Just Human
Just Human with Jay Boykin
Because Life Doesn't Come With Instructions
In a world that constantly pulls us in different directions, how do we stay true to ourselves while growing in our careers, relationships, and personal lives? Just Human explores the intersection of work, leadership, personal growth, and the everyday challenges of being human.
Hosted by Jay Boykin—entrepreneur, executive coach, and founder of Just Human—this podcast offers insightful conversations, practical strategies, and thought-provoking reflections to help you navigate life without losing yourself in the process.
Whether you're a driven professional, an entrepreneur, or simply someone striving for personal growth, Just Human provides the tools, wisdom, and inspiration to build a meaningful, successful life on your terms.
New episodes every week. Subscribe now and join the journey!
Episodes
30 episodes
Episode 29 - Why High Performers Feel Empty (And How to Fix It) with Nell Derick Debevoise Dewey (Nell3D)
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), au...
Episode 28 - Kobi Yamada on Ideas, Problems & Courage (Not Just for Kids)
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 &...
Episode 27 - Leaders Get This Wrong: “Lead Last” Changes Everything with Major Olaolu Ogunyemi
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 w...
Episode 26 - Planning Doesn't Kill Romance, It Saves It | Interview with Dr. Robin Buckley
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 t...
Episode 25 - Why “Being Managed” Feels Awful (And What Great Leaders Do Instead)
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 feeli...
Episode 24 - 6 Listening Practices That Make People Feel Heard (Home + Work)
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...
Episode 23 - Why People Stop Telling You the Truth (Self-Awareness for Leaders Under Stress)
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 ...
Episode 22 - Why Your Resolutions Fail by February (And the System That Fixes It)
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, a...
Ep 21: Redefining Toughness: Beyond the Finish Line
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 t...
Ep 20: Staying Cool Under Pressure: Simple Tools to Manage Stress & Communicate Better
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 ...
Ep 19: The Power of Music: Stories, Memories, and Shared Humanity
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...
Ep 18: You Only Get 4,000 Weeks: Rethinking Time, Productivity, and What Matters
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...
Ep 17: Breaking Barriers: The Power of Connection
Keywords:human connection, social interactions, overcoming barriers, curiosity, personal growth, non-transactional relationships, podcast, Just Human, Thibaud Edwards, Jay BoykinSummary:In this episode of the Just Human pod...
Ep 16: Flexibility and Resilience: Keys to Mental Well-Being
Keywordsmental health, mental health awareness, emotional resilience, psychological flexibility, therapy misconceptions, Dawn Swan, Jay Boykin, mental health conversations, emotional health, self-awareness, mental health, ...
Ep 15: The Warrior's Path: Finding Purpose in Your Hard
SummaryIn 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 com...
Ep 14: Freefall Into Greatness: Unlocking Untapped Potential
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 p...
Ep 13: The Thumbs Up Emoji: A Tiny Middle Finger in Disguise
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 thumb...
Ep 12: Cultural Menu – There’s Space for Many Tastes
Keywords culture, music, Kendrick Lamar, Beyonce, Super Bowl, halftime show, Cowboy Carter, variety, representation, evolutionSummary In this episode of Just Human, Jay Boykin explores the themes of culture and music, focusing on the bac...
Ep 11: The Impact of City Year on Education-Interview with John Albright
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 disc...
Ep 10: Breaking the Mold: Life Lessons from a Pile of Legos
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 e...
Ep 9: The Comfort Zone: A Barrier to Growth
SummaryIn 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 ...
Ep 8: "Shattering Myths: The Truth About DE&I in the Workplace"
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 fo...
Ep 7: Redefining Success: Beyond Financial Wealth
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 relationship...
Ep 6: The Top 10 Ways for Men to Improve Their Health
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...
Ep 5: The Challenge of Making Lasting Friendships for Men
Summary:In this episode of Just Human, host Jay Boykin discusses the challenges and importance of forming lasting friendships as adult men. He explores the barriers that hinder these connections, such as societal expectations, technology...