Exiting Our Twenties
No one makes it through their twenties without a story to tell.
Exiting Our Twenties celebrates women at the start of a new chapter. Sharing the most meaningful stories from our twenties, we help younger women navigate their own while embracing the lessons we’ve learned. Together, we prepare for what's next and remind ourselves – the best is yet to come.
Interested in telling a story on the show?
Fill out the Google Form at ExitingOurTwenties.com (or grab the link below!)
Google Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/10Fr6Jf5c--BwLZ-UT06zxRFuKAmOpdJsX_eJ31j0KUA/edit
Exiting Our Twenties
Natalie's Story
In Episode 7, Natalie from Oregon shares how she learned to cope with the uncertainty of her twenties and overcame debilitating panic & anxiety attacks.
After graduating from college, Natalie felt immense pressure to make all the right choices, fearing one misstep could mess up the rest of her life. But a series of panic attacks threw a wrench in her plans. Sharing the coping strategies that worked for her, Natalie reminds us that when we face our fears head-on, let go of what we can’t change, and lean on the people who love us, we discover how resilient we truly are.
You’ll relate to Natalie’s story if you’ve ever:
- Felt the pressure to do everything right in your twenties
- Struggled with anxiety or panic attacks
- Resisted therapy out of fear of being labeled with a mental health disorder
- Reframed a diagnosis into something you could embrace
- Discovered simple solutions to calm yourself down during difficult moments
Resources from the Episode
Natalie’s Tools:*
- The Worry List: Set a 5-minute timer, write down everything bothering you; then cross off what’s outside your control, and make an action plan for what’s left
- Physical Grounding: Hold ice cubes or embrace something warm to bring yourself back to the present moment (practice safely, pls); put your feet up on the wall and breathe into your hands
- Bedtime Rituals: Build a nightly routine that works for you–consider stretching, journaling, reading, drinking water, and/or talking through your fears with a loved one
- Connection & Self-Care: Honor yourself and lean into supportive relationships (including professional therapists and counselors) when things get hard
*Listen to the episode for more! If you’re struggling with anxiety or mental health concerns, please seek support from a qualified healthcare provider.
Berkeley’s Book Rec:
The Anatomy of Anxiety: Understanding and Overcoming the Body’s Fear Response by Dr. Ellen Vora, MD
This is one of the most impactful books Berkeley read in her twenties. Psychiatrist Dr. Ellen Vora teaches us that “anxiety is not simply a brain disorder but a whole-body condition.” She shares the physical factors–including nutrition–that impact our mental health and empowers us with practical tools to support our bodies, manage, and even prevent anxiety.
Meet Your Host: Berkeley Joy Mashburn
Berkeley is a former political campaigner turned PR strategist turning 30 soon! After years of private scribbling and longing for the right outlet, she realized nothing inspires her more than intimate conversations with friends about their unique yet relatable lives. On Exiting Our Twenties, Berkeley interviews old friends and new about pivotal experiences in their twenties, to bring hope and confidence to women of all ages and remind those nearing thirty that the best is yet to come.
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Share Your Story
If you’re a woman in your late twenties or early thirties with a story to tell (trust us—everyone has one), fill out the guest form linked HERE or at ExitingOurTwenties.com. We’d love to hear from you!
