The Just Checkin' In Podcast

Ep. 79 | The Long Game | Just Checkin' In on January Reflections, The Long Game & Delayed Gratification

In this episode, Qualls and Donald reflect on January being a slower, quieter month and why that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Instead of rushing into the year, they talk about the value of playing the long game — especially when balancing opportunity, ambition, and the anxiety that can come with both.The conversation explores:- Why January can feel slow after the holiday momentum fades- Managing anxiety while still staying open to opportunity- The importance of patience, consistency, and long-term thinking- Trusting your pace instead of comparing timelines- Looking ahead to February and Black History Month with intention and reflectionThis episode is about grounding yourself at the start of the year, zooming out to see the bigger picture, and moving with purpose instead of pressure.If you’re trying to stay focused, manage stress, and build something meaningful over time, this conversation is for you.👍 Like, Subscribe & Share to support the show and join the community.#JanuaryReflections #LongGame #PersonalGrowth #BlackHistoryMonth #MindsetPodcast #LifeConversations #ConsistencyOverTime

Ep. 78 | Press Play | Just Checkin' In on Slow Starts, New Year Resolutions & Mentorship

In this episode, Qualls and Donald talk through bringing in the New Year honestly — acknowledging that the start of a new year doesn’t always feel fast, exciting, or immediately transformative. Sometimes, it’s slow… and that’s okay.The conversation explores:- Why the New Year can feel quieter or heavier than expected- Rethinking New Year’s resolutions and the pressure to “have it all figured out”- Allowing growth to unfold at its own pace- The role of mentorship — and why it’s often something you’re chosen for, not something you chase- What it means when people admire your path, your discipline, or your consistency- Showing up as an example, even when you’re still learning yourselfThis episode is about intention, patience, and understanding that influence and leadership often find you when you’re simply being yourself.If you’re easing into the year, questioning your goals, or realizing people are watching how you move — this conversation will resonate.

Ep. 77 | Metrics of Success | Just Checkin' In on Successes, Failures, and Measuring the Two

Qualls and Donald are joined in this episode by Darius Caffey to discuss success and failure. They try to define both, answering why both are so polarizing, and ultimately understanding, even if for self, what the metrics of each are.

Ep. 76 | Discernment is King | Just Checkin' In on Community, Wisdom, and Discernment

In this episode, Qualls and Donald have a reflective and honest conversation about how community changes as you get older, the lessons they wish they could pass back to their younger selves, and why discernment becomes more important with time.The discussion covers:🧭 How friendships and community evolve with age and life stages💬 The advice we’d give our younger selves — and why it matters now🧠 Learning when to listen, when to speak, and when to walk away⚖️ The role of discernment in relationships, opportunities, and growth🌱 Choosing alignment over access as you matureThis episode is about wisdom earned through experience, protecting your energy, and building meaningful connections that last.If you’re navigating adulthood, redefining your circle, or learning how to move with intention, this conversation will resonate.👍 Like, Subscribe & Share to support the show.

Ep. 75 | The Evolution of Media | Just Checkin' In on Tweets, Streams, and Digital Influence

In this episode, Qualls and Donald take a journey through the evolution of social media — from the early days of Twitter, the birth of Instagram, and the era of curated feeds… to the rise of streaming culture, content creators, and real-time digital influence.The hosts break down:📱 The timeline of social media, from 2010s platforms to today’s creator-driven world👤 Key figures and cultural moments that shaped how we use social apps📸 Instagram’s shift from photos to algorithms, aesthetics, and Reels🐦 Twitter’s transformation through iconic eras, ownership changes, and community culture📺 How TikTok and streaming changed attention, discoverability, and content creation🌐 The impact of influencers, online identities, and digital communities💬 What the future of social media may look likeThis is a nostalgic, insightful, and eye-opening look at how the internet grew up — and how it changed us in the process.