Is It Just Me Podcast

Hosted by Layla K & MJ

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Latest episode

Oct 2025

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EN-US

About the show

Layla K & MJ met in business school. After decades of work in the worlds of business and government, they have seen both the outrageous and the mundane, and you can listen in as they share some lighthearted insight on topical and timely subjects. Tune in and decide, is it just me? It COULD be!

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60 recent

October 29, 2025Episode 232 min

From Sofas to AI: Gil Bar-Lev's Disruptive Vision For The Furniture Industry

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/

September 18, 2025Episode 114 min

Fresh Takes Ahead! (Season 5 Premiere)

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/

June 4, 2025Episode 2014 min

Looking Back & Moving Forward: Season 4 Is A Wrap!

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

May 21, 2025Episode 1910 min

Actually, It IS Just You!

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)

May 7, 2025Episode 1811 min

Billionaires In Space

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)

April 23, 2025Episode 1711 min

Mistaken Messages: Adventures in Miscommunication

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/

April 11, 2025Episode 168 min

The Art Of Saying "No"

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/

March 26, 2025Episode 1510 min

When Fun Is NOT Fun

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/

March 12, 2025Episode 1410 min

Ridiculous Layoffs

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

February 26, 2025Episode 139 min

Travel Nightmares

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/