This week on The 20 Something Playbook we're joined by actor and dancer Alexandra Chaves, best known for her role as Piper on The Next Step.

In this heartfelt and honest conversation, Alex opens up about what it's really like to chase big dreams in your 20s while living with a chronic illness. Diagnosed with colitis as a teen, she shares how she's learned to manage her health while continuing to show up fully for her passions.

From setbacks to breakthroughs, this episode is packed with insight, resilience, and inspiration. It's a powerful reminder that we're all navigating something beyond our control (especially in our 20s) and the real growth comes when we learn to embrace the full journey, even when it takes us far outside our comfort zone.

Follow Alex on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexandrachaves/?hl=en

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexandra.chaves?lang=en

For more chats with Alex: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0H5wFzPyZO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Follow Madison, Ava, and Elle:

Instagram @20somethingplaybook

TikTok @20somethingplaybook

Listen to “The 20 Something Playbook”:

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/1bAA0eOHthyeqJyIyWlcD3?si=Uiv2K4tmRKGHbD6Pns6KeQ

Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-20-something-playbook/id1801522743

Amazon Podcasts

https://music.amazon.com/es-us/podcasts/5db7484e-4184-464c-b6d9-706adc37f7d5/the-20-something-playbook

iHeart

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-20-something-playbook-269958812/?cmp=web_share&embed=true

Watch Volume One of "The 20 Something Playbook" on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1Rs9oUYUlEcNigeakfAcHDyKl2mSlAJ6&si=Krq-KY-PoR_uK9gJ

Behind The Scenes | Filming the Podcast in NYC and California: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNaj9QhEOls&list=PL1Rs9oUYUlEf6yeVawHLs6G3UUaj4EACf

To advertise on this podcast please email: [email protected]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/doug-organ/theme-from-a-lift

License code: BPZMSBJOKUAS89NB

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The 20 Something Playbook, we went LIVE on YouTube for a chat about 20s birthday reflections (Ava and Elle turned 23 last week), change and the trenches… all while sharing ONE MIC, which was a big challenge for us, lol.

In this episode “M.A.E. Chats: 20s Birthday Reflections, Change, and the Trenches” we’re talking about our experiences, mistakes, and successes. From relationships and friendships to career and personal growth, get ready for a raw and honest conversation that will make you laugh, cry, and feel less alone in the trenches of your 20s.

Full episode is out NOW on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/FJfwF3tyk5c?si=WQ9n5sMk8wDxnKx9

Watch The 20 Something Playbook Episodes here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1Rs9oUYUlEcNigeakfAcHDyKl2mSlAJ6&si=8zPCw5kYA_bQCQE1

Chapter 3 of The 20 Something Playbook: https://youtu.be/vyVZJWe9iPs?si=zrOacLgV41O6sG5N

M.A.E. Chat from last week: https://www.youtube.com/live/FJfwF3tyk5c?si=iqTHTW1UepjlVvdb

Follow us  @20SomethingPlaybook  on IG and TikTok

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet Dr. Gabriela Asturias, an inspiring Stanford psych resident who achieved her dream of becoming a doctor in her 20s! Born and raised in Guatemala, Gabriela's journey to success is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and perseverance. In this video, we get to know Gabriela's story, from Duke University to her residency at Stanford, including starting a business while in school (Co-Founder and COO at MiResource) and navigating mental health challenges along the way. Get ready to be motivated by her remarkable achievements and learn about her experiences as a young doctor. Watch until the end to discover the challenges she overcame and the lessons she learned along the way.

Dr Gabriela recently won the prestigious Princess of Girona Prize 2025. She was on the Forbes 30 under 30 List in 2022 and MIT Tech Review 35 under 35.

Follow Dr Gabi at:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabrielaasturiasgt/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriela-asturias/

Website: https://miresource.com/provider/gabriela-asturias-ZbuN

Miresource: https://miresource.com

For more mental health chats @myteam.social on Instagram

Follow Madison, Ava, and Elle:

Instagram @20somethingplaybook

TikTok @20somethingplaybook

Listen to “The 20 Something Playbook”:

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/1bAA0eOHthyeqJyIyWlcD3?si=Uiv2K4tmRKGHbD6Pns6KeQ

Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-20-something-playbook/id1801522743

Amazon Podcasts

https://music.amazon.com/es-us/podcasts/5db7484e-4184-464c-b6d9-706adc37f7d5/the-20-something-playbook

iHeart

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-20-something-playbook-269958812/?cmp=web_share&embed=true

Watch Volume One of "The 20 Something Playbook" on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1Rs9oUYUlEcNigeakfAcHDyKl2mSlAJ6&si=Krq-KY-PoR_uK9gJ

Behind The Scenes | Filming the Podcast in NYC and California: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNaj9QhEOls&list=PL1Rs9oUYUlEf6yeVawHLs6G3UUaj4EACf

To advertise on this podcast please email: [email protected]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/doug-organ/theme-from-a-lift

License code: BPZMSBJOKUAS89NB

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed and frustrated with the job market? Madison, Ava and Elle talk about their current job market struggles in their 20s, from the stress of unemployment to being employed, and trying not to crash out in the process. From dealing with rejection and self-doubt to finding ways to stay motivated and focused, we're sharing our unfiltered thoughts. If you're struggling to find a job or feeling stuck in your career, this chat is for you!

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/e8WaMEzyYD8?si=q5ttMQ2dvhIYsZUk

Chapter Three with Britt Baker (The Artist's Way): https://youtu.be/vyVZJWe9iPs?si=SI6oUWnVnn2TOeJZ

Chapter Six: Postgrad Playbook with Jahleane Dolne: https://youtu.be/t0YqzYN90Z4?si=m4D8lUH5gxz7hLCg

Volume One of The 20 Something Playbook is out now (new episodes every Tuesday): https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1Rs9oUYUlEcNigeakfAcHDyKl2mSlAJ6&si=3gNbVkQVqg6abe60

Listen to episodes:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1bAA0eOHthyeqJyIyWlcD3?si=cPnjpInHTDSGuMWc3p7ufQ

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-20-something-playbook/id1801522743

Follow us on TikTok and Instagram (@20somethingplaybook)

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@20somethingplaybook

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/20somethingplaybook?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MXh5YWgwc244YmxrZA==

Thank you for tuning in!!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The 20 Something Playbook we're joined by Jahleane Dolne, founder of The Postgrad Playbook. In this episode, Jahleane shares her journey behind creating a comprehensive guide for post-graduates. From navigating the challenges of adulthood to finding success in the real world, The Postgrad Playbook is a game-changer for anyone looking to thrive beyond college/university. Tune in to learn more about Jahleane's journey, her approach to post-grad life, and how her playbook can help you achieve your goals.

The Postgrad Playbook: https://thepostgradsplaybook.com/

Follow Jahleane Dolne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jahleane/

Jahleane's podcast "Make Up Your Mind": https://open.spotify.com/show/5NPfYGhYW2QwAWQOB0L7Dz?si=3bb44687e0bc46ac

Follow Jahleane on IG:

@jahleane

@thepostgradplaybook

Follow Madison, Ava, and Elle:

Instagram @20somethingplaybook

TikTok @20somethingplaybook

Listen to “The 20 Something Playbook”:

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/1bAA0eOHthyeqJyIyWlcD3?si=Uiv2K4tmRKGHbD6Pns6KeQ

Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-20-something-playbook/id1801522743

Watch Volume One of "The 20 Something Playbook" on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1Rs9oUYUlEcNigeakfAcHDyKl2mSlAJ6&si=Krq-KY-PoR_uK9gJ

Behind The Scenes | Filming the Podcast in NYC and California: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNaj9QhEOls&list=PL1Rs9oUYUlEf6yeVawHLs6G3UUaj4EACf

Thank you West Gate New York Grand Central for hosting our interview space (and stay in NYC).

BOOK YOUR STAY HERE: https://westgate.prf.hn/click/camref:1100l5227F

To advertise on this podcast please email: [email protected]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/doug-organ/theme-from-a-lift

License code: BPZMSBJOKUAS89NB

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The 20 Something Playbook we're joined by Courtney Riddle, a sobriety advocate and founder of Courtney Rose Style. Courtney shares her incredible journey of 2+ years of sobriety in her 20s, while battling OCD, anxiety, and depression. She opens up about her struggles, triumphs, and the lessons she's learned along the way. In her early 20s, she hit rock bottom and realized she needed to make a change. From the darkest moments of her addiction to her recovery, she’s holding nothing back in this raw and honest interview. Get ready for a real and unfiltered look at what it takes to overcome addiction and start living your best life in your 20s. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, this video is for you. We filmed in her beautiful rom-com style apartment in NYC. Decorated by Courtney, who you can tell works in fashion ;)

In this episode:

00:00 - 00:52 Intro

00:52 - 02:49 Three words to describe your 20s

02:49 - 07:38 Sobriety journey begins

07:38 - 10:52 Drinking to cope with anxiety

10:52 - 14:52 When drinking got bad

14:52 - 17:12 Why my 20s are fabulous + talking about sobriety

17:12 - 21:48 Social media, social anxiety, and why our generation drinks

21:48 - 28:38 Fashion industry in your 20s

28:38 - 33:25 Sobriety and mental health

33:25 - 38:48 Sobriety advice

38:48 - 42:18 Family and friend support

42:18 - 46:08 How your definition of success changes in your 20s

46:08 - 51:41 Dating sober and meeting “the one” in your 20s

Follow Courtney on Instagram: @courtneyrosestyle

More Interviews with Courtney (on @myteam.social on Instagram):

Sobriety Chat 1: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_MOi_2MejM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Sobriety Chat 2: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAmWC_UMVhB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Follow Madison, Ava, and Elle:

Instagram/TikTok @20somethingplaybook

Listen to “The 20 Something Playbook”:

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1bAA0eOHthyeqJyIyWlcD3?si=Uiv2K4tmRKGHbD6Pns6KeQ

Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-20-something-playbook/id1801522743

Watch Volume One of "The 20 Something Playbook" on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1Rs9oUYUlEcNigeakfAcHDyKl2mSlAJ6&si=Krq-KY-PoR_uK9gJ

Behind The Scenes | Filming the Podcast in NYC and California: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNaj9QhEOls&list=PL1Rs9oUYUlEf6yeVawHLs6G3UUaj4EACf

Thank you West Gate New York Grand Central for hosting our stay in NYC. BOOK YOUR STAY HERE: https://westgate.prf.hn/click/camref:1100l5227F

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/doug-organ/theme-from-a-lift

License code: BPZMSBJOKUAS89NB

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you a young professional in your 20s trying to make it big in the city that never sleeps? Mastering LinkedIn is key to unlocking success in NYC! In this episode, award-winning marketing leader Christine Göös shares her top tips and strategies for optimizing your LinkedIn profile, growing your network, and landing your dream job in the competitive New York City job market. From building a strong personal brand to navigating online networking, we've got you covered. Whether you're a recent college grad or just looking to level up your career, this episode is for you. So, what are you waiting for? Press play and start mastering LinkedIn for success in NYC (and beyond)!

In this episode:

00:00 - Intro

00:48 - 02:22 How we met + unhinged things she did in her 20s to make it in NYC

03:37 - 04:08 How hard it is to move to NYC

06:41 - 07:46 Be your own publicist

08:08 - 09:42 Building your brand and resume

10:28 - 11:08 Posting content on LinkedIn + future-proofing your career

11:08 - 13:13 Using LinkedIn for Gen Z + bad job market + getting laid off

13:31 - 15:48 Job advice for 20-somethings

15:48 - 16:03 Resume tips

20:08 - 20:42 Rock bottom in your 20s: miserable in NYC

22:12 - 23:37 Panic attacks in Macy’s dressing room

23:37 - 24:42 Fake it till you make it—confidence advice

25:05 - 25:35 Three words to describe your 20s

25:35 - 26:59 Writing tips + how to become a better writer

33:21 - 34:08 Titles don’t matter

34:08 - 35:08 Redefining success from 20s to now

Follow Christine Göös on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinegoos/ Christine's podcast House of Content: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/house-of-content/id1681192360 Christine's website: https://www.christinegoos.com

Follow Madison, Ava, and Elle:

Instagram/TikTok @20somethingplaybook

Listen to “The 20 Something Playbook”:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1bAA0eOHthyeqJyIyWlcD3?si=Uiv2K4tmRKGHbD6Pns6KeQ

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-20-something-playbook/id1801522743

Watch Volume One of "The 20 Something Playbook" on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1Rs9oUYUlEcNigeakfAcHDyKl2mSlAJ6&si=Krq-KY-PoR_uK9gJ

Behind The Scenes | Filming the Podcast in NYC and California: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNaj9QhEOls&list=PL1Rs9oUYUlEf6yeVawHLs6G3UUaj4EACf

Thank you West Gate New York Grand Central for hosting our interview space (and stay in NYC). BOOK YOUR STAY HERE: https://westgate.prf.hn/click/camref:1100l5227F

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/doug-organ/theme-from-a-lift License code: BPZMSBJOKUAS89NB

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ready to break free from the pressure of needing to have it all figured out? In this episode we chat with Britt Williams Baker, co-founder of Dow Janes - one of the fastest growing companies in the United States teaching financial literacy and strategies to build wealth. Britt went from scooping ice cream to becoming a self made millionaire in her 30s. She shares strategies, mindset shifts, and habits that enabled her to achieve financial freedom at a young age. From working in consulting, to attending Harvard to biking around New Zealand, Britt used her 20s for exploration. In this convo we dive into the benefits of living in the present and letting go of the need for perfection. So, if you're tired of feeling stuck and ready to start having the time of your life in your 20s, tune in!

In this episode:

00:00 - Intro

01:00 - Down Janes origin

02:00 - How we got Dow Janes

01:55 - Three words to describe your 20s

02:13 - 03:02 What were you doing in your 20s?

03:06 - 04:06 Did you always know what you wanted to do?

04:15 - 04:45 Biggest belief shift in your 20s

04:45 - 05:54 Pivot moments + Harvard Business School

06:33 - 07:17 Feeling lost in your 20s advice

07:17 - 07:30 The 20s are for exploring

08:05 - 09:20 Learning compound interest at 7 + first financial mistakes

09:24 - 09:51 Not knowing how to use a credit card

09:51 - 10:30 Finance advice for your 20s

12:15 - Scooping ice cream a year before Dow Janes

14:40 - 15:45 Becoming a self-made millionaire in your 20s

15:50 - 17:10 Rock bottom moments and navigating them

21:10 - 21:50 Feeling like you have no skills in your 20s

22:40 - 23:35 Measuring success in your 20s

23:35 - 25:55 Figuring yourself out with The Artist’s Way

25:58 - 27:06 #1 financial tip: align spending with your values

31:15 - 33:10 Transforming in your 20s

33:10 - 34:05 Saturn return + “claiming what you want”

37:25 - 39:15 Dating in your 20s

For more on taking control of your finances, check out Dow Janes: https://www.dowjanes.com/

Follow Dow Janes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dow.janes/?hl=en

Follow Madison, Ava, and Elle:

Instagram/TikTok @20somethingplaybook

Listen to “The 20 Something Playbook”:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-20-something-playbook/id1801522743

Watch "The 20 Something Playbook": https://www.youtube.com/@20SomethingPlaybook

20 Something Playbook Episodes Volume 1: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1Rs9oUYUlEcNigeakfAcHDyKl2mSlAJ6&si=az6nbfw7JV2UMTzr

Behind The Scenes | Filming the Podcast in California: https://youtu.be/pq1GV7UpTyI?si=IIUrFAIvGA98j6qy

To advertise on this podcast please email: [email protected]

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/track/doug-organ/theme-from-a-lift?rt=uc-referral License code: BPZMSBJOKUAS89NB

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you tired of feeling stuck in your 20s? Do you feel like you're not living up to your potential? In this episode, Madison, Ava and Elle sit down with founders, authors, and co-hosts of the popular “Almost 30” podcast Krista Williams and Lindsey Simcik about how to heal and overcome the struggles of your 20s before turning 30. From letting go of past traumas to building healthy habits and relationships, we'll dive into the most important lessons you need to learn to set yourself up for success in the next decade of your life (and beyond). Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or just feeling lost, this video is for you.

In This Episode: 

0:00 – Setting the tone for navigating the decade of uncertainty, growth, and self-discovery.

3:40 – The Lie About Purpose & Your Career: Krista and Lindsey break down the myth that your career must be your purpose — and what it means to choose your own path instead.

8:56 – Whose Voice Are You Listening To? Is it your dad? Society? Yourself? A conversation about questioning the motivations behind your decisions.

13:48 – Figuring Out Your Gifts: How human design, astrology, and even your friends can help you understand what you actually bring to the table.

18:49 – The Portfolio Career Reality: Why your twenties may look more like a patchwork of skills than a linear trajectory — and that’s okay.

23:00 – From bartending to burning out — the jobs that humble you and the wisdom that comes after.

25:00 – Lindsey opens up about cheating, shame, and how rock bottom became her greatest teacher.

29:37 – Madison shares her fears around being single — and the rollercoaster of being deeply true to yourself while longing for connection.

31:45 – Are Your Standards Too High? (Spoiler: No): The girls unpack what “lowering your standards” really means and why soul-level connection over surface-level checklists.

34:15 – Krista keeps it real on the maturity gap, dating while fulfilled, and what the masculine can (and can’t) give you.

38:00 – How strong female friendships become the training ground for honest communication.

41:30 – Madison gets vulnerable about mental health, sickness, and the messy beauty of speaking the truth through it all.

44:10 – Krista opens up about depression, anxiety, and why sobriety helped her meet herself for the first time.

49:00 – Tiny lifestyle tweaks that made a huge difference — and what they wish they knew sooner.

50:44 – Almost 30’s new book is a companion for your twenties — with tools, stories, and love on every page.

52:10 – The most important reminder: you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.

Order Krista and Lindsey’s book Almost 30: A Definitive Guide to a Life You Love for the Next Decade and Beyond NOW: https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/almost-30-9781250327208/

Follow Almost 30 on Instagram/YouTube/TikTok: @almost30podcast

Follow Madison, Ava, and Elle:

Instagram & TikTok @20somethingplaybook

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@20SomethingPlaybook

Listen to “The 20 Something Playbook”:

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1bAA0eOHthyeqJyIyWlcD3?si=Uiv2K4tmRKGHbD6Pns6KeQ

Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-20-something-playbook/id1801522743

Thank you West Gate New York Grand Central for hosting us. BOOK YOUR STAY HERE: https://be.synxis.com/?adult=1&arrive=2025-06-07&chain=19007&child=0&clickref=1011lBkz4fuk&depart=2025-06-08&level=chain&locale=en-US&promo=PRTZ&rooms=1&utm_campaign=partnerize_wgr&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=partnerize

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/doug-organ/theme-from-a-lift 

License code: BPZMSBJOKUAS89NB

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted by three sisters in their 20s, The 20 Something Playbook is your guide through the good, the bad, and the ugly of this defining decade.

In this intro episode, Madison, Ava and Elle break down navigating the cross roads they've faced in their 20s, and "choosing your hard" - the mantra for making difficult decisions. We get into the mission behind The 20 Something Playbook, what to expect from future episodes, and talk over each other a little too much - it's an epidemic, we know.

We have a lot of exciting guests and conversations on the horizon, full season is available NOW! New episodes every Tuesday

In the episode: 

0:00 — Intro 

00:16 Turning 25, struggling & writing a book 

01:35 Teen expectations vs 20s reality + book 

02:14 Feeling anxious while doing something you're proud of 

03:00 The scariest thing about your 20s 

03:45 Storytelling is our passion 

05:48 Emailing your teachers and life lessons 

08:31 Working together as sisters 

09:53 No guidebook for creative careers 

11:34 Learning screenwriting & the journey 

12:37 We talk over each other 

13:52 Intense perfectionism & Steve Jobs 

14:44 Punching a wall moment 

16:22 Why I punched the wall 

17:25 Coping mechanisms in your 20s 

17:40 Not gonna get into it (lol) 

21:00 Failed my driver’s test 

22:46 "I feel scared" and working together 

24:24 Choosing your hard with mental health 

26:35 Therapy is hard too 

27:37 Carrying her out of the bookstore 

29:10 Supporting each other’s mental health 

30:18 Less BS after going through stuff 

31:04 No time for people you don’t love 

31:34 Recovering people-pleaser 

33:08 Great friendships in your 20s 

34:15 Trading what’s good for what’s right 

35:45 The positive side of being alone 

36:08 Disco guy moment 

36:22 Introvert life 

36:59 Pursuing passions helps relationships 

37:36 Business disagreement 

38:48 Humility over ego 

39:47 Don’t wait for a partner 

41:14 Mic drop moment 

41:53 Sisterly love & support 

42:20 Crying this week + EFT tapping 

43:49 Bananas made my ears full? 

44:29 Stress baking 

45:30 Childhood dog memories 

46:17 Dog mom life chose me 

47:09 Gap jeans are waterproof?? 

48:09 We had a healthy week

Listen to the intro episode now wherever you get your podcasts!

Find us at:

https://linktr.ee/20somethingplaybook

Comment questions, topics, and dream guests you'd like us to have in the playbook.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.