8. homesick

12. my erasmus experience (wrapped up)

This week’s episode is part two of my Erasmus experience-  but recorded now, four months later, after it’s all done. Instead of first impressions, this one is about the bigger reflections that only came with time. I talk about what Erasmus actually taught me, what changed in me along the way, and the conclusions I’ve been able to make now that I have some distance from it all.  If you’ve ever finished a chapter and only understood it once it was over, this one’s for you. Make sure to follow The 20s Lens on Spotify so you don’t miss future episodes 🤍 If you’d like to share your own experiences or thoughts with me, feel free to reach out on Instagram @the20slenspodcast -I’d love to hear from you.

11. existential crisis (I'm back)

After over a month away… I’m back. The past weeks have been full of stress, anxiety & and not really knowing what’s next. I felt a little stuck, a little overwhelmed, and definitely overthinking everything - which led to a minor existential crisis. This episode is a casual catch-up on where I’ve been mentally, what spiraled in my head, and why sometimes disappearing is just part of figuring things out. No dramatic life revelations, just honest thoughts and a soft reset. Make sure to follow The 20s Lens on Spotify so you don’t miss future episodes 🤍 If you’d like to share your own experiences or thoughts with me, feel free to reach out on Instagram @the20slenspodcast -I’d love to hear from you.

10. get me off of social media

I am a social media addict, and honestly, it’s hard not to be. Today I decided to talk about our social media use nowadays and reflect on the growing “offline” trend that is becoming the new "cool". I also dive into the performative nature of online spaces, the idea of digital detoxing, and some pros and cons of going offline. I share the small actions I’m trying to turn into habits to use social media more intentionally and less often- because trust me, I’m there ALL THE TIME. Below you can find a small poll that will help me improve my podcast further. All answers are appreciated and considered! If you’d like to share your own experiences or thoughts with me, feel free to reach out on Instagram @a.cholewaa - I’d love to hear from you!

9. hurt people, hurt people

Last week, I rewatched a certain movie that really shifted my focus toward villains and the phrase “hurt people, hurt people.” While looking into it further, I learned how pain and trauma can actually alter our brains- and how that often translates into our behavior. In this episode, alongside sharing what I discovered, I reflect on unhealed pain, emotional reactions, and why hurt people sometimes end up hurting others. If you’d like to share your own experiences or thoughts with me, feel free to reach out on Instagram @a.cholewaa - I’d love to hear from you!

8. homesick

My initial plan for this episode was completely different but it didn’t feel right to talk about other things when I felt so out of place. So Instead, in this episode, I talk about being homesick and all the feelings that come with it. Confusion, unfamiliarity, and the newness of emotions. I reflect on what it’s like to sit with feelings you don’t fully understand yet and question your own reactions. If you’ve ever felt homesick or emotionally lost, this short episode is a gentle space to pause and reflect. If you’d like to share your own experiences or thoughts with me, feel free to reach out on Instagram @a.cholewaa - I’d love to hear from you!