The Psychology of your 20s

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. 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.

7/20/26 • 46:47

Sigmund Freud is one of the most famous and contested names in psychology. Often reduced to couches, cigars, dreams, sex, and blaming everything on your mother, Freud’s real story is much more complicated. In this bonus episode, we take a look at who Freud actually was - his medical background, the development of his method, and why his views are so context specific. We explore:• The development of free association • The role of dreams and transference• Defence mechanisms and the unconscious• The structural model of the human psyche• Challenges to his theory• Freud's legacy: Anna and modern-day psychoanalysis 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.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559106/ https://www.cureus.com/articles/303246-matters-of-the-mind-a-look-into-the-life-of-sigmund-freud#!/ https://www.freud.org.uk/2020/04/07/freud-at-home-sigmund-and-annas-studies/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15293843/ 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.

7/19/26 • 46:49

Productivity advice often tells us to push harder, wake up earlier, and squeeze more out of every hour. But in this episode, we take a different approach. Instead of treating productivity like a test of willpower, we look at the psychology behind focus, procrastination, energy, motivation, and rest - and why working with your brain is usually more effective than trying to bully it into action. We explore 7 tips for productivity, including:• How small wins can create momentum• Why the hardest task often needs to come first• How to work with your natural energy patterns• Habit stacking for boring tasks• Why 20 focused minutes can be more useful than waiting for the perfect window• How ‘shoot your shot’ days can move you closer to the life you want• Why real rest is essential for sustainable productivity 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://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2F0033-295X.84.2.191 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ejsp.674 https://www.ted.com/talks/saundra_dalton_smith_the_real_reason_why_we_are_tired_and_what_to_do_about_it 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.

7/16/26 • 42:39

TW: Discussions of miscarriage/pregnancy Grace Beverley is a founder, an entrepreneur, and a seasoned professional when it comes to pursuing the ideas your have, but also knowing when to slow down, recover from burnout and let yourself be vulnerable.  In today's episode we discuss her journey from studying music at Oxford to launching over five businesses, and her next chapter as a parent. We talk about:  The best career advice for your 20s How to start a business and her biggest lessons from early failures Why love should make you feel safe  Her pregnancy loss story  The importance of being vocal about what you believe in  How to recover from burnout Listen now! Watch on Netflix: HERE Follow Grace on Instagram: @gracebeverley Shop TALA: 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.

7/13/26 • 60:34

We all know that therapy is amazing, in fact it’s life-changing for many people. But what does therapy actually do? And what makes a good therapist?  In today’s episode we’re joined by Dr Sandra Espinoza, Associate Professor of the Couple and Family Therapy Program at Alliant University. Our discussion includes:  Her journey into helping others  Why the best therapists, go to therapy  What to look for in your therapist  Why we can’t just rely on our friends  Our greatest misconceptions around therapy  Why stigma and affordability continue to be the biggest barriers  How Alliant University is leading the next generation of helpers and therapists to support their communities  If you’ve ever considered therapy, been curious about therapy or want to be a therapist yourself, this is your ultimate guide.  Follow Dr Espinoza: HERE  Find out more about Alliant University: 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.

7/11/26 • 47:45

At some point in most of our lives, most of us have felt that we are ‘too much’. We might feel that we are too loud, have too many opinions, are too extroverted, too needy, or generally take up too much emotional ‘space’. In this episode, we explore what this feels like when it bleeds into our personal and professional lives, the impact of suppressing emotions upon our immune system, and look at some methods to unlearn and reconfigure our relationship with the ‘too much’ label. We unpack: • Why society likes to shame people who are confident and outspoken• The psychology of ‘Tall Poppy Syndrome’, and why women are particularly vulnerable • How being shamed and shut down as children makes us feel ‘too much’ later in life• The link between suppressing our emotions and our immune system• How we can unlearn the belief that we are ‘too much’ 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://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/why_are_confident_people_so_polarizing https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4212945/ https://www.instagram.com/p/DXo5rB3jtOe/?img_index=20&igsh=emNnMDNlZzFoeDZm 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.

7/9/26 • 48:49

In many ways, sibling rivalry is an integral part of growing up in a multiple-child household – the arguments, the jealousy, the competition. But as we explore in this episode, those sibling dynamics often don’t stop in childhood, but actually following us into our 20s and adulthood, shaping how we see ourselves, relate to our families, and how we carry old roles.  We explore:•        Why a level of rivalry is developmentally expected•        The evolutionary perspective on resource competition•        The role of birth order and family roles•        How sibling rivalry can transpire in adulthood•        How to begin acknowledging and rewriting old roles 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://prevention.psu.edu/news/the-psychology-behind-sibling-rivalry/ https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10567-011-0104-5 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0192513X211064876 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10826-016-0429-2 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.

7/6/26 • 36:53

There comes a point in all of our lives where we realise we've outgrown who we used to be. Sometimes it happens all at once, due to a breakup, a move, a loss, or a major life change. Other times (most of the time), it's much quieter.  As painful as that can feel, it's also one of the clearest signs that you're evolving. In this episode, we explore the psychology of outgrowing your old life, why change can feel so much like grief, and how to let go of the past without fearing the future. We explore: The psychology of liminality and the space between who you were and who you're becoming The seven stages of outgrowing your old life Why we cling to the past through nostalgia, the endowment effect and status quo bias When you know a chapter is over How to embrace change and build a future you're excited to grow into 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

7/2/26 • 33:43

TW: Discussions of suicide. This week, I'm joined by mental health campaigner Ben West for one of the most moving conversations we've ever had on the show. At 18, Ben lost his brother to suicide. He has taken that experience and decided to change the lives of thousands, if not millions with his 'Reasons to Stay' campaign.  In this episode we discuss: Why grief changes over time  How to find purpose after unimaginable heartbreak The psychology of hope and why strangers can save lives What supporting someone through suicidal thoughts actually looks like Ben's incredible initiative, Reasons to Stay, and the millions of people it's already reached His two personal rules for protecting his own mental health Why healing isn't about 'moving on' but learning to carry what you've lost Watch on Netflix: HERE Preorder Ben's book: HERE  Follow Ben: HERE  If you need help, it is available. You are NEVER alone. Please find some further resources 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.

6/29/26 • 62:05

Giving you all an update on my life and my future in London.  Watch on Netflix: HERE Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast Subscribe on Substack: @thepsychologyofyour20s For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6/27/26 • 33:26

Many of us feel that our attention spans are nothing like they used to be. So many of us can recall a time when we would read books for hours with ease, concentrate for hours, focus on a movie without going on our phone. But not any more. In this episode, we unpack the psychology behind our dwindling attention spans, via the consumption of endless content, task switching, lack of sleep and more. But there’s hope - we also look at practical ways that we can all work on retraining our brains towards healthier, more sustainable and enjoyable focus. We unpack: • Why our attention spans have been eroded, particularly over the last 20 years• How social media is designed to be like a slot machine• The impact of ‘sleep debt’ and our attention spans• Why the ‘switch-cost effect’ depletes our focus all the time • How we can retrain our brains to focus 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://time.com/6302294/why-you-cant-focus-anymore-and-what-to-do-about-it/ https://www.theguardian.com/science/2022/jan/02/attention-span-focus-screens-apps-smartphones-social-media https://thesciencesurvey.com/editorial/2024/02/12/the-problem-with-your-attention-span/ 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.

6/25/26 • 52:58

What might be seen as a ‘boring’ life is often just a life that wouldn’t be as popular on Instagram. In a world that glamorises chaos, spontaneity and constant stimulation, we need to create lives that truly nourish us, provide safety, and align with who we really are. In this episode, we explore the psychology behind why so many of us begin craving calm as we get older, why that can feel oddly threatening, and why slowing down may be one of the best things we can do for our brains. We explore:•        Why many of us start craving a more manageable, peaceful life•        Why this can create fear, guilt, or cognitive dissonance in our 20s•        The pressure from social media to make youth look chaotic and exciting•        The role of FOMO in feeling disconnected from our real preferences•        Why our brains crave novelty•        What a ‘boring’ life is actually made of: boundaries, routine, presence, and self-trust 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.cambridge.org/core/journals/development-and-psychopathology/article/abs/differential-changes-in-impulsivity-and-sensation-seeking-and-the-escalation-of-substance-use-from-adolescence-to-early-adulthood/3542107D68176F9B55BC0A2DB212C701 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0747563213000800 https://www.nature.com/articles/nrn1052 https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1250830 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.

6/22/26 • 27:56

When we go for a job interview, it can feel as if our entire existence is being judged. It can come down to the feeling of someone else getting to call the shots on whether we are intellectually competent at best, or personally desirable at worst. In this episode, we’ll explore why job interviews can feel so stressful, identify why positive first impressions are vital, and discuss some psychological hacks to help us nail them.  We explore: • How job interviews trigger our need for social approval • The Yerkes-Dodson Law, or how excessive pressure can make us perform worse• Why we can’t trust our judgement about how an interview went• Why being likeable makes it more likely you’ll get hired• How easy psychological tricks can make us feel more confident Our favourite sources: https://www.catharticspacecounseling.com/blog/how-to-handle-uncertainty-without-losing-your-mindwww.researchgate.net/publication/313878823_The_importance_of_first_impressions_in_a_job_interview https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/beyond-stress-and-burnout/202206/the-effects-of-stress-when-interviewing 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.

6/18/26 • 39:55

Living with a chronic illness in your 20s can feel like carrying an invisible weight that nobody else can see. Beyond the hospital appointments, surgeries, medications and diagnoses, there is a hidden psychological burden: the anxiety, grief, uncertainty, identity struggles and resilience required to keep moving forward when your body feels beyond your control. In this week's episode, I sit down with content creator, advocate and broadcaster Nikki Lilly to discuss what it's really like growing up with a rare medical condition, navigating facial differences, online bullying, and building a meaningful life despite constant uncertainty. We discuss: The hidden psychological impact of chronic illness  Medical trauma, PTSD and the long road to healing How chronic illness affects your relationship with your body Online bullying, discrimination and appearance-based judgment Plus her time at the Oscars and her vision for her future Happy listening! Watch on Netflix: HERE Listen to Live A Little: HERE Follow Lilly on Instagram: @nikkililly 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.

6/15/26 • 72:11

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is one of the most famous theories in psychology. We've all seen the pyramid. We've all been told that before we can become our best selves, we need to climb through five levels of human needs, from food and safety all the way to self-actualisation. But what if that's not actually what Maslow believed? In this bonus episode, as part of our series myth-busting psychology, we're uncovering the surprising truth behind one of psychology's most iconic ideas, including: Why Maslow never actually drew a pyramid The forgotten sixth level of the hierarchy The Indigenous Blackfoot origins of the theory Whether self-actualisation is really the highest human goal Why the hierarchy isn't as rigid as we've been taught What modern psychology says about the evidence behind Maslow's ideas 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6/13/26 • 23:32

Most of us will spend the majority of our adult lives working. So why does the traditional 9–5 leave so many people feeling exhausted, trapped, unfulfilled, or quietly wondering: is this really it? In this episode, we explore the psychology behind why the 9–5 can feel so unnatural for some people, why work often becomes the centre of our identity, and what to do when the life you've been told should make you happy simply doesn't. This includes: Why the 9–5 often feels so draining The psychology of role engulfment and losing yourself to work The personality traits that predict whether you'll enjoy traditional employment The importance of hobbies, purpose, novelty, and community When it's time to consider a different path Practical advice for anyone dreaming of working for themselves 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  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.

6/11/26 • 38:31

Superstitions can seem irrational on the surface, but beneath them is something incredibly human - the need for meaning, comfort, and a sense of control in an uncertain world. In this episode, we explore the psychology of superstition - why the mind creates these beliefs, why they can feel so reassuring, and what they reveal about anxiety, ritual, hope, and the stories we inherit. We explore:•        Historical origins of common superstitions•        The role of pattern recognition and gut feelings•        How rituals soothe anxiety and create a sense of certainty•        When superstitions become self-fulfilling and shape performance•        How magical thinking overlaps with OCD and anxiety•        Why it's important to create our own magic in our 20s  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.bps.org.uk/psychologist/everyday-magic-superstition https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0956797610372631 https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/behavioural-and-cognitive-psychotherapy/article/abs/magical-thinking-in-obsessivecompulsive-disorder-and-generalized-anxiety-disorder/AAA4404A26637024E2E5D01B3F133928 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.

6/8/26 • 46:15

Why do we become obsessed with people who don't want us back? Even when we know it will never work? Even when we know there's no convincing them? In this episode, we unpack the psychology behind unrequited love, limerence, longing, and the irresistible pull of unavailable people, including: The neuroscience of craving, attraction, and obsession How intermittent reinforcement keeps us emotionally hooked Jacques Lacan's "object of desire" theory Why high achievers often struggle with unrequited love The role of limerence, fantasy, and idealisation The Zeigarnik Effect and our need for closure Practical strategies to finally move on and let go Creating your own closure when none is given Plus so so much more  If you've ever found yourself unable to stop thinking about someone who doesn't feel the same way, this episode is for you. Together, we'll explore why it happens, what it reveals about us, and how to break free from the cycle 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.

6/4/26 • 32:26

We all have something about our behaviour or our lives we really want to change. But every time we go to try, we find we lose motivation very quickly and end up back where we started with the behaviour still in tact. Whether it's quitting smoking, exercising more, wanting to eat healthier, sleep better, stop gossiping, be a better partner; bad habits usually all have the same psychology.  In today's episode we invited on Harvard-trained behavioural scientist & BCG Managing Director, Julia Dhar, to give us the step by step guide to changing bad habits. We talk about:  Where bad habits come from?  Why bad habits stick? What's happening in our brain when we can't quit a bad habit? The 3 principles of behaviour change you need to know to change  How to help OTHERS change when they don't want to? Why your approach to failing will determine if you're successful  Plus much more!  Happy listening!  Buy Julia's book here: How Change Really Works Watch her TedTalk here: How to Disagree Productively  Watch on Netflix: HERE Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast Subscribe on Substack: @thepsychologyofyour20s For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6/1/26 • 61:54

Your hobbies may be just as important as your friendships in your 20s. But whilst you may dedicate 10-15 hours a week to your friends, most of us can go a week or two without actually performing our hobbies. Why is that, and what is the consequence?In today's episode we break down the psychology of why our hobbies are so important, including:  The debate around what makes a hobby  How many hobbies do you actually need?  How much time should you spend doing your hobbies?  The Rule of Four for hobbies The psychological benefits  The 3 major reasons we struggle to perform our hobbies How to find time, inspiration and motivation for your hobbies, and more Listen now if you want to make more of your leisure time!  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.

5/30/26 • 37:23

We’re all familiar with the story of the boy who wouldn’t grow up: Peter Pan. But when someone displays similar traits in real life - issues with commitment, responsibilities, and adulting in general - they might be experiencing what’s referred to as Peter Pan Syndrome. In this episode, we break down the psychology of Peter Pan Syndrome, including why it happens, the frustration it causes those in its orbit, and how to learn to grow up - at last. We unpack: • The key characteristics of Peter Pan Syndrome• Why being coddled or never disciplined as a child can lead to struggles with ‘adulting’ • How ‘Wendy Syndrome’ can act as an enabler for Peter Pan Syndrome• What it feels like to date someone with Peter Pan Syndrome• How to overcome Peter Pan Syndrome 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: www.health.clevelandclinic.org/peter-pan-syndrome https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-do-life/201605/the-peter-pan-syndrome  https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.1006.8462&rep=rep1&type=pdf 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.

5/28/26 • 35:41

Being your own harshest critic can feel productive, protective, even familiar, but over time, it becomes less of a motivator and more of a cage. In this episode, we explore the psychology of self-hatred - where it begins, how it becomes a deeply ingrained, and what it actually steals from us over time.  We explore: •        How early experiences shape the inner critic•        Why self-hatred can feel protective•        The myth of cruelty as a motivator•        The neural pattern of self-hatred•        The role of self sabotaging•        6 practical tips to build a better relationship with yourself 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://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.2044-8341.2011.02044.x https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0146167211410246 https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fa0033904 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.

5/25/26 • 46:38

Weed can be relaxing, funny, creative, and social - until it isn’t. In this episode, we look at what weed is actually doing in the brain, why it can calm one person and overwhelm another, and how it can change from something enjoyable into something we start leaning on for out emotional wellbeing. We explore:•        What actually happens to our brains when we’re high•        What THC and CBD actually are, and how they differ•        Why weed can make some people anxious, hungry, or more creative•        When weed becomes less about fun and more about coping, avoidance, or escape•        How smoking can shape memory, motivation, and everyday connection•        The signs your relationship with weed might be changing 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://hms.harvard.edu/news-events/publications-archive/brain/cannabis-brain https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/nutrition-research-reviews/article/endocannabinoid-system-and-appetite-relevance-for-food-reward/30C65E719848770761B6BEA7D0C1E9CB https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2829657 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/brb3.71102 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.

5/24/26 • 44:59

When we’re detached from our emotions, things can feel a little… flat. But though our brain might be trying to protect us from harm, emotionally detaching stops us from being able to appreciate the true richness of life. In this episode, we’ll unpack why emotional blunting occurs, the ways we might be avoiding our true emotions, and look at some ways to actually start to process your emotions. We explore: • Why we’re bad at feeling what we’re feeling • The hidden strategies we use to push our emotions away • How maladaptive coping mechanisms can cause us long-term harm• Why most emotions are actually driven by fear • How we can more effectively process our emotions  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://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12916575/https://positivepsychology.com/maladaptive-coping/https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/intellectualization 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.

5/21/26 • 45:34

Endless studies show that the strength of our relationships is the biggest indicator for our happiness and wellbeing. So when we fall out with a friend, it can feel absolutely devastating, and leave us wondering how to repair and reconnect. In this episode, we explore why friendship break-ups can be more painful than romantic ones, how our ego gets in the way of reconnecting, and ways that we can rebuild a fractured friendship. We explore: • The different types of friendship fallouts• Why avoiding conflict can actually be a form of control • How to reach out after a conflict • The importance of recognising when you do - and don’t - want to be friends again • Why listening is often the best way to be heard 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://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11894851/https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/tech-happy-life/202101/why-is-it-so-hard-admit-when-we-are-wronghttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8573342/ 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.

5/18/26 • 49:03

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.

5/14/26 • 42:37

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.

5/11/26 • 44:46

Most people would know the term: dopamine. It's the world's most famous neurotransmitter, known for it's role in happiness and pleasure. What if I told you, most of us have it all wrong. In today's episode we break down the secret history and psychology of dopamine, including:  The controversy around it's discovery How it became known as the 'pleasure' hormone Why that's actually not true It's true role in movement, motivation and memory  Myth-busting dopamine detoxes plus 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

5/9/26 • 24:53

When we’re ‘in a funk’, we might feel that things just aren’t going right for us, we can’t catch a break, and that life generally feels pretty flat. What’s more, we can tend to look at the world through a negative lens - which makes things worse.  In this episode, we look at why we get stuck in a funk, how our approach to fix it can lead us astray, and how we can get ourselves out of one by honouring our soul needs, reconnecting with nature, and more. We unpack:• The key differences between being in a funk and clinical depression• Why monotony and boredom keep us stuck• The danger of telling yourself to just ‘snap out of it’• The importance of honouring our ‘soul needs’ • What we can do to rewire our brain towards a brighter future 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  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.

5/7/26 • 36:28

It’s easy to believe that being liked by as many people as possible is a positive attribute. But when we chase this, we risk compromising our sense of identity, alienating ourselves from others, and being confused and burnt out by a string of inauthentic connections. In this episode, we examine what drives us to people please, acknowledge our need for human connection, and learn to recognise how to shift unhealthy patterns towards healthier, self-soothing ones. We explore: • What drives our need to belong• The science behind why others don’t think about us as much as we imagine• Why being a social chameleon can make others distrust you• Why constant social monitoring is a waste of mental energy• How we can reframe our thinking to recognise if we truly like someone, rather than just enjoy being liked 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://unwantedlife.me/the-spotlight-effect-and-social-anxiety-all-eyes-on-me https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/when-kids-call-the-shots/201702/how-wanting-to-be-liked-gets-you-rejected https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8405711/ 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.

5/4/26 • 36:50