The Twenty Something Podcast

Grace Pokela
  • 5.0 (6)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED DAILY

Random, raw, real, and everything in between. That is the best way I can describe being in your 20's. Hi! I'm Grace, a 25 year old just trying to find my way in life. Let's do this together!

  1. MAY 4

    An Unplanned Path to Entrepreneurship w/Natalie McElwain

    In this episode, we cover: Natalie’s non-linear path through college, moving frequently, and taking 10 years to earn her degreeHer early career in hospitality and corporate marketing rolesHow COVID impacted her career and led to unexpected changeThe personal circumstances that pushed her to start her own businessBuilding The Social Circle from 1 client to 11 clients in just a few months The transition from doing everything herself to hiring a teamThe reality of balancing time, money, and growth as a business ownerWhy time is often more valuable than income when scalingFinding a niche in a saturated industryThe importance of relationships and being hands-on with clientsHer perspective on timelines, feeling “behind,” and doing life differentlyAdvice for anyone in their twenties wanting to start something of their ownSupport Natalie:Follow along on Instagram: @thesocialcirclebynatalieLearn more: https://www.thesocialcirclebynatalie.com As always, thank you for being here. If you’d like to support The Twenty Something Podcast, be sure to subscribe, leave a rating, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

    49 min

  2. APR 20

    The “Fly By the Seat of Your Pants” Era w/ Mel Brown

    Mel shares her journey from bartending and restaurant management to becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner, and how an unexpected pregnancy and NICU experience completely changed the direction of her life. We talk about what it looks like to truly “fly by the seat of your pants” in your twenties, the pressure to have everything figured out, and why some of the most meaningful paths come from the least planned moments. In this episode, we cover:Mel’s journey from restaurants and marketing into the healthcare fieldThe unexpected life event that led her to nursing schoolHer experience navigating pregnancy, the NICU, and her own mental healthWhy women’s mental health—especially during pregnancy and postpartum—is often overlookedThe stigma around taking medication during pregnancyWhat perinatal mental health actually looks like (anxiety, intrusive thoughts, depression)Why there is no “zero risk” decision—and how to navigate thatTaking a “fly by the seat of your pants” approach to your twentiesWhy your twenties should be a time of exploration, not pressureStarting a career later in life and realizing you’re not behindLetting go of timelines and societal expectationsHow identity gets tied to careers—and why it shouldn’tThe reality of being replaceable in jobs, but still valuable as a personWhy we’re here to learn, grow, and share experiences—not just follow a set path Support Mel:Follow along on Instagram: @psychmedmom As always, thank you for being here. If you’d like to support The Twenty Something Podcast, be sure to subscribe, leave a rating, and follow along on Instagram.

    44 min

  3. APR 6

    You're Allowed to Pivot w/Juanita Wilson

    In this episode, we cover:Juanita’s journey from nursing to real estate to business developmentWhy so many people in their twenties feel pressure to have it all figured outThe fear of changing careers and being perceived as inconsistentThe difference between stability and flexibility in different career pathsWhy your job is not your identityHow comparison shows up in your twenties (career, relationships, life timelines)The internal work that comes with growth and figuring out who you areWhy trying different paths is necessary—not a setbackLetting go of the “timeline” and doing things your own way Support Juanita:Follow along on Instagram: @juani.wilson As always, thank you for being here. If you’d like to support The Twenty Something Podcast, be sure to subscribe, leave a rating, and follow along on Instagram.

    47 min

  4. MAR 23

    The Reality of Law School and Life After w/Anna Catherine Parham

    What does it actually look like to go to law school—and what happens after you graduate? In this episode, I sit down with attorney Anna Catherine to talk about her journey into law, what law school is really like, and the reality of stepping into a career that so many people think they understand—but often don’t. In this episode, we cover: How she became a lawyer (even though it was never the plan)The truth about law school—and why it’s not as scary as people make it seemWhat law school doesn’t prepare you for in the real worldThe difference between “Big Law” and finding the right fitWhat it actually looks like working as a lawyer day-to-dayNavigating a career without family connections in the industryThe pressure to have everything figured out in your 20sLearning who you are vs trying to fit into who you think you should beWhy not having a clear plan can actually work in your favorSupport Anna Catherine:Follow her on Instagram: @annacattaylorFollow her on TikTok: @greenvillelawyer As always, thank you for being here. If you’d like to support The Twenty Something Podcast, be sure to subscribe, leave a rating, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it 🤍

    51 min

  5. MAR 16

    Debt, Discipline, and the Reality of Building Wealth w/Patrick Rogers

    What does it really take to build wealth in your twenties? In this episode, I sit down with financial planner Patrick Rogers (SmartPro Financial) to talk about debt, discipline, risk, and the mindset shifts that make the biggest difference when it comes to money. Patrick shares his journey from engineering to building his own financial planning business, the risks he and his wife took early on, and why so many people feel stuck financially in their twenties. We break down the difference between making more money and actually creating financial freedom, and why small, intentional decisions compound over time. In this episode, we cover:Patrick’s journey from engineering to financial planningWhy so many people in their twenties feel financially stuckThe simple formula for building wealth: buying and owning appreciating assetsWhy margin matters more than income aloneWhether you should invest while paying off debtThe role discipline plays in long-term financial successWhy taking calculated risks in your twenties can change everythingThe reality of side hustles, entrepreneurship, and building something of your ownRethinking college, career paths, and traditional success Support Patrick:Learn more at smartprofinancial.comFollow on Instagram: @smartpro_gvl As always, thank you for being here. If you’d like to support The Twenty Something Podcast, be sure to subscribe, leave a rating, and follow along on Instagram.

    1 hr

  6. MAR 2

    Ready is a Decision w/Kristen Wyatt

    What does it look like to pursue weight loss and health without falling into the all-or-nothing cycle? In this episode, I sit down with nutrition coach and mom of two Kristen Wyatt (Wyatt Wellness) to talk about simplifying weight loss, breaking the binge/restrict pattern, and shifting your mindset from “start Monday” to starting now. In this episode, we cover: Kristen’s story: from lifelong weight struggles to losing over 100 pounds Why most diets fail (and how yo-yo cycles get created) “Ready is a decision” and how to stop waiting for the perfect time The simplest place to start: calories, protein, and daily movement Why walking matters more than people think (physically and mentally) Strength training for longevity, not aesthetics How social media trends (GLP-1s, fasting, “skinny” culture) impact body image The role of accountability and environment in staying consistent How to approach eating out without feeling restricted Support Kristen:Follow her on Instagram: @wyatt.wellness As always, thank you for being here. If you’d like to support The Twenty Something Podcast, be sure to subscribe, leave a rating, and follow along on Instagram.

    52 min

  7. FEB 23

    From Degrees to Dreams w/ Maggie McDermott

    What happens when the path you’ve worked so hard for no longer feels like yours? In this episode, I sit down with Greenville photographer and studio owner Maggie McDermott to talk about leaving the “high-achiever” path, quitting her PhD program, navigating identity shifts in her twenties, and building a creative business from the ground up. In this episode, we cover: Leaving the traditional academic path and redefining success The pressure of being a high achiever and learning to let go Motherhood and how it reshaped her priorities Starting a photography business from scratch From free shoots to full-time entrepreneurship Opening a studio and building a personal brand Listening to your gut and trusting a new direction Support Maggie: Follow her work and connect on Instagram: @maggiemaephotos and @blankcanvascreativestudio As always, thank you for being here. If you’d like to support The Twenty Something Podcast, be sure to subscribe, leave a rating, and follow along on Instagram.

    48 min

  8. FEB 16

    Life After Sports w/Kaitlin Corkren

    What happens when the sport that shaped your identity ends? In this episode, I sit down with clinical mental health counselor and former college athlete Kaitlin Corkren to talk about athlete mental health, pressure, identity shifts, and navigating life beyond competition. In this episode, we cover:Life after sports and identity transitionsMental health struggles unique to athletesPerformance pressure vs. personal well-beingTeam vs. individual sport challengesBreaking the stigma around therapyStarting a private practice in your twenties Learn more about her practice or connect with her here: https://www.corkrencounseling.com As always, thank you for being here. If you’d like to support The Twenty Something Podcast, be sure to subscribe, leave a rating, and follow along on Instagram.

    43 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Random, raw, real, and everything in between. That is the best way I can describe being in your 20's. Hi! I'm Grace, a 25 year old just trying to find my way in life. Let's do this together!

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