The Grown-Ups Are Talking

Abby Thayananthan
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The transition from college students/recent grads into fully-fledged adults can be a scary one. How do we 'adult'? And how do we know that we're doing it right? In this podcast, my guests and I reflect on all things 'adult'- working life, navigating adult relationships, following our dreams, making mistakes, dealing with rejection, and a lot more. We're going to figure out who we are as newborn adults together, and I'm so excited to have you here with me! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 3D AGO

    52. Springtime: A New Season of Adulthood

    As spring arrives, everything starts to feel a little lighter: the days get longer, routines shift, and suddenly we feel the urge to reset. In this short solo episode, Abby reflects on how seasonal change mirrors the experience of early adulthood: learning to start again, clear space, and grow into new versions of ourselves. From spring cleaning our homes (and minds), to revisiting goals that didn’t quite stick in January, to rediscovering energy, connection, and joy after the winter months, this episode is a gentle check-in for anyone navigating change or craving a fresh start. Because maybe adulthood isn’t about having everything figured out; maybe it’s about recognising when you’re entering a new season, and allowing yourself to begin again.

    17 min

  2. FEB 25

    51. The Art of Juggling It All

    In your 20s- and in early adulthood more broadly- it can feel like you’re expected to do everything at once. Build your career. Stay fit. Maintain friendships and relationships. Grow personally. Plan for the future. And somehow avoid burnout while doing it all. In this episode, we’re talking about how to balance it all, and realistically. This isn’t about toxic productivity or maximising every hour of your day. Your value is not tied to how productive you are. Instead, this episode focuses on building a sustainable version of work-life balance that aligns with your priorities, your energy levels, and your current season of life. We break the conversation into three parts: 1. Understanding Your Priorities 2. Creating Systems & Routines That Reduce Overwhelm 3. Mindset Shifts for Avoiding Burnout If you’ve been struggling with work-life balance, feeling overwhelmed in your 20s, or trying to prioritise your goals without burning out, this episode will help you create more clarity, structure, and calm in your daily life. Balance isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about intentional trade-offs, sustainable routines, and giving yourself permission to evolve. Subscribe to The Grown-Ups Are Talking for more conversations about adulting, career growth, relationships, mental health, and navigating your 20s with intention.

    35 min

  3. FEB 18

    50. Every Time I Thought I Had My Life Figured Out

    In this episode, I’m taking you through every major decision I’ve made about my life and career so far- the moments where I felt completely certain I had it all figured out… and how those certainties kept evolving. From creative writing and theatre to law school dreams, big law ambitions, financial litigation, burnout, podcasting, and producing, I’ve changed my mind more times than I can count. And each time, I was so sure I finally knew what I was doing with my future. This is one of my most honest and vulnerable episodes yet. I sat down without a script and talked through the real turning points: choosing passion over prestige, navigating family financial pressure, chasing creative work, questioning law school, and ultimately deciding to attend Harvard Law School. I talk about the fear of being indecisive, the tension between creativity and practicality, and what it means to admit you don’t actually know what your life will look like- even when you’re the type of person that always wants to map out a five-year plan. By the end of the episode, I share the major decision I’ve recently made about Harvard Law and why I’m finally learning to lean into change and uncertainty instead of trying to control it. If you’re in your twenties, navigating career changes, feeling behind, or wondering whether you’re allowed to change your mind- this episode is for you. And maybe the goal isn’t to have it all figured out. Maybe it’s to keep choosing- and re-choosing who you want to be.

    45 min

  4. FEB 11

    49. The Most Important Relationship You’ll Ever Have

    February is the month of L-O-V-E but this episode isn’t about Valentine’s plans or dating advice (though it might help with those too!) It’s about the relationship that comes first, above all others: the one you have with yourself. In this episode, I talk about why self-love isn’t just a buzzword or a personality trait; it’s a necessary foundation for every relationship in your life, and for going after the life you want. From self-talk and confidence to boundaries, standards, and enjoying your own company, we unpack what self-love actually looks like in real life and how you can develop it. I share my belief that self-love is essential for healthy relationships- not meaning that you have to be perfectly healed from past experiences/traumas, but in the everyday ways it shapes how we show up, what we tolerate, and what we believe we deserve. We’ll talk about: How your self-talk shapes your confidence and choices Why low self-esteem affects relationships- with others and with yourself Learning to enjoy your own company and build a life you love Letting go of comparison and control How to start developing self-trust, self-respect, and confidence If this episode resonates, please do subscribe to the podcast and leave me a 5-star rating and review wherever you're listening! p.s. stay till the end for bloopers!

    39 min

  5. FEB 3

    48. Stop Relying on Motivation: The Systems & Mindset You Need for 2026

    If you want 2026 to be the year you actually achieve all your goals, this episode is for you. In this episode of The Grown-Ups Are Talking, I’m breaking down the things that will actually transform your life: systems, consistency, and the right mindset. I talk about how to build habits that stick, how to design your environment so success becomes easier, and why living as your future self today matters more than waiting to feel “ready.” This episode is about learning how to show up consistently, even when life gets busy, or when habits feel uncomfortable or unmotivating. I also share the exact systems I use in my own life, from habit tracking and identifying my non-negotiables, to revisiting goals, vision boards, and protecting your time and attention in a world full of distractions (yes, including social media). Whether your goals for 2026 involve your career, fitness, creativity, relationships, or personal growth, this episode will help you stop relying on motivation and start building a life that actually works. In this episode, we cover: Why motivation is unreliable, and what to use instead How to build systems that make good habits easier The role of discipline, discomfort, and consistency in long-term growth How to revisit and refine your goals throughout the year Living as your future self without perfectionism or burnout Why your environment matters more than willpower How to align your daily habits with the life you actually want If you’re in your 20s and trying to figure out how to balance ambition, discipline, and real life, this episode is for you. If you like the episode, subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review wherever you're listening!

    56 min

  6. JAN 28

    47. How to Regulate Your Nervous System When Life Feels Overwhelming

    In early adulthood, we’re often told to push through stress, power through anxiety, keep going, and achieve a ton, even when our bodies are clearly asking us to slow down or things are getting a bit much. But what if the foundation for a calmer, more stable, and more fulfilling life isn’t doing more… but learning how to feel safe in your own body and self? With the pressure of a new year, many of us feel the urge to become more productive, more efficient versions of ourselves, but that pressure can create a lot of anxiety. And ultimately, there’s not much point in chasing growth if you’re too stressed to actually enjoy your life. In this episode, I’m joined by Hannah, creator of reallygetintoitco, for a conversation about nervous system regulation: what it actually means, why it matters so much in early adulthood, and how learning to regulate your nervous system can completely change how you experience stress, emotions, and uncertainty. We talk about allowing yourself to feel the full range of your emotions, understanding what they’re trying to tell you, and practical ways to ground yourself during moments that feel overwhelming. This conversation is especially for anyone navigating big transitions- new jobs, serious relationships, family pressures, or that quiet anxiety that comes with trying to “have it all together” in your twenties. Regulating your nervous system isn’t about being calm all the time ; it’s about creating stability so you can take risks, make decisions, and show up for your life from a place of clarity and calm instead of survival. In next week’s conversation, I’ll be breaking down the specific systems and frameworks I’ve used to move through early adulthood, including getting accepted to Columbia, graduating with honors, being accepted to Harvard Law School, and landing a competitive first job straight out of college. This isn't to boast but rather to make one thing clear: I’m not special. I’m first-generation, my parents don’t have connections, and I’m not any smarter than anyone else. What made the difference was having the right systems in place- and I’ll be sharing exactly how you can build them too. So be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss it. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or like you’re constantly operating in fight-or-flight, this episode is a reminder that slowing down might be the most powerful thing you can do.

    36 min

  7. JAN 21

    46. The Best of 2025 (Part 2): The Advice That Shaped My Adulthood

    We’re well into 2026 now, and if there’s one thing adulthood teaches you quickly, it’s how fast a year can disappear. But before we rush forward, it’s worth pausing, because 2025 was full of lessons we don’t want to leave behind. This is Part 2 of a two-part highlights episode of The Grown-Ups Are Talking, where I’ve gone back through every guest conversation from 2025 to pull out the advice, moments, and reflections that genuinely changed how I approach adulthood. These conversations and ideas stayed with me, and ultimately shaped my decisions, my career, and the way I think about building a life. In this episode, you’ll hear conversations about career pivots, quitting jobs, money as a tool to design your life, taking risks in your 20s, building sustainable health routines, and redefining what success actually looks like when no one hands you a roadmap. As always, these are highlights from guest episodes throughout 2025. If a clip resonates, I strongly recommend going back to the full episode for deeper context. And while this episode focuses on guest conversations, I also shared many solo episodes last year- more personal and reflective- covering topics like getting into Harvard Law School, loneliness, ambition, and time moving faster than you expect. If you’re entering 2026 trying to be more intentional about your career, your finances, your health, or simply how you spend your time, this episode is for you.

    39 min

  8. JAN 14

    45. Turning 25 (!!!) and Time Flying By in Adulthood

    This week’s episode is a little different- because it’s my 25th birthday!!! Instead of releasing Part 2 of our The Best of 2025 series (don’t worry, it’s coming next week), I wanted to pause and reflect on something that’s been sitting with me lately: time - how fast it moves in early adulthood, and what that speed might actually be telling us about how we fel about our lives. Since graduating, it feels like I’ve lived nine different lives. Some years crawled by. Others disappeared in a blink. And turning 25 has made me think deeply about why. In this solo episode, I talk about: Why time felt painfully slow in my corporate law job- and why it suddenly feels like it’s flying What psychology tells us about time, novelty, routine, and engagement How choosing work you care about can completely change your experience of time I also reflect on a big shift I’ve felt this past year: moving from being money rich and time poor to time rich and money poor- and why I’ve realised that, at least right now, time matters more to me. I talk about: High-paying careers vs. time autonomy Why there’s no “right” trade-off, only the one that fits you Saying no to good opportunities to make space for better-aligned ones Why I chose to defer law school again to pursue creative work I’m excited about And because it’s my birthday, I end the episode on something a little more personal — three ways I know I’ve grown into adulthood, even when I sometimes feel “behind”: Emotional maturity and stability Healthier, quieter, more intentional relationships Feeling more aligned with myself than I have in years Turning 25 has reminded me that time isn’t just something we measure — it’s something we feel. And maybe the reason life feels like it’s moving so fast right now is because, for the first time in a long time, I’m actually living it. If you’ve ever felt behind in your adult life, rushed, stuck, or unsure whether you’re using your time “correctly,” this episode is for you. 🎂 Birthday favour:If you enjoy the podcast, it would mean so much if you could: Leave a 5-star rating and review Follow us on socials @thegrownupsaretalkingpod Share the episode with a friend who might need it Next week: Part 2 of our Best of 2025 series drops , covering health and wellness in early adulthood, hobbies, quitting your job, money advice, and making your mark in your twenties. Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss it! Resources discussed: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/dec/29/does-life-feel-like-its-speeding-up-how-to-slow-down-time-in-2025

    35 min
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About

The transition from college students/recent grads into fully-fledged adults can be a scary one. How do we 'adult'? And how do we know that we're doing it right? In this podcast, my guests and I reflect on all things 'adult'- working life, navigating adult relationships, following our dreams, making mistakes, dealing with rejection, and a lot more. We're going to figure out who we are as newborn adults together, and I'm so excited to have you here with me! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Abby Thayananthan
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    57
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Abby Thayananthan
  • Show Website
    The Grown-Ups Are Talking