Abby Thayananthan - Podcast Details

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The Grown-Ups Are TalkingEp 27: Quitting your Job (or thinking about it)In this episode, Abby Thayananthan speaks with guests Brennan Vacek and Kaushal Gokare to explore the complexities of navigating early career paths, job satisfaction, and the decision to leave a job. They discuss the importance of workplace culture, the balance between idealism and reality in work, and the role of personal values in shaping career choices. The conversation emphasizes the significance of self-reflection and the need to evaluate one's job satisfaction regularly, while also acknowledging the challenges faced by many young adults in the workforce today.Chapters00:00 Navigating the Transition to Adulthood 2025-07-3059 min

The Grown-Ups Are TalkingEp 26: Why Did the Grown-Ups Start Talking? (A Proper Introduction)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 law and podcasting-- with many unknowns still to come—Abby explores how we make sense of adulthood when the path forward isn't always clear. She al...2025-07-1623 min

The Grown-Ups Are TalkingEp 25: Your Adulting Questions (Should You Pivot Careers?)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 professional development.Chapters00:00 Introduction from LA: A New Segment Begins02:38 Navigating Career Pivots: When to Stay or Go11:26 The Journey of Moving Abroad: Independence and...2025-07-0237 min

The Grown-Ups Are TalkingEp 24: Making Cents of Your 20s: Essential Money Advice with Al ZdenekIn 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 Club app, an app designed to help young people manage their finances effectively.Subscribe to The Grown-Ups Are Talking so you never miss an episode, and follow us on...2025-06-1852 min

The Grown-Ups Are TalkingEp 23: Life in Transition (Retreats, Relocations, and Returning Home)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 what it was like to open up around a fireplace with a group of 20-somethings about discernment vs. consolation, adulthood anxi...2025-06-0420 min

The Grown-Ups Are TalkingEp 22: Making Your Mark in Your Twenties (The Startup Bug)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 importance of taking risks, learning through failure, and the transformative impact of startups on their self-identity and personal growth. They reflect on the balance between pursuing meaningful work and the sacrifices made in terms of stability and...2025-05-2137 min

The Grown-Ups Are TalkingEp 21: The Advice You Wish You Had, From Your Gen Z BestieHave 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 joined by Magan, the amazing founder of yourgenZbestie, a platform that began as a TikTok acc...2025-05-0739 min

The Grown-Ups Are TalkingEp 20: Adult Playtime (not that kind)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 life — one wrapping up university, and one a year into the working world. We talk about the hobbies...2025-04-2338 min

The Grown-Ups Are TalkingEp 19: Long-Distance, Real Love: Relationships in the Adult WorldIn 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 the lessons learned along the way. We unpack what it really takes to stay connected, how to communicate better, and why long-distance might actually make your rela...2025-04-0948 min

The Grown-Ups Are TalkingEp 18: Growing Up in the City That Never SleepsMoving 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 independence, resilience, and our understanding of adulthood. Is the hustle worth it? Does the city make you feel more capabl...2025-03-2641 min

The Grown-Ups Are TalkingEp 17: No Roadmap, No Rules: Navigating Post-Grad UncertaintyFor 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 it feels so unsettling, how to navigate the unknown, and what it really means to build confidence when the future feels unclear.If you’ve ever fe...2025-03-1238 min

The Grown-Ups Are TalkingEp 16: 1 year of TGUAT! (Part 2)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, challenges, and surprises that come with navigating life after college!2025-02-2623 min

The Grown-Ups Are TalkingEp 15: From Swipe to Success? Finding Love in the Age of Dating AppsDating 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 your own dating app experiences with us by leaving a comment below.2025-02-1244 min

The Grown-Ups Are TalkingEp 14: 1 year of TGUAT!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 the highlights! 2025-01-2938 min

The Grown-Ups Are TalkingEp 13: Mental Healthing through Adulthood (Part 1)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 challenging- and so relatable. Be sure to tune in to part two on Hurdling Through Hard Times, where we'll discuss practical strategies and tips for overcoming these hurdles and...2025-01-0834 min

The Grown-Ups Are TalkingEp 13: Mental Healthing Through Adulthood (Part 1)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 challenging—and so relatable. Be sure to tune in to part two on Hurdling Through Hard Times, where we’ll discuss practical strategies and tips for overcoming these hu...2025-01-0834 min

The Grown-Ups Are TalkingEp 12: 2024 Reflections – A Year of AdultingIn 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 next!2024-12-2818 min

The Grown-Ups Are TalkingEp 11: The Working Life... 6 Months InIn 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, none of us have it all together. Whether you’re just starting out or looking back on your own early career day...2024-12-1151 min

The Grown-Ups Are TalkingEp 11: The Working Life... 6 months inIn 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, none of us have it all together. Whether you’re just starting out or looking back on your own early career day...2024-12-0951 min

The Grown-Ups Are TalkingAdulting 101 Ep 3: How to get a jobIn 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 you’re just starting out or looking to make a career shift, tune in for insights to get your foot in the door and jumpstart your career.2024-11-1315 min

The Grown-Ups Are TalkingAdulting 101 Ep 2: Master your MoneyIn 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 building an emergency fund, understanding investment options, and making the most of your credit cards. Tune in to get the foundational knowledge you need to confidently navigate your financial future!2024-08-2112 min

The Grown-Ups Are TalkingAdulting 101 Ep 1: Your First Adult MealWelcome 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 us as we take the first step in mastering adulting basics. Next time, we'll dive into managing your finances. Tune in and get ready to conquer adulthoo...2024-08-0804 min

The Grown-Ups Are TalkingAdulting 101: trailer!Struggling with basic adulting tasks like managing finances, cooking on a budget, or getting stains out of laundry? Welcome to Adulting 101, our new mini-series offering quick, actionable tips for everyday challenges. Each episode is under 10 minutes, perfect for busy schedules. Share your suggestions on TikTok @thegrownupsaretalkingpod or email thegrownupsaretalkingpod@gmail.com. Subscribe on Spotify and let's make adulting a little easier together!2024-07-2401 min

The Grown-Ups Are TalkingEp 10: Body Talk (Part 2)In part two of our exploration of body image, we delve deeper into the complexities of the adult experience with my guests, Xhuliana and Maya. Building on our previous episode, where Judah shared insights into body perception and control, this episode focuses on the nuances of the female and queer bodies, and their profound impact on sex, relationships, and personal identity. Xhuliana and Maya join us for a candid discussion on how societal expectations and personal journeys shape their relationships with their bodies. From navigating intimacy to challenging stereotypes, we explore how the intersectionality of gender and...2024-07-101h 19

The Grown-Ups Are TalkingEp 9: Body TalkIn today's episode, we dive deep into the complex landscape of body image. From childhood to adulthood, our perceptions of ourselves are shaped by a myriad of influences—family, friends, cultural norms, and societal expectations—all contributing to how we view our physical selves. Join us as we share personal stories and reflections on our own body image journeys. From struggling with weight and acne during formative years to navigating societal pressures and media influences, we unpack the factors that shape how we feel about our bodies. We'll delve into the impact of gender, cultural back...2024-06-1934 min

The Grown-Ups Are TalkingEp 8: Ambition, Success, and How to ThriveIn this episode of The Grown-Ups Are Talking, we explore the fascinating topic of ambition. From early school days, we recognize those who are especially driven—teacher's pets, top achievers, and go-getters. Ambition isn't a trait that suddenly appears in adulthood; it's something many carry throughout their lives. As we grow, our attitudes towards ambition and success begin to shape our paths, leading to diverse life trajectories. Join Rosa, Kanika, and me for a thoughtful conversation on how ambition influences our lives and the many ways it manifests. If you’re new to the show, be sure to h...2024-06-061h 01

The Grown-Ups Are TalkingEp 7: We just graduated!We just graduated!!! In this episode, Abby talks with some of her peers from the class of 2024, Yumtso Bhum and Maya Nalawade, about what it means to have just graduated. Graduation means entering a void- a scary, unfamiliar, expansive new phase of our lives, otherwise known as 'adulthood'. They discuss their experiences of graduation, this elusive transitional period, and what their post-grad selves might look like. 2024-05-2252 min

The Grown-Ups Are TalkingEp 6: Money, money, moneyMoney plays a huge role in your experience as a young adult and in the transition into adulthood. Money can define your status as an adult; essentially, once you are no longer reliant on your parents to pay for stuff, you might consider yourself an adult- and justifiably so. But beyond this, money plays a huge role in our perception of ourselves as an adult because of all of the emotional and logistical baggage it brings. When you’re navigating adulthood, all sorts of privileges and freedoms you can and can’t enjoy are a direct result of money or a...2024-05-081h 11

The Grown-Ups Are TalkingEp 5: Mental Healthing into AdulthoodIn this episode, we're thinking about the impacts on our mental health and how we take care of our mental health during the transition into adulthood. This phase of our lives can take a significant toll on people’s mental health because it is often a period of great uncertainty and instability, and almost inevitably of change. Your routines might have to evolve to accommodate a new job, or the support systems you’ve maintained may look entirely different as you learn to let go of past relationships and develop new ones. We anticipate various factors that might impact our...2024-04-2449 min

The Grown-Ups Are TalkingEp 4: Off the Beaten TrackToday, Abby speaks with Lily Glaser and Katie Mae, two individuals who veered off the conventional path and chose to navigate adulthood on their own terms. They did not stick to the beaten track; instead, they ventured off onto the path less traveled. 2024-03-2743 min

The Grown-Ups Are TalkingEp 3: Big Dreams and Selling OutThis episode is all about careers, big dreams, the job hunt, and that whole headache. This episode topic felt so important when thinking about adulthood because to me, no matter how old I am, I don’t think I will truly feel like an adult unless I am financially independent, and have a full-time, big-girl career. I think that your job is the meat of what it means to be an adult. Clara Falkowska, Ainsley Dean, and Madalyn Hay are my wonderful guests in this episode. They’ve each had their various struggles with the job hunt proc...2024-02-2855 min

The Grown-Ups Are TalkingEp 2: Adult relationships, part 2 (romantic relationships)In the second half of our two-part series on adult relationships, Abby gets together with Brennan Vacek, Nyra Wise, and Adela Zhou to chat about all things romance. They dive into how adult relationships can sometimes feel like a whole new ballgame compared to the ones they've had before. But while adult relationships may be more future-focused and carry a sense of greater responsibility, does that necessarily have to be the case? The team also gets real about the pressure they’ve faced from friends and family when it comes to their relationship status. Finally, they wrap up their di...2024-02-1445 min

The Grown-Ups Are TalkingEp 1: Adult Relationships, part 1 (friendships)Friendships just aren't the same when you become adults... your best friend moves an ocean away for work, your busy schedule makes it hard to stay connected, and sometimes your values are just no longer compatible. In this first part of a two-part episode on adult relationships, Abby invites Gabrielle Darisme and Isaiah Colmenero to consider how friendships transform as we become adults, and how friendships transform us as young adults... 2024-01-3124 min

The Grown-Ups Are TalkingTrailer- The Adult World is ScaryWelcome to The Grown-Ups are Talking! In each episode, I'll be inviting a diverse host of guests to chat with me about all things adulthood- working life, adult relationships, finding yourself, and a whole lot more. I am SO excited to bring you along on this journey through adulthood with me! 2024-01-1403 min

Pod-Tone 292The Extra Baggage International Students CarryInternational students face a variety of challenges, from adapting to different educational styles, to confronting language and cultural barriers, but navigating visa concerns is perhaps the most daunting. Audio reporter Abby Thayananthan speaks to four international students to understand some of the challenges they face and their experiences as international students considering their future. Credits: • Script edited by Claire Schnatterbeck • Audio produced by Justin Chan • Music by Obi Okoli • Illustration by Chiara GuigouFollow us on Instagram @SpectatorPodcasts and check out our other episodes!2023-05-0117 min

The EarPerception vs. Reality: Student Crime Fears in NYCIn this episode of The Ear, reporter Alicia Theologides Rodriguez speaks with Columbia students from many backgrounds to better understand how fear impacts the way that they navigate New York. This episode explores the underlying reasons for different students’ fears in an attempt to understand why there are discrepancies between the fears of students and New York Crime trends. Credits: • Script edited by Natalie Goldberg, Avery Reed, Claire Schnatterbeck, Abby Thayananthan • Audio produced by Matthew Schwitzer • Music State of the World - Makaih Beats The Ear Theme 2023-03-2227 min

The EarRAs at Columbia: The Trials and TriumphsFrom connections to horror stories, and from perks to unionizing. Resident Advisors, otherwise known as as RAs, navigate a complex role in a residential community. They are students like any other, and yet they are also responsible for ensuring the well-being of their peers, and even policing them when necessary. The complexities of the role are complicated even further by financial considerations, time commitment, and so much more. In this Ear episode, reporter Abby Thayananthan speaks with current and former RAs to discuss the job as well as the unionizing, a hot topic on campus right now. 2023-02-2833 min

Pod-Tone 292The grownups are talking: a taste of working lifeIn the second episode of “The Grownups are Talking,” reporter Abby Thayananthan, CC ’24, invites Narayan Kini, CC ’24, and Maya Nalawade, CC ’24, to reflect on their experiences working over the summer. In many ways, interning over the summer involves adapting to a lifestyle that is very foreign to us as college students but very normal to adults. We learned that adulting requires skills such as the ability to prioritize and balance multiple commitments and that ultimately, you learn a lot from just being thrown into it. This episode was produced by Chase Cutarelli.2022-11-1626 min

Pod-Tone 292The grownups are talking: moving away from homeAs college students, we’re approaching the weird and wonderful period of our lives that is adulthood. But the label “adult” is one that carries so much weight and we are often afraid to assign it to ourselves. In this episode of “The grownups are talking,” reporter Abby Thayananthan invites fellow students and young “adults” Ruby Lark Mendelsund and Anna Olivia Sommer to share their personal stories and thoughts about moving away from home, a catalyst for adulthood for many of us. In particular, they discuss how a geographical shift, or lack thereof, may impact one’s perception of their own indepe...2022-04-2020 min