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 ot boast but 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.

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.

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.

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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