That's a wrap on Season 3 of the Is It Just Me with Layla K and MJ podcast! But before we go on hiatus until September, we thought to highlight a few episodes that confirmed it wasn't just LaylaK or MJ who thought a topic merited a conversation. And, of course, share a few ever-popular bloopers. Thanks for listening and following our podcast! While…

Have you ever been in a conversation with someone and then they suddenly bring up an uncomfortable topic? Like asking about your salary - or maybe wanting to know if you prefer cats to dogs? In this episode Layla K and MJ discuss, or at least raise, precisely those! And it's not just the usual topics you might expect. Follow us on Apple Podcast, Sp…

"We've always done it this way!" In this episode, Layla K and MJ share real-world, in hindsight humorous, examples of the six words that make leaders cringe. Minor details have been changed to protect the innocent! Follow us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, etc to never miss an episode. Have an idea for a pod? Guest to recommend? Drop us a comment on X, …

On the last episode, Layla K and MJ discussed products that might have seemed silly during the pitch, but the market decided and they ultimately made millions of dollars! On this episode, they discuss products that the market decided were fails. Think chicken and crab meat frozen entrees, brought to you by your favorite toothpaste brand! Spoiler al…

How many times have you seen a product that is so silly and ridiculous, yet still hit those amazing million dollar mark in sales so quickly? You know the products, like the Pet Rock and the Clapper! On this episode, Layla K and MJ discuss some of the seemingly ludicrous products that people just can’t get enough of - so we say, “let the market deci…

Just what is NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) all about? Some college athletes are now earning more than their coaches - and it’s not stopping there! On today's episode, Mr. Deryk Gilmore, President & Owner of Day 1 Sports & Entertainment, an NFLPA Contract Advisor, breaks it down for all of us. We learned that it’s not so cut and dry - everyone’s g…

On today's episode, Mr. Deryk Gilmore, President & Owner of Day 1 Sports & Entertainment, an NFLPA Contract Advisor, shares the real behind-the-scenes perspective of life as a sports and entertainment agent. Come for the glamour and celebrities, stay for lessons on hard work and hustle to get the job done. That "biggest deal for an NFL wide receive…

It’s tax season, again?? Yes, as the saying goes, like death, it's inevitable. Is it just LaylaK and MJ whose minds wander to... how did we get here?? Take a break from those receipts and forms for a quick review of just that, including some pretty unusual taxes that have existed in the past. Have an idea for a pod? Guest to recommend? Drop us a co…

This episode drops on Valentine's Day, which got LaylaK and MJ thinking about... things that DON'T go together! While it leads with a controversial take, don't worry, they end on a positive note. From food, to famous characters from TV and film, to the business world, this episode covers it all in just 10 minutes. Have an idea for a pod? Guest to r…

Are some "True Crime: Dumb Criminal" stories just too funny to be true? Well, LaylaK and MJ double checked the sources of all these stories for a quick and entertaining look at crime gone wrong. These capers, a mix of bad intentions, bad planning, and pure arrogance, will definitely have you asking, “Is it just me? How is that even real?" Have an i…

When one episode on diamonds just isn’t enough! A few weeks ago we shared an interview with Mr. Louis Valentine, a gem industry expert. We learned how he entered the field and about his innovation: The Virgin Diamond™. In part two of this interview, Louis tells us more about his innovations of this ancient trade including the DiamondPower™ card and…

Nothing says "new year" like predictions! Layla K and MJ decided to invite friends of the podcast Jason Gilmore, Neville Waters, and Anita Scarlett to share their predictions, and make a few of their own. Do you have any predictions for the year? Drop us a comment on X, Instagram, Facebook or here. Follow the podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, etc …

Stumped for the perfect gift for someone? Maybe even for your podcast hosts? This is the episode for you! LaylaK and MJ give a quick guide on what makes a good gift, bad gift, and what to do in the awkward situation of an asymmetrical gift. Have an idea for a pod? Guest to recommend? Drop us a comment on X, Instagram, Facebook or here. Follow us on…

Is it just Layla K and MJ, or does everyone love sparkly diamond jewelry? On this episode, they interview Mr. Louis Valentine, an expert in diamonds, on how he got into the industry and invented the brand of the Virgin Diamond. They also discuss a bit of the brilliance (ahem...) in recent diamond marketing and how even this ages-old industry is cha…

Layla K and MJ interviewed Julie Durbin about her vocation at "Learn Differently, Teach Differently" a few weeks ago. In this follow-up episode, they celebrate "Making Math Real" success stories and the conversation continues with real life experiences being raised multilingual. You will be inspired by these stories! Have an idea for a pod? Guest t…

Do you ever read something, know it’s not true, but just somehow accept it, maybe if a little bit suspiciously? Maybe it’s not just you! Give a listen as LaylaK and MJ discuss a few top-of-mind examples that might make you think twice the next time you hear one of these “not quite true” statements. Follow us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, etc to never …

Just how important is coffee to LaylaK and MJ? Listen to this listener-requested episode to find out! You might also learn something about your favorite cup of morning goodness. Do you have an idea for a pod? Guest to recommend? Drop us a comment on X, Instagram, Facebook or here. Follow us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, etc to never miss an episode! F…

Layla K and MJ interview Julie Durbin on her "Fairy Tale life": both her vocation at "Learn Differently, Teach Differently", and her home life, on a floating home! Julie shares her journey of discovery to both and describes how "Making Math Real", a multi-sensory approach, empowers students with learning differences. It's NOT just us who are inspir…

Have you ever heard a story and wondered if someone is trying to deflect you from the real news? Perhaps trying to give you that "nothing to see here folks...." feeling? Layla K and MJ certainly have! They share a few of those stories in this episode. Is it just me? Or do a few of these stories miss the plot?? Follow us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, e…

"Is It Just Me with LaylaK and MJ” is BACK after taking a proper summer off. We are having none of this “Summer ends mid-August” nonsense. In this premiere episode we recap a few stories you might have missed over the summer and preview what to expect in Season Three. Spoiler alert: we're bringing back more lighthearted takes on the topics you are …

It’s that time of the year… graduations abound and summer holiday planning is in full swing. And LaylaK and MJ are wrapping up Season 2 of the podcast. In this episode we take a quick romp through Season highlights and share some clips that, let’s just say, did not otherwise make it onto a podcast! But don’t worry, we will be back in September with…

Layla K and MJ decided to call back two previous podcast guests and ask them to play a quick round of "This or That?" They find willing players in Patricia Gamboa, party planner extraordinaire, founder of Patrician Company, and Season 1's "Better Together" holiday episode guest, and Neville Waters, master storyteller, from Season 2's "Overrated!" g…

Have you ever received an award, trophy or certificate and wondered, why did I even get that? Or see someone celebrate a certificate for completing a course? Not passing it mind you - just attending it. There are also some highly prestigious awards that occasionally become meaningless! In this episode, LaylaK and MJ take a lighthearted look at some…

LaylaK and MJ talk education reform! Is it just them, or does the system need an overhaul? They cover everything from graduates drowning in student debt with limited job prospects to the incredibly competitive market for trained, skilled labor. What do YOU think? Is college overrated? How do we best serve our students and society? Be sure to follow…

Have you ever played the “would you rather…” game? Deciding between dilemmas, sometimes impossible choices, is today's topic. Some of our choices are light and fun but we also ask some deeper skill questions. And we even asked ChatGPT on OpenAI to fine tune our questions! What do you think about our choices? Drop us a comment here or let us know on…

We've touched on climate change before and agree: it does change and that IS an issue! But is it just us that believe technology and innovation will answer the challenge? On this episode we focus on some of those fantastic innovations. What do you think? Is it all doom, doomscrolling, and gloom, or is there reason for hope? Know of an innovation we…

Layla and I have discussed “good intentions gone wrong” before - policies that didn’t exactly work out as intended. In this episode we discuss some very strange workplace policies we’ve come across, and can assure you, it will NOT just be us that think some of these practices actually very weird and leave employers looking just bonkers in the harsh…

If you listened to our last episode, All Things Cybersecurity, Part 1, you understand why we had to continue the discussion with our cybersecurity expert, Mr. Saad Nabeel. In Part 1 you heard how organizations get your data, sell it, and then manipulate you to buy products that you probably don’t even want. In Part 2 you’ll hear more about how crim…

Has your computer or phone even been hacked? What about a company you work for? It's certainly not just Layla K and MJ who have received a letter from a company warning us that our personal data has been compromised. But what does that mean exactly? Should we worry? In this episode they discuss the world of Cyber Security with a cyber expert, Mr. S…

Lake Superior State University publishes a list of banished words every year. While “banish” is a strong word, it can’t just be LaylaK and MJ that think this year they have come up with a most agreeable list - nominated for misuse, overuse, and uselessness. What do you think should make the list? Be sure to follow Is It Just Me on Apple Podcasts, S…

Layla K and MJ are joined by Brian Townsend, former DEA undercover agent and founder of Eagle 6 Training, to discuss lessons in leadership he’s learned in arenas as different, and as similar, as cartels, Quantico and Corporate America. Is it just me, or can we all learn a lot from Brian’s background, "retirement" at the age of 50, and real world ex…

Is it just me? What is it about this time of the year that has everyone talking about "resolution-this" and "new-that"? In this podcast, Layla K and MJ speak with long-time friend Dr. Karen Kendrick, a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology, as she answers that question and shares advice and methods to transform yourself into a better, greater you at t…

Holiday Season is upon us! Wherever you are in the world, however you celebrate, we are surrounded with decorations, shoppers, holiday gatherings, and all things that remind you that you probably are NOT ready yet! In this episode, Layla K and MJ discuss how you are not alone scrambling to perfect the holidays. You might also hear some ways to avoi…

Are there some wildly popular things that you just don't get? Do you think some things are just overrated? Layla K and MJ do and they brought on longtime friend, and master storyteller, the always entertaining Neville Waters to join in a lively discussion. Let’s just say, sometimes it WAS just one of them that thought something was overrated! Be su…

Layla K and MJ have been busy celebrating birthdays, so naturally the question came up: "why do we do these things?? And what do other people do?" It may not just be you who throws flour (not a typo!) at friends. Or… maybe… it IS. Any interesting birthday traditions we missed? Drop us a comment below, maybe we'll do a "part 2"! Be sure to follow Is…

Somethings are just too much to believe. Or are they?? In this episode, Layla K and MJ challenge each other with little known facts and widely "known" fiction. Is it just me, or should we all take a second look at our common assumptions? Be sure to follow Is It Just Me on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc., to never miss an episode. Fresh ones drop ever…

Halloween is just around the corner, and on this episode Layla K and MJ discuss films, characters, and other “stuff” that are truly scary, and some that just aren't. Be sure to follow Is It Just Me on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc., to never miss an episode. Fresh ones drop every two weeks. Have an idea for an upcoming episode? Drop us a comment her…

Is it just me, or does opera has a bit of a reputation for being inaccessible and even intimidating? In this episode, Layla K and MJ have the honor to host Aeneas Humm, the Swiss Baritone opera star, whose album Embrace earned him the 2022 Opus Klassik Young Artist of the Year Award. We discuss all matters from dress codes to... what's with the who…

Do you offend much? Are you sure?? A recent article from CNBC listed the "most-used passive aggressive work phrases". You might be surprised to discover that Layla K and MJ have very different interpretations of some very commonly used terms. Do you use them? What do you think? Be sure to follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc., to never miss an…

Our summer hiatus is officially over and "Is it Just Me with Layla K and MJ" is back with Season 2! We do a quick review of what you might have missed from us over the summer, and what you can look forward to in Season Two. Be sure to follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc., to never miss an episode. Have an idea for an upcoming episode? Drop us…

We made it! Our podcast has reached it's 20th episode, our Season 1 Finale. That means it’s time to look back! We are having an awards show, where we announce the most and least popular, best edits, and even share some of the bloopers that get cut along the way. Opinions may vary, of course. So tell us in the comments: what were your highlights? Yo…

Ever see something and wonder, "what could possibly have been the original intention??" In this episode, MJ brings up examples of policies with good intentions to protect us, but don’t really seem to be working well, such as the notorious Prop65 cancer labels. What do you think? Is it time for cancer warning labels on kitty collars to go? Any examp…

On ep15, we discussed Rise of the Robots (+ Humans) with our friend Didi (Diegane Dione), an expert in things robot and cobot. We try to make these podcasts pithy though, so what DIDN’T make it into that episode was this interesting conversation about AI (artificial intelligence). Spoiler alert: Didi mentions "havoc" and MJ is all in! Is it just MJ…

Recycling has long been touted as a panacea for maintaining a healthy planet earth. In this episode, Layla K takes a quick look back to how it all began and how it's taken hold on society. Then we dare to ask the question: is recycling working? Have we found a way to create the “biosphere” of repurposed goods on our planet? What do you think? Let u…

'Tis the season for recent graduates to consider career opportunities, including some with promises to "see the world". It’s also getting close to the end of another school year and the beginning of summer travels. So we decided to share some travel tales and wisdom with our listeners. Or at least about 10 minutes worth! Have any tips to share? Tal…

If you’ve listened to previous "Is It Just Me" episodes, you know that robots intrigue Layla, while MJ thinks they will eventually kill us all in our sleep. To provide his perspective on how robots plus humans should and will live together, side by side, we chat with Diegane Dione, or Didi as he is better known, about his 20+ year journey in digita…

IPOs (initial public offerings) are often considered a "golden ticket" investment, but are the valuations excessive? Is it just us, or could there be a better, fairer way to decide an IPO value? In this episode, we chat with Karl Sjogren, author of The Fairshare Model, a front-runner for the modern concept of crowdfunding, who presents a performanc…

Inflation rates hit a 40 year high, and is it just Layla K and MJ, or is it starting to feel relentless? Can we possibly avoid it?? In this ep we offer helpful perspective (and even a few laughs!) on how rising prices are affecting how we shop and live. Did we miss anything? Drop us a comment here or join the conversation on Instagram or Twitter. B…

They say that everyone believes at least one conspiracy theory. They exist on a range - from the TRUE (First Lady Edith Wilson's "stewardship" of the US Presidency) to just plain bad thinking. On this episode, we discuss some of our own experiences with conspiracy thinkers, some of the better conspiracies we discovered doing this research, where th…

Is it just Layla K and MJ, or are references to non-fungible tokens (NFTs) everywhere? Layla is fascinated, and MJ is curious, but skeptical. So they did a bit of research. What are NFTs, where did they come from, and should we be there too? Give a listen to the light and lively discussion and let us know what YOU think! Be sure to follow us on Ins…