The Psychology of your 20s

エピソード

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  The psychology of highly sensitive people 23.07.2026 46分

  The life of the highly sensitive person is often misunderstood. Highly sensitive aren't just people who cry too much or get overwhelmed, take things too personally: they actually take in so much of the world that it can be too much. They feel everything, from joy to sadness, so immediately and profoundly. They are also so in tune with the emotions of all those around them that sometimes it can be too much. Today we break down the psychology of the highly sensitive person, including:  What are the core assessment criteria for identifying if you're highly sensitive? What causes someone to be highly sensitive?  The genetic, personality, parental and temperment contribution  The link between sensitivity, IQ, EQ and creativity + the gentle superpower of sensitive people  Do highly sensitive people have more empathy?  The link between neurodivergence and sensitivity  How to explain your sensitivity to others  How to make the world work for your gentle, feeling soul, and so much more! This episode is FULL of tips, research and studies. Listen now!  The assessment: https://hsperson.com/test/highly-sensitive-test/  Watch on Netflix: HERE 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.
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  The psychology of confidence 20.07.2026 46分

  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. Watch on Netflix: HERE 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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  441. The Freud Episode 19.07.2026 46分

  Sigmund Freud is one of the most famous and contested names in psychology. Often reduced to couches, cigars, dreams, sex, and blaming everything on your mother, Freud’s real story is much more complicated. In this bonus episode, we take a look at who Freud actually was - his medical background, the development of his method, and why his views are so context specific. We explore:• The development of free association • The role of dreams and transference• Defence mechanisms and the unconscious• The structural model of the human psyche• Challenges to his theory• Freud's legacy: Anna and modern-day psychoanalysis Watch on Netflix: HERE 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.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559106/ https://www.cureus.com/articles/303246-matters-of-the-mind-a-look-into-the-life-of-sigmund-freud#!/ https://www.freud.org.uk/2020/04/07/freud-at-home-sigmund-and-annas-studies/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15293843/ 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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  440. 7 psychology tips to hack your productivity 16.07.2026 42分

  Productivity advice often tells us to push harder, wake up earlier, and squeeze more out of every hour. But in this episode, we take a different approach. Instead of treating productivity like a test of willpower, we look at the psychology behind focus, procrastination, energy, motivation, and rest - and why working with your brain is usually more effective than trying to bully it into action. We explore 7 tips for productivity, including:• How small wins can create momentum• Why the hardest task often needs to come first• How to work with your natural energy patterns• Habit stacking for boring tasks• Why 20 focused minutes can be more useful than waiting for the perfect window• How ‘shoot your shot’ days can move you closer to the life you want• Why real rest is essential for sustainable productivity Watch on Netflix: HERE Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast Subscribe on Substack: @thepsychologyofyour20s For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com  Our favourite sources: https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2F0033-295X.84.2.191 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ejsp.674 https://www.ted.com/talks/saundra_dalton_smith_the_real_reason_why_we_are_tired_and_what_to_do_about_it 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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  439. How to chase your dreams, and when to slow down ft. Grace Beverley 13.07.2026 1時間

  TW: Discussions of miscarriage/pregnancy Grace Beverley is a founder, an entrepreneur, and a seasoned professional when it comes to pursuing the ideas your have, but also knowing when to slow down, recover from burnout and let yourself be vulnerable.  In today's episode we discuss her journey from studying music at Oxford to launching over five businesses, and her next chapter as a parent. We talk about:  The best career advice for your 20s How to start a business and her biggest lessons from early failures Why love should make you feel safe  Her pregnancy loss story  The importance of being vocal about what you believe in  How to recover from burnout Listen now! Watch on Netflix: HERE Follow Grace on Instagram: @gracebeverley Shop TALA: HERE 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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  437. The psychology behind feeling 'too much' 09.07.2026 48分

  At some point in most of our lives, most of us have felt that we are ‘too much’. We might feel that we are too loud, have too many opinions, are too extroverted, too needy, or generally take up too much emotional ‘space’. In this episode, we explore what this feels like when it bleeds into our personal and professional lives, the impact of suppressing emotions upon our immune system, and look at some methods to unlearn and reconfigure our relationship with the ‘too much’ label. We unpack: • Why society likes to shame people who are confident and outspoken• The psychology of ‘Tall Poppy Syndrome’, and why women are particularly vulnerable • How being shamed and shut down as children makes us feel ‘too much’ later in life• The link between suppressing our emotions and our immune system• How we can unlearn the belief that we are ‘too much’ Watch on Netflix: HERE Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast Subscribe on Substack: @thepsychologyofyour20s For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com  Our favourite sources:  https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/why_are_confident_people_so_polarizing https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4212945/ https://www.instagram.com/p/DXo5rB3jtOe/?img_index=20&igsh=emNnMDNlZzFoeDZm 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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  436. The psychology of sibling rivalry 06.07.2026 36分

  In many ways, sibling rivalry is an integral part of growing up in a multiple-child household – the arguments, the jealousy, the competition. But as we explore in this episode, those sibling dynamics often don’t stop in childhood, but actually following us into our 20s and adulthood, shaping how we see ourselves, relate to our families, and how we carry old roles.  We explore:•        Why a level of rivalry is developmentally expected•        The evolutionary perspective on resource competition•        The role of birth order and family roles•        How sibling rivalry can transpire in adulthood•        How to begin acknowledging and rewriting old roles Watch on Netflix: HERE Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast Subscribe on Substack: @thepsychologyofyour20s For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com  Our favourite sources: https://prevention.psu.edu/news/the-psychology-behind-sibling-rivalry/ https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10567-011-0104-5 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0192513X211064876 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10826-016-0429-2 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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  438. The secrets of therapy FROM a therapist ft. Dr Sandra Espinoza 11.07.2026 47分

  We all know that therapy is amazing, in fact it’s life-changing for many people. But what does therapy actually do? And what makes a good therapist?  In today’s episode we’re joined by Dr Sandra Espinoza, Associate Professor of the Couple and Family Therapy Program at Alliant University. Our discussion includes:  Her journey into helping others  Why the best therapists, go to therapy  What to look for in your therapist  Why we can’t just rely on our friends  Our greatest misconceptions around therapy  Why stigma and affordability continue to be the biggest barriers  How Alliant University is leading the next generation of helpers and therapists to support their communities  If you’ve ever considered therapy, been curious about therapy or want to be a therapist yourself, this is your ultimate guide.  Follow Dr Espinoza: HERE  Find out more about Alliant University: HERE 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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  435. The pain of outgrowing your old life 02.07.2026 33分

  There comes a point in all of our lives where we realise we've outgrown who we used to be. Sometimes it happens all at once, due to a breakup, a move, a loss, or a major life change. Other times (most of the time), it's much quieter.  As painful as that can feel, it's also one of the clearest signs that you're evolving. In this episode, we explore the psychology of outgrowing your old life, why change can feel so much like grief, and how to let go of the past without fearing the future. We explore: The psychology of liminality and the space between who you were and who you're becoming The seven stages of outgrowing your old life Why we cling to the past through nostalgia, the endowment effect and status quo bias When you know a chapter is over How to embrace change and build a future you're excited to grow into Happy listening! Watch on Netflix: HERE 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.
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  434. "I lost my brother at 16 to suicide, it shouldn't have happened" ft. Ben West 29.06.2026 1時間 2分

  TW: Discussions of suicide. This week, I'm joined by mental health campaigner Ben West for one of the most moving conversations we've ever had on the show. At 18, Ben lost his brother to suicide. He has taken that experience and decided to change the lives of thousands, if not millions with his 'Reasons to Stay' campaign.  In this episode we discuss: Why grief changes over time  How to find purpose after unimaginable heartbreak The psychology of hope and why strangers can save lives What supporting someone through suicidal thoughts actually looks like Ben's incredible initiative, Reasons to Stay, and the millions of people it's already reached His two personal rules for protecting his own mental health Why healing isn't about 'moving on' but learning to carry what you've lost Watch on Netflix: HERE Preorder Ben's book: HERE  Follow Ben: HERE  If you need help, it is available. You are NEVER alone. Please find some further resources HERE. 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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  433. I'm ready to leave London 27.06.2026 33分

  Giving you all an update on my life and my future in London.  Watch on Netflix: HERE 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.
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  432. How to rebuild your attention span 25.06.2026 52分

  Many of us feel that our attention spans are nothing like they used to be. So many of us can recall a time when we would read books for hours with ease, concentrate for hours, focus on a movie without going on our phone. But not any more. In this episode, we unpack the psychology behind our dwindling attention spans, via the consumption of endless content, task switching, lack of sleep and more. But there’s hope - we also look at practical ways that we can all work on retraining our brains towards healthier, more sustainable and enjoyable focus. We unpack: • Why our attention spans have been eroded, particularly over the last 20 years• How social media is designed to be like a slot machine• The impact of ‘sleep debt’ and our attention spans• Why the ‘switch-cost effect’ depletes our focus all the time • How we can retrain our brains to focus Watch on Netflix: HERE Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast Subscribe on Substack: @thepsychologyofyour20s For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com  Our favourite sources:  https://time.com/6302294/why-you-cant-focus-anymore-and-what-to-do-about-it/ https://www.theguardian.com/science/2022/jan/02/attention-span-focus-screens-apps-smartphones-social-media https://thesciencesurvey.com/editorial/2024/02/12/the-problem-with-your-attention-span/ 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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  431. Why a boring life is beautiful 22.06.2026 27分

  What might be seen as a ‘boring’ life is often just a life that wouldn’t be as popular on Instagram. In a world that glamorises chaos, spontaneity and constant stimulation, we need to create lives that truly nourish us, provide safety, and align with who we really are. In this episode, we explore the psychology behind why so many of us begin craving calm as we get older, why that can feel oddly threatening, and why slowing down may be one of the best things we can do for our brains. We explore:•        Why many of us start craving a more manageable, peaceful life•        Why this can create fear, guilt, or cognitive dissonance in our 20s•        The pressure from social media to make youth look chaotic and exciting•        The role of FOMO in feeling disconnected from our real preferences•        Why our brains crave novelty•        What a ‘boring’ life is actually made of: boundaries, routine, presence, and self-trust Watch on Netflix: HERE 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.cambridge.org/core/journals/development-and-psychopathology/article/abs/differential-changes-in-impulsivity-and-sensation-seeking-and-the-escalation-of-substance-use-from-adolescence-to-early-adulthood/3542107D68176F9B55BC0A2DB212C701 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0747563213000800 https://www.nature.com/articles/nrn1052 https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1250830 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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  430. The psychology of job interviews 18.06.2026 39分

  When we go for a job interview, it can feel as if our entire existence is being judged. It can come down to the feeling of someone else getting to call the shots on whether we are intellectually competent at best, or personally desirable at worst. In this episode, we’ll explore why job interviews can feel so stressful, identify why positive first impressions are vital, and discuss some psychological hacks to help us nail them.  We explore: • How job interviews trigger our need for social approval • The Yerkes-Dodson Law, or how excessive pressure can make us perform worse• Why we can’t trust our judgement about how an interview went• Why being likeable makes it more likely you’ll get hired• How easy psychological tricks can make us feel more confident Our favourite sources: https://www.catharticspacecounseling.com/blog/how-to-handle-uncertainty-without-losing-your-mindwww.researchgate.net/publication/313878823_The_importance_of_first_impressions_in_a_job_interview https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/beyond-stress-and-burnout/202206/the-effects-of-stress-when-interviewing Watch on Netflix: HERE 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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  429. The reality of chronic illness in your 20s ft. Nikki Lilly 15.06.2026 1時間 12分

  Living with a chronic illness in your 20s can feel like carrying an invisible weight that nobody else can see. Beyond the hospital appointments, surgeries, medications and diagnoses, there is a hidden psychological burden: the anxiety, grief, uncertainty, identity struggles and resilience required to keep moving forward when your body feels beyond your control. In this week's episode, I sit down with content creator, advocate and broadcaster Nikki Lilly to discuss what it's really like growing up with a rare medical condition, navigating facial differences, online bullying, and building a meaningful life despite constant uncertainty. We discuss: The hidden psychological impact of chronic illness  Medical trauma, PTSD and the long road to healing How chronic illness affects your relationship with your body Online bullying, discrimination and appearance-based judgment Plus her time at the Oscars and her vision for her future Happy listening! Watch on Netflix: HERE Listen to Live A Little: HERE Follow Lilly on Instagram: @nikkililly 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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  428. The truth about Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs 13.06.2026 23分

  Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is one of the most famous theories in psychology. We've all seen the pyramid. We've all been told that before we can become our best selves, we need to climb through five levels of human needs, from food and safety all the way to self-actualisation. But what if that's not actually what Maslow believed? In this bonus episode, as part of our series myth-busting psychology, we're uncovering the surprising truth behind one of psychology's most iconic ideas, including: Why Maslow never actually drew a pyramid The forgotten sixth level of the hierarchy The Indigenous Blackfoot origins of the theory Whether self-actualisation is really the highest human goal Why the hierarchy isn't as rigid as we've been taught What modern psychology says about the evidence behind Maslow's ideas Happy listening! Watch on Netflix: HERE 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.
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  427. What to do when a 9-5 doesn't fulfil you? 11.06.2026 38分

  Most of us will spend the majority of our adult lives working. So why does the traditional 9–5 leave so many people feeling exhausted, trapped, unfulfilled, or quietly wondering: is this really it? In this episode, we explore the psychology behind why the 9–5 can feel so unnatural for some people, why work often becomes the centre of our identity, and what to do when the life you've been told should make you happy simply doesn't. This includes: Why the 9–5 often feels so draining The psychology of role engulfment and losing yourself to work The personality traits that predict whether you'll enjoy traditional employment The importance of hobbies, purpose, novelty, and community When it's time to consider a different path Practical advice for anyone dreaming of working for themselves Happy listening! Watch on Netflix: HERE 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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  426. The psychology of superstition 08.06.2026 46分

  Superstitions can seem irrational on the surface, but beneath them is something incredibly human - the need for meaning, comfort, and a sense of control in an uncertain world. In this episode, we explore the psychology of superstition - why the mind creates these beliefs, why they can feel so reassuring, and what they reveal about anxiety, ritual, hope, and the stories we inherit. We explore:•        Historical origins of common superstitions•        The role of pattern recognition and gut feelings•        How rituals soothe anxiety and create a sense of certainty•        When superstitions become self-fulfilling and shape performance•        How magical thinking overlaps with OCD and anxiety•        Why it's important to create our own magic in our 20s  Watch on Netflix: HERE 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.bps.org.uk/psychologist/everyday-magic-superstition https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0956797610372631 https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/behavioural-and-cognitive-psychotherapy/article/abs/magical-thinking-in-obsessivecompulsive-disorder-and-generalized-anxiety-disorder/AAA4404A26637024E2E5D01B3F133928 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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  425. Why we want people who don't want us back 04.06.2026 32分

  Why do we become obsessed with people who don't want us back? Even when we know it will never work? Even when we know there's no convincing them? In this episode, we unpack the psychology behind unrequited love, limerence, longing, and the irresistible pull of unavailable people, including: The neuroscience of craving, attraction, and obsession How intermittent reinforcement keeps us emotionally hooked Jacques Lacan's "object of desire" theory Why high achievers often struggle with unrequited love The role of limerence, fantasy, and idealisation The Zeigarnik Effect and our need for closure Practical strategies to finally move on and let go Creating your own closure when none is given Plus so so much more  If you've ever found yourself unable to stop thinking about someone who doesn't feel the same way, this episode is for you. Together, we'll explore why it happens, what it reveals about us, and how to break free from the cycle Watch on Netflix: HERE 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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  424. How to ACTUALLY change your bad habits ft. Harvard Behavioural Scientist, Julia Dhar 01.06.2026 1時間 1分

  We all have something about our behaviour or our lives we really want to change. But every time we go to try, we find we lose motivation very quickly and end up back where we started with the behaviour still in tact. Whether it's quitting smoking, exercising more, wanting to eat healthier, sleep better, stop gossiping, be a better partner; bad habits usually all have the same psychology.  In today's episode we invited on Harvard-trained behavioural scientist & BCG Managing Director, Julia Dhar, to give us the step by step guide to changing bad habits. We talk about:  Where bad habits come from?  Why bad habits stick? What's happening in our brain when we can't quit a bad habit? The 3 principles of behaviour change you need to know to change  How to help OTHERS change when they don't want to? Why your approach to failing will determine if you're successful  Plus much more!  Happy listening!  Buy Julia's book here: How Change Really Works Watch her TedTalk here: How to Disagree Productively  Watch on Netflix: HERE 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.