staying. We explore: 
  • The importance of occupational identity
  • Why boredom is a worse sign than anxiety at work 
  • How to find all 10 of your dream jobs 
  • The long term impact of hating your job 
  • Why starting over is always the right choice + so much more
Happy listening! Listen to Mantra here: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ckds0BoJDDpODInN9cWcc?si=949e13c52f194637 Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
309. The psychology of parasocial relationships01 Jul 202500:49:31
Why do we form intense, one-sided bonds with people we've never met? From favourite podcasters and social media influencers to beloved fictional characters, parasocial relationships are a defining feature of modern life – but what do these seemingly non-reciprocal connections truly reveal about our need for connection? In today’s episode, we explore the psychology of parasocial relationships: why our brains are wired for these intimate-at-a-distance bonds, and how they play a surprisingly significant role, especially in our twenties. We explore:
  • Characteristics of parasocial relationships
  • Why our ancient brains are predisposed to form these connections
  • The parasocial relationships spectrum, from casual engagement to pathological obsession
  • The profound positive benefits of companionship and role modelling
  • When parasocial relationships become imbalanced
  • How to cultivate healthy engagement with online personalities
  Whether you feel like you're best friends with a YouTuber or just curious about the invisible ties that bind us to media figures, this episode is for you.   Listen to my NEW PODCAST, Mantra: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ckds0BoJDDpODInN9cWcc?si=b6ad5d555c1940e0    Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
406. How to romanticise your 20s (even when they suck)13 Apr 202600:37:42
Your 20s are sold to you as the “best years of your life” - which is hilarious, considering how many of us spend them underpaid, overthinking, heartbroken, living in transitional housing, and finding a new identity every 6 months. So what does it actually mean to ‘romanticise your 20s’? In this episode, we break down romanticising as a real psychological skill - how your brain constructs meaning, why attention shapes what feels like reality, and why building a coherent life story matters most when your life feels messy. We explore:
•        Why your attention changes your experience
•        The neuroscience and cognition of meaning-making
•        The role of emergent adulthood
•        Why narrative psychology is so important
•        Five grounded ways to romanticise your life Watch on Netflix: HERE Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast Subscribe on Substack: @thepsychologyofyour20s For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com  Our favourite sources: 
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4324396/
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00224545.2025.2563539
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3045747/ The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
308. It might get worse before it get's better26 Jun 202500:30:06
Sharing a little life update with you around my mental health, my physical health, where my minds at, what I've been struggling with and how I'm constantly reminded that life can always get better!!!!! ORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean  Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com      The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
307. The psychology of age-gap relationships24 Jun 202500:56:05
We've all seen the headlines about celebrity couples with significant age differences. We’ve heard the stereotypes, from "trophy partners" and “cougar’s” to "she must have daddy issues". But what is the genuine psychological pull that draws individuals to partners that are much older or younger? In today’s episode, we explore the psychology behind the often speculated age gap relationships. Things we discuss:
  • Why evolutionary perspectives paint an incomplete picture
  • The value of intergenerational platonic relationships
  • Challenging stereotypes and stigma
  • How to navigate different life stages
  • The role of communication and shared values in building healthy age gap relationships
If you're in an age gap relationship, interested in understanding them better, or simply intrigued by the nuances of human connection, this episode is for you.   Listen to my NEW PODCAST, Mantra:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/755841/person-in-progress-by-jemma-sbeg/https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ckds0BoJDDpODInN9cWcc?si=b6ad5d555c1940e0    Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
306. Are we addicted to chaos?20 Jun 202500:38:36
Do you feel as though you’re living in a constant whirlwind of deadlines, drama, and endless tasks, yet secretly feel a thrill from the chaos? This episode unpacks the question, ‘are we addicted to chaos?’ and why our brains might actually be drawn to this tumultuous state. We dive into the neurochemical rewards that hook us, how this plays out in our relationships and careers, and the hidden costs of living in perpetual overwhelm. We look at the deeper psychological roots and learn actionable steps to cultivate intentional calm amidst life's inevitable pressures. Things we discuss:
• Why dopamine and adrenaline make chaos feel rewarding
• The draw of novelty, intensity, and seeking stimulation
• How chaos manifests in our lives
• The hidden costs of chronic chaos
• Psychological roots of our addiction to chaos
• Actionable strategies to reclaim calm and redefine productivity in your twenties If your life feels like a constant fire drill, or you suspect you secretly thrive on the last-minute rush, this episode is for you. Listen to my NEW PODCAST, Mantra: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ckds0BoJDDpODInN9cWcc?si=b6ad5d555c1940e0 
Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg
Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast
For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com  The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
305. The psychology of music17 Jun 202500:44:52
Ever found yourself hitting play on that song, and instantly, a wave of emotion hits you, or you’re transported back to a forgotten summer, a specific laugh, a past version of yourself? It feels like magic, right? But beneath those goosebumps and surges of feeling lies an incredible, intricate psychological dance. In today's episode, we’re diving deep into the psychology of music – exploring why this universal language speaks directly to our nervous system, how it shapes our memories and identity, and critically, how we use it to cope (for better or worse) in our twenties. We explore: 
  • Why music evokes a full body experience
  • Music and nostalgia 
  • How music develops and shapes our identity
  • When music can act as a coping mechanism
  • How to use music to shift your mood and focus 
If you've ever felt like your life has a custom soundtrack, or if you can't imagine a day without your headphones, this episode is for you.   Listen to Mantra:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/755841/person-in-progress-by-jemma-sbeg/https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ckds0BoJDDpODInN9cWcc?si=b6ad5d555c1940e0    Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
304. Why we grieve past versions of ourselves?12 Jun 202500:51:23
Why does personal growth sometimes feel like a quiet loss? Ever look back at an old photo and feel a strange mix of nostalgia and sadness for the person you once were? You're evolving, becoming stronger, wiser, but there's still a strange ache for the person you used to be. In today's episode, we explore the psychology behind this often-unspoken phenomenon of grieving our past selves. Things we discuss:
  • What it means to grieve a former 'you’
  • The role of disenfranchised grief 
  • The ‘nostalgia trap’
  • Our evolving sense of self and the fluidity of identity
  • Why we romanticise the past
  • How we can integrate past versions of ourselves and embracing growth
If you've ever felt that subtle pang for a past version of yourself, this episode is for you! Listen to Mantra:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/755841/person-in-progress-by-jemma-sbeg/https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ckds0BoJDDpODInN9cWcc?si=b6ad5d555c1940e0    Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
303. The psychology of chronic apologising10 Jun 202500:51:03
"Sorry, can I just say something?", "sorry to bother you!", "oh, sorry!" - sound familiar? If you find yourself saying "sorry" for taking up space, having an opinion, or even when someone else bumps into you, you're not alone. That tiny, five-letter word, meant for genuine remorse, often becomes a reflex, a way to make ourselves smaller, more agreeable, and to diffuse a discomfort that sometimes only exists in our own minds. In today’s episode, we’re exploring chronic apologising - we'll uncover how this seemingly polite habit can actually be a sign of deeper anxieties, impact our self-worth, and shape our experiences in our 20s. Things we discuss:
  • Why apologising goes beyond politeness
  • Ties to self-worth, anxiety and attachment
  • Over-apologising as barriers to true connection
  • Reclaiming your voice in your career
  • Practical steps to break the habit 
If you’ve ever felt like you're apologising for your very existence, or if "sorry" has become your default setting, this episode is for you.  Listen to my NEW PODCAST, Mantra: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ckds0BoJDDpODInN9cWcc?si=ea4a5f5a61e5414a  Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com
 
The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
302. Why we glow up after a breakup05 Jun 202500:51:46
Ever wondered why everyone seems to break up just before 28? Or why your friend who was just about to settle down with her boyfriend of 7 years is suddenly single and wanting to go out clubbing again? Or why you suddenly realised your long term relationship wasn't for you, and found yourself in Europe or on 4 dates in a row the next week? It's because of post long-term relationship puberty: a term that describes the rapid personality change that takes place in people who have been in a relationship for most of their 20s, but suddenly find themselves single in their late 20s, ready to make up for lost time. In today's episode we describe the end of long-term relationships in our 20s, including: 
  • The 7 year itch
  • Why we suddenly realise someone isn't right for us 
  • The growth that happens after a breakup
  • Why people settle in their 20s
  • The pros and cons of single life vs. dating life 
  • How to not go back to your ex 
  • How to embrace your single era 
Listen now! ORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean   Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com  The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
301. Why do we love true crime?03 Jun 202500:47:18
Why are we so obsessed with the dark side of life? From true crime and horror movies to disaster documentaries and haunted house tours, morbid curiosity is everywhere - but what does it actually say about us? In today’s episode, we explore the psychology of morbid curiosity - why we’re drawn to frightening, disturbing, and even grotesque content, and how this strange pull might be more adaptive than we think. We discuss:
  • What morbid curiosity really is, and how it shows up in daily life
  • The four types of morbid curiosity (and which ones you might lean toward)
  • How personality traits like openness and sensation seeking shape our preferences
  • Why some people find comfort in horror, and others find control in true crime
  • The evolutionary and neurological roots of this phenomenon
  • How morbid curiosity can turn maladaptive (and where the line is)
Whether you're deep into Reddit rabbit holes or just wondering why you can't look away from crime scene documentaries, this episode is for you. We explore the fascinating science behind fear, survival, and our cultural obsession with darkness - and why it might say more about our strength than our weakness.   ORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
300. How to start a podcast30 May 202500:41:28
It is our 300th episode and 4 YEARS since The Psychology of your 20s first began. To celebrate, I'm releasing one of my most requested topics ever that has nothing to do with psychology: how do you start a podcast? More broadly, why is it a good idea? What do I wish I'd known when I'd started? How much does the gear cost? What happens if no one listens? All your burning questions on my journey and where to start will be covered (along with a few tears of gratitude), thank you for 300 episodes and giving me the best job ever! ORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean  Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
299. The psychology of emotionally immature parents27 May 202501:00:01
What happens when the people who were supposed to guide and nurture us were never taught to emotionally grow up themselves? In today’s episode, we dive into the psychology of emotionally immature parents - their behaviours, their blind spots, and the lasting impact they can have on our sense of self and emotional well-being. We discuss:
  • How to spot emotional immaturity in parents
  • Where it can come from, and links to attachment theory
  • The impact on your identity, boundaries, and adult relationships
  • Why detaching with kindness can help
  • The guilt, grief, and tension that often comes with this dynamic
  • How to begin healing and reparenting yourself
If you’ve ever felt like the parent in your own family, or found yourself stuck in a cycle of seeking validation from someone who just can’t give it - this episode is for you.    ORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean  Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
405. The psychology of betrayal09 Apr 202600:43:37
Betrayal doesn’t just ‘hurt your feelings.’ It shatters your nervous system, hijacks your sense of reality, and rewires your brain for fear and hypervigilance. We can be betrayed - or betray someone else - in a myriad of ways, with life-shattering results. In this episode, we explore the psychological impact of betrayal, delve into the reasons people betray us, and explore ways we can heal. We explore:
  • Why betrayal can appear in many forms
  • How the act of being betrayed affects our brain
  • Why someone might betray us
  • Betrayal blindness and institutional betrayal
  • Why the betrayal grief cycle is similar to losing a loved one
  • How we can heal, move on, and learn to trust ourselves again
Watch on Netflix: HERE Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast Subscribe on Substack: @thepsychologyofyour20s For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
298. How to make your life more fun23 May 202500:29:53
If you're like me, there are always a million things on my 'To Do' or 'Should Do' list and they seem to take up all my time and attention. What ever happened to just having FUN! Being silly. Being joyful. Being delighted. In today's episode we're going to talk about why your life feels boring and exactly HOW and WHY you should be prioritising fun experiences over serious, important ones. We talk about: 
  • Why fun is easier to achieve than happiness
  • The real health benefits of having more fun
  • The 3 types of fun 
  • 4 tips to have more fun in daily life 
  • Why acting like a child may make you live longer + so much more 
Listen now and have fun!  ORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean  Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
297. "Lifelong health begins in your 20s" ft. Dr Mark Hyman20 May 202500:46:25
We often take our health for granted in our 20s, but this is one of the most crucial moments for investing in your long term wellbeing. Despite that, it's often hard to know what to do and where to start, so today we have on Dr Mark Hyman to discuss the best things you can do for your health during this decade, including: 
  • The power of sleep
  • How to curb your nicotine addiction 
  • When to drink, when not to drink 
  • The truth about processed food and how much should we be eating
  • The value of social connection 
  • The next wave of mental health treatment 
Listen now! You can find Dr Mark Hyman here: https://drhyman.com/  Function Health: https://www.functionhealth.com/  Dr Hyman's podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@drmarkhyman/videos    Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com    *please note the views of guests are not necessarily shared by those of our host. We invite open discussion and differing viewpoints, experiences and information.    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
296. 5 steps to becoming an assertive communicator16 May 202500:33:09
Being an assertive communicator is so much more than just being demanding or confident, it comes down to our emotional ease, how we hold ourselves, how we make others feel, how we frame even the smallest of questions. It's also not something that is taught to us and if it doesn't come naturally, we have to learn on our own. In this episode I break down the FIVE scientifically proven ways to be a more assertive communicator, including: 
  1. The power of the pause
  2. How assertive communicators use their body 
  3. Self authoring language 
  4. Visualisation! Visualisation! Visualisation! 
  5. How to leverage the Dunning-Kruger Effect 
Plus 7 rapid fire tips you may or may not know! Happy (assertive) listening!    ORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean    Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
295. Why we have vulnerability hangovers13 May 202500:48:33
Have you ever opened up, shared something real, and then immediately regretted it? That post-overshare spiral—the “why did I say that?” dread—is what we call a vulnerability hangover. In this episode, we dive deep into the psychology behind why vulnerability can feel so physically and emotionally intense, even when it’s necessary, honest, and healing. We explore:
  • The two types of vulnerability hangovers (and why both are valid)
  • Why alcohol, trauma dumping, and people-pleasing make it worse
  • How shame and past betrayals shape our fear of being seen
  • The neuroscience behind your emotional "come down"
  • What to do the day after you said too much
  • How to make vulnerability a tool for connection—not something to fear
Plus, we answer listener questions on post-therapy crashes, drunk confessions, and how to stay open even when it’s hard. If you’re sitting with a case of the cringe, this episode is for you. ORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean   Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
294. The psychology of the talking stage09 May 202500:42:07
The dreaded talking stage. A whole new level of complexity that has been added to dating in our 20s. The talking stage is this strange should be about information gathering and date organising, but it's become such a snagging point for so many would be relationships. In today's episode, we discuss: 
  • Why we even have a talking stage
  • The 1 month rule for the talking stage 
  • Why they are so psychologically intense
  • The 3 signs you're never leaving the talking stage 
  • How to find closure
  • How to not get attached too quickly + so much more 
Listen now when you need a pep talk that you will survive the talking stage once more! ORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean   Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
293. Why are we never happy with what we have?06 May 202500:50:22
Why does satisfaction always feel just out of reach? You get the job, then you want the promotion. You buy the item of clothing, then the buzz wears off. There is always something MORE on the horizon.  In today’s episode, we explore the psychology behind our constant craving for more - more success, more validation, more things - and why what we already have never feels like enough. Things we discuss: 
  • Why your brain is wired for "more, more, more
  • The Hedonic Treadmill
  • The problem with "when...then" thinking
  • The success void that follows meeting our goals
  • The guilt spiral
  • Capitalism, consumerism, and curated online lives
  • What real, sustainable happiness looks like
If you’ve ever thought “I should be happy…so why am I not?”—this episode is for you. Listen now!   ORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean   Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
292. The power of humility02 May 202500:40:33
Sometimes we just need to humble ourselves. We need to tell our ego to take a back seat and let ourselves fail, let ourselves be beginners, be bested, admit we were wrong and in today's episode I'm going to explain the exact psychological power of humility, including: 
  • The 3 different definitions of ego
  • Why your ego is sabotaging you and keeping you stagnant 
  • 5 subtle signs your ego is taking over
  • Why humility makes us happier, more successful, and better connected
  • How to refocus from self-centeredness to contribution and connection + so much more
Listen now! ORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean   Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
291. How I wrote a book29 Apr 202500:48:47
I wrote a book and it's out today! Person in Progress: The Roadmap to The Psychology of your 20s contains everything you need to know about your 20s: how to find your purpose, how to manage relationship breakdowns, fight your self doubt, break bad habits, manage your money, heal your childhood wounds, embrace your authenticity, all from a scientific place! In this episode we break down exactly HOW I wrote my book and all the advice I would give to a new writer, including: 
  • How to find your big idea
  • How to find a publisher 
  • How to write a pitch
  • My 5 best tips for writing even when it's hard
  • How to manage imposter syndrome and worrying 'will anyone read this'
  • How to deal with writer's block + so much more 
Listen now!  ORDER MY BOOK HERE: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean   Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5 ways to reinvent yourself in your 20s (rerun)25 Apr 202500:42:05
If nothing else, our 20s are a time for reinvention and transformation. We become clearer and clearer about the version of us we want to be, and hopefully more confident around expressing our authentic elves, but sometimes this is interrupted by periods of boredom, stagnation, isolation and discomfort. These are all signs that something in our lives needs to change, and it needs to change now. In today's episode we break down five ways to reinvent yourself during your 20s, including: 
  • Theory of opposites
  • Visualisation and choosing the 'theme' for your next era
  • The timeline for change 
  • The power of risk + microrisks 
  • Changing 'what if' thinking into 'what else' or 'so what?' + more 
Listen now when you're ready for transformation. PREORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com  The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Overcoming your fear of being perceived (rerun)22 Apr 202500:44:55
Our fear of being perceived is more than just social anxiety, its a real phobia around being scrutinised, observed and primarily judged by others. It's also greatly limiting your potential and ability to be your true self. But there is a way through, there is a way to escape the constant fixation on what others are thinking about you. In today's episode, we discuss: 
  • The origins and effects of scopophobia
  • How our fear of being perceived is both a social and specific phobia
  • Why do we worry about what other people think?
  • Perfectionism and our fear of being perceived 
  • The impact of early childhood experiences 
  • Three mental shifts to overcome your fear of being perceived 
Listen now for all that and more!  PREORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com  The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
404. I want to do everything, so I do nothing06 Apr 202600:29:39
Why is it that we can have a million visions, dreams and goals for how we want our life to be, but we can't seem to execute any of them? Is it laziness? Lack of discipline? Or fear? In today's episode, we break down the analysis paralysis that comes with wanting to do everything, and instead doing nothing at all. Our discussion includes: 
  • The three types of fear keeping us stuck
  • The most famous study on decision making! 
  • The psychology of regret
  • How to choose what path to follow first
  • Dealing with the judgement of others
And so much more! Happy listening!    Watch on Netflix: HERE Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast Subscribe on Substack: @thepsychologyofyour20s For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com  For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's okay for your friendships to change (rerun)18 Apr 202500:45:46
In our 20s there are four things we worry about more than anything else: love, money, the future, and our friendships. As we grow and change, the relationships around us will also naturally change and we may begin to notice how we are seeing our friends less and less, watching certain friendships fizzle out or completely outgrowing each other. It's not the same as it once was. This can cause a lot of panic. But underneath the fear of our changing friendships is a more primal fear of being alone.  In today's episode we break down the psychology behind our evolving friendships, the four types of friendship breakup, and how to adapt to these new kinds of relationship in our 20s, alongside the biggest friendship misconceptions that keep us in unfulfilling situations. All of that and more. Listen now!  PREORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com  The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The psychology of self doubt (rerun)15 Apr 202500:44:02
Our self doubts are what is keeping us in our own way. It is the foundation for our inner critic to tell us: you're not good enough, you're not talented enough, intelligent beautiful, hardworking to have the life and success you want. When we let our self doubts take control, it often means that we end up self handicapping or sabotaging before we get to the start line. In today's episode we are going to talk about the psychology of self doubt and how to silence those false beliefs, including: 
  • The origin of false beliefs in childhood experiences
  • The impact of bullying on adult identity 
  • Overcoming failure and setbacks 
  • Imposter syndrome + self sabotage 
  • The power of a persona + the batman effect 
  • Doubting your own doubts 
  • Asking 'why not you?', and so much more
Listen now!    PREORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How to get your spark back (rerun)11 Apr 202500:39:36
We lose our spark and love for life for many reasons: burnout, mental ill health, people pleasing, a breakup. When we do it can feel like life gets very boring, it loses colour, we lose interest and we can become cynical towards all of the small joys and brilliance of being alive and being human. In this episode we break down six tips for getting your spark back: 
  • The power of rest
  • Choosing to live light versus live heavy 
  • Reconnecting with your inner child + play 
  • Seeking inspiration in the mundane and The Alchemist 
  • Exercise + the healing power of nature 
  • Ignoring the urge to compare 
Listen now for when you're in a rut or have lost your spark!    PREORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
290. The complicated psychology of PMS08 Apr 202500:54:15
PMS can be a bit of a black box - we know we don't feel right, we know the days and weeks before our period can be sluggish, but we don't really know why because we aren't taught what's actually going on in our bodies. In today's episode, we break down the real psychology of PMS, including: 
  • Do you have PMS, PMDD or PME? What's the difference?
  • Why we confuse PMS and depression/anxiety 
  • The interactions between PMS & ADHD 
  • The role of serotonin, estrogen and GABA 
  • The misconceptions about PMS and dealing with the shame 
  • Some of the best mental hacks for tackling PMS + more
Listen now!    PREORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
289. The psychology of high functioning depression04 Apr 202500:53:42
We are used to seeing depression one way: tears, extreme sadness, never leaving the house, pure misery. But for many of us, we experience depression differently. High functioning depression, a kind of depression where an individuals presents as seemingly 'fine' if not successful and thriving is on the rise. But despite outside appearances, it's just as debilitating as the depression we expect. In today's episode we discuss: 
  • The bad vs. sad stigma present in society
  • What we expect depression to look like + why that harms people 
  • What HF depression really looks like 
  • What factors increase the likelihood 
  • The link between overachievers, childhood trauma + hyperindependence 
  • How to support a loved one with HF depression 
  • How to cope ourselves + so much more 
Listen now!    PREORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
288. "Your calling, won't stop calling" ft. Victoria Hutchins01 Apr 202500:56:29
So many of us worry about finding a purpose and progressing in our career from an early age, but sometimes our path through life looks different to how we imagine it. The poet Victoria Hutchins is one example of this being the case. In today's episode we break down: 
  • How to find your calling
  • When to take risks 
  • The best decisions you can make in your 20s 
  • The power of vulnerability 
  • Why hope is the answer 
  • PLUS, her best anxiety tips and more 
Listen now!  Buy Victoria's amazing book of poetry here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/755776/make-believe-by-victoria-hutchins/ Follow Victoria here: @thedailyvictorian   PREORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
287. Being a late bloomer in your 20s27 Mar 202500:46:30
Some of us take our time when it comes to finding love and dating. For some, that feels like an asset, for others it feels like a burden that they are yet to have experienced a relationship, intimacy, a first kiss, sex. In today's episode we break down the struggle of being a so called 'late bloomer' in your 20s, including: 
  • The burden of single + virginity shaming in our 20s 
  • Social clock theory 
  • Managing milestone anxiety + the emotional consequences
  • Why there's no need to rush 
  • My 5 best dating tips for first timers 
  • PLUS, stories from the listeners 
Listen now if you're struggling with feeling behind when it comes to love, relationships and dating in your 20s.    PREORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
286. How to actually FEEL your feelings25 Mar 202500:41:03
In a day and age when 7/10 of us are chronically stressed, living in survival mode, too busy intellectualising our feelings to actually feel them, unsure of whether we will ever feel great happiness again, sometimes we need to return to the basics: how do we actually FEEL our emotions. In this episode we break down: 
  • What emotional blunting really looks like
  • The root in trauma + stress + childhood 
  • Why we intellectualise our feelings 
  • The consequences + risk of emotional breakdown 
  • How to reconnect to your emotions through the body 
  • The emotions-physical sensation map
  • The 90 second rule + so much more 
Happy listening :)    PREORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
285. Overcoming relationship OCD & anxiety21 Mar 202500:54:03
Even in the most perfect of relationships we can have doubts; even when everything is happy and wonderful, questions can still linger in the back of our mind like 'is this person really right for me, should we break up, should I be feeling this way?' This feeling is a symptom of relationship anxiety or relationship OCD and it can be debilitating.  In today's episode  we are joined by the incredible and wise Rebecca Ore to discuss: 
  • What is relationship OCD and why does it occur
  • How it differs from typical OCD 
  • Anxious attachment & relationship OCD 
  • Which doubts to listen to and which to ignore 
  • How to manage relationship guilt and regret 
  • How to confront an anxious relationship thought + so much more 
You can find Rebecca here: @rebeccaorecoaching    PREORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
284. Did the pandemic rewrite our 20s?19 Mar 202500:45:04
Today, let's talk about the pandemic skip and the lost years of our 20s that many of us are still trying to catch up on. Covid-19 was such a period of collective trauma, and a lot of us feel frozen in time, having missed out on key experiences, developmental milestones and opportunities during our 20s because of it. In today's episode, we discuss: 
  • What is the 'pandemic pause'
  • The 3 ways the pandemic altered us 
  • The consequence of missing out 
  • How the pandemic impacted dating and friendship 
  • Should you take a gap year? 
  • The 4 best tips for overcoming pandemic skip 
Trust me, if you're experiencing grief over your lost years, you're not alone! Listen now!   PREORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
403. How to do hard things (using psychology)04 Apr 202600:34:41
The best things in life aren't always the easiest and it's often this exertion and extra effort that holds us back from diving in or fully committing. Whether it's a new routine, an ambitious study schedule or workout plan, knowing how we can use psychology and neuroscience to make hard tasks easier is incredibly valuable. In today's episode we discuss: • The 5 minute rule
• The power of a persona
• Using mental imagery and visualisation to do hard things
• The power of learned industriousness
• The 3 forms of motivation to know and implement This episode will make all the hard things you've been putting off infinitely easier. Listen now! Watch on Netflix: HERE Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast Subscribe on Substack: @thepsychologyofyour20s For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
I Trust Myself to Make the Best Decision With What I Know Now17 Mar 202500:13:52
I am thrilled to present one of my favorite episodes from my new podcast Mantra! Each week, we unpack an empowering mantra—a simple, powerful phrase to help navigate challenges, find clarity, and unlock potential in daily life. In this special presentation "I Trust Myself to Make the Best Decision With What I Know Now," we explore how to build self-trust, release the pressure of needing all the answers, and confidently move forward with the knowledge we have in the moment. This Mantra will help you embrace decision-making with self-compassion. Please don’t forget to follow Mantra with Jemma Sbeg wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes drop every Monday. For ad-free listening and early access to episodes, subscribe to OpenMind+ on Apple Podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
283. The psychology of 'only child' syndrome14 Mar 202500:46:52
We've all heard the stereotypes about only children - they're selfish, they're dominating, they're arrogant, they are spoiled. Well, it turns out that might not be accurate. In today's episode we break down the intricate psychology of the only child and do a quick review of birth order theory, including: 
  • Where did our stereotypes about only children come from
  • Are only children smarter? 
  • What makes them such perfectionist? 
  • Who do only children date?
  • What should only children do for work?
  • The complex child-parent relationship + the struggles of being an only child
This was such a fascinating episode, I hope you enjoy and happy listening!   PREORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
282. Can we change our personality?11 Mar 202500:38:36
It feels like the personality we have is the one we're stuck with, regardless of how much we wish we were different...but is that really the case? In today's episode we are joined by writer and author Olga Khazan who ran a year long experiment to see how much she could change her personality to be more outgoing, less anxious and hopefully, happier. We discuss: 
  • The root of all personalities
  • What does science say is the best kind of personality
  • When does personality become stable 
  • Is it possible to change? 
  • How could we change our personality? 
  • The results of her experiment then & now + much more
Listen now!  Olga's book here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Me-But-Better/Olga-Khazan/9781668012543    PREORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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