PlatPhorm Podcasts

PlatPhorm Podcasts

The Psychology of your 20s

A podcast that explains how everything is psychology. Even your 20s. Hosted by Jemma Sbeg, each Tuesday and Friday we deep dive into the science and psychology behind a topic, concept or universal experience that defines our 20s - from dating, to mental health, career anxiety, friendship, finances and all the growing pains associated with this decade. Listen now. Watch on Netflix: HERE Follow Jemma on Instagram: @ jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @ thatpsychologypodcast Subscribe on Substack: @ thepsychologyofyour20s For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com

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Episodes

3/15/2026

395. Is depression just a chemical imbalance? artwork

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395. Is depression just a chemical imbalance?

The Psychology of your 20s

The idea that depression is caused by a “chemical imbalance” is one of the most widely accepted explanations in modern mental health ... but is it actually true? In this bonus episode, we unpack where the chemical imbalance theory came from, how it became the dominant narrative around depression, and why many researchers today believe the story is far more complicated. Including: The academic and applied history of this theory What research says about antidepressants vs placebo Why the “low serotonin” explanation may be too simple The psychological and social drivers of depression Why meaning, connection, and environment matter for mental health Why depression treatment often works best when it’s multi-layered Happy listening! Watch on Netflix 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.

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3/12/2026

394. What is the pursuer-distancer relationship dynamic? artwork

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394. What is the pursuer-distancer relationship dynamic?

The Psychology of your 20s

When one person tries to get closer to someone else, and the other person pulls away in response, they might be experiencing a pursuer-distancer dynamic. This can create a very painful cycle, where communication breaks down, each side blames the other, and ultimately, nobody has their needs met. In this episode, we explore the stages of a pursuer-distancer cycle, unpack why we’re drawn to relationships like this, and learn how to break the cycle so we can enjoy more happy, fulfilled relationships. We explore: What the pursuer-distancer dynamic looks like The psychology of why romantic opposites ‘attract’ What’s going on in the mind or a pursuer and distancer Pursuer-distancer burnout - and when the pursuer final quits... How we can heal a pursuer-distancer cycle Can pursuer-distancer dynamics work in our 20s? A note that this episode contains content about abusive relationships. Listen now! ORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/copy-of-book 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.

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3/9/2026

393. The psychology of stoicism artwork

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393. The psychology of stoicism

The Psychology of your 20s

If you heard someone described as stoic, you would probably imagine they were unemotional and repressed, with a stiff upper lip. But stoicism has a PR problem. In fact, stoicism can teach us a lot about letting go of outcomes, being more tolerant of others, and how to live a more fulfilled life. In this episode, we unpack the core pillars of this ancient philosophy, recognise how it has influenced world leaders to chronic pain patients, and explore how we can apply it in our day-to-day lives. We explore: • The ancient origins of stoicism • Why people are turning to stoicism today • The four cardinal virtues of stoicism - wisdom, justice, courage and temperance • Why stoic mindsets scientifically impact the treatment of pain, palliative care, and more • How stoicism can be one of the most empowering mindsets to adopt in our 20s Listen now or watch on Netflix! ORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/copy-of-book 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.

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3/5/2026

392. Why is whimsy so powerful artwork

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392. Why is whimsy so powerful

The Psychology of your 20s

We often dismiss the small, playful things we do to keep life joyful: collecting trinkets, baking for no reason, blowing bubbles, looking for magic. They’re labelled childish, unnecessary, or unserious. But psychology and neuroscience tell a very different story. Today, we're breaking down the psychology of whimsy, including: What “whimsy” actually is and why it’s trending again How play helps regulate your nervous system The neuroscience of stress, imagination and brain plasticity The science of beauty and the brain (neuroaesthetics) Why small acts of joy can be psychologically protective 15 whimsy activity ideas Listen now! Watch on Netflix 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.

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3/2/2026

391. The unconscious vs. conscious mind artwork

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391. The unconscious vs. conscious mind

The Psychology of your 20s

We like to think we’re making conscious choices all day long - but a lot of what drives our reactions, habits, and gut feelings happens outside of awareness. The conscious vs. unconscious mind is a useful way to understand why you can know what you want, and still do the opposite. In this episode, we break down what the conscious and unconscious mind actually mean in psychology, where the idea came from, why it can feel unsettling to face, and how to build more influence over your impulses and automatic patterns. We explore: • The difference between deliberate thinking and automatic processing • Freud’s topographical model • The importance of the unconscious mind • The responsibilities of the conscious and unconscious • How to spot unhealthy unconscious patterns Watch on Netflix 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.nature.com/articles/nn.2112 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/chapter/bookseries/abs/pii/S0065260106380021?via%3Dihub https://acmelab.yale.edu/sites/default/files/1999_the_unbearable_automaticity_of_being.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.&emsp; See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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2/28/2026

390. The psychology of serial monogamy & relationship hopping artwork

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390. The psychology of serial monogamy & relationship hopping

The Psychology of your 20s

Why do some people seem to move from relationship to relationship with barely any time in between, and why does being single feel almost impossible for them? In this bonus episode, we’re diving into the psychology behind relationship hopping (aka serial monogamy) and what’s really happening when someone craves commitment quickly, struggles with time alone, or keeps repeating the same cycle with different partners. We explore: • The role of attachment in serial monogamy • Why artificial closeness is so appealing • The pull of the infatuation cycle • The brain chemistry of love, reward and attachment • What this pattern can teach us about self-growth Listen now! Watch on Netflix 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.

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2/26/2026

389. How to experience healthy love after toxic love artwork

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389. How to experience healthy love after toxic love

The Psychology of your 20s

After toxic love, healthy love can feel surprisingly hard to recognise because you’ve likely learned to expect chaos, inconsistency, and emotional whiplash. In this episode, we unpack what toxic love actually looks like, how it shapes your beliefs about love in your 20s, and why calm, consistent connection can feel suspicious or even ‘boring’ when you’re used to intensity. We explore: • What toxic love is and how it intersects with abusive • How this reshapes trust, pessimism, and your expectations of people • The role of neurochemistry, addiction, and intermittent reinforcement in toxic bonds • Self-sabotage and self-esteem • The role of attachment patterns over time • What healthy love and conflict actually feel like • Practical ways to lean into safe love If you’re conflicted between craving consistency or chaos, this episode is for you. Watch on Netflix 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.

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2/23/2026

388. The psychology of fashion & personal style artwork

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388. The psychology of fashion & personal style

The Psychology of your 20s

Personal style might look like a surface-level thing, but it’s actually one of the most psychologically loaded choices we make every day. What we wear shapes how we’re perceived, how we feel, and sometimes even what parts of ourselves we give permission to show. In this episode, we’re unpacking the psychology of personal style - why we’re drawn to what we’re drawn to, what shapes our wardrobe, and how to find a style that actually feels like you. We explore: • How upbringing and early experiences shape what feels safe, flattering, or off-limits • The role of the Big Five personality traits • Style as identity signalling • How clothes shift out mood • The role of trends and fast fashion in conformity • How to rediscover your personal style If you’ve ever felt like your wardrobe doesn’t quite match who you are, this episode is for you. Watch on Netflix 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.

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2/21/2026

387. The truth about narcissism ... artwork

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387. The truth about narcissism ...

The Psychology of your 20s

When did ‘narcissist’ become the go-to explanation for every difficult person - and what do we lose when one word starts covering everything from basic selfishness to genuine psychological harm? In this bonus episode, we break down what psychologists actually mean by narcissism: where the term came from, what it truly means, and how the term has been adopted in our society. We explore: • Differences between Narcissistic Personality Disorder and narcissistic traits • The two main forms of narcissism • How has the term become overused? • The dangers of simplifying the term • Can narcissists ever change? Or is it all pretend? Listen now! 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.

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2/19/2026

386. 26 lessons I've learnt in 26 years artwork

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386. 26 lessons I've learnt in 26 years

The Psychology of your 20s

It's my 26th birthday, and I'm in a reflective mood. As I pass the halfway point of my 20s (and this podcast), I'm looking back at some of the lessons I've learnt so far and what I hope I learn in the next four years. Also, the question people keep asking: will there be a Psychology of your 30s, stay tuned to the end to hear my thoughts! Watch on Netflix 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.

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2/16/2026

385. The best psychology hacks for studying artwork

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385. The best psychology hacks for studying

The Psychology of your 20s

Want to study smarter, not longer? Today, we're finally breaking down my psychology-backed guide to becoming the academic weapon you always dreamed of being. I’m sharing the exact study hacks I used to become high school valedictorian, maintain a near-perfect GPA at university, and actually enjoy the process of learning (and the Pomodoro method isn't mentioned once...) We talk about: How to make your brain care about what you’re learning The Note-Taking Manuscript Method Why personal relevance helps memory Using novelty to make concepts more memorable Finding your peak productivity hours The effort paradox (why meaning follows effort, not motivation) How to hack your brain to focus longer and study better If you want this academic year to be your best, you're in the right place! Listen now! Watch on Netflix 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.

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2/12/2026

384. How to stop taking things so personally artwork

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384. How to stop taking things so personally

The Psychology of your 20s

If you’ve ever felt like a delayed reply, a change of tone, or a bit of feedback ruined your whole day, you might have a tendency to take things personally. In this episode, we’re looking at why your brain is wired to do it in the first place, and why it doesn’t automatically mean we’re self-centred and egotistical. We explore: • Why we interpret normal things as an attack • The spotlight effect and personalisation • The role of the id, ego and superego • How to tell when the ego is being helpful or harmful • 5 tips to stop taking things personally Listen now! Watch on Netflix 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.

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2/9/2026

383. The psychology of intrusive thoughts artwork

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383. The psychology of intrusive thoughts

The Psychology of your 20s

Intrusive thoughts can feel shocking, confusing, and deeply personal - especially when they show up out of nowhere and go completely against who you are. But in reality, the majority of us have them. In today’s episode, we’re unpacking the psychology of intrusive thoughts - why they happen, why they feel so emotional, and what actually helps when your mind won’t let something go. We explore: • How common intrusive thoughts really are • What intrusive thoughts are - and what they aren’t • The most common intrusive thought themes • The white bear effect and the ironic process theory • Alternative tools to help manage the thoughts If you’ve ever been frightened by your own mind and wondered what it says about you - this episode is for you. 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.

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2/5/2026

382. How is AI actually impacting our brains? artwork

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382. How is AI actually impacting our brains?

The Psychology of your 20s

AI has transformed the way we work, the way we ask questions, and the way we function as a society. But what impact has it had on our minds? In today’s episode, we’re unpacking the ways that this new-found convenience has come at a cognitive cost. We explore: • Why a wider focus on productivity has increased our use of AI • How the ease of this technology stops us using our brains • When AI is wrong, misleading or incomplete • The ELIZA effect • The dangers of using it to replace human interaction • Where it can be useful, and how wonder keeps our brains alive If you’re both amazed and slightly unsettled by AI, this episode is for you. Watch on Netflix 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.

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2/2/2026

381. Are friendships REALLY meant to be inconvenient? artwork

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381. Are friendships REALLY meant to be inconvenient?

The Psychology of your 20s

Everyone wants a village? No one wants to be a villager? In a world obsessed with protecting our peace, optimising our time, and cutting off anything that feels draining ... have we accidentally made friendship optional? In this episode, we’re unpacking the psychology behind friendship and why the best ones sometimes make you work harder. We explore: The viral idea that “inconvenience is the cost of community” The 4 psychological pillars of lasting friendships How much time it actually takes to build a close friend The rise of therapy-speak and how “boundaries” can sometimes become disguised avoidance Why conflict isn’t the end of a friendship 6 practical ways to “be a villager” When to kick someone out of the village... If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re asking for too much, giving too much, or slowly drifting from the people you care about, this episode is for you. Watch on Netflix 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.

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1/31/2026

380. A big life update... artwork

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380. A big life update...

The Psychology of your 20s

Finally sharing all the details of the last few months ... and what a recent announcement means for the podcast going forward! Happy listening! Watch on Netflix 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.

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1/29/2026

379. I got an STD in my 20s, now what? artwork

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379. I got an STD in my 20s, now what?

The Psychology of your 20s

Dating and sex can feel like they come with a hidden rulebook. You’re meant to be adventurous but not too adventurous, confident but not reckless, and always somehow immune to consequences. So the potential of catching an STI – whether it’s a scare, a diagnosis, or a message from a clinic – can feel not only a health impact, but also a judgement on our character. In this episode, we’re unpacking the psychology of STIs in our 20s why they carry so much shame, how stigma shapes the stories we tell ourselves, and what it looks like to navigate disclosure with self-respect. We explore: • How common STIs really are • The most common infections in our 20s • The difference between treatable and manageable • The role of sexual shame and purity culture • How shame drives secrecy and avoidance • When and how to tell a partner, and what to do if you face rejection If you’ve ever felt panicked, embarrassed, or stuck in your head about sexual health, this episode is for you. Watch on Netflix 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.

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1/26/2026

378. Your guide to surviving the dating apps in your 20s artwork

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378. Your guide to surviving the dating apps in your 20s

The Psychology of your 20s

One minute it’s exciting, the next it’s endless options, half-conversations, and the dismissive feeling of being judged (or ignored) by people who don’t actually know you. In this episode, we’re getting into seven tips for surviving dating apps in your 20s, while looking at what they’re designed to do, why they can leave you feeling burnt out, and how to use them in a way that protects your confidence rather than draining it. We explore: • How dating apps are designed to be addictive • The rules to stick by to keep your sense of self • The importance of a clear and honest profile • Why they’re not a replacement for meeting in real life • Why you shouldn’t take anything personally • How to take a step back to avoid burnout If you’re in a cycle of deleting and redownloading Hinge every few weeks, this episode is for you. ORDER MY BOOK 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.

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1/22/2026

377. Why do we resist change? artwork

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377. Why do we resist change?

The Psychology of your 20s

When we move through our 20s, it can feel like everyone else is making big, brave moves - new cities, new jobs, new relationships - while we’re stuck in the same place, overthinking every possible outcome. Change sounds good in theory, but in practice? It’s terrifying. In today’s episode, we dig into why we resist change, and what it actually takes to move forward even when part of you wants to stay the same. We explore: • Why change feels so overwhelming in our 20s • How loss aversion keeps us clinging to ‘fine but not right’ situations • What we really lose by staying the same • Why some of the best, most aligned decisions are also the scariest • How to build a more compassionate, positive mindset around change • Practical ways to take action with your fear, instead of waiting for it to disappear If you’re stuck in the loop of wanting change, but being scared to action it, this episode is for you. ORDER MY BOOK 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.

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1/19/2026

376. 7 tips for moving to a new country in your 20s artwork

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376. 7 tips for moving to a new country in your 20s

The Psychology of your 20s

Moving to a new city is one of the most exciting (and emotionally challenging) things you can do in your twenties. Whether it’s for work, study, love, or a fresh start, leaving behind what’s familiar often brings a mix of freedom, fear, loneliness, and growth all at once. It’s a rite of passage, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. In this episode, I’m sharing my personal experience of moving cities multiple times in my 20s, including moving internationally for the first time, alongside the psychology that explains why this transition feels so destabilising—and what actually helps. We explore: • Why moving increases stress, emotional exhaustion, and homesickness • Why it takes around 6 months to truly adjust to a new city • The role of routine, repetition, and place attachment in feeling settled • Why “going home too often” can slow down adjustment • How novelty, social effort, and structure protect mental health during transitions If you’ve just moved, or are thinking about it, this episode will help you feel less alone, more grounded, and more confident that what you’re feeling is normal, temporary, and part of the process. ORDER MY BOOK 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.

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