Running might seem like a solo sport - something we do to clear our heads, hit a goal, or just survive another cardio session. But recently, a new kind of running culture has emerged: one built not on competition, but community. Enter the run club - part fitness, part social ritual, part emotional anchor for a generation craving structure, connection, and purpose. In today’s episode, we explore the quiet psychology of run clubs and why so many of us are drawn to group movement. Whether it’s about healing, identity, accountability, or just having somewhere to be on a Tuesday night, run clubs have become far more than just exercise. They’re spaces of transformation - not just for our bodies, but for our emotional landscapes.

We explore:
• The rise of run clubs as a cultural and social movement
• Connection, identity, and accountability through group movement
• Group belonging and the act of completing a challenge
• Are run clubs the new dating app?
• Run club exclusivity
• The social validation of ‘kudos’

Whether you’re a dedicated runner or someone who wonders why their local park is flooded with Hokas (other brands are available) - this episode is for you.

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Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast

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.

Me and my phone are in a toxic relationship, let me explain...

ORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean

Follow Jemma on Instagram (ironic for this episode, I know): @jemmasbeg

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast

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.

We’ve all heard the phrase “you are what you eat,” but what if it’s more accurate to say “you feel what you eat”? Behind every meal, snack, or sugar crash is an intricate, fascinating connection between your brain and your gut - one that science is only just beginning to fully understand. In today’s episode, we explore the gut-brain axis: the real, two-way communication system that links your digestive health to your mental well-being. From serotonin production in your intestines to the surprising impact of fermented foods, we break down how what you eat influences your mood, focus, anxiety levels, and emotional regulation - and how your emotions, in turn, influence what you reach for in the fridge.

We explore:
• The gut-brain axis
• Why gut microbes might be responsible for your mood swings
• Foods that support mental health - and ones that can destabilize it
• Cycle syncing, cravings, and emotional shifts
• The psychology of emotional eating and comfort food
• How food morality and rigid diets can harm your mental well-being
• How to find balance in the food noise

Whether you’re curious about how to eat for a better mood, or want to feel more connected to your body, this episode is for you.

For further resources: https://butterfly.org.au/

ORDER MY BOOK, Person in Progress: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean

Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast

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.