The Just Checkin' In Podcast

In this episode, Qualls and Donald sit with a powerful question: “What are you made of?”Not just on the surface — but at your core. Through real conversation, reflection, and a few laughs, they unpack how capacity and choices shape who we are and who we’re becoming.We explore:- What it really means to understand your capacity — mentally, emotionally, and physically- How the choices we make (and avoid) define our direction in life- The inevitability of change as we grow, evolve, and take on more- Expanding your capacity vs. recognizing your limits- How pressure, experience, and time reveal what you’re truly made ofThis episode is about identity, growth, and the reality that as your capacity increases, your choices shift — and so do you.If you’ve been reflecting on who you are, what you can handle, and where you’re headed, this conversation will meet you there.💬 Drop your thoughts below — what do YOU think you’re made of?👍 Like, Subscribe & Share to support the show.#PersonalGrowth #SelfReflection #Capacity #LifeChoices #MindsetPodcast #GrowthJourney #JustCheckinIn

In this episode, Qualls and Donald dive into a thoughtful conversation about the difference between joy and happiness and how our understanding of both evolves as we grow older. What does it mean to actually feel fulfilled? The conversation also explores the addiction to feeling “ready.” We often tell ourselves we’ll start something when the timing is perfect — but what does being ready really mean, and does that moment ever truly arrive?We discuss:- The difference between temporary happiness and lasting joy- Why many of us wait for the “perfect moment” before taking action- How the concept of being ready can sometimes become a form of procrastination- The realities of adulthood and learning to move forward without certainty- Finding balance between preparation, patience, and simply startingThis episode is a real-time reflection on growth, decision-making, and learning to navigate life even when things feel uncertain.If you’ve ever felt like you’re waiting for the “right time” to move forward, this conversation will resonate.💬 Join the discussion in the comments — when did you realize you were more ready than you thought?👍 Like, Subscribe & Share to support the show.#PersonalGrowth #JoyVsHappiness #Adulthood #MindsetPodcast #LifeConversations #SelfReflection #JustCheckinIn

Qualls, Donald, and Jeff continue their conversation in this episode, pivoting toward discussing Black love and the many different forms of it, as well as checking on the grind of entrepreneurship and self-love.The conversation continues to be honest, layered, and necessary. We laugh, we reflect, and we challenge each other — because understanding responsibility, partnership, and love requires depth.If you’ve ever thought about what it means to show up fully as a Black man — in relationships, family, or community — this episode is for you.💬 Join the conversation in the comments.👍 Like, Subscribe & Share to support the show.#BlackMen #BlackLove #ModernMasculinity #BlackCommunity #HealthyRelationships #PodcastConversation #JustCheckinIn #culturaldialogue 0:00 - Intro0:26 - Black Love2:40 - Non Melanated Cousins4:57 - Black Love Cont.7:06 - No More Cookout Invites8:40 - Black Love Cont.12:37 - The Balance & Grind of Entreprenuership25:10 - Major Takeaways28:00 - Check Out28:56 - Outro

In this episode, we’re joined by guest and friend Jeff Perkins for a real conversation about the evolving expectations placed on men today — and what that looks like specifically for Black men navigating culture, responsibility, and identity.We unpack:- How expectations for men have shifted over time- The weight Black men often carry — financially, emotionally, spiritually- Balancing strength with vulnerability- What leadership looks like in relationships and community- What truly encapsulates Black love — beyond aesthetics and social media moments- How growth, healing, and accountability shape modern manhoodThis conversation is honest, layered, and necessary. We laugh, we reflect, and we challenge each other — because understanding responsibility, partnership, and love requires depth.If you’ve ever thought about what it means to show up fully as a Black man — in relationships, family, or community — this episode is for you.💬 Join the conversation in the comments.👍 Like, Subscribe & Share to support the show.#BlackMen #BlackLove #ModernMasculinity #BlackCommunity #HealthyRelationships #PodcastConversation #JustCheckinIn #culturaldialogue 0:00 - Intro1:00 - Welcome Jeff to the Pod5:25 - Check In10:05 - Navigating Grief and Joy14:42 - Life is Improv17:57 - Carrying Weight & Responsibility as Men25:02 - Soft Boy Era33:52 - Resourcefulness is a Spectrum34:52 - Men & Hygiene38:40 - Part 1 Ending

In this episode Qualls and Donald celebrate getting out of January, talk about excitement for February and Black History Month, and discuss the how masculinity and homophobia play a role in the "Pause" epidemic, detailing how it's gotten out of hand. 0:00 - Intro1:20 - Check-In6:05 - Dream Guest or Co-Host10:41 - Practicing Gratefulness14:50 - Wintertime Chi19:05 - Real Blizzards21:55 - "Pause" Culture28:29 - Normalizing Living Your Own Life31:27 - Check-Out32:00 - Outro