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
- 415. The secret history & psychology of dopamine...
This episode delves into the secret history and psychology of dopamine, examining controversies around its discovery and its actual role in movement, motivation, and memory, challenging its common association with pleasure.
- 414. How to get out of a funk
This episode discusses why individuals experience a "funk," how conventional methods of fixing it can be counterproductive, and offers strategies for recovery such as honoring soul needs and reconnecting with nature. It also differentiates…
- 413. You're not for everyone? GOOD!
This episode of The Psychology of your 20s discusses the desire to be liked by everyone and the risks of compromising identity. It explores why people-pleasing happens, the need for human connection, and how to move towards healthier, self…
- 412. Does your frontal lobe ACTUALLY develop at 25?
This episode debunks the myth that the frontal lobe fully develops at age 25, examining the complexities of brain maturity and the specific function of the frontal lobe. It discusses early 2000s research on brain development and explains w…
- 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 growing up online, early fame, body image, and the process of rediscovering creativity after a career in content creation. The episode also addresses the dark si…
- 410. Why does everyone have a diagnosis these days?
This episode explores the reasons behind the perceived rise in mental health diagnoses, including ADHD, autism, anxiety, trauma, burnout, and depression. It discusses whether rates are actually rising or if more people are being recognized…
- 409. How to manage your anxiety about the future
This episode of The Psychology of your 20s discusses managing anxiety about the future, addressing why individuals in their 20s are prone to anticipatory anxiety and catastrophic thinking. It also covers the effects of long-term anxiety on…
- 408. Are our phones killing intimacy?
This episode of The Psychology of your 20s examines how phones affect intimacy. It explores the concept of "technoference" and its impact on friendships, romantic relationships, and sex lives, including ways to address phone addiction.
- 407. Loving yourself, will make you more attractive
This episode of "The Psychology of your 20s" discusses how self-love can lead to increased attractiveness. It covers the mind-body link, the impact of negative self-talk, and practical behavioral changes to cultivate self-love.
- 406. How to romanticise your 20s (even when they suck)
This episode explores how to romanticise your 20s, focusing on the psychological skill of meaning-making. It covers how attention influences experience, the neuroscience of meaning, emergent adulthood, and the importance of narrative psych…
- 405. The psychology of betrayal
This episode discusses the psychological impact of betrayal, exploring why people betray others and how to heal. It covers how betrayal affects the brain, different forms of betrayal, and the betrayal grief cycle.
- 404. I want to do everything, so I do nothing
This episode of The Psychology of your 20s examines why people with many goals struggle to execute them, focusing on analysis paralysis. It covers different types of fear, decision-making studies, the psychology of regret, and choosing a p…
- 403. How to do hard things (using psychology)
This episode explores how psychology and neuroscience can help make difficult tasks easier. It covers techniques like the 5-minute rule, using a persona, mental imagery, and understanding different forms of motivation.
- 402. Why trauma bonding feels so much like love ...
This episode explores trauma bonding, a psychological phenomenon often found in relationships characterized by an abuser and their target. Learn how to identify if you are experiencing a trauma bond and the steps you can take to move away…
- 401. The psychology of microtrends
This episode examines the psychology of microtrends, exploring how social media, fast fashion, and "dopamine culture" impact consumer behavior. It discusses the stages of trends, individual expression, and how to navigate microtrend consum…
- 400. 15 things everyone should do in their 20s
This episode of "The Psychology of your 20s" discusses 15 unconventional things to do in your twenties. Topics include money lessons, yearly challenges, social audits, solitude, and relationships.
- 399. The psychology of exercise
This episode of The Psychology of your 20s delves into the psychology of exercise, examining its impact on the brain, emotional regulation, and how movement can be perceived as self-care or self-punishment. It explores the roles of endorph…
- 398. 5 ways to get unstuck in your 20s
This episode from The Psychology of Your 20s discusses reasons for feeling stuck in your twenties. It provides five actionable strategies to address this, such as using a 10-minute mind map tool and implementing a 6-month challenge project.
- 397. The psychology of office politics
This episode discusses the psychology of office politics, examining how individuals build trust, navigate competition, and influence decisions within the workplace. It explores unspoken dynamics, offers advice on handling office gossip, an…
- 396. Homesickness
This episode of The Psychology of your 20s delves into homesickness, examining it as a psychological stress response. It covers how brains react to new environments, the influence of place attachment on identity, and strategies to adjust t…
- 395. Is depression just a chemical imbalance?
This episode of "The Psychology of your 20s" investigates the widely accepted chemical imbalance theory of depression, discussing its origins and why many researchers today believe the explanation is more complex. It covers research on ant…
- 394. What is the pursuer-distancer relationship dynamic?
This episode of The Psychology of Your 20s examines the pursuer-distancer relationship dynamic, including its appearance, underlying psychology, and methods for healing the cycle. It also addresses how this dynamic can manifest in your 20s.
- 393. The psychology of stoicism
This episode of "The Psychology of your 20s" delves into the philosophy of stoicism. It covers its ancient origins, core pillars, four cardinal virtues, and its practical applications in modern life, including its impact on pain treatment…
- 392. Why is whimsy so powerful
This episode explores the psychology of whimsy, examining how playful activities can regulate the nervous system and the neuroscience behind stress, imagination, and brain plasticity. It also delves into the science of beauty and the brain…
- 391. The unconscious vs. conscious mind
This episode of The Psychology of your 20s explores the conscious and unconscious mind, their psychological definitions, origins, and impact on our actions. It also discusses how to identify unhealthy unconscious patterns and gain control…
- 390. The psychology of serial monogamy & relationship hopping
This episode of "The Psychology of your 20s" delves into the psychology of serial monogamy and relationship hopping. It examines why some individuals move from relationship to relationship, covering topics such as attachment, the appeal of…
- 389. How to experience healthy love after toxic love
This episode discusses understanding toxic love and its effects on relationships. It explores how to recognize and experience healthy love, even when past experiences have created expectations of chaos or inconsistency.
- 388. The psychology of fashion & personal style
This episode explores the psychology of fashion and personal style, discussing how upbringing, personality, and identity influence our clothing choices. It also touches on the role of trends and how to rediscover personal style.
- 387. The truth about narcissism ...
This episode of The Psychology of Your 20s discusses the psychological understanding of narcissism, its origins, and its societal use. It distinguishes between narcissistic personality disorder and narcissistic traits, examining the overus…
- 386. 26 lessons I've learnt in 26 years
In this episode, the host shares 26 lessons learned in 26 years, reflecting on personal growth and experiences during their 20s. The host also addresses the future of the podcast and the potential for a 'Psychology of your 30s' series.
- 385. The best psychology hacks for studying
This episode explores psychology-backed study hacks to enhance learning and academic performance. Topics include note-taking, memory improvement, finding peak productivity, and increasing focus.
- 384. How to stop taking things so personally
This episode of "The Psychology of Your 20s" discusses why people tend to take things personally, examining the brain's wiring and the ego's role. It also offers five tips on how to stop taking things personally.
- 383. The psychology of intrusive thoughts
This episode of The Psychology of your 20s explores the psychology of intrusive thoughts, discussing their commonality, themes, and emotional impact. It also covers theories like the white bear effect and offers alternative tools for manag…
- 382. How is AI actually impacting our brains?
This episode of The Psychology of your 20s discusses the impact of AI on our brains, covering its effects on productivity, critical thinking, and human interaction. It explores the cognitive costs of convenience and the potential dangers a…
- 381. Are friendships REALLY meant to be inconvenient?
This episode discusses the psychology of friendship, examining whether modern life makes friendship optional. It explores the idea that inconvenience is part of community, the foundations of lasting friendships, and how conflict can streng…
- 380. A big life update...
This episode of The Psychology of your 20s provides a life update and discusses what a recent announcement means for the podcast's future. The host shares details from the last few months and how it will impact the show going forward.
- 379. I got an STD in my 20s, now what?
This episode of The Psychology of your 20s discusses the psychology of STIs in young adulthood. It covers how shame and stigma influence perceptions, navigating disclosure, and common STI facts.
- 378. Your guide to surviving the dating apps in your 20s
This episode discusses navigating dating apps in your 20s, offering tips to protect your confidence. It examines how dating apps are designed and shares advice for avoiding burnout.
- 377. Why do we resist change?
This episode of The Psychology of your 20s explores why individuals in their 20s resist change, even when they desire it. It delves into the reasons behind this resistance and offers insights on how to move forward and embrace change.
- 376. 7 tips for moving to a new country in your 20s
This episode of The Psychology of your 20s discusses 7 tips for moving to a new country in your 20s, covering the emotional challenges and adjustment process. It explores why moving impacts stress and homesickness, and offers strategies fo…
- 375. The psychology of friendship trios
This episode of The Psychology of Your 20s discusses the psychology of friendship trios. It covers the benefits and challenges of these dynamics, including when imbalances occur and how to foster healthy relationships within a trio.
- 374. The psychology of regret
This episode explores the psychology of regret, examining what it is and why it's linked to self-blame. It discusses how regret can either paralyze or propel individuals forward, and how to navigate it with acceptance and compassion.
- 373. Why rest makes us feel so guilty
This episode explores the psychology behind rest guilt, examining why busyness has become a social currency and why many struggle to switch off. It discusses the historical and social origins of this phenomenon and offers practical ways to…
- 372. How to rediscover your personality
This episode of "The Psychology of Your 20s" offers 7 tips to help listeners rediscover their personality. Topics include understanding a "frozen" personality, unproductive goals, geographical novelty, and fulfilling "soul needs," along wi…
- 371. The psychology of success
This episode of "The Psychology of your 20s" discusses the psychology of success. It covers objective and subjective measures of success, the role of self-determination theory, and habits of successful people.
- 370. Your year for doing less and achieving more
This episode explores the theme of "doing less and achieving more" for the year 2026. It discusses why focus trumps busyness, the power of saying no, and how choosing depth can lead to greater success. Topics include intrinsic motivation a…
- 369. Answering your biggest 20s dilemmas ft. the listeners
This episode of "The Psychology of your 20s" features listener questions about common dilemmas experienced in their 20s. Topics include navigating friendships, relationships, family expectations, new cities, and interpersonal challenges. T…
- 368. How to find your dream career in your 20s ft. George Appling
This episode of The Psychology of Your 20s features George Appling discussing how to find a fulfilling career in your 20s. Topics include the five main career paths, balancing passion and financial stability, and the importance of experime…
- 367. Why money deeply shapes our relationships ft. Jack Howard
This episode of The Psychology of your 20s, with guest Jack Howard, discusses the psychology of money in relationships. It covers how finances impact dating, arguments, and building a life together, including spender/saver dynamics and pre…
- 366. I moved to London
Jemma from "The Psychology of your 20s" podcast talks about her recent move to London and her new experiences as a UK resident, marking an exciting new chapter for the podcast. She shares her thoughts on this significant life change.