Just Human

 If leadership has felt heavier than it should, you're not alone. Most leaders don't get stuck because they lack talent. They get stuck because they're carrying the whole operation on their own shoulders — and they've quietly become the bottleneck. In Episode 30, Jay sits down with Renee Hastings, President and CEO of Executive Help Now, to unpack the difference between tactica...

Ever look at your life and think, “Everything is working… but I don’t feel good”? That’s not failure — it’s misalignment. Let’s fix it fast. In this episode of Just Human, Jay Boykin talks with Nell Derick Debevoise Dewey (Nell3D), author of Going First, about how high performers can feel empty even with the title, money, and momentum. Nell shares her powerful story (including a wake-up-call car c...

What do you do with an idea when you don’t feel ready? What do you do when the only honest words are: “I’m trying”? In this episode of Just Human, Jay Boykin sits down with #1 New York Times bestselling author Kobi Yamada (President & CEO of Compendium Inc.) to talk about why his books look like children’s books… but land in a much deeper place for adults. If you’re building a business, leadin...

Most leaders think leadership means being first: first to speak, first to decide, first to act. But what if the move that changes your culture isn’t being louder… it’s being later? In this episode of Just Human, Jay Boykin sits down with U.S. Marine Corps Major Olaolu Ogunyemi, author of Lead Last, to unpack a leadership philosophy that flips the script: “He who leads last leads best.” You’ll hear...

In this episode of Just Human, Jay Boykin sits down with Dr. Robin Buckley (author of Marriage, Inc.) to break down a powerful truth: planning doesn’t kill spontaneity — it protects it. When couples stop running on autopilot, they stop having the same fight every month and start building real connection again. You’ll learn practical relationship tools busy couples can use immediately, including: -...

Have you ever worked for someone who knew your numbers… but didn’t know you ? They knew your deadlines, KPIs, and calendar — but not what it cost you to keep producing. And at some point, you stop feeling supported and start feeling watched . In this episode of Just Human , Jay Boykin sits down with John R. Miles (author of Passion Struck ) to unpack the difference between being managed and being...

Ever “listened” so well you deserved a trophy… and still got in trouble? Let’s fix that with 6 simple listening practices that work at home and at work. Most of us confuse hearing with listening . Hearing is audio. Listening is connection. And when listening breaks down, relationships get tense, distance grows, and at work you get the same messy conversations on repeat—plus rework, resentment, and...

Pressure doesn’t build character — it reveals your patterns. And if you don’t know your patterns, you’ll repeat them… and call it a “leadership style.” In this episode of Just Human, Jay Boykin breaks down self-awareness as a leadership advantage — not as a soft idea, but as a practical skill that protects your decision-making under stress, builds trust, reduces workplace drama, and improves psych...

Most New Year’s resolutions collapse by the end of January—and it’s not because you’re weak. It’s because resolutions have no structure . In this Just Human episode, Jay Boykin breaks down the difference between a resolution, a goal, and a system , and teaches a practical Goals → Systems framework that helps business owners and corporate professionals build habits that survive real life (even when...

 In this episode of Just Human, I sit down again with ultra-marathoner and combat Marine Tyler Herman to explore what it really means to be tough. Tyler recently attempted the URA 100, one of the hardest 100-mile mountain races in the world. After nearly 50 miles and 16,000 feet of climbing, his race ended with three letters: DNF (Did Not Finish). But what happened in those miles and the decision...

Feeling overwhelmed by stress at work or home? You’re not alone. In this episode of Just Human, Jay Boykin dives into those “pressure cooker” moments when our patience snaps and our brains go overdrive. From inbox overload to family chaos, Jay unpacks why our minds short-circuit under pressure, and how to reset before we react. You’ll discover: ✅ Why stress hijacks your brain (hello, amygdala!)...

Music is more than sound—it’s memory, connection, and emotion wrapped into one. In this episode of Just Human, host Jay Boykin is joined by his brother, Jeff Boykin, for a heartfelt conversation about the role of music in their lives and how it connects us all. From childhood memories of spinning vinyl in their father’s game room to the science of how music lights up the brain, Jay and Jeff explor...

What if you only had 4,000 weeks to live? The truth is… You probably do. In this episode of Just Human, I explore what it means to live within our limits — and why that might be the best thing for us. Inspired by Oliver Burkeman’s book 4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, we’ll look at how time went from being something we experienced to something we relentlessly try to conquer. You’ll learn:...

Keywords: human connection, social interactions, overcoming barriers, curiosity, personal growth, non-transactional relationships, podcast, Just Human, Thibaud Edwards, Jay Boykin Summary: In this episode of the Just Human podcast, host Jay Boykin speaks with Thibaud Edwards about his unique challenge of connecting with 100 people in 100 days. Thibaud shares his journey of overcoming personal barr...

Keywords mental health, mental health awareness, emotional resilience, psychological flexibility, therapy misconceptions, Dawn Swan, Jay Boykin, mental health conversations, emotional health, self-awareness, mental health, emotional barriers, vulnerability, leadership, self-care, therapy, stigma, high-performing professionals, community support, emotional healing Summary In this episode, Jay Boyki...

Summary In this episode of Just Human, host Jay Boykin interviews Tyler Herman, a former Marine and current ultra-marathon runner. They discuss Tyler's journey from military service to law enforcement, his challenges in combat, and how those experiences shaped his resilience. Tyler shares his passion for ultra-marathon running, explaining the mental and physical challenges involved and the mo...

Keywords: skydiving, personal growth, coaching, entrepreneurship, overcoming fear, professional athlete, keynote speaking, life lessons, investment banking, human experience, commitment, skydiving, overcoming fear, support systems, high performance, personal growth, teamwork, self-reflection, entrepreneurship, mental health Summary: In this episode of the Just Human podcast, host Jay Boykin speaks...

Keywords thumbs up emoji, digital communication, passive aggression, emotional responses, social media etiquette   Summary In this episode of Just Human, host Jay Boykin discusses the emotional implications of receiving a thumbs up emoji in digital communication. He shares personal anecdotes and scenarios that illustrate how this seemingly innocuous gesture can feel dismissive and passive-aggressi...

Keywords culture, music, Kendrick Lamar, Beyonce, Super Bowl, halftime show, Cowboy Carter, variety, representation, evolution Summary In this episode of Just Human, Jay Boykin explores the themes of culture and music, focusing on the backlash against Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime show and Beyonce's Cowboy Carter album. He emphasizes the importance of variety in music and culture,...

Summary: In this episode of the Just Human podcast, host Jay Boykin engages with John Albright, the executive director of City Year Denver, to explore the organization's mission of supporting students in under-resourced schools. They discuss the importance of building relationships with students, the holistic approach City Year takes in fostering academic and social-emotional skills, and the...

In this episode of the Just Human podcast, Jay Boykin shares a personal story from Christmas 2008, where he learned valuable life lessons from his son while building a Lego set. The conversation explores the importance of questioning societal expectations and scripts for success, encouraging listeners to redefine success on their own terms. Jay emphasizes the significance of creativity, embracing...

Summary In this episode of the Just Human Podcast, host Jay Boykin shares his personal journey of navigating job loss and embracing change. He discusses the concept of the comfort zone, the role of fear in transitions, and the importance of personal growth outside of familiar spaces. Jay emphasizes the need to leverage skills gained from corporate experiences while also providing practical steps f...

Summary: In this episode of the Just Human podcast, Jay Boykin delves into the critical topic of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), focusing on common myths and misconceptions surrounding it. He emphasizes the importance of DEI in fostering innovation, employee satisfaction, and overall business success. Boykin addresses various myths, such as the belief that DEI lowers hiring standards and t...

Summary: In this episode of the Just Human podcast, host Jay Boykin explores the multifaceted nature of success, challenging the conventional financial-centric view. He emphasizes the importance of personal growth, meaningful relationships, health and well-being, legacy, and purpose in defining a fulfilling life. Through personal anecdotes and insights, Jay encourages listeners to reflect on their...

Summary: In this episode of the Just Human podcast, host Jay Boykin discusses the vital topic of men's health, emphasizing the importance of self-care and actionable steps men can take to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The conversation covers various aspects of health, including daily movement, nutrition, mental health awareness, regular checkups, sleep, hydration,...