Is It Just Me Podcast

Is it just me, or does buying furniture feel like is hasn't changed in decades, while nearly everything else has? Today Layla K and MJ were joined by Gil Bar-Lev, founder and CEO of HomeRoots.co, who's on a mission to drag the furniture industry into the 21st century - one algorithm at a time. From his early days in web development to building a B2B platform that's transforming how retailers source, ship, and sell furniture, Gil shares how he's using AI and automation to solve problems most of us didn't even realize were fixable. Think: faster delivery, smarter sourcing, and yes—assembly instructions that actually make sense. It's a conversation full of insight, innovation, and a few laughs including the joys (and perils) of DIY furniture. Have an idea for our next interview? Let us know here! Follow the podcast on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook to never miss an episode. And remember, it may not be just you, but it could be! Links: Gil (Gilad) Bar Lev (LinkedIn) HomeRoots (HomeRoots.co) Follow HomeRoots on X, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube   Music: Health by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/  

Is it just me, or did summer fly by in a blur of carburetors, canceled flights, and questionable national park behavior? Layla K and MJ are back for Season 5 and they're bringing fresh takes, longer episodes, and a monthly rhythm that gives every topic room to breathe. From Insta tourists to reassembling drones, it's a fast-paced catch-up that sets the tone for what's next. What's New This Season: •     Monthly episodes, dropping the first Wednesday of each month •     Slightly longer format (think 15–20 minutes) •     A mix of guest interviews and "just us" episodes with deeper dives Follow the podcast on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook to find out! And remember, it may not be just you, but it could be! Links: The National UFO Reporting Center  All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) Man pretends to jump into Grand Canyon and almost falls down 800 foot drop (Metro UK) People are just dumb (r/nationalparks) Yellowstone National Park Removes And Turns Off Comments After Users Debated Who Was To Blame Over A Teen's Burn Accident Near Old Faithful (The Travel) Music credits: Summer Madness by Roa | https://roa-music.com Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/  

The Season 4 finale of Is It Just Me with Layla K and MJ is here! With 80 episodes under our belts, we take a trip down memory lane, revisiting favorite moments, unexpected twists, and the most insightful (and hilarious) discussions from this season. Expect fun throwbacks, personal reflections, and even a few bloopers—because what's a season finale without some behind-the-scenes chaos? What's ahead for Season 5? Live events, panel discussions, and / or more game show-style formats? Follow the podcast on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook to find out! And remember, it may not be just you, but it could be! Links: What If... This Podcast Was From 100 Years Ago? (Layla solo-podcast) AI Past And Future with Michael Bryan, Open Environments (Is It Just Me Podcast, S4 E4) More AI (Note: Opportunity & Concerns Ahead) with Michael Bryan, Open Environments (Is It Just Me Podcast, S4 E5) Billionaires In Space (Is It Just Me Podcast, S4 E18) Let The Rich Get Richer (Is It Just Me Podcast, S1 E2) Music by Daniel Massa from Pixabay

Today Layla K and MJ flip the script! They're diving into opinions and beliefs that people think are universal - but actually… nope, it's just them. From questionable hygiene habits to just bad thinking, this ep calls out the outliers. Do any of these sound familiar? Or are YOU the one holding onto an unpopular opinion? Join the podcast on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook and let us know in the comments! Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.  to never miss an episode. And remember - it may not be just you. But if anything in this episode feels familiar, actually, it could be! Show notes: 100+ Unpopular Opinions (Complete Controversial List) (Box of Puns)

Was the recent Blue Origin all-female "journey" truly a giant leap for space exploration, or just a very expensive joyride? In this episode, MJ and Layla K unpack the billionaire space race, the "not astronauts" critique, and ask the big question: would you go? Is it just me, or is the commercialization of the cosmos a source of boundless optimism and curiosity? Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.  to never miss an episode. Have an idea for an upcoming episode? Drop us a comment here or let us know on on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. And remember - it may not be just you. But it could be! Show notes: Blue Origin mission with all-female crew, including Katy Perry, completes space trip (ABC News) A 45-year-old tech CEO is spending millions a year to be 18 again—even though his doctor admits the results are minimal (Fortune)

Ever sent a text to the wrong person? Well, it's definitely not just you!  Today Layla K and MJ take a fast-paced dive into the hilarious, heartwarming, and sometimes downright embarrassing stories of mistaken messages. From texts that sparked lifelong traditions, to cringe-worthy blunders with bosses, and even mix-ups that changed history - yep, we're looking at you, Berlin Wall - this ep has it all. Well, all that you can fit in 11 minutes. Here's a message that definitely isn't a mistake: follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.  to never miss an episode. Have an idea for an upcoming episode? Drop us a comment here or let us know on on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. And remember - it may not be just you. But it COULD be! Show notes: 45 Hilariously Chaotic "Wrong Number" Texts (bored panda) Grandma and man she accidentally texted for Thanksgiving reunite for 7th year (ABC News) People Are Sharing the Most Embarrassing Texts They Accidentally Sent To The Wrong Person (Blossom) 10 Tiny Miscommunications With Massive Consequences (ListVerse) 20 Epic Fails in Global Branding (Inc.)   Music Credit: The Builder by Kevin MacLeod | https://incompetech.com/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

We've all been there - caught in the tug-of-war between politeness and self-preservation. On this episode Layla K and MJtake a quick dive into why saying "no" feels impossible, the psychology behind it, and how to master the art of turning down invitations with grace. An invite you definitely want to say YES to: Follow "Is It Just Me? with Layla K and MJ" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.  to never miss an episode.  Have an idea for an upcoming episode? Drop us a comment here or let us know on on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. And remember - It may NOT just be you. B-u-t it could be! Show notes: The Power of Saying No (Psychology Today) A Psychologist Explains Why You Shouldn't Be Afraid To Say 'No' (Forbes) The Power of Saying "NO": From Psychology to Neuroscience (OpenExO) Music Credit: The Builder by Kevin MacLeod | https://incompetech.com/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/  

When is fun not fun? In this episode Layla K and MJ talk fun, what can take the joy out of it, and uncover the simple truth behind what makes it... well, fun! You can find all episodes of the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.  If you're feeling spontaneous - hit subscribe and leave us 5 stars! Have an idea for an upcoming episode? Drop us a comment here or let us know on on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. Is it just me? Let the fun begin! 🎉 Show notes: Struggling to have fun in your life? You're not alone (NPR) The Calendar Mindset: Scheduling Takes the Fun Out and Puts the Work In (JSTOR) New Study Confirms That Scheduling Your Free Time Takes the Fun Out of It (Glamour) Music Credit: The Builder by Kevin MacLeod | https://incompetech.com/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/  

Seems like everywhere you turn these days someone is telling you a layoff, reorg, or firing story - and each one seems to top the last one you heard.  It's certainly not a competition, but It's probably not just Layla K and MJ who have heard some pretty crazy ways that companies perform layoffs, and they spill the tea on this episode! Be sure to follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc., to never miss an episode. Then go ahead and give it five stars! Have an idea for an upcoming episode? Drop us a comment here or let us know on on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. If you're employed, take a break from work, and if you are unemployed…well, listen in and maybe your story won't feel quite so bad… because it is definitely not just you! Show notes: Office Space (IMDB) Why I'm still traumatised by Game of Thrones' Red Wedding 10 years on  (Metro UK) Stripe ruffles feathers as accidental 'cartoon duck' sent to laid-off staffers (NY Post) The Hunger Games (Wikipedia) Music Credit: Heroism by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US    

If you are a frequent traveller, you've probably noticed an increase in chaos at the airport and on planes. Well, it's not just you! In this episode, LaylaK and MJ share some recent traveling stories that really paint a picture that travel has become like the game show, Survivor. And Layla shares, quite possibly, the best tip ever. Be sure to follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc., to never miss an episode. Then go ahead and give it five stars! Have an idea for an upcoming episode? Drop us a comment here or let us know on on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. May the flights ever be in your favor! And remember, it may not just be you, but it could be... Show notes: True Tales From The Road (Is It Just Me Podcast, Season 1 Episode 16) Music credit: Run Amok by Kevin MacLeod | https://incompetech.com/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/  

Is it just Layla and MJ that recognize just how universal some really good advice is? On this episode, they share some great advice, including from previous podcast guests: Mr. Deryk Gilmore, President & Owner of Day 1 Sports & Entertainment, and Dr. Karen Kendrick, a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology. Finally they share some bad advice that you definitely should not take and how to deal with it when you hear it. Some immediate advice? Be sure to follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc., to never miss an episode. Then go ahead and give it five stars! Have an idea for an upcoming episode? Drop us a comment here or let us know on on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. And remember, it may not just be you, but it could be! Show notes: What's the origin of the expression "mind your P's and Q's"? (The Straight Dope) How to Say Please in Russian: Pronunciation and Examples (ThoughtCo) Deryk Gilmore: Life As A Sports & Entertainment Agent (Is It Just Me Podcast, Season 3, Episode 14) Dr. Karen Kendrick: New Year, New You (Is It Just Me podcast, Seasson 2 Episode 9) Offensive Much? (Is It Just Me podcast, Season 2 Episode 2)

A few eps ago, Layla took over the podcast to give MJ some family time. Now it's MJ's turn! She addresses a few points made by Layla in "What if... this podcast was from 100 years ago" and then discusses the very current-day question: does everything really need to connect? What do you think? MJ-approved connections include X, Instagram, Facebook or right here on the website. Follow the podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, etc to never miss an episode. Fresh ones drop every two weeks. Because it may not be just you... but it could be! Links: What if... this podcasat was from 100 years ago (Is It Just Me, Season 4 Episode 7) Let The Rich Get Richer (Is It Just Me podcast, Season 1 Episode 2) Predictions! (Is It Just Me podcast, Season 3 Episode 9) True Crime: Dumb Criminals Files (Is It Just Me podcast, Season 3 Episode 11) Why 'Pep' The Prison Dog Got Such A Bum Rap (NPR) All Things Cybersecurity (Is It Just Me podcast, Season 2, Episode 11 and 12) Music credit: Monkeys Spinning Monkeys Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/

Is it just Layla that when, say just hypothetically, the sole of her shoe just falls off… grabs regular glue to fix it? Of course, crusty glue doesn't work on a flexible shoe, so she later had to get some shoe glue to properly fix them. Or do most people get proper tools and materials and fix things correctly the first time? In this episode, Layla and MJ share useful DIY hacks - and some notable failures!  Have handy hack tips, tricks, and epic failures to share? Future guests? Drop us a comment on X, Instagram, Facebook or here to get in touch. It may not be just you that sees multipile uses for that toothpaste, but it could be! Links: WD-40 Myths, Legends, and Fun Facts (WD-40) Gorilla Glue

It's time for 2025 predictions! Layla K and MJ not only have thoughts for 2025, but they also reviewed their 2024 predictions to see how they panned out. Then they asked a few past guests to send in their predictions. Let's just say, some weren't exactly in their areas of expertise. But it all makes for a fun, fast romp through the year that was, and the year that may be. Have thoughts on this ep? Future guests? Drop us a comment on X, Instagram, Facebook or here to get in touch. It may not be just you that thinks predictions are fun... and wonders how they all end up! Links: Predictions (Is It Just Me Podcast with Layla K and MJ, S3 E9) Taylor Swift at 35: Her mega year in numbers — and what's coming from her next era (The Standard) Home Collection (Hidden Valley Ranch Shop) New Year, New You! with Dr. Karen Kendrick (IIJM, S2 E9) Overrated! with Neville Waters (IIJM, S2 E7) This or That? with Neville Waters (IIJM S2 E19) Deryk Gilmore: Life As A Sports And Entertainment Agent (IIJM, S3 E14) AI Past And Future with Michael Bryan, Open Environments (IIJM, S4 E4) More AI (Note: Opportunity & Concerns Ahead) with Michael Bryan, Open Environments (IIJM, S4 E5) To NFT Or Not NFT, That Is The Question (IIJM, S1 E11)  

Layla and MJ have fresh tips and takes on the holidays for you! Maybe even a grievance or two? Grab a festive beverage and cozy up as they unwrap all the holiday fun. Are you considering a gift for Layla and MJ? Start by giving the pod a followon Apple Podcast, Spotify, etc to never miss an episode! Then give it all five stars.  Have thoughts on this ep? Future guests? Drop us a comment on X, Instagram, Facebook or here to get in touch. It may not be just you that loves the holidays... and has thoughts! Links: 12 Grapes At Midnight: Spain's Unique New Year's Eve Tradition (Food Republic) Shab-e Yalda: The Longest Night of the Year and a Celebration of Light (Navidwrites @ Medium)

MJ is taking some family time off, so Layla is breaking ground with a SOLO podcast. She asks the question: What IF... this podcast was from 100 years ago?? Imagine the same topics that Layla and MJ have discussed over the past 4 seasons, but using material from a century ago. Would that work? Do you think our social trends of today are very different? Were criminals less dumb? Were our national parks less weird?  Is it just me, but are times really that different? What do you think? Drop us a comment on X, Instagram, Facebook or here to get in touch. Follow the podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, etc to never miss an episode. Fresh ones drop every two weeks. Because it may not be just you... but it could be! Links: We're Back! (Is It Just Me podcast, Season 2 Episode 1) Let The Rich Get Richer (Is It Just Me podcasat, Season 1 Episode 2) John D. Rockefeller and the Oil Industry (Foundation for Economic Education) 100 years later, legend of Ape Canyon Sasquatch attack continues to draw interest (The Chronicle) Flying Saucers Are Real (National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena) Predictions! (Is It Just Me podcast, Season 3 Episode 9) Dining Through the Decades: 100 Years of American Food (The David Blahg) True Crime: Dumb Criminals Files (Is It Just Me podcast, Season 3 Episode 11) Why 'Pep' The Prison Dog Got Such A Bum Rap (NPR)

It's time we all have a little chat about "celebrity" and what that means. Is it just LaylaK and MJ that remember when a celebrity used to be a actor, artist, or some such societal icon, which is entirely different from someone who is just sort-of famous for, say, sharing a clever tiktok about their barista? Which is all entirely separate from being a "leader"! Are YOU an episode-worthy celebrity? Drop us a comment on X, Instagram, Facebook or here to get in touch. Follow the podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, etc to never miss an episode. Fresh ones drop every two weeks. Because it may not be just you... but it could be! Links: Celebrity (Merriam-Webster) Fiona the Hippo (Cincinnati Zoo) Tango That Boxer (Instagram) Andy Warhol Probably Never Said His Celebrated "Fifteen Minutes of Fame" Line (Smithsonian) 15 Minutes Of Fame: Where Are They Now? (Ranker) Tila Tequila (Wikipedia) 15 People Who Got Their 15 Minutes Of Fame (And Milked It For More Than It Was Worth) (Cracked)

On our last episode special guest Michael Bryan, Open Environments, explained the basics of AI, where it all came from, and a glimpse of where it is going. But he had so much more to share! In this episode Michael discusses how AI is now learning to reason for itself (!), and it might use that reasoning to give you some very bad advice. AI will change the way we work, how we receive healthcare, and much more. Some of it sounds great, but it's not all positive - and it's not just us pointing out that there are some serious concerns ahead. Follow the podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, etc to never miss an episode. Fresh ones drop every two weeks. Have an idea for a episode? Guest to recommend? Drop us a comment on X, Instagram, Facebook or here. Because it may not be just you... but it could be! Links: Michael Bryan (LinkedIn, Open Environments) Georgetown McDonough School of Business American Red Cross 'Megalopolis' Trailer's Fake Critic Quotes Were AI-Generated, Lionsgate Drops Marketing Consultant Responsible For Snafu (Variety) AI Incident Database  UN AI Event Holds World's First Humanoid Robot Press Conference (YouTube) OpenAI Project Strawberry: Here's everything we know so far (Digital Trends) OpenAI Rumors: Q* is Now a Reasoning Engine Called 'Project Strawberry' (OpenAI Community Forum) Why a $2 milion coal mine in US's Wyoming could be worth $37 billion (The Times of India) Three Mile Island is reopening and selling its power to Microsoft (CNN)    

Is it just me, or is Artificial Intelligence (AI) just omnipresent? It seems that everywhere we turn, we're told an AI ability has been embedded. But when did all that start? And where is it going?? LaylaK and MJ ask industry pioneer and expert Michael Bryan, Partner at Open Environments (and full disclosure - a Georgetown business school classmate) those questions and more. No AI was used to create it this episode, but some human editing was applied! Follow the podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, etc to never miss an episode. Fresh ones drop every two weeks. Have an idea for a episode? Guest to recommend? Drop us a comment on X, Instagram, Facebook or here. Because it may not be just you... but it could be! Links: Michael Bryan (LinkedIn, Open Environments) Georgetown McDonough School of Business American Red Cross ChatGPT With AI warning, Nobel winner joins ranks of laureates who've cautioned about the risks of their own work (CNN) Elon Musk among experts urging a halt to AI training (BBC) G7 Hiroshima Process on Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) (OECD - Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) Governance of Artificial Intelligence (including 12 Challenges) (UK House of Commons) Andrew Ng's Machine Learning Collection (Coursera)  

Are you feeling stressed out? Anxious? This is the episode for you! LaylaK and MJ take a quick 10 minute look back at some of the lighter moments of an already light-hearted podcast. A reminder that times are good - and even those awkward or not so great situations in the past - we can smile at now! Follow the podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, etc to never miss an episode. Fresh ones drop every two weeks. Have an idea for a episode? Guest to recommend? Drop us a comment on X, Instagram, Facebook or here. Because it may not be just you... but it could be! Links: Weird Work Rules (Is It Just Me Podcast, Season 2, Episode 14) Good Intentions Gone Wrong (Is It Just Me Podcast, Season 1, Episode 19) True Crime: Dumb Criminal Files (Is It Just Me Podcast, Season 3, Episode 11) Music Credit: Bye, Bye Brain! by Alexander Nakarada | https://creatorchords.com Music promoted on https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/