The Grown-Ups Are Talking

From her family’s refugee background to her acceptance at Harvard Law School, Abby shares the personal journey that shaped her transition into adulthood in this episode of The Grown-Ups Are Talking. She reflects on growing up in London, moving to the U.S., and navigating the uncertainty of figuring out who she is and what she wants. Through stories of education, identity, and shifting dreams—from a love of theater to a pursuit of l...

In this episode, Abby introduces a new segment called 'Question Time', where she addresses listener questions about adulting. The conversation covers pivotal themes such as career transitions, the challenges and rewards of moving abroad, and the importance of networking in professional growth. Abby shares personal anecdotes and practical advice, encouraging listeners to embrace change and seek opportunities for personal and profess...

In this conversation, Abby Thayananthan speaks with Al Zdenek, a wealth advisor, about the importance of personal finance for young adults. They discuss how to define financial success, manage your first paycheck, the significance of emergency funds, and the difference between good and bad debt. Al shares practical advice on credit cards, common financial mistakes, and the importance of financial literacy. He also introduces Cake C...

This week on The Grown-Ups Are Talking, I'm flying solo with a more personal episode—because honestly, life has been lifing lately. In the midst of a big move (yes, I just left New York City!), I spent my final weekend in the U.S. on a camping-style retreat with a group of strangers-turned-friends. It was peaceful, emotional, soul-feeding, and deeply reflective in all the ways I didn’t know I needed.

In this episode, I share wha...

In this conversation, I speak with startup founders Alfonso Velasco and Madeline Park to explore the complexities of adulthood, particularly in the context of entrepreneurship. They discuss the diverging paths young adults take in their twenties, the definition of adulthood as agency and responsibility, and the unique challenges and rewards of starting a business. The founders share their personal journeys, emphasizing the importan...

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself—is your career or the track you’re heading down really you? Or did you fall into something stable, something familiar—maybe the path of least resistance, or one that’s been done before and promised success? Do you know how to network, or does that word feel icky and confusing? Do you feel confident in how to reach your goals in life, or do you not even know what they are?

In this epiosde, ’m joi...

This week, we’re talking about something that often gets overlooked in the rush of adult life: hobbies. Not side hustles, not skills for your resume — just things we do because we like them. As we transition out of college and into full-time jobs, our relationship with fun and free time starts to shift. So how do we make space for hobbies again? And why does that even matter?

I’m joined by two guests at different stages of post-grad...

In this episode of The Grown-Ups Are Talking, we’re talking all about long-distance relationships—a reality for so many young adults navigating careers, school, and life transitions. Whether you're a few cities or entire time zones apart, maintaining a relationship while also trying to grow as an individual is no small feat.

Our guest Maya shares her experience of being in a long-distance relationship: the highs, the hard parts, and...

Moving to New York City is often seen as a major step into adulthood—but does it actually make you feel like a grown-up, or just really, really tired? In this episode, we break down what it means to “adult” in one of the most exciting, expensive, and overwhelming cities in the world.

From sky-high rent and chaotic commutes to finding community in a city of millions, my guests Julian, Isaac and I talk about how NYC shapes independenc...

For 20+ years, life had a clear structure—school, college, summer breaks. But after graduation? There’s no syllabus, no grades, and no set path forward. The uncertainty of post-grad life can feel overwhelming, and the pressure to have everything figured out only makes it harder.

In this episode, I’m joined by Michaela, a writer whose reflections on this transition resonated deeply with me. Together, we unpack the post-grad fog—why i...

In part two of The Grown-Ups Are Talking anniversary celebration, we’re continuing our look back at the past year with a compilation of highlights from episodes focused on post-grad life. From career uncertainty and shifting friendships to redefining success, body image, and mental health, this episode revisits some of the most insightful conversations about the realities of adulthood. Join me as we reflect on the lessons, challeng...

Dating apps can feel like an endless cycle of swiping, ghosting, and disappointing first dates—but is real love actually possible online? With Valentine’s Day around the corner, we’re diving into the highs and lows of app dating, why so many of us give up, and whether finding “the one” is still possible in a digital world. If you’ve ever debated deleting the apps for good, this episode is for you! Tune in, and don’t forget to share...

It’s been one year since The Grown-Ups Are Talking launched! To celebrate, I’m looking back at some of the best moments from the first year of the podcast. In this part 1, I revisit episodes on adult friendships, romantic relationships, career dreams, and mental health. Plus, I reflect on how my perspective has shifted over time. If you’ve been here since the start—or if you’re just joining—this episode is a perfect way to relive t...

In this episode, we're kicking off part one of a special two-part collaboration with Marissa, host of Hurdling Through Hard Times. We dive deep into the mental health challenges that come with transitioning into adulthood.

From leaving behind familiar routines and support systems to taking on new responsibilities and navigating the uncertainty of the future, we're exploring the complexities that make this phase of life so challengi...

In this short solo episode, I reflect on 2024—from graduating college and starting my career to navigating life’s challenges and celebrating personal growth. I also share my goals and hopes for 2025, including turning 24, moving to London, and building routines that support my dreams. I hope my reflections resonate with you and inspire you to think about your own journey.

Let’s close out the year together and look ahead to what’s n...

In Episode 11 of The Grown-Ups Are Talking, I sit down with some of my coworkers to reflect on what it’s been like navigating the first six months of working life after graduation. We talk about the challenges, adjustments, and small victories that come with stepping into adulthood and starting our careers.

This episode offers an honest look at what it’s like figuring things out in this new phase of life—because, let’s be real, non...

In Episode 3 of Adulting 101, we’re tackling a major milestone in the journey to adulthood: landing your first job. From building work experience and networking effectively to acing interviews, this episode breaks down each step with practical, actionable tips to help you navigate the job market with confidence. Learn how to build a standout resume, create meaningful connections, and approach your job search strategically. Whether ...

In the latest episode of "The Grown-Ups Are Talking" mini-series, Adulting 101, we dive into the essentials of personal finance. From budgeting basics to investing and managing credit, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you take control of your finances. Whether you're just starting your financial journey or looking to sharpen your money management skills, this episode offers straightforward advice on ...

Welcome to the first episode of our new mini-series, ‘Adulting 101,’ from ‘The Grown-Ups Are Talking.’ In this episode, we tackle one of the essential skills for any young adult: cooking a basic meal. Whether you're short on time or money, knowing how to prepare a simple dish like pasta can be a lifesaver. We'll guide you step-by-step through the process of making pasta, from boiling water to adding sauce (it's that simple). Join u...