The Psychology of your 20s

Why do some things sit heavy in our chest for weeks, months, even years - while others seem to slide right off? In today’s episode, we’re unpacking the psychology of resentment, exploring why letting go can feel so hard, and what our grudges might actually be trying to tell us about ourselves. Grudges are often dismissed as petty or immature, but they’re rarely that simple. They’re emotional archives - stories we keep retelling in our minds, not just to stay angry, but to make sense of hurt, to assert boundaries, or to reclaim a sense of control. Whether it’s a betrayal from years ago or a passive-aggressive comment from last week, the feelings linger for a reason. We explore: • The psychological function of holding a grudge • How rumination and memory shape emotional pain • The role of power, justice, and unmet needs in long-term resentment • How resentment harms us more than them • Why forgiveness isn’t the same as forgetting • Tools for emotional processing and (maybe) letting go If you want to get curious about what your lingering anger is pointing to, 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.

Breath work, as a therapeutic technique, is having it's day in the sun. You may be seeing videos about it cropping up everywhere, but the truth is that it's a very ancient and deeply powerful psychological practice... when done correctly. In today's episode we are joined by our expert guest, Jessica Dibb, to break down the true power and science of breath work including: Jessica's book here: Breathwork + Psychotherapy *The opinions of guests are not necessarily shared by the host. 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.

Let's be real...too many of us are struggling with a sense of disconnect between who we are in our daily lives and our true selves. We feel like we no longer do the things that set our souls on fire, we have lost what makes us unique, we are bored, we are stagnant, maybe we don't even like ourselves anymore. Today on the podcast we talk about why that may be, including: If you want to feel more aligned and alive, 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.

Running might seem like a solo sport - something we do to clear our heads, hit a goal, or just survive another cardio session. But recently, a new kind of running culture has emerged: one built not on competition, but community. Enter the run club - part fitness, part social ritual, part emotional anchor for a generation craving structure, connection, and purpose. In today’s episode, we explore the quiet psychology of run clubs and why so many of us are drawn to group movement. Whether it’s about healing, identity, accountability, or just having somewhere to be on a Tuesday night, run clubs have become far more than just exercise. They’re spaces of transformation - not just for our bodies, but for our emotional landscapes. We explore: • The rise of run clubs as a cultural and social movement • Connection, identity, and accountability through group movement • Group belonging and the act of completing a challenge • Are run clubs the new dating app? • Run club exclusivity • The social validation of ‘kudos’ Whether you’re a dedicated runner or someone who wonders why their local park is flooded with Hokas (other brands are available) - 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.

Me and my phone are in a toxic relationship, let me explain... ORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean Follow Jemma on Instagram (ironic for this episode, I know): @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.

We’ve all heard the phrase “you are what you eat,” but what if it’s more accurate to say “you feel what you eat”? Behind every meal, snack, or sugar crash is an intricate, fascinating connection between your brain and your gut - one that science is only just beginning to fully understand. In today’s episode, we explore the gut-brain axis: the real, two-way communication system that links your digestive health to your mental well-being. From serotonin production in your intestines to the surprising impact of fermented foods, we break down how what you eat influences your mood, focus, anxiety levels, and emotional regulation - and how your emotions, in turn, influence what you reach for in the fridge. We explore: • The gut-brain axis • Why gut microbes might be responsible for your mood swings • Foods that support mental health - and ones that can destabilize it • Cycle syncing, cravings, and emotional shifts • The psychology of emotional eating and comfort food • How food morality and rigid diets can harm your mental well-being • How to find balance in the food noise Whether you’re curious about how to eat for a better mood, or want to feel more connected to your body, this episode is for you. For further resources: https://butterfly.org.au/ ORDER MY BOOK, Person in Progress: 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.

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: 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.

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: 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== 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.

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.

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: 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.

"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: 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.

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: 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 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.

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.

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: 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.

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: 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.

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: 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.

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.

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: 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://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.

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.

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: 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://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.