The Real Clay J Podcast

Clay Johnson
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Clay Johnson calls himself an ordinary person with an extraordinary life. From small-town roots in the US to living abroad for 15+ years and traveling to 35 countries, Clay brings a global perspective shaped by resilience, curiosity, and grit. This podcast explores life’s challenges, lessons, and personal growth through authentic storytelling. Join Clay as he connects with others, embraces self-discovery, and inspires listeners to live a more authentic, healthier life—southern accent included.

  1. 5D AGO

    When Nothing Is Wrong - But Something Feels Off

    There's no crisis. No bad news. And yet something feels off. In this episode, Clay Johnson explores a quiet emotional state that's hard to name - when life is functioning, responsibilities are handled, and everything looks fine from the outside, but internally there's a subtle restlessness. Not burnout. Not dissatisfaction. Just a sense of disconnection you can't quite explain. Through personal reflection, Clay unpacks why we rush to fix feelings that don't come with clear instructions - and why discomfort doesn't always require action. Sometimes it asks for attention instead. If you've ever felt slightly removed from your own life, this conversation will resonate. Sometimes nothing is wrong. Sometimes something is simply changing - quietly. 🎙️ Hosted by Clay Johnson - exploring self-awareness, identity, and the quiet shifts that shape who we become.

    5 min

  2. JAN 29

    Why Can’t I See What Other People See in Me?

    Why is it easier to see strength, potential, and value in other people - but so difficult to recognize it in ourselves? In this episode, Clay Johnson reflects on a question many of us quietly carry: Why can't I see what other people see in me? This isn't a conversation about confidence techniques or self-esteem shortcuts. It's an exploration of self-doubt, identity, and personal growth - and how being too close to our own lives can blur our ability to see our resilience, progress, and emotional strength. Through personal reflection and lived experience, Clay examines why uncertainty can persist even when there's clear evidence of capability and growth, especially in midlife. Rather than chasing constant clarity or confidence, this episode invites a different approach: self-trust, self-respect, and continued forward movement. Sometimes self-worth isn't about seeing yourself clearly. It's about trusting yourself enough to keep going - even when the picture feels incomplete.

    5 min

  3. JAN 15

    I Don’t Have a 10-Year Plan — And I’m Learning to Be Okay With That

    What happens when you reach midlife and realize you don't have a 10-year plan? In this episode, Clay Johnson reflects on midlife uncertainty, identity, and the quiet shift that happens when the old rules stop working. The plans that once felt reassuring begin to feel restrictive, and the pressure to have everything figured out starts to lose its meaning. Rather than framing this stage of life as a crisis, Clay explores it as a clearing - a moment where noise fades, urgency softens, and deeper questions emerge. This conversation looks at aging, success, career, and personal growth through a calmer lens, focusing on intention instead of certainty and direction instead of rigid destinations. Clay shares why not having a long-term plan doesn't mean drifting or giving up, but learning to trust yourself, stay curious, and remain open to what's next. It's about living well now, investing in health, relationships, and meaning - without forcing answers that aren't ready yet. If you're questioning your future, feeling pressure to have life figured out, or standing in that uncomfortable space between concern and calm, this episode is for you. You're not late. You're not broken. You're evolving. Sometimes, the most honest way forward is letting go of certainty and choosing to keep showing up - one thoughtful step at a time. 🎙️ Hosted by Clay Johnson - exploring midlife, identity, and the evolving experience of being human.

    5 min

  4. JAN 1

    Showing Up: Reflection, Lessons, and Intentions for 2026

    What if real change doesn't come from pushing harder - but from pausing long enough to notice your life? In this episode, Clay Johnson reflects on the year that was and the one ahead. From a quiet, rain-filled solo weekend in Bali to honest moments of self-assessment, this conversation explores why reflection matters more than resolution, and how clarity often arrives when we slow down. Clay shares what went well, where he fell short, and the intentions guiding him into 2026 - not with pressure or perfection, but with consistency. This episode is an invitation to step out of autopilot, take stock of your life as it is, and choose how you want to show up moving forward. You don't need a new year, a new plan, or a new version of yourself. Sometimes, all you need is the courage to pause - and the honesty to listen. 🎙️ Hosted by Clay Johnson If this episode resonates, take a moment to reflect alongside it - and carry one intentional step with you into the days ahead.

    6 min

  5. 12/18/2025

    The Echoes of Childhood

    Some reactions feel bigger than the moment - and there's a reason for that. In this episode, Clay Johnson explores how our childhood doesn't stay in the past. It quietly follows us into adulthood, shaping how we respond to criticism, seek approval, avoid conflict, and define our worth. Through personal reflection, Clay unpacks the survival patterns many of us developed early on - overachieving, people-pleasing, staying small, or staying guarded - and how awareness can help us respond with compassion instead of fear. This conversation isn't about blaming the past. It's about understanding it and learning how to become the adult your younger self needed. If you've ever wondered why certain moments hit so hard, or felt like a younger version of you shows up when life gets uncomfortable - this episode is for you. 🎙️ Hosted by Clay Johnson A space for honest stories, self-awareness, and the quiet work of healing.

    5 min

  6. 12/11/2025

    How Empathy Became My Superpower

    Some people move through the world without noticing much - but others feel everything. The tension in a room. The sadness behind someone's smile. The unspoken emotions that sit between the lines. In this episode, Clay Johnson shares the story of his lifelong relationship with empathy - where it began, how it shaped him, and why feeling deeply isn't a weakness but a quiet kind of strength. From growing up alongside his older brother with Down Syndrome to navigating a career in HR, Clay reflects on how empathy became both a challenge and a superpower. This conversation explores what it really means to care, to listen, to carry emotions that aren't always yours, and to learn boundaries without losing your softness. If you've ever been told you're "too sensitive" or felt overwhelmed by the feelings you absorb from others, this episode is a reminder that your sensitivity has purpose, direction, and power. Take a breath and tune in - you might just hear your own story in this one.

    6 min

  7. 11/27/2025

    Stories That Connect Us: Why I Keep Sharing Mine

    Sometimes you hear someone share a story, and something inside you whispers, "That's me." Even if you've never met, you feel understood - and suddenly, you're not alone. In this episode, Clay Johnson opens up about why he chooses to share the messy, unpolished parts of his life. He talks about the fear of saying too much, the moments he questions himself, and the unexpected messages from listeners that remind him why honesty matters. This conversation explores vulnerability, comparison, and the courage it takes to tell the truth when your story is still unfolding. If you've ever wondered whether your voice matters or whether your experience is worth sharing - this episode is for you. Tune in, take a breath, and remember: You don't need to have everything figured out. You just need to show up as you.

    5 min

  8. 11/13/2025

    When Doing Nothing Feels Impossible – Navigating Boredom and Restlessness

    Why do we hate being bored so much? In this episode, Clay Johnson explores what boredom really means - why we avoid it, what it reveals about our fears, and how slowing down can actually help us grow. It's not about doing more - it's about learning to be okay with doing nothing. Because sometimes, stillness is where the real answers show up. 🎙️ Hosted by Clay Johnson

    6 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Clay Johnson calls himself an ordinary person with an extraordinary life. From small-town roots in the US to living abroad for 15+ years and traveling to 35 countries, Clay brings a global perspective shaped by resilience, curiosity, and grit. This podcast explores life’s challenges, lessons, and personal growth through authentic storytelling. Join Clay as he connects with others, embraces self-discovery, and inspires listeners to live a more authentic, healthier life—southern accent included.

Information

  • Creator
    Clay Johnson
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Clay Johnson
  • Show Website
    The Real Clay J Podcast