The Psychology of your 20s

The rise of skinnytok is explored, revealing its shocking influence on beauty standards. Discussions link it to orthorexia, the moralization of food, and societal pressures on female bodies. The impact of weight loss drugs and social media algorithms on aesthetic ideals is highlighted. Rising eating disorders are connected to increased exposure to these trends. Practical advice to counteract skinnytok's effects includes awareness of the content you consume and focusing on personal values, ultimately advocating for joy and normal eating.

Delve into the intoxicating urge for revenge and discover why it often backfires. Explore the evolutionary roots of revenge and how critical factors like control and justice fuel our desires even today. Learn the difference between impulsive and calculated revenge, and why the latter is often linked to personality traits. Hear listener stories illustrating the complexities of revenge and its emotional toll. Finally, find out healthier alternatives like radical empathy and acceptance to regain control and peace.

Explore the fine line between a 'good enough' relationship and settling in your 20s. Discover signs that indicate you might be in a mediocre partnership, fueled by fears of being alone and social pressures. The podcast dives into the emotional costs of settling, including identity loss and chronic unhappiness. Reflective questions are shared to help you assess your situation, along with practical steps for a breakup. Ultimately, it's a reminder that expecting a passionate, meaningful love is not just okay, but essential.

Explore the transformative power of failure and how embracing it can lead to incredible growth. Discover why societal definitions of success often hinder progress and how successful individuals view setbacks as valuable lessons. Learn about grit as a more reliable predictor of success than IQ and the optimal failure-to-success ratio for accelerating personal development. Jemma offers practical tips for ritualizing failure in daily life, encouraging listeners to celebrate setbacks as essential stepping stones to success.

Dive into the fascinating world of sociopathy, where the differences between sociopathy and psychopathy are revealed. Learn how sociopathy manifests through impulsive behavior and links to substance use. Misconceptions are tackled, along with the stigma surrounding the label. Surprisingly, traits often viewed negatively might have advantages in certain high-stakes environments. Explore treatments and how awareness can lead to change, while uncovering the origins and development of sociopathic traits. This insightful discussion challenges preconceived notions!

Ever wondered why your late twenties feel like a whirlwind? This discussion dives into the concept of a Saturn return, uncovering its astrological roots and psychological implications. It explores how relationships and career paths can shift dramatically during this time. The nature of emerging adulthood and changing family dynamics is also dissected, alongside strategies for navigating the chaos. By reframing these upheavals, the conversation highlights how they can lead to personal growth and lasting resilience.

Discover the intriguing world of dissociation, a unique psychological experience that can feel both protective and unsettling. Explore the science behind why we sometimes feel detached from reality and how this survival mechanism relates to trauma and ADHD. Learn practical strategies to ground yourself when feeling out of touch, including movement and sensory anchors. With insights into neuroimaging findings and calming reminders, this discussion offers a deeper understanding of how to navigate moments of dissociation.

Friendships should uplift us, but not all do. This discussion highlights five types of toxic friendships, like the critic who controls and the gossip who breaks trust. It also delves into why we cling to unhealthy relationships and how they harm our well-being. Listeners will learn to spot warning signs and the importance of establishing boundaries. Managing friendship breakups and finding healthier connections are key takeaways, encouraging growth and emotional freedom.

In this insightful conversation, the host shares ten pivotal regrets from her early 20s. She reflects on the importance of setting boundaries and the pitfalls of impulse buying. Ghosting friends instead of having closure and over-focusing on dating are discussed as common traps. She emphasizes the need for self-respect in relationships and highlights the value of journaling and trusting one's gut. Additionally, she stresses the significance of prioritizing health and the experiences that truly matter over societal pressures.

Hitting rock bottom can feel like losing everything, with identity collapse and helplessness at the forefront. It explores how addiction can exacerbate feelings of isolation and despair. Despite the pain, rock bottom is analyzed as a potential turning point—a chance for growth and rebuilding. Practical tips for recovery are shared, emphasizing acceptance, small wins, and changes in environment to spark transformation. Listeners are reminded that seeking help before reaching rock bottom is essential for fostering resilience.