Meg Jay: Psychologist and Author of The Defining Decade

This week, we chat with Meg Jay, PhD. Dr. Meg Jay is a clinical psychologist and author who specializes in adult development. She has over 15 years of experience listening to, teaching, researching, writing and speaking about our twenties — the critical period of adult development. Meg argues that our twenties are the critical period of adult development — and that this group is a critical part of the economy and workforce that needs to be better understood. Her TED talk about “Why Your 20s Matter" was named by Forbes.com as one of five bright, inspiring ideas from the 2013 conference in Long Beach, California. Mashable.com chose it as one of 15 TED Talks That Will Change Your Life.

Her most recent book, Supernormal: The Untold Story of Adversity and Resilience, is a revolutionary and illuminating examination of those who have overcome childhood adversity to become high-functioning adults. Dr. Jay’s book, The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter and How to Make the Most of Them Now, weaves the latest science of the twentysomething years with compelling, behind-closed-doors stories from twentysomethings themselves. It details what psychologists, sociologists, neurologists, economists, and reproductive specialists know about the unique power of the twentysomething years. The Defining Decade was named a Best Book of 2012 by Slate.com and was nominated for a Books for a Better Life Award.

Dr. Jay is a clinical assistant professor at the University of Virginia. She received a doctorate in clinical psychology, and in gender studies, from the University of California, Berkeley. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Psychology Today, and NPR.

Follow us!

Meg Jay: no Instagram (website here and on Fireside here)

Meg Jay's Books: Supernormal (2017), Defining Decade (updated, 2021 version)

Dear Twentysomething: @deartwentysomething (and on Fireside here)