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.

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.

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.

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

Fear can shape our entire lives - the choices we make, the risks we avoid, and the dreams we never pursue. In this episode, Clay Johnson talks about the fear of change, how it kept him stuck for years, and what happened when he finally chose courage over comfort.

From leaving the U.S. in 2008 to stepping into the unknown again and again, Clay shares the moments that pushed him beyond his comfort zone and the mindset shifts that helped him stop letting fear make his decisions for him.

You'll hear insights on:

• Why fear feels so convincing

• How comfort zones quietly limit growth

• The power of reframing worst-case scenarios

• Building trust in yourself through action

• Why the life you want is on the other side of discomfort

If you've ever asked yourself, "What if I'm not ready?" or "What if I fail?" - this episode is your reminder that you're stronger than your fear, and change is worth pursuing.

Hosted by Clay Johnson - exploring growth, resilience, and self-discovery.

Have you ever stopped yourself from doing something you really wanted - just because you were afraid of what other people might think?

In this episode, Clay Johnson explores how the fear of judgment quietly shapes our lives - from the clothes we wear to the dreams we chase - and what it takes to finally break free.

He shares his own story of learning to let go of other people's opinions, rebuilding confidence, and living life on his own terms. This conversation isn't about rebellion - it's about authenticity, courage, and choosing yourself.

If you've ever felt trapped by what others might think, this episode will remind you that freedom begins when you stop asking for permission to be yourself.

🎙️ Hosted by Clay Johnson - exploring growth, resilience, and self-discovery.

#Authenticity #FearOfJudgment #SelfConfidence #PersonalGrowth #TheRealClayJPodcast

Ever walk into a room full of confident, accomplished people and think, "What am I even doing here?"

That voice in your head-the one whispering you're not smart enough, not capable enough, not enough-that's your inner critic. And it's powerful.

In this episode, Clay Johnson opens up about his own experiences with imposter syndrome and shares practical strategies for quieting that inner voice of doubt. From recognizing fear for what it is to reframing negative self-talk and embracing discomfort as a sign of growth, this conversation is all about finding your confidence again.

You'll hear:

✅ What the inner critic really is (and why we all have one)

✅ How to separate fear from fact

✅ 5 real strategies to silence self-doubt

✅ Why discomfort means you're growing

If you've ever questioned whether you belong, this episode is a reminder that you do. You're capable, you're enough, and you've earned your place.

💬 Connect with Clay:

Instagram - @therealclayj

Podcast - The Real Clay J Podcast

Who we are today is deeply connected to where we come from. In this episode, Clay explores how the experiences, lessons, and unspoken messages from our childhood quietly shape the way we see ourselves, love others, and move through the world.

From early patterns of perfectionism and people-pleasing to the beliefs we carry about worth and strength, Clay opens up about his own upbringing - what it taught him, and how he's learning to rewrite the story.

You'll hear about:

• How childhood messages influence self-worth and relationships

• Recognizing the roles we learned to play as kids

• The power of compassion in healing old wounds

• Practical ways to unlearn patterns and build a new narrative

This is a conversation about understanding, not blame - about breaking generational cycles and remembering that our past may have shaped us, but it doesn't define us.

If you've ever wondered why certain patterns keep repeating in your life, this episode might just help you find the answer.

🎧 Hosted by Clay Johnson - a podcast about growth, resilience, and becoming who you were meant to be.

We've all felt it - that heavy, quiet feeling that tells us we're not enough.

In this episode, Clay opens up about his own journey with shame - where it began, how it shaped him, and what it really takes to heal.

From childhood expectations to self-forgiveness and compassion, this is an honest conversation about growth, acceptance, and reclaiming your worth.

You'll learn how to:

• Recognize the difference between guilt and shame

• Call shame out and take away its power

• Rewrite your story with self-compassion

• Forgive yourself and move forward

If you've ever carried the weight of your past, this episode will remind you that you are not your mistakes - and healing is always possible.

🎧 Hosted by Clay Johnson - a podcast about growth, resilience, and living with authenticity.

Struggling with emotional eating? You're not alone.In this video, I share my personal journey of realizing how food became my emotional crutch - from tight work pants that no longer fit, to using pizza and pasta as a way to numb stress, loneliness, and anxiety.This isn't just about weight gain or clothes not fitting - it's about learning how food can mask emotions, and how to start breaking free from that cycle.Here's what you'll hear:✅ My honest story of emotional eating over the past decade✅ How food became my coping mechanism (and why it never worked long-term)✅ The wake-up moment that pushed me to change✅ The dangers of numbing emotions instead of facing them✅ What I'm doing now - therapy, fitness, and healthier coping tools⚠️ If you've ever found yourself eating to "fill the void," this story may feel familiar. And hopefully, it helps you see you're not alone.

What happens when money goes from security to survival?In this episode, I share my personal journey with money - from growing up in financial comfort, to losing everything at 19, to years of debt, payday loans, and fear and finally finding stability and resilience again.This isn't just a story about dollars and cents. It's about identity, shame, success, and how money can shape - and sometimes distort - our lives.Here's what you'll hear:✅ What it felt like to lose everything in college✅ How I went from stability to payday loans and debt cycles✅ The emotional toll of scarcity and financial shame✅ Small steps that helped me turn the corner✅ The lessons I've learned about money, resilience, and redefining success⚠️ If money has ever felt like both a blessing and a burden for you, this episode may hit home.

What happens when you leave everything you know behind?In this episode, I share my story of leaving the U.S. in 2008 to live abroad - first in Belgium, then in Malaysia. What started as a leap into the unknown turned into the best decision of my life.From cobblestone streets in Brussels to the energy of Kuala Lumpur, I'll take you through the fears, lessons, and transformations that came with building a new life overseas. This is about growth, resilience, and discovering that home isn't just a place - it's a feeling.Here's what you'll hear:✅ What it felt like to leave a "stable life" for the unknown✅ Lessons from living in Belgium for nearly 10 years✅ The culture shock (and beauty) of moving to Malaysia✅ How discomfort fuels growth and resilience✅ Why living abroad redefined my view of work, success, and home⚠️ If you've ever felt stuck or dreamed about taking a leap into the unknown - this episode might be the push you've been waiting for.

What happens when you finally step outside your comfort zone?In this very first episode, I share why I started this podcast and the journey that brought me here-from a small southern town in the U.S. to living abroad for over 15 years across Europe and Asia.This debut isn't just about me-it's about connection, storytelling, and creating a space for honest conversations about growth, resilience, and authenticity.Here's what you'll hear:✅ Why I decided to finally launch this podcast✅ Lessons from 20+ years in Human Resources across 3 continents✅ Stories from living abroad in Belgium & Malaysia✅ Themes we'll explore: fear, resilience, relationships, health & self-worth✅ What "home" really means, and why it matters⚠️ If you've ever felt the pull to live more authentically-or just wanted to hear real stories about growth and self-discovery-this episode is where it all begins.