In this conversation, I speak with startup founders Alfonso Velasco and Madeline Park to explore the complexities of adulthood, particularly in the context of entrepreneurship. They discuss the diverging paths young adults take in their twenties, the definition of adulthood as agency and responsibility, and the unique challenges and rewards of starting a business. The founders share their personal journeys, emphasizing the importance of taking risks, learning through failure, and the transformative impact of startups on their self-identity and personal growth. They reflect on the balance between pursuing meaningful work and the sacrifices made in terms of stability and security, ultimately highlighting the value of resilience and conviction in navigating both personal and professional challenges.

I hope you enjoy the episode, and don't forget to subscribe to the show!

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself—is your career or the track you’re heading down really you? Or did you fall into something stable, something familiar—maybe the path of least resistance, or one that’s been done before and promised success? Do you know how to network, or does that word feel icky and confusing? Do you feel confident in how to reach your goals in life, or do you not even know what they are?

In this epiosde, ’m joined by Magan, the amazing founder of yourgenZbestie, a platform that began as a TikTok account and is now growing into a full-blown startup helping Gen Z navigate big life choices. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by what comes after school, this one’s for you.

And before we dive in, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and follow us on TikTok @thegrownupsaretalkingpod for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and a sneak peek at some very exciting things coming soon…

This week, we’re talking about something that often gets overlooked in the rush of adult life: hobbies. Not side hustles, not skills for your resume — just things we do because we like them. As we transition out of college and into full-time jobs, our relationship with fun and free time starts to shift. So how do we make space for hobbies again? And why does that even matter?

I’m joined by two guests at different stages of post-grad life — one wrapping up university, and one a year into the working world. We talk about the hobbies they’ve held onto, the ones they’ve rediscovered, and the challenge of making time for joy in grown-up routines. We also get into how hobbies can support mental health, shape identity, and remind us that not everything has to be productive to be valuable.

Whether you’re into journaling, bouldering, baking, or binge-watching, this episode is a reminder that it’s okay — even necessary — to do things just for fun.

🎙️ Plus, a quick announcement: I’m always looking for guests to join the pod! If you’re a young adult with something to say about growing up, or you’re really into a hobby and want to talk about it, I’d love to hear from you. Reach out at [email protected] or message me on TikTok @thegrownupsaretalkingpod.

In this episode of The Grown-Ups Are Talking, we’re talking all about long-distance relationships—a reality for so many young adults navigating careers, school, and life transitions. Whether you're a few cities or entire time zones apart, maintaining a relationship while also trying to grow as an individual is no small feat.

Our guest Maya shares her experience of being in a long-distance relationship: the highs, the hard parts, and the lessons learned along the way. We unpack what it really takes to stay connected, how to communicate better, and why long-distance might actually make your relationship—and your adulting journey—stronger.

If you're in a long-distance relationship, considering one, or just curious how people make it work, this one’s for you.

Moving to New York City is often seen as a major step into adulthood—but does it actually make you feel like a grown-up, or just really, really tired? In this episode, we break down what it means to “adult” in one of the most exciting, expensive, and overwhelming cities in the world.

From sky-high rent and chaotic commutes to finding community in a city of millions, my guests Julian, Isaac and I talk about how NYC shapes independence, resilience, and our understanding of adulthood. Is the hustle worth it? Does the city make you feel more capable or defeated? And most importantly—do we see ourselves staying for the long haul?

Join us as we share the highs, the struggles, and the small wins that make city life worth it. If you're figuring out adulthood in NYC or another big city (or are just curious about what it's really like), this episode is for you!

For 20+ years, life had a clear structure—school, college, summer breaks. But after graduation? There’s no syllabus, no grades, and no set path forward. The uncertainty of post-grad life can feel overwhelming, and the pressure to have everything figured out only makes it harder.

In this episode, I’m joined by Michaela, a writer whose reflections on this transition resonated deeply with me. Together, we unpack the post-grad fog—why it feels so unsettling, how to navigate the unknown, and what it really means to build confidence when the future feels unclear.

If you’ve ever felt lost after graduation, this one’s for you. Tune in, and let’s figure it out together.

In part two of The Grown-Ups Are Talking anniversary celebration, we’re continuing our look back at the past year with a compilation of highlights from episodes focused on post-grad life. From career uncertainty and shifting friendships to redefining success, body image, and mental health, this episode revisits some of the most insightful conversations about the realities of adulthood. Join me as we reflect on the lessons, challenges, and surprises that come with navigating life after college!

Dating apps can feel like an endless cycle of swiping, ghosting, and disappointing first dates—but is real love actually possible online? With Valentine’s Day around the corner, we’re diving into the highs and lows of app dating, why so many of us give up, and whether finding “the one” is still possible in a digital world. If you’ve ever debated deleting the apps for good, this episode is for you! Tune in, and don’t forget to share your own dating app experiences with us by leaving a comment below.

It’s been one year since The Grown-Ups Are Talking launched! To celebrate, I’m looking back at some of the best moments from the first year of the podcast. In this part 1, I revisit episodes on adult friendships, romantic relationships, career dreams, and mental health. Plus, I reflect on how my perspective has shifted over time. If you’ve been here since the start—or if you’re just joining—this episode is a perfect way to relive the highlights!

In this episode, we're kicking off part one of a special two-part collaboration with Marissa, host of Hurdling Through Hard Times. We dive deep into the mental health challenges that come with transitioning into adulthood.

From leaving behind familiar routines and support systems to taking on new responsibilities and navigating the uncertainty of the future, we're exploring the complexities that make this phase of life so challenging- and so relatable.

Be sure to tune in to part two on Hurdling Through Hard Times, where we'll discuss practical strategies and tips for overcoming these hurdles and finding balance in adulthood.

Don't forget to subscribe to The Grown-Ups Are Talking so you never miss an episode. Let's start the new year with an honest conversation- press play now!