292 | Why You’re Not Behind, Based on New Brain Science on Adolescence and Adulthood

Have you ever felt like you’re somehow behind in life—like everyone else got the memo except you? In this episode, we unpack fascinating new brain science that completely reframes how we understand adolescence and adulthood. We explore research showing that adolescence doesn’t actually end in the late teens or early twenties, but can extend all the way into our early thirties. Through this lens, the uncertainty, exploration, and emotional ups and downs so many of us experience aren’t signs of failure—they’re signs of healthy brain development happening exactly as it’s designed to.

We talk about what’s really going on inside the brain during these formative years, why your experiences now are shaping the grounded, stable version of you that’s emerging, and how societal expectations can create unnecessary pressure along the way. What if not having it all figured out is actually part of the process? And what if your brain is still pruning, refining, and preparing you for the next phase of life on purpose? Join us for a reassuring, science-backed conversation that invites us to embrace the journey with a little more compassion, patience, and trust in our own timing.

Research / Articles Referenced:

1. Topological turning points across the human lifespan - https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-65974-8
2. Adolescence lasts into 30s - new study shows four pivotal ages for your brain - https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgl6klez226o