A podcast about navigating the reality of adulthood, career doubts, friendships, love, burnout, and the constant question of “what’s next?” Honest conversations about figuring life out as you go.
New episodes every Thursday at 9AM PST
Hosted by Mariette Gervitz and Eva Reyman
YouTube | @adultbydefaultpod
Instagram | @adultbydefaultpod
TikTok | @adultbydefaultpod
Welcome to Episode 9 of Adult by Default! In this episode, we’re talking about traveling, studying abroad, and how stepping outside of your routine can completely shift your perspective on life. From culture shock and homesickness to newfound independence, friendships, confidence, and unforgettable memories, we dive into the highs, lows, and unexpected lessons that come with exploring or living somewhere new.
We’ll dive into our own experiences studying abroad in college, and as well as how our perspective on travel and how our relationship with this has shifted during our adult life. This week’s episode will discuss the lessons we learned while studying abroad, as well as our belief in the importance of travel and exploring new cultures more generally.
So fasten your seatbelts and prepare for takeoff, because today, we’re jet setting across the globe!
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@evareyman
21 May 2026
Episode 8: If You Don’t Ask, You’ll Never Know
Welcome to Episode 8! This week, we’re talking about advocating for yourself. Every day, in every way, all the time. We dive into everything from school to relationships to career, and why it’s important to speak up for yourself in every area of your life.
Advocating for yourself doesn’t always look like a big, confident moment—sometimes it’s just saying the small thing you’ve been holding in. In this episode, we’ll also explore the ways society has conditioned us to act and how learning to speak up can change everything. From boundaries to self-trust, we talk about finding your voice, honoring what you actually want, and letting go of the need to be understood by everyone. Because the goal isn’t to control the outcome—it’s to stop staying silent.
Whether you’re just starting your adulthood journey, or you’re a seasoned vet, speaking up and advocating for yourself is a necessity. We believe in you!
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@evareyman
7 May 2026
Episode 7: Love, Pressure & The Art of Not Settling
Hi everyone and welcome to Episode 7 of Adult by Default! Today we will be talking about love, relationships, and not settling. Have you ever wondered whether there was a specific timeline that your relationship should follow, or if it’s even going in the right direction? If you have, this episode is for you!
From questioning whether we’re “behind” to figuring out what it actually means to not settle, we unpack the pressure to have it all figured out—especially when it comes to dating and long-term relationships. We talk about how knowing yourself changes everything and how to trust your own timing, rather than focusing on someone else’s. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re waiting too long or not asking for enough, we’ve got you covered.
We discuss relationship pressure, compromise versus losing yourself, and the invisible checklist and timeline that comes with relationships. As always, grab your coziest sweatpants, head on over to your couch, and join us for another thrilling ride!
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@evareyman
30 Apr 2026
Episode 6: Surviving This Job Market & Reinventing Yourself
Welcome to Episode 6 of Adult By Default! Today, we’re getting honest about what it feels like to navigate careers in a time where the world feels unstable, expectations are high, and the path forward isn’t always obvious. We talk about reinvention—whether that’s switching paths, starting over, or just changing your mindset—and ponder if this is a planned or natural process.
We explore the pressure to have a perfect career path, the reality of changing directions, and how to embrace growth even when it feels uncomfortable. This episode dives into the pressure to pick one path and the pitfalls of feeling behind in today’s world. We discuss the corporate world and how jobs are shifting in the current market, and talk about letting go of timelines and taking small steps toward a version of your life that actually feels aligned.
Reinvention can mean something as small as a shift in perspective, to something as major as an entire career change. If you’ve ever felt stuck, behind, or unsure what you’re even working toward, this episode is for you. So sit back, get comfortable, and join us for another fun-filled ride on the rollercoaster that is adulthood!
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@evareyman
23 Apr 2026
Episode 5: Adulting on a Budget
Hi friends! Today we are discussing finances, budget, and all things money-related during adulthood.
Have you ever felt behind because you haven’t bought a house yet, or chose not to go out to dinner to afford rising gas prices? Well, this episode is for you. This week, we dive into the reality of living as an adult in today’s economy and what this means for us.
From feeling like we should have extra cash to the pressure of buying a home, we talk through the gap between expectations and today’s economy. When did the world change so much that a cup of coffee is $10? Is buying a house an attainable goal in today’s world? We also dive into how to deal with feeling behind or left out and why financial timelines aren’t one-size-fits-all. Stay tuned, because we also share our favorite things to budget for!
So join us as we ponder financial questions and share our experiences with budgeting as an adult, because as you know, we’re still figuring it out along the way.
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@evareyman
16 Apr 2026
Episode 4: Are We Allowed To Have Hobbies Anymore?
Join us for episode 4 of Adult by Default!
This week, it’s all about hobbies. We’re exploring how hobbies and personal interests shape a more fulfilling adult life. We talk about the very real benefits of hobbies, such as reducing stress, increasing creativity, boosting confidence, and contributing to overall joy.
We also discuss how hobbies don’t need to have a set definition or meet certain criteria—they can simply exist to make you feel good. Whether it’s a creative outlet, a physical activity, or something as random as candle making, having activities you enjoy and can make your own significantly improves your overall well-being.
Stay tuned because we’re also starting the episode with a life update and sharing what we’re been up to lately. Hint: class is officially in session…So hop in this car, buckle up, and join us for another episode exploring the adulthood rollercoaster!
If you have any thoughts on this episode or other topics you’d like to hear about, let us know in the comments below!
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9 Apr 2026
Episode 3: Adult Friendships
Welcome to Episode 3 of Adult by Default!
Today, we’ll be talking about navigating friendships in adulthood. We’ll discuss how they change and grow, and how we form meaningful connections as an adult. And let’s be honest, it’s not as simple as it used to be.
Adulthood presents many opportunities—and challenges—as far as friendships are concerned. We want to illuminate these and talk about them in an open and fun space, from our living room to yours.
So join us on this journey as we explore friendships, talk about our own experiences, and plan for a future full of lifelong friends!
Please let us know your thoughts on this episode, and any other topics you’d like to hear about in the comments below!
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2 Apr 2026
Episode 2: Redefining Success
Welcome to Episode 2 of Adult by Default!
We’re so thrilled to be talking about all things success.
In this episode, we’re unpacking how our idea of success has evolved from what we thought growing up and saw in the media, to what truly feels right now. We reflect on the expectations we were taught to chase–money, titles, and external validation–and how those markers don’t always align with internal and genuine fulfillment.
This conversation is all about redefining success on your own terms–letting go of outdated definitions, embracing authenticity, and using your own measures to define your success.
Please let us know what you think in the comments below, and if there are any other topics you’d like us to talk about!
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26 Mar 2026
Episode 1: Expectation vs. Reality
Welcome to our living room🛋️
We’re so excited to have you here as we talk about what it really means to navigate adulthood.
Let’s be honest, no one truly prepares you for this phase of life. You grow up watching TV shows and movies thinking adulthood is going to look one way… and then suddenly you’re here, in your mid-twenties, still trying to figure it all out.
Whoever said you’d have everything figured out by now was honestly hallucinating 😅
So put on your comfiest PJs and join Mariette and Eva for an open, honest conversation about adulting, the ups, the downs, and everything in between.
We’re all figuring it out as we go, and we’re so excited to do it together!
If there are specific topics you’d like us to talk about, drop them in the comments, we’d love to hear from you!
Follow Adult by Default:
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@evareyman
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