Exiting Our Twenties

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“If I’m planning for the worst case, I might as well plan for the best case as well.”

In Episode 10, Aparna from Austin shares the story of a difficult conversation she had in her twenties and what it taught her about speaking up for herself.

You’ll relate to Aparna’s story if you’ve ever:

• Put off a difficult conversation out of fear of the other person’s response 
• Taken on more responsibility at work and realized your compensation did not match
• Had a manager who didn’t want to go to bat for you
• Prepared yourself emotionally for a difficult conversation, then found it way easier than you expected
• Feared being labeled difficult or ungrateful for wanting more out of work or a relationship 
• Learned how to translate what you need into a productive conversation

Aparna shares why having hard conversations is healthy and reminds us how to catch ourselves and reframe when our brain is priming us for the worst-case scenario. 

She and Berkeley also discuss the terrible advice they heard as kids, the importance of being kind–rather than nice–when asking for what you want, and the surprising benefit of visiting a (naked) Korean spa... 

The Green Collar Pod
Check out Aparna’s podcast! The Green Collar Pod is dedicated to the economy of tomorrow, exploring jobs that have a positive impact on the environment and people’s well being–from the most obvious sustainable roles to covert ones. It’s a great resource for anyone looking to make their career more green.  😎

• Spotify 
• Website 
• LinkedIn 

Meet Your Host: Berkeley Joy Mashburn
Berkeley is a NYC-based writer who turned 30 in 2025. Nothing inspires her more than intimate conversations with friends about their unique yet relatable lives. On Exiting Our Twenties, Berkeley interviews old friends and new about pivotal experiences in their twenties, bringing hope and confidence to women of all ages and reminding those of us over thirty that the best is yet to come.

You can read Berkeley’s personal essays featuring stories from her twenties on her new Substack publication, Clearest on the Page. You can also connect with Berkeley on LinkedIn or via Instagram.

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“I didn’t have to earn my Filipino-ness, but I needed to ground it in something.” 

In Episode 9, Liz from Austin shares how taking her Mom home to the Philippines enriched their relationship and deepened her pride. 

Right out of college, Liz started saving for a major milestone—her first trip to the Philippines with her Mom, who had immigrated to the US before Liz was born. On the trip, Liz met cousins, aunts, and uncles for the very first time and participated in meaningful cultural rituals. The pilgrimage turned out to be a long-lasting gift for everyone involved, and helped Liz ground her Filipina pride in lived experience. 

You’ll relate to Liz’s story if you’ve ever: 

• Taken a big family trip in your twenties 
• Gone abroad to understand your family tree
• Visited an immigrant parent’s country of origin and discovered just how much they left behind 
• Grieved a family member you never got to meet 
• Saved up for an important milestone and made it happen
• Grown up mixed-race in the US and searched for your place in your ethnic and cultural community 

On the show, Liz unpacks this meaningful experience from her twenties and shares how she keeps up with family across the globe, “micro-doses” her hobbies, and prioritizes being “self-careful” in her thirties.

Mentioned in the Episode: 

• Die with Zero: Getting All You Can From Your Money and Your Life by Bill Perkins - A great read for your twenties, this book flips conventional wisdom on its head and encourages us to live our most important milestones now, rather than wait for an uncertain future.   

Meet Your Host: Berkeley Joy Mashburn
Berkeley is a NYC-based writer who turned 30 in 2025. Nothing inspires her more than intimate conversations with friends about their unique yet relatable lives. On Exiting Our Twenties, Berkeley interviews old friends and new about pivotal experiences in their twenties, bringing hope and confidence to women of all ages and reminding those thirty and over the best is yet to come.

You can read true stories from the pages of Berkeley’s journals from her twenties by subscribing to her Substack, Clearest on the Page. 

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If there’s someone in your life who would enjoy this episode–or a young woman who would benefit from Liz’s story–please share our show with them!

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Episode 8 – The Exiting Our Twenties Reflection 

In celebration of her thirtieth birthday, Berkeley shares an intimate reflection on her twenties and the essential lessons she’s carrying into her thirties. She offers a 3-prompt framework for discovering the essential data you’ve collected about yourself over the last decade, and setting yourself up for an extraordinary adventure in your thirties (or whatever chapter is around the corner for you). Finally, she shares another story from her twenties and the six words she heard recently that changed her life –– This Is Not Working For Me.

The Exiting Our Twenties Reflection

To join in on the reflection, grab a journal or a piece of scrap paper and a pen, and take some time to answer these three prompts: 

1. What are 3 things I did right in my twenties? 
2. What are 3 things I wish I had done differently in my twenties? 
3. What are 3 Essential Lessons I learned in my twenties? 

You can also review the prompts on our Instagram: @exitingourtwenties

Berkeley’s Answers – Listen to the Episode to Hear More! 

1. What are 3 things I did right in my twenties?
   1. I traveled solo 
   2. I read a lot (especially nonfiction)
   3. I allowed myself to change my mind (and followed through for myself)
2. What are 3 things I wish I’d done differently in my twenties?
   1. I wish I had prioritized my physical fitness  
   2. I wish I’d focused less on who might be in love with me – and more on what I wanted to do with my life / who I wanted to be 
   3. I wish I’d stayed in better touch with my girlfriends  
3. What are 3 Essential Lessons I learned in my twenties?   
   1. What I put in my body has everything to do with how I feel 
   2. I’m never as stuck as I think I am  
   3. Having quiet time alone with my thoughts is essential to figuring out who I am and creating a life that feels good

Books Referenced in the Episode 

• Digital Minimalism and Deep Work by Cal Newport  
• The Anatomy of Anxiety by Dr. Ellen Vora
• Quit Like a Woman by Holly Whitaker 
• The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron  
  • The Morning Pages are a great tool for self-reflection as you're exiting your twenties or navigating any big transition in life. 

If you enjoyed the solo travel story in this episode, check out Berkeley’s blog post about the experience at Chasing Joy Travel (originally published Aug. 2021). 

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In Episode 7, Natalie from Oregon shares how she learned to cope with the uncertainty of her twenties and overcame debilitating panic & anxiety attacks.  

After graduating from college, Natalie felt immense pressure to make all the right choices, fearing one misstep could mess up the rest of her life. But a series of panic attacks threw a wrench in her plans. Sharing the coping strategies that worked for her, Natalie reminds us that when we face our fears head-on, let go of what we can’t change, and lean on the people who love us, we discover how resilient we truly are. 

You’ll relate to Natalie’s story if you’ve ever:

• Felt the pressure to do everything right in your twenties
• Struggled with anxiety or panic attacks  
• Resisted therapy out of fear of being labeled with a mental health disorder
• Reframed a diagnosis into something you could embrace  
• Discovered simple solutions to calm yourself down during difficult moments

Resources from the Episode

Natalie’s Tools:*

• The Worry List: Set a 5-minute timer, write down everything bothering you; then cross off what’s outside your control, and make an action plan for what’s left
• Physical Grounding: Hold ice cubes or embrace something warm to bring yourself back to the present moment (practice safely, pls); put your feet up on the wall and breathe into your hands 
• Bedtime Rituals: Build a nightly routine that works for you–consider stretching, journaling, reading, drinking water, and/or talking through your fears with a loved one
• Connection & Self-Care: Honor yourself and lean into supportive relationships (including professional therapists and counselors) when things get hard

*Listen to the episode for more! If you’re struggling with anxiety or mental health concerns, please seek support from a qualified healthcare provider.

Berkeley’s Book Rec:
The Anatomy of Anxiety: Understanding and Overcoming the Body’s Fear Response by Dr. Ellen Vora, MD

This is one of the most impactful books Berkeley read in her twenties. Psychiatrist Dr. Ellen Vora teaches us that “anxiety is not simply a brain disorder but a whole-body condition.” She shares the physical factors–including nutrition–that impact our mental health and empowers us with practical tools to support our bodies, manage, and even prevent anxiety. 

Meet Your Host: Berkeley Joy Mashburn
Berkeley is a former political campaigner turned PR strategist turning 30 soon! After years of private scribbling and longing for the right outlet, she realized nothing inspires her more than intimate conversations with friends about their unique yet relatable lives. On Exiting Our Twenties, Berkeley interviews old friends and new about pivotal experiences in their twenties, to bring hope and confidence to women of all ages and remind those nearing thirty that the best is yet to come.

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Don’t miss an episode! Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. We're also on Instagram. If there’s someone in your life who would enjoy this episode–or a young woman who would benefit from Natalie’s story–please share our show with them!

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Episode 6 – Paulina's Story

“Just because you have the opportunity to do something, doesn’t mean you should.”

In Episode 6, Paulina from NYC shares how FOMO shaped her twenties. 

After growing up feeling like she missed out on a lot, Paulina was determined to live life to the fullest. But in going full throttle, she sometimes went too far and faced serious consequences. Through candid stories from college and her study abroad, Paulina reflects on the lessons she learned about balancing personal safety and responsibility with the desire to live an unforgettable life.

Also on the show, Paulina and Berkeley explore the tension between FOMO and what we truly want, how alcohol and social media disconnect us from the present, and the importance of learning to ask ourselves, “Aren’t you satisfied?”

You’ll relate to Paulina’s story if you’ve ever:

• Wanted your life to feel like a movie—or caught yourself constantly scrolling your camera roll
• Felt the urge to challenge yourself and make every moment count
• Made potentially dangerous decisions when you had no one to answer to for the first time
• Hid what was really going on from your parents to keep them from worrying
• Realized not every day will be fun and exciting
• Regretted losing memories to drinking 
• Struggled to feel satisfied while comparing your life to everyone else’s online

Resources from the Episode

Paulina’s Recommended Reading:
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Sociopath: A Memoir by Patric Gagne

Berkeley’s Recommended Reading:
Quit Like a Woman by Holly Whitaker – A quit-lit classic that changed Berkeley’s life. Part memoir, part feminist call to arms, this book invites women to reconsider what we believe about alcohol and ask a powerful question: Is drinking actually making my life better?

Meet Your Host: Berkeley Joy Mashburn
Berkeley is a former political campaigner turned PR strategist enjoying the end of her twenties (she turns 30 in August). After years of private scribbling and longing for the right creative outlet, she realized nothing inspires her more than intimate conversations with friends about their unique—yet relatable—lives. On Exiting Our Twenties, Berkeley interviews old friends and new about pivotal experiences in their twenties. She hopes to bring hope and confidence to women of all ages and remind those nearing thirty that the best is yet to come.

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Don’t miss an episode! Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. We're also on Instagram. Visit ExitingOurTwenties.com to stay in the loop. And if there’s someone in your life who would enjoy this episode–or a young woman you think would benefit from hearing Paulina's story–please share this show with them!

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Episode 5: Berkeley’s Story 

“It couldn’t have been a better one night stand experience – and I wish I could not regret it.”

In Episode 5, our regular host Berkeley takes the “hot seat,” and her new friend Tori interviews her about a romantic night in Rome that left a lasting impact.

Berkeley reads from her study abroad journal and reflects on her mixed emotions following this pivotal experience. Tori fills us in on life as a 25-year-old in Manhattan and shares a story from her 4-month backpacking trip. Together, these friends unpack the pressure we face to have sex in college/our early twenties, the dangers of comparing ourselves to others, and how we learn to choose what it is we truly want.

You'll relate to Berkeley’s story if you’ve ever: 

• Been inspired by The Lizzie McGuire Movie to travel to Rome and search for your Paolo
• Had conflicting feelings about a decision you made while exploring your sexuality  
• Felt like there was something wrong with you for not sharing certain “rites of passage” with your peers
• Held back your true feelings when talking about sex and relationships with your friends
• Discovered how capable you are while traveling or studying abroad 
• Searched outside yourself for something that would make you feel complete 
• Faced the consequences of making a decision you weren’t really ready for 
• Had a Work Wife who you love to gab with <3

Meet Your Host: Berkeley Joy Mashburn
Berkeley is a former political campaigner turned full-time creative enjoying the end of her twenties (Berkeley turns 30 in August). After years of private scribbling and longing for the right creative outlet, Berkeley realized nothing inspires her more than intimate conversations with friends about their unique yet relatable lives. On Exiting Our Twenties, Berkeley interviews old friends and new about pivotal experiences from their twenties. Through exploring these stories, Berkeley aims to bring hope and self-confidence to women of all ages, while reminding women in their late twenties and early thirties that the best is yet to come.

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• NEW! Follow us on Instagram for updates and fun excerpts from the show! Our handle is @exitingourtwenties.
• Don’t miss an episode! Follow the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Check us out at exitingourtwenties.com.
• If there’s someone in your life who would enjoy this episode–or a young woman you think would benefit from hearing Berkeley's story–please share this show with them!

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Episode 4: Jen’s Story

“I can make my own decisions – and watch me make my first one.”

In our fourth episode, Jen from New York City (by way of Houston, TX) shares how she found a new rulebook for life after a terrible loss. 

Growing up, Jen turned to her mom for guidance on every decision, big or small. But shortly after graduating from college, Jen's mom was diagnosed with cancer. Jen was thrust into “a new universe” and overnight, became a caretaker, a support system for her dad and sister, and a daughter wishing for a miracle. After her mom’s passing, Jen came to realize that honoring her mom would require her to chart her own course in life.

Jen’s Story is a tender, unflinching look at how we move forward after the unthinkable happens.

You’ll relate to Jen’s story if you’ve ever:

• Felt responsible for a parent’s happiness
• Lost a parent or a beloved parental figure at a young age
• Tried on different "hats" or personalities to fit in
• Relied on a parent for decision-making growing up, and later struggled to trust your instincts
• Consulted a psychic, tarot reader, or other mystic for advice
• Left a job without your next career move figured out 
• Felt you were "born to be in your thirties"

Resources from the episode: 

• Berkeley's Favorite Book: The Artist's Wayby Julia Cameron – Ever felt that something is holding you back from pursuing your purpose? The Artists' Way is beloved by creatives around the world (from writers to filmmakers to entrepreneurs) for helping them reimagine their lives. Check out this review in the New York Times or pick up a copy at your favorite independent bookstore today.

Meet Your Host: Berkeley Joy Mashburn
Berkeley is a former political campaigner turned full-time creative enjoying the end of her twenties (Berkeley turns 30 in August). After years of private scribbling and longing for the right creative outlet, Berkeley realized nothing inspires her more than intimate conversations with friends about their unique yet relatable lives. On Exiting Our Twenties, Berkeley interviews old friends and new about pivotal experiences in their twenties. Through exploring these stories, Berkeley aims to bring hope and self-confidence to women of all ages, while reminding women in their late twenties and early thirties that the best is yet to come.

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Don’t miss an episode! Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. If there’s someone in your life who would enjoy this episode–or a young woman you think would benefit from hearing Jen's story–please share our show with them!

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Episode 3: Ellen’s Story
“There’s so much our body knows how to do, as long as we don’t get in the way of it.”

In our third episode, Ellen from Vail, CO, shares how she empowered herself to overcome her fears and make a choice aligned with her values: natural childbirth.

A mystery childhood illness inspired Ellen to pursue a career as a naturopathic physician. Despite pushback from family members and others, she found the courage to follow that path and establish her practice in California. Years later, when preparing for the birth of her first child, Ellen realized she carried unconscious biases against midwives that mirrored the skepticism she faced in her profession. Determined to make the right choice for herself, Ellen took on the research, built a supportive community, and prepared her body for the journey ahead. 

Ellen’s story reminds us that we can do hard things when we trust our instincts, build supportive communities, and live with intention.

You’ll relate to Ellen’s story if you’ve ever:

• Pursued a career inspired by childhood challenges
• Faced pushback from family members when making early career decisions
• Been through a major life event that reinforced your habits and values
• Considered alternatives to a traditional hospital birth (or simply been curious about natural childbirth) 
• Reconsidered your body image and redefined its purpose 
• Become a parent!

Resources from the Episode

• Ellen’s Website: Explore naturopathic medicine and connect with Ellen.
  • Book an Appointment 
• Yuka: A mobile app that lets you scan everyday cosmetic and food products to understand their ingredients and find healthier alternatives.
• EWG’s Skin Deep® Database: A trusted resource for checking the safety of skincare and other personal products. 
• Pain Free Birth: An educational resource for expecting moms interested in natural childbirth (or anyone curious about working with a doula or midwife!)
• Holistic Hub Podcast: On Ellen and baby Freddy’s first podcast appearance,  Dr. Ellen shares her expertise on environmental toxins and physician-assisted detox.

Meet Your Host: Berkeley Joy Mashburn
Berkeley is a former political campaigner turned full-time creative enjoying the end of her twenties (Berkeley turns 30 in August). After years of private scribbling and longing for the right creative outlet, Berkeley realized nothing inspires her more than intimate conversations with friends about their unique yet usually relatable lives. On Exiting Our Twenties, Berkeley interviews friends about pivotal experiences in their twenties. Through exploring these true stories, Berkeley aims to bring hope and self-confidence to women of all ages, while reminding women in their late twenties and early thirties that the best is yet to come.

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Follow us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and visit ExitingOurTwenties.com to stay in the loop. If you know someone who would enjoy this episode, or a young woman you think would benefit from hearing Ellen's story, please share our show with them!

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Episode 2: Marnie’s Story
 “I had this feeling that I wasn’t where I needed to be to grow.” 

In our second episode, Marnie from Austin, TX, shares how she embraced the unknown to leave the corporate world and a long-term relationship in her late twenties and start her own business.

At a time when everything in her life looked right on paper, Marnie felt like something was missing. With faith that just because something is unknown doesn’t mean that it’s bad, Marnie found the courage to bet on herself. Her story is a reminder that self-awareness and openness to the unknown are gifts, and that intuition is a muscle you can strengthen. 

You’ll relate to Marnie’s story if you’ve ever:

• Felt like you’d “made it” in your career… only to realize something was missing or that you were ready for a change 
• Moved cities or changed jobs in search of more variety
• Lived with a Boomer parent during COVID…
• Debated whether to leave your 9-5 and go all-in on a side hustle, or whether to leave a long-term romantic relationship
• Experienced a lot of change in your life around 30 years old
• Enjoyed being underestimated in your twenties

Resources from the episode:

• Marnie’s Pick:
  • Career Contessa: A helpful resource for women navigating every step and every challenge in their career. 
• Work with Marnie: Marnie works with individuals at every stage of their careers to help them supercharge their job search, prepare for interviews and salary negotiations, and unpack any beliefs that may be holding them back from crafting work lives full of meaning. Explore Marnie’s Coaching Services and check out other resources (resume templates, interview ebook, and more) at https://www.marnielemonik.com/ 
  • 25% OFF: Use code TWENTIES for a discount on your first purchase, including coaching services.
  • Book a Free Coaching Consult: https://calendly.com/marnieglemonik/coaching-consultation
• Connect with Marnie: 
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marnielemonik/ 
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnielemonik/ 
• Berkeley’s Rec: 
  • Check out Berkeley’s theory of essential data on Substack.

Meet Your Host: Berkeley Joy Mashburn
Berkeley is a former political campaigner turned full-time creative enjoying the end of her twenties (Berkeley turns 30 in August). After years of private scribbling and longing for the right creative outlet, Berkeley realized nothing inspires her more than intimate conversations with friends about their unique yet usually relatable lives. On Exiting Our Twenties, Berkeley interviews friends about pivotal experiences in their twenties. Through exploring these true stories, Berkeley aims to bring hope and self-confidence to women of all ages, while reminding women in their late twenties and early thirties that the best is yet to come.

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Don’t miss an episode! Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Visit ExitingOurTwenties.com to stay in the loop. And if there’s someone in your life who would enjoy this episode—or a young woman you think would benefit from hearing Marnie’s story—send this episode their way!

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Episode 1: Jo’s Story
“It’s OK to question everything – and it’s OK on the other side.”
 
In our very first episode, Jo from New York City tells the story of how and why she left her parents' church. 

Throughout her twenties, Jo was discouraged from looking closely at childhood religious beliefs that never felt right. After an existential crisis at 25, Jo confronted her doubts head-on and embraced her inner authority. Jo reminds us that it’s okay to question everything and that there’s relief on the other side of confronting our cognitive dissonance.

You’ll relate to Jo’s story if you’ve:

• Struggled to trust your inner authority during your twenties
• Broken with your parents’ expectations for your life 
• Grown up in a religious household but ended up less religious than your parents
• Experienced existential dread or spiritual discomfort
• Found the courage to ask hard questions about your identity or beliefs

Resources from the Episode
 Jo’s Favorite Reads:

• Author Brandon Sanderson: "Sometimes a hypocrite is nothing more than a (wo)man in the process of changing."
• ACOTAR: A Court of Thorns and Roses (aka Faerie Smut)

Jo’s Podcast Rec:

• You Have Permission by Dan Koch — An embracing listen for anyone examining their faith or religious upbringing.

Berkeley’s Book Rec:

• Revolution from Within by Gloria Steinem – An empowering read for women of any age. //"I think the idea of an inner authority is upsetting to those accustomed to looking outside for orders – and certainly to those accustomed to giving them." 

Meet Your Host: Berkeley Joy Mashburn*
Berkeley is a former political campaigner turned PR strategist enjoying the end of her twenties (Berkeley turns 30 in August). After years of private scribbling and longing for the right creative outlet, Berkeley realized nothing inspires her more than intimate conversations with friends about their unique – yet usually relatable – lives. On Exiting Our Twenties, Berkeley interviews old friends and new about pivotal experiences in their twenties. Through exploring these true stories, Berkeley aims to bring hope and self-confidence to women of all ages, while reminding women in their late twenties and early thirties that the best is yet to come.

*In Episode 1, Berkeley reveals a long-held secret: She used to write Harry Potter FanFiction. 

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Don’t miss an episode! Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Visit ExitingOurTwenties.com to stay in the loop. And if there’s someone in your life who would enjoy this episode–or a young woman you think would benefit from hearing Jo’s story– please share our show with them!