This week, we’re diving into Mel Robbins’ Let Them Theory—the mindset shift that’s been making my life so much easier. If you’ve ever felt frustrated by things out of your control, caught up in what others are doing, or constantly trying to manage situations that aren’t yours to manage, this episode is for you.
At the end of the day, there are two parts to every situation: what’s in your hands and what’s not. And the things that aren’t? Let them. Let go. Let yourself move forward.
Enjoy!! Xx
Instagram:
Tik Tok:
If you're wondering what to listen to when it comes to podcasts, start with these. I’ve been absolutely obsessed with the podcast space for the past 3.5 years, ever since I lived in Chicago. Podcasts have been my go-to for learning, laughing, and keeping me company, and these are the ones I’ve been hooked on lately:
Tinx: Let Go or Be Dragged and A Sermon on Summer Comparison—thoughtful takes on letting go, feeling good around the right people, and avoiding the trap of comparison. Mel Robbins: 13 Things I Wish I Knew in My 20s and The Let Them Theory—relatable advice for life, relationships, and finding peace by letting go of expectations. Giggly Squad: Giggling About Updates, Crying, and Stuff—proof that you can laugh about literally everything and not take life so seriously. Him & Her Podcast: Master Your Money & Secure Financial Freedom ft. Katy Song—practical tips for saving, building credit, and investing in your 20s. Diary of a CEO: The Effects of Dopamine ft. Dr. Anna Lembke—a fascinating deep dive into why we chase quick feel-good moments. Call Her Daddy: Lucy Hale: Sober Doesn’t Mean Boring—a refreshing look at redefining fun while living sober.
Instagram:
Tik Tok:
This week, we’re covering a little bit of everything—because life in your 20s is nothing if not chaotic. From the LA fires and the TikTok ban (spoiler: it’s not actually banned) to a recap of this year’s best sounds and trends (anyone else obsessed with “How lucky I am to be…”?), we’re reliving the moments that made us laugh, cringe, and feel all the feels.
But let’s get real: moving to a new city can flip your life upside down, and I’m opening up about what it’s been like two years after taking the leap. I’m sharing the good, the bad, and the awkward—how to actually make friends in a new city (hint: do it while doing something you already love), why putting in the effort early pays off, and how long it really takes for a new place to feel like home. Spoiler: it’s somewhere between casually crashing on your friend’s couch in sweats and finally having inside jokes with your crew.
Instagram:
Tik Tok:
2024: My Year in Review
This year was both incredibly social and deeply personal for me. I can break it down into three buckets: personal, career, and social. If I mapped it out on a graph, it started low, rose to mid, dipped low again, and is ending on a high note.
The theme I set for 2024 was “Letting Go.” I put my hands up and truly let go—learning to love myself and those around me more than I ever thought possible. This year healed me in ways I can’t fully put into words.
In this episode, I discuss the importance of a growth year and how even in a growth year, you can still have so much fun alongside the struggles. It’s never just one or the other—both can coexist and make the journey that much richer.
As I look ahead to 2025, my new theme is “Just a Little More Effort.” I’m so pleased with how 2024 ended that I know if I keep moving forward with just a little more effort, the results will be exponentially better. Maybe it’s about 1% better every day. It doesn’t have to be huge or groundbreaking because I believe the smallest changes are the most sustainable—and ultimately, the most impactful.
xx
Instagram:
Emma Riedl (@emmabriedl)
Tik Tok:
Does anyone know to navigate change perfectly? No. But here’s the thing: just because it’s tough doesn’t mean you have to feel completely lost in the process. Here I share practical ways to navigate change without hating every minute of it (though, no promises you won’t have those days too).
Instagram:
Tik Tok:
Plot twists, Cannon events, transformations, new opportunities. What will the October Theory have in store for you?
Instagram:
Tik Tok:
(but also a dump of people watching, sept. favs, fall wishlist, and the art of eavesdropping in public)
In this episode, Emma talks about how the mantra "quality over quantity" plays a major role in her life—from friendships, to plans, the media she consumes, and even how she applies for jobs. When we focus on doing more and more, it often distracts us from doing things well—or even enjoying them at all. Tune in as she reflects on why slowing down and prioritizing what truly matters makes all the difference. Enjoy!! xx
Show Notes:
Instagram:
Tik Tok:
Emma has been open on her journey of unemployment as she finds her next role. Each week she has been working on building her network, especially with female leaders. She got the best advice from a founder, investor, and early stage startup CEO on how to align yourself, use fear as fuel, and to create your own personal mission statement. Enjoy!xx
Show Notes:
Instagram:
Tik Tok:
Emma talks about the importance of having a hobby and caring about something for no one else other than yourself.
Cool People Have a Hobby:
-You learn to do things for yourself
-do it solely because you want to
-you become more interesting because it is cool to care about things!!!!
-gain depth and experience
-connect with people and make friends!!!
-made me gain confidence
Show Notes:
Instagram:
Tik Tok:
#63: This episode is being released after just hitting the one month mark of being laid off. It was recorded in real time capturing the emotions. Though it creates a wave of emotions at different times, I have been working to stay optimistic. It is rare to be put in a position at 25 to start over and figure out what I want next in a role. I do believe things happen for a reason, even if finding that reason feels like you're walking blindly at time. I am 25, I just got laid off, and this is how I am feeling. Enjoy! xx
Instagram:
Tik Tok:
#62: The rebrand moment! Who Actually Knows was the best beginner podcast project, but Emma is rebranding to a podcast name that feels more her and can grow through the different parts of life with her and you all!
The Art Of
I welcome you to The Art Of podcast, where we discuss the real and raw aspects of life in your 20s and beyond. As a twenty-something who has moved across the country, navigated the challenges of creating and maintaining friendships, experienced the highs and lows of love, changed jobs, lost jobs, and learned along the way, she's here to remind you that you're not alone. This isn't a strict rulebook on how to handle life, but rather a space to hear relatable experiences. Take what you need, leave what you don't. Enjoy! xx
Instagram:
Tik Tok:
This and...yap. This basically sums up the episode as Emma sits and talks about her fun life updates from the past week. She discusses how she feels she is in a very different place than a lot of people and how she rethinks it when it goes too far. Enjoy!! xx
Show Notes:
Instagram:
Tik Tok:
Being an oldest sibling is NOT for everyone, and neither is being the youngest. The oldest/youngest sibling duo is here on this week's episode! Enjoy!! xx
Instagram:
Tik Tok:
This week Emma talks about how she loves giving advice to people in her life but needs to take it sometimes. She rounds up her best pieces of advice as a little reminder to herself and you all. She also goes on about her Outside Lands weekend, the exhaustion that followed, viral Tik Tok holes, and more random catch up things. Enjoy!!xx
Instagram:
Tik Tok:
Who Actually Knows Podcast x My Public Journal.
From Tik Tok to the microphones, Emma and McKailyn talk, maybe a little too much, about the phases of your 20s. Post-grad, when reality hits, to finding “balance”, and exploring yourself, each gives a little bit of insight on their experiences. Real and vulnerable so we hope you can relate!
Enjoy!! Xx
Instagram:
Tik Tok:
Emma gets on this week to discuss what has been on her mind. The inspiration may start from a Hannah Montana lyric, but trust the process. She speaks on how she changed her mind so many times and ultimately had to learn that her decisions did not need validation. Most decisions she was unsure about but all decisions do not have to be permanent. Enjoy! xx
Instagram:
Tik Tok:
There are some things you don't get without the other. The good times don't always come without feeling the bad times too. This week's episodes is all about a funk aka bad moods that linger. Emma talks about what they are and some things that help her get her spark back!
Instagram:
Tik Tok:
This is the fastest year...ever. You have heard Emma talk about how she loves themes, goals, and resolutions. Since it is already halfway through 2024, Emma sits down and catches you all up on her resolutions for the year. Wins, losses, random updates, and more are all talked about here.
Instagram:
" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Emma Riedl (@emmabriedl)
Tik Tok:
@emmabriedl
@whoactuallyknowspod
Emma discusses how the 20s can feel like a rollercoaster.
Listen to this week's episode as Emma touches on:
1. Self-Discovery
2. It's Easier to Figure Out What You Don't Like
3. Feeling of Guilt
4. Comparison
5. Doing it Bling
Enjoy! xx
Instagram:
Emma Riedl (@emmabriedl)
Tik Tok:
@emmabriedl
@whoactuallyknowspod
