The Psychology of your 20s
Psychology & Relationships
About
A podcast that explains how everything is psychology. Even your 20s. Hosted by Jemma Sbeg, each Tuesday and Friday we deep dive into the science and psychology behind a topic, concept or universal experience that defines our 20s - from dating, to mental health, career anxiety, friendship, finances and all the growing pains associated with this decade. Listen now. My book is out NOW: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean For business enquires please email psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com
Episodes
- 416. The surprising neuroscience behind your anxiety
This episode delves into the neuroscience of anxiety, explaining why it feels so intense and urgent. It discusses the brain's reactions, the roles of GABA and glutamate, and offers practical strategies for managing an anxious mind, emphasi…
- 415. The secret history & psychology of dopamine...
This episode of "The Psychology of your 20s" delves into the history and psychology of dopamine, examining its discovery, its actual function in the body, and debunking popular myths such as the "dopamine detox." It explores dopamine's rol…
- 414. How to get out of a funk
This episode discusses how to get out of a funk, exploring why individuals get stuck and how to approach solutions effectively. It covers acknowledging soul needs, reconnecting with nature, and rewiring the brain for a more positive outloo…
- 413. You're not for everyone? GOOD!
This episode discusses the psychological drivers behind the desire to be liked and the negative impacts of people-pleasing. It offers insights into shifting away from social monitoring and fostering more authentic connections.
- 412. Does your frontal lobe ACTUALLY develop at 25?
This episode of The Psychology of Your 20s examines the myth of frontal lobe development at age 25. It delves into the complexities of brain maturity, the specific functions of the frontal lobe, and the research that shaped our understandi…
- 411. Growing up online, early fame and rediscovering your creativity ft. Arden Rose
Arden Rose joins The Psychology of Your 20s to discuss her experiences with early internet fame, navigating body image and diet culture, and finding her way back to creativity after her life became her job. The episode touches on the chall…
- 410. Why does everyone have a diagnosis these days?
This episode examines the perceived increase in mental health diagnoses like ADHD, autism, anxiety, and depression. It questions whether rates are truly rising or if more people are being recognized after being overlooked, discussing the i…
- 409. How to manage your anxiety about the future
This episode discusses managing overwhelming anxiety about the future, exploring its evolutionary basis, its effects on the brain, and strategies to reframe anxiety as excitement.
- 408. Are our phones killing intimacy?
This episode discusses how excessive phone usage, termed 'technoference,' can negatively impact friendships and romantic relationships. It examines the addictive nature of phones, the effects of 'phone snubbing,' and the detrimental conseq…
- 407. Loving yourself, will make you more attractive
This episode of The Psychology of your 20s discusses how self-love enhances attractiveness. It delves into the mind-body connection, the impact of negative self-talk, and how behavioral adjustments influence perception, suggesting self-lov…
- 406. How to romanticise your 20s (even when they suck)
This episode explores the psychological skill of romanticising your 20s, discussing how attention shapes reality, the neuroscience of meaning-making, and the importance of a coherent life story, especially during challenging times.
- 405. The psychology of betrayal
This episode examines the profound psychological effects of betrayal, including its impact on the nervous system and brain. It discusses various forms of betrayal, reasons behind them, and pathways to healing, grief, and regaining self-tru…
- 404. I want to do everything, so I do nothing
This episode of The Psychology of your 20s discusses analysis paralysis, exploring why the desire to pursue multiple goals can lead to inaction. It delves into the psychological factors like fear and decision-making that contribute to this…
- 403. How to do hard things (using psychology)
This episode of The Psychology of Your 20s explores how to make hard tasks easier using psychological and neuroscience techniques. It covers methods like the 5-minute rule, persona use, mental imagery, learned industriousness, and motivati…
- 402. Why trauma bonding feels so much like love ...
This episode explores the psychological phenomenon of trauma bonding, differentiating it from love. It details the characteristics of such relationships, how to identify if you are in one, and provides steps and resources for breaking away.
- 401. The psychology of microtrends
This episode discusses the psychology behind microtrends like 'mob wife energy' and 'cottagecore', examining how social media and fast fashion create pressure to consume. It explores microtrend fatigue, the influence of world events, and s…
- 400. 15 things everyone should do in their 20s
This special 400th episode of The Psychology of Your 20s discusses 15 unconventional actions everyone should consider in their twenties. It delves into the psychology behind these choices, covering topics like financial lessons, yearly cha…
- 399. The psychology of exercise
This episode of The Psychology of Your 20s delves into the psychological aspects of exercise, examining its impact on the brain, emotional regulation, and its potential role in treating depression. It discusses endorphins, endocannabinoids…
- 398. 5 ways to get unstuck in your 20s
Episode 398 of The Psychology of Your 20s discusses why people feel stuck in their twenties and offers five strategies to implement over the next six months. It highlights tools like the 10-minute mind map and encourages listeners to stop…
- 397. The psychology of office politics
This episode of The Psychology of Your 20s explores the human dynamics of office politics, moving beyond gossip and power plays to focus on trust, competition, and influence in the workplace. It offers strategies for navigating unwritten r…
- 396. Homesickness
This episode breaks down the psychology of homesickness, examining why we react strongly to leaving familiar places, the concept of place attachment and its link to identity, and the nature of nostalgia. It also offers practical strategies…
- 395. Is depression just a chemical imbalance?
This episode of The Psychology of your 20s questions the common explanation of depression as a simple chemical imbalance. It delves into the history of this theory, discusses research comparing antidepressants to placebo, and explores the…
- 394. What is the pursuer-distancer relationship dynamic?
This episode discusses the pursuer-distancer relationship dynamic, where one partner seeks closeness and the other withdraws. It examines the cycle's stages, psychological underpinnings, potential burnout, and strategies for healing.
- 393. The psychology of stoicism
This episode of The Psychology of your 20s explores Stoicism, debunking the misconception of it being unemotional. It covers the philosophy's origins, cardinal virtues, and its empowering applications for daily life, pain management, and l…
- 392. Why is whimsy so powerful
This episode delves into the psychology of whimsy, explaining its importance for joy and nervous system regulation. It covers the neuroscience of stress, imagination, and neuroaesthetics, highlighting how small acts of joy offer psychologi…
- 391. The unconscious vs. conscious mind
This episode explores the psychological concepts of the conscious and unconscious mind. It examines the differences between deliberate and automatic thinking, Freud’s topographical model, and strategies for managing impulses and habits.
- 390. The psychology of serial monogamy & relationship hopping
This episode discusses the psychology behind serial monogamy and relationship hopping, exploring attachment styles, the appeal of artificial closeness, the infatuation cycle, and the brain chemistry of love. It suggests this pattern can of…
- 389. How to experience healthy love after toxic love
This episode of The Psychology of your 20s discusses recognizing healthy love after experiencing toxic relationships. It covers identifying toxic love patterns, their impact on beliefs and expectations, and practical steps to embrace safe…
- 388. The psychology of fashion & personal style
This episode unpacks the psychology of personal style, examining how upbringing, personality traits, and mood impact clothing choices. It discusses style as identity signaling, the influence of trends, and offers guidance on rediscovering…
- 387. The truth about narcissism ...
This episode examines the term 'narcissism,' distinguishing between Narcissistic Personality Disorder and traits, exploring its origins and societal overuse, and questioning whether narcissists can change.
- 386. 26 lessons I've learnt in 26 years
The host reflects on 26 life lessons learned by age 26 and discusses the future of 'The Psychology of your 20s' podcast.
- 385. The best psychology hacks for studying
This episode details psychology-backed study hacks focused on making learning more engaging and effective. Topics include enhancing memory through personal relevance and novelty, finding peak productivity times, and improving focus, all wi…
- 384. How to stop taking things so personally
This episode of The Psychology of Your 20s explores the tendency to take things personally, examining the psychological reasons behind this behavior. It discusses the spotlight effect, the id, ego, and superego, and offers five practical t…
- 383. The psychology of intrusive thoughts
This episode of The Psychology of Your 20s delves into intrusive thoughts, explaining their prevalence, nature, and emotional impact. It discusses common themes, the 'white bear effect,' and alternative management tools, clarifying what in…
- 382. How is AI actually impacting our brains?
This episode of The Psychology of your 20s discusses how AI's convenience impacts our brains, affecting productivity and cognitive function. It examines the ELIZA effect, the dangers of replacing human interaction, and the potential benefi…
- 381. Are friendships REALLY meant to be inconvenient?
This episode of The Psychology of Your 20s unpacks the complexities of modern friendship, questioning if our focus on peace and optimization has made connection optional. It delves into the psychology behind lasting friendships, the time i…
- 380. A big life update...
In episode 380, Jemma provides a significant life update, sharing details from recent months and explaining the implications of a new announcement for the podcast's future.
- 379. I got an STD in my 20s, now what?
This episode of The Psychology of Your 20s unpacks the psychological impact of STIs, addressing the shame and stigma associated with them. It discusses the prevalence of STIs in one's 20s, the difference between treatable and manageable in…
- 378. Your guide to surviving the dating apps in your 20s
This episode of The Psychology of Your 20s offers seven tips for using dating apps effectively. It explores the addictive nature of these apps, provides rules to maintain self-worth, and advises on profile honesty and avoiding burnout.
- 377. Why do we resist change?
This episode of The Psychology of Your 20s discusses resistance to change, particularly during one's twenties. It delves into reasons for this resistance, such as loss aversion, and offers strategies for taking action despite fear.
- 376. 7 tips for moving to a new country in your 20s
This episode of The Psychology of Your 20s shares personal experiences and psychological insights on moving to a new country. It covers why the transition increases stress, the typical adjustment period, and strategies for maintaining ment…
- 375. The psychology of friendship trios
This episode delves into the psychology of friendship trios, examining the unique dynamics, potential pitfalls such as jealousy and alliances, and strategies for maintaining healthy relationships within a group of three.
- 374. The psychology of regret
This episode delves into the psychology of regret, particularly how the fear of regret influences choices in one's 20s. It examines the role of counterfactual thinking, regret's potential to motivate or stagnate, common regrets, and strate…
- 373. Why rest makes us feel so guilty
This episode of The Psychology of your 20s delves into the guilt associated with rest, examining why busyness has become a social currency and how modern life blurs the lines between work and downtime. It discusses the historical and socia…
- 372. How to rediscover your personality
This episode of The Psychology of Your 20s addresses the feeling of not knowing oneself, often exacerbated by social media consumption and life pressures. It offers 7 tips to help listeners rediscover their personality, focusing on values,…
- 371. The psychology of success
This episode examines the psychological factors contributing to success, differentiating between objective and subjective measures. It discusses the role of self-determination theory, habits of successful individuals, and finding personal…
- 370. Your year for doing less and achieving more
This episode discusses the 2026 theme of 'doing less and achieving more,' emphasizing focus, saying no, and prioritizing depth over overwhelm. It delves into the psychology of intrinsic motivation, focused effort, and the importance of res…
- 369. Answering your biggest 20s dilemmas ft. the listeners
This episode addresses listener-submitted dilemmas from their 20s, including navigating friendships, post-breakup recovery, family expectations, adjusting to new cities, and dealing with dislike from others.
- 368. How to find your dream career in your 20s ft. George Appling
This episode features George Appling discussing how to find a career path in your 20s by understanding the five main career paths and balancing passion with financial stability. The conversation explores why money doesn't guarantee happine…
- 367. Why money deeply shapes our relationships ft. Jack Howard
This episode discusses the deep connection between money and love in one's twenties, featuring insights from Jack Howard. It covers why money and love are linked, spender/saver dynamics, emotional spending, prenups, wedding costs, joint ac…