Navigating your twenties is pure chaos—no guidebook in sight. But I'm not here to hand you one either.
Instead, I've got the lowdown on what NOT to do, based entirely on my own (sometimes disastrous) experiences.
Is it a podcast or a diary? Well, it’s both!
Tune in as I (in full denial about growing up) and my guests dive into the real challenges of your twenties. From surviving on your own, handling loneliness, romance, and all the absurd, confusing bits in between.
Not sold on the advice of a 22-year-old with a thick Derry accent? Go ask your Granny instead.
"I didn't say no, but I did not want to" (Consent Chat)
This is an episode of my podcast, How Not To Twenty. Available on Spotify, Apple and Amazon music.This week, we’re delving into a complex and deeply personal topic that’s been on my mind — especially with April being Sexual Assault Awareness Month and reflecting on Netflix's "Adolescence".However, this is not an episode about SA, but instead about consent — and how, as a young woman, there can be moments where you’ve shared an experience that, deep down, you didn’t truly want.While creating this episode, I realized I’ve never actually had a healthy, open conversation about consent — and that’s exactly why this felt so important to share with you.We explore themes like rejection culture, self-worth, and the lack of meaningful education around what consent really looks and feels like.If anything discussed in this episode resonates or brings up difficult feelings, I’ve included links to organizations and services that support people dealing with related challenges.Links:Womens Aid: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwzMi_BhACEiwAX4YZUPHZJLrsbxol0ywl64byIhZmDC2gxVsALL76ee8Dg-_7DDsaNyQYAhoCiBsQAvD_BwEMale Survivor Partnership: https://malesurvivor.co.uk/Victim Support: https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/NSPCC: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/ 🎙️ @_catriona_walshx_
2 Feb 2025
At what age will I wise up?? (Turning 23)
It's been a bit more than A MINUTE...
But what else has it been? A year since I started this silly little podcast (Or long extended voice note, depending on how you view it)
This started as something I used to do from my bed in Derry and now it's something I do from my bed in London! How bizzare.
This week I recap the chaotic year of the first year of this podcast. I am honest about some of the things that happened off the mic and I am talking about all things growing older and realising how little of a clue I have as to what's ahead of me.
And I consider going to a psyche...
So yes, it's been an odd few months since we last spoke...
See ya next week
(hopefully)
C x
2 Oct 2024
15. My relationship with my 20's body.
At 17, I stood on a TED stage and told my younger self that “body changes are normal, and at 11, there are many more to come.” What I didn’t realize? That advice would hit way harder at 22.
This week, we’re diving into my 20’s body journey – from navigating changes with health issues, to reconnecting with my inner child, and (spoiler alert) why my early university outfit choices will NOT see the light of day again.
Sending all the love to you and your lil body.
See you next week!
C x
20 Sept 2024
14. He's just not that into you; no but really, he's not.
Hello my loves! Today, we’re diving headfirst into crush culture in your twenties—because let’s be real, the word “crush” is spot-on. It’s CRUSHING.
You all (weirdly) love when we get into these relationship-and-dating girly chats, so I’m here to give you a solid laugh (and some reassurance) about how having a crush can turn your brain into a complete head-wreck.
In this episode, I’ll be spilling the tea on how I humble myself when I start catching feelings, tips for putting yourself first, and also confess my childhood crushes (yes, Edward Cullen’s poster might make a comeback).
12 Sept 2024
13. Life After Uni: When Student Discounts Ghost You
This week, we’re diving into diplomas and disasters—because, as a graduate life after university hit me like a ton of bricks! (shocker)...
Welcome back to How Not to Twenty! After a little summer break, I’m back and better than ever, with fresh new branding and—drumroll, please—the official video launch (studio pending, of course)!
In this episode, I’m tackling the chaos of post-university life—shifting routines, the dreaded September blues, and all the uncertainty that comes with it. But the best part? We’re in this together!
Lemme know in the comments if you are feeling this way too or if you have any advice for university withdrawal sydrome.
See you next week,
C x
25 Jul 2024
12. The reality of loneliness in your 20's.
As season 1 of HNT20 wraps I'd love to do something big and dramatic like the Brooke Schofield effect (maybe one day lol, there's still time) but instead, I am ending this season as it started; talking about navigating your twenties on your own.
As university came to a close and adult life (debt) hit me up the face, I realised that this era of my life can sometimes be extremely lonely. Weirdly a lot of my friends are feeling it too.
But I feel like no one or nothing really prepares you for that feeling either?
So this week I talk you through my little brain's perspective on loneliness; my experience with feeling lonely, how socially awkward I can be (even as a yapper) and how to deal with it in your twenties.
Sending you lots of love and I cannot wait for you to see what we have in store for szn 2 (Back in just a couple of weeks)
C x
11 Jul 2024
11. Married, Kids and Retired at 22??? (Love)
This week I learnt that love is very much my vice (and this is not a good thing my friends).
In this episode we talk about all things romance in your 20's and why I love, love!! A wee cutesy episode, sure why not.
Just to be clear I am not retiring... (one can dream), instead we're talking about my dellusional about lovergirl energy.
We also talk about is it better to have a Ross and Rachel type of relationship or Chandler and Monica? And lastly, we also discuss the beauty of relearning what you want from love after breakups.
Lots of love,
C x
4 Jul 2024
10. Things you need to know about breakups in your 20’s.
As you all love our relationship chats, on our tenth episode let’s take a U-turn and talk BIG BAD BREAKUPS. The worst part of being young and fun?
In this week's episode, I confess to you about heartbreak at 15 and how I posted WAY too many sad Instagram quotes about it. And am I ashamed? Yes.
We also talk about real love, self-value outside of beauty and how to accept reality in a very cloudy time; everyone experiences heartbreak at some stage. Consider this episode a virtual hug.
P.S: I even recorded this one from lovely little Chelsea (How Not To Twenty on tour, if you will)
Lots of love,
C x
24 Jun 2024
9. 'It’s nice to be nice’ (kindness)
She’s giving happy little hippie this week, but I mean am I complaining?? This week I’m talking about my perspective on adapting a kinder mentality whilst also having boundaries in your 20s. This includes delving into not letting your emotions overpower you, especially during a very turbulent and hormonal era of life.
We also talk about retiring and getting married at 22, why my dad is a walking marshmallow and the Bojack Horseman side of TikTok.
There is lots to talk about…so as Morgan would say ‘it’s always nice to be nice’.
Lots of love
C x
13 Jun 2024
8. How NOT to lose yourself in your 20's.
In an era of life where everything is constantly changing and it’s hard to keep up, let’s talk about how NOT to lose yourself in the process (something I am very much not an expert in).
In this episode we talk healing, having faith in humanity, onions, Hannah Montana and my behind… an interesting mix???
Tune in to find out how all these things link together.
P.S. If you are going through a bit of turbulence this is your reminder to be kind to your little mind, body and soul and if you won’t be, I bloody will for you!!
Lots of love,
C x
6 Jun 2024
7. You are a Ferrari mentality (Self Worth Chat)
Guess who’s back?? Back again (no actually cut out the cringe we’re not doing that on here Catriona??)
This is clearly why I’m chatting about self-respect this week!! Massive L.....
Anyways… welcome back to the pod.
This week I am talking about tough times in the chaos of your twenties. Something I am no stranger too.
We talk about how to learn to treat your mind, body and soul better (something I’m STILL working on)
In this episode, I tell you about the week that everything went wrong (beautiful times that I loved reliving for you all).
I also talk about millennial meltdown and how to convince yourself you are a Ferrari.
Anyways, come with me on a little self-respect journey and chat all things talking good to yourself!
Love you always, C x
21 Mar 2024
6. How NOT to lose a guy in 10 days (situationships)
So you’re not in a relationship, but you’re dating someone? But they’re not your boyfriend? And haven’t expressed they want to be in a relationship with you?? But you’re low-key planning your wedding????
Welcome to situationships.(terminology that gives me the shivers)
Modern love; what a horrible thing. However, this lack of commitment seems to be a bit part of being in your twenties. Personally, It gives me the fear, but nonetheless, in usual How Not To Twenty fashion let’s chat it out.
1 Mar 2024
5. Can you FAKE confidence???
The question on my mind all the time is; How do you fake confidence? And if someone knows the answer will you PLEASE enlighten me???
In this episode, I talk about being extremely socially awkward and masking it. How to survive the pressures of fitting in with your peers and the secret of 'fake it to you make it'
We also talk about One Day on Netflix (because I know you are all hopeless romantics) and how to appreciate your natural beauty in your 20's.
C x
15 Feb 2024
4. How NOT to date in your 20's.
Happy day after Valentine’s/Galentine's/Mentine's, whatever your feeling Day my loves!
I can imagine you’re either super in your feels (lucky you) or you're probably glad to have another year until you see that much insufferable PDA in your Instagram stories?
I get you.
I’m playing Cupid this week and talking about how NOT to date in your twenties. Something I feel I have a good understanding of….
But anyway, let's talk about Paul Mescal’s dating advice, tips to get rid of dating nerves and how to decide if you’re ready to be in a relationship.
Enjoy listening to me bare my soul to you & see ya next week x
8 Feb 2024
3. Why I HATE Social Media
Welcome to a BIG rant about why I hate social media, on social media, aren’t I so humble and creative?
I am back on the podcast grind after a week of the flu, not fresher flu, unfortunately, real grown-up flu. Which is not a vibe.
In this episode, I talk about how social media is something I struggle with. I’ve never been comfortable with having a life online whilst also trying to keep my life offline.
Is this a universal experience? Because it causes me so much stress.
Also, bit of a trigger warning; really strong Irish accent in this one, don't know why, so enjoy!
25 Jan 2024
2. A very medium person.
Welcome back to another manic week in Catriona’s twenties.
In this episode, I discuss what it means to feel like a ‘medium’ type of person in your twenties. I also learnt the hard way that there is so much beauty in accepting that you are exactly where you’re meant to be right now.
We mourn that I am no longer 21 and also talk about how to reframe your perspective yourself. Most importantly I discuss why are we constantly comparing ourselves to others during our twenties. Especially when none of us have it figured out yet.
(Disclaimer: this episode features LOTS of complaining about being 22 however I had a wonderful birthday, I’m just being a hater)
18 Jan 2024
1. Being on your own is low key okay.
What better way to launch a podcast than talking about being a loner?? I joke, Welcome to How NOT to Twenty, a podcast where I talk you through all the turbulent but fun realities of being in your twenties.
In this episode I let you in on my secrets to being alone and how good it has been for me (even if I don't like to admit it). I even tell you about my U in biology, that's how honest I am being, (lucky you).
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41 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 33 / 100
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