The Psychology of your 20s

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Latest Episodes:

387. The truth about narcissism ... Feb 21, 2026

Show notes

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.

386. 26 lessons I've learnt in 26 years Feb 19, 2026

Show notes

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!

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Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast

Subscribe on Substack: @thepsychologyofyour20s

For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

385. The best psychology hacks for studying Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

384. How to stop taking things so personally Feb 12, 2026

Show notes

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

383. The psychology of intrusive thoughts Feb 09, 2026

Show notes

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

382. How is AI actually impacting our brains? Feb 05, 2026

Show notes

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

381. Are friendships REALLY meant to be inconvenient? Feb 02, 2026

Show notes

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

380. A big life update... Jan 31, 2026

Show notes

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

379. I got an STD in my 20s, now what? Jan 29, 2026

Show notes

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

378. Your guide to surviving the dating apps in your 20s Jan 26, 2026

Show notes

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.

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Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast

For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.