Uncertainty is the defining emotion of our 20s. Career paths, relationships, identity, purpose ... so much of this decade is marked by not knowing. Does that have to be as uncomfortable as we think it does? In today’s episode, we unpack the psychology of uncertainty: why our brains fear it, how it triggers anxiety and avoidance, and why trying to “figure it all out” might be doing more harm than good.

We explore:

• The neuroscience behind our discomfort with the unknown
• Why perfectionism is often a mask for our fear of uncertainty
• The cultural myths that make us believe we need a step-by-step life plan
• How to assign meaning to uncertainty and build resilience through it
• Practical strategies to take action even when the future feels unclear

If you've never felt more confused than you do now, and are unsure 'what's next', this episode is for you. 

 

ORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean 

Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast

For business: [email protected] 

 

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.

Have you ever heard someone say they are “so OCD” for simply having a tidy house? Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions, frequently reduced to stereotypes about neatness or organisation. But for those living with OCD, the reality is far more complex - and far more invisible. In today’s episode, we go beneath the surface to explore the lived experience of OCD: the hidden compulsions, the mental spirals, and the exhausting need for certainty. We unpack the psychology behind it, challenge common misconceptions, and explore what recovery and support can actually look like.

We explore:

• The role of the OCD cycle
• Why intrusive thoughts can feel so threatening
• Types of OCD beyond cleanliness and order
• Why compulsions don’t always look like rituals
• How OCD thrives on shame, secrecy, and doubt
• Approaches to treatment and the path toward healing

Whether you live with OCD, love someone who does, or just want to understand it more deeply, this episode is for you.

Treat my OCD: https://www.treatmyocd.com/ 

Zachary: https://www.instagram.com/ocdestigmatize?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== 

Elizabeth Colbert was our researcher for this episode! Thank you Libby! 
 
Listen to my NEW PODCAST, Mantra: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ckds0BoJDDpODInN9cWcc?si=b6ad5d555c1940e0 
 
Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg
Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast
For business: [email protected] 
 
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.

Over the past 6 months I've been asking people: what is the biggest mistake you made in your 20s? I've heard from over 5'000 people, some of them 21, some of them 80 and I have combined all their responses to make the ultimate list of the 20 biggest mistakes people make in their 20s, for the people, by the people. 

From love, to career, to finances, going to college, friendship, taking risks: today we talk through the most common responses we received and what we can learn from these moments and regrets. Listen now! 

ORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean 

Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast

For business: [email protected] 

 

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.

Why are we so obsessed with the tiny, adorable objects cluttering our desks, bags, and social media feeds? From plushies and vinyl figures to keychains and charms, trinket culture has exploded - but behind the cuteness lies something deeper. What do these seemingly insignificant objects reveal about us, our identities, and the times we’re living in? In today’s episode, we explore the psychology  of trinket culture: why we love collecting, how these objects shape our self-expression, and what they tell us about joy, nostalgia, and even economic anxiety in our twenties and beyond.

We explore:

• The digital rise of trinkets through TikTok, Pinterest, and aesthetic micro-trends
• How trinkets offer identity, status, and belonging
• The role of inner child healing and nostalgia
• Why scarcity, blind boxes, and “drops” feel so addictive
• Links between trinkets, impulse spending, and economic uncertainty
• Using trinkets to spark joy

Whether you’re a proud Labubu owner or just curious about why these tiny objects hold such big meaning, this episode is for you.

Listen to my NEW PODCAST, Mantra: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ckds0BoJDDpODInN9cWcc?si=b6ad5d555c1940e0  
 
Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg
Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast
For business: [email protected] 
 
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.

"What makes someone “the one”? There is so much pressure tied into that question. Instead, it might be better to ask: how can we focus on recognising the key pillars of long-lasting, fulfilling love? In today’s episode, we explore some fundamental characteristics so you can discern whether they are “the one” for you, while also acknowledging that our soulmates are often built, rather than found.

We explore:

• Unpicking the “one” narrative
• The difference between initial spark and lasting connection
• Love as a mutual, ongoing choice
• The fundamental pillars of long lasting relationships - shared values, emotional proximity, and reciprocal effort
• The role of intuition vs anxiety
• The need for authenticity and growth within a partnership

If you’re feeling the pressure to pick the ‘right’ person, or want to learn about the fundamentals of deep connection, this episode is for you.

Listen to my NEW PODCAST, Mantra: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ckds0BoJDDpODInN9cWcc?si=b6ad5d555c1940e0 
 
Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg
Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast
For business: [email protected] 
 
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.

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.

 

Listen to my NEW PODCAST, Mantra: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ckds0BoJDDpODInN9cWcc?si=b6ad5d555c1940e0 

 

Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast

For business: [email protected] 

 

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.

Does chasing your "best self" ever feel like an endless race? You're constantly striving, optimizing your routines, and learning new skills, yet sometimes a quiet exhaustion creeps in, or you wonder if you're truly any happier. It's as if the very pursuit of perfection leaves you feeling perpetually inadequate. In today's episode, we're diving into the hidden costs of this modern obsession with betterment: when personal growth can go too far.
 
Things we discuss:
•        The deep-seated desire to grow and reach our potential
•        The impact of societal pressures and the booming self-improvement industry
•        Understanding the roles of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation
•        When toxic over-striving is disguised as discipline
•        Self-improvement burnout
•        Actionable ways to cultivate sustainable growth

If the non-stop quest for "more" sometimes leaves you feeling depleted, this episode is for you. 

Listen to my NEW PODCAST, Mantra: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ckds0BoJDDpODInN9cWcc?si=b6ad5d555c1940e0

ORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean 

Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast

For business: [email protected] 

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.

Does your brain seem to hit replay on that embarrassing memory, or go over the way that situationship ended in hopes you’ll find some kind of closure? From dissecting past conversations to catastrophising about what might happen, repetitive thinking can feel like a mental trap. In today's episode, we break down the psychology of rumination: why our minds get stuck in these unhelpful thought cycles, and how we can actively disengage to find mental clarity.

Things we discuss:

• What rumination truly is and what it isn't
• The distinctions between everyday rumination and OCD
• Metacognition: thinking about our thinking
• Cognitive diffusion and detaching from thoughts
• Using mindfulness and grounding techniques to anchor yourself in the present
• Taking back your attention from thought spirals

If you’re tired of your mind rerunning your “best and worst” moments, this episode is for you.

Listen to my NEW PODCAST, Mantra: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ckds0BoJDDpODInN9cWcc?si=b6ad5d555c1940e0 
 
Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg
Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast
For business: [email protected] 
 
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.

Is your job making you feel drained, disconnected, or just deeply unfulfilled? In today’s episode, we unpack the five major signs that your career may not be the right fit — from emotional numbness and burnout, to identity disalignment and daydreaming about quitting more than staying. We explore: 

• The importance of occupational identity
• Why boredom is a worse sign than anxiety at work 
• How to find all 10 of your dream jobs 
• The long term impact of hating your job 
• Why starting over is always the right choice + so much more

Happy listening!

Listen to Mantra here: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ckds0BoJDDpODInN9cWcc?si=949e13c52f194637

Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast

For business: [email protected] 

 

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.

Why do we form intense, one-sided bonds with people we've never met? From favourite podcasters and social media influencers to beloved fictional characters, parasocial relationships are a defining feature of modern life – but what do these seemingly non-reciprocal connections truly reveal about our need for connection? In today’s episode, we explore the psychology of parasocial relationships: why our brains are wired for these intimate-at-a-distance bonds, and how they play a surprisingly significant role, especially in our twenties.

We explore:

• Characteristics of parasocial relationships
• Why our ancient brains are predisposed to form these connections
• The parasocial relationships spectrum, from casual engagement to pathological obsession
• The profound positive benefits of companionship and role modelling
• When parasocial relationships become imbalanced
• How to cultivate healthy engagement with online personalities

 

Whether you feel like you're best friends with a YouTuber or just curious about the invisible ties that bind us to media figures, this episode is for you.

 

Listen to my NEW PODCAST, Mantra: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ckds0BoJDDpODInN9cWcc?si=b6ad5d555c1940e0 

 

Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast

For business: [email protected] 

 

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.