Your Ex-Boyfriend’s Podcast
by Justis Tena
Your Ex-Boyfriend’s Podcast is a critical look into being human, centered on one man’s journey to be healthy, happy, and fulfilled, led by Justis Tena, your local jack-of-all-trades. Each week on Sunday, we’ll discuss a different topic related to personal growth and navigating life, ranging from fear and shame, to finding purpose and joy, to critical thinking and setting boundaries. Solo episodes by Justis will be alternated with special guests, including nurses, police officers, sex coaches, therapists, teachers, friends, family members, and many more. All the while, we’ll be analyzing things through the lens of one college dropout turned blue collar philosopher, and keeping in mind that if it’s not hard, it’s probably not worth doing.
Episodes
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Episode 58: Boys' Trip Musings
I'm back! At least for one episode! You're just going to have to listen to this one. Two of my best friends and the Wolfpack mascot took a trip with me to the ocean. Here's what happened. Please reach out with any questions, requests, or comments you have. I respond to everyone and look forward…
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Episode 57: Psychological Safety, FT. DR. I. DAVID DANIELS
In this episode, I welcome an awesome guest to the the show, Dr. I. David Daniels! Dr. Daniels is an expert in all things safety, specializing in psychological safety in the workplace. We talk for a bit over an hour, and it's one of the denser episodes I've done, in terms of information per…
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Episode 56: Labor Day (Burn It Down, Boys!)
First things first...if you want to hear the kickass intro-protest song in it's entirety, make sure you stick around past the end of this episode... So! In this episode, we get riled up about Labor Day and the organized labor movement in the good ol' USA. We're going to talk about what Labor Day…
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Episode 55: The Sunday Evening Episode (Time To Rant)
In this episode, I channel my inner red-headed comedian and vent about some things that bug me. Featuring rants about the following: climate change/wildfire smoke, safe spaces, fathers and sons, giving a shit, bakeries, and podcasts that I enjoy. Nielsen's Pastries The Monday Morning Podcast with...
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Episode 54: Resources For You (My Recommendations)
In this episode, my first "list" episode since number 10, I throw down a handful of books, podcasts, and smart people whose work and opinions I value. Throughout this podcast, I've mentioned all of these and more, and it seemed like a good idea to finally list some out and give all my dear...
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Episode 53: Work Hard And Keep Your Eyes Open (Mix Bag)
In this episode, we jump to a few different topics. On my mind recently were the following: 1. "Body count" negative bias 2. Social media "experts" 3. Being ok with not being ok With this first Mix Bag episode, I'll touch on the previous over the course of about an hour, sharing my thoughts and...
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Episode 52: Return of the Ex-Boyfriend (Cottagecore For Sure), Part 2, FT. CAIT
WELCOME BACK AGAIN! In this episode, part 2 of 2, I channel my inner Luke Skywalker and make a return to the airwaves after a little over 5 months. If you're just listening to this show for the first time, you should know that Your Ex-Boyfriend's Podcast has been on an extended hiatus since the…
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Episode 51: Return of the Ex-Boyfriend (The Dad Glow-up), Part 1, FT. CAIT
WELCOME BACK! In this episode, I channel my inner Luke Skywalker and make a return to the airwaves after a little over 5 months. If you're just listening to this show for the first time, you should know that Your Ex-Boyfriend's Podcast has been on an extended hiatus since the New Year of 2023.…
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Episode 50: Look For The Helpers (More Important Than Fear), 2022 Finale
In this episode...we say goodbye for now. In addition to my handheld recorded reflection on what this podcast has been for and what I hoped to be to my dear listeners, I bid farewell in this episode, for an as-yet-unknown amount of time. There may be more of Your Ex-Boyfriend's Podcast in 2023…
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Episode 49: Agency and Ownership (Information and Feelings)
In this episode, we *quickly* go over a couple concepts regarding interacting with the ones you care for. Take responsibility for yourself and ONLY yourself. And understand that every thought, action, opinion, interaction, and conversation is DATA to be used. Please reach out with any questions,...
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Episode 46: Both Things Can Be True (Two Cheeks On the Same Ass), Pt. 2, FT. JERMAINE JONES
In Part 2 of this two-part series, I continue the conversation with my friend, former classmate, co-worker at The Agency, and IBEW brother Jermain Jones. We'll discuss all manner of topics, ranging from the heartfelt to the stomach turning. If you want to hear about alpha males, Andrew Tate, ice...
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Episode 45: Both Things Can Be True (Burning Down the Couch), Pt.1, FT. JERMAINE JONES
In Part 1 of this two-part series, my friend, former classmate, co-worker at The Agency, and IBEW brother Jermain Jones makes a visit. We'll discuss all manner of topics, ranging from the heartfelt to the stomach turning. If you want to hear about labor relations, racism, being a man, feeling…
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Episode 44: Special Response to ”Attachment Theory”
In this episode, I give a huge thank you to all of my new listeners who made my previous episode, "Attachment Theory," the most listened to episode of Your Ex-Boyfriend's Podcast to-date. As of this writing, over 16,000 new listeners have found that episode, and this podcast, and the number...
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Episode 43: Attachment Theory
In this episode, I finally catch up on my research and attempt a concise explanation of Attachment Theory and how it manifests in people's day-to-day. There's a whole world of "why" we, as human beings, attach to others in the ways we do, and this episode isn't about that...but if you want a…
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Episode 42: Loving Yourself (Relationship #1)
In this episode, let's take a look at why your relationship with yourself is so important, and why I've been struggling with mine recently. Tears?! Maybe... Please reach out with any questions, requests, or comments you have. I respond to everyone and look forward to whatever you have to say.…
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Episode 41: Full Body Chills FT. ROGER a.k.a. POWER-327
In this episode, my good friend Roger shows up to the podcast to chop it up about life, liberty, and the pursuit of a day-shift work schedule. We'll touch on fatherhood, being an electrician, being a union member, working at the same horrible job for over a year, serial killers, podcasts, and...
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Episode 40: Living Authentically (Fallibility = Change)
In this episode, we talk about walking the walk and how that may very well be the best way to start influencing the world around you in a positive way. Live authentically, and in turn, impact others authentically. Please reach out with any questions, requests, or comments you have. I respond to...
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Episode 39: Speaking Kindly With Yourself
In this episode, we very quickly break down why the manner in which you talk to yourself is so important. We'll hit the Placebo Effect, self-fulfilling prophecies, and childhood trauma, all in only 15 minutes! Please reach out with any questions, requests, or comments you have. I respond to...
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Episode 38: When You’re Wrong
In this episode, we talk about why being wrong, failing, making mistakes, and getting the chance to change your mind are all good things. It's required for change! The Tim Ferris Show: https://tim.blog/2022/04/19/terry-crews-2/https://tim.blog/podcast/ Think Again, by Adam Grant:...
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Episode 37: The Juice Has To Be Worth The Squeeze, FT. CAIT LIETZ (PART 2)
In this episode, Cait and I continue our conversation from last time. We discuss the housing market, where your friends go during a breakup, having children, being a regular guy making a podcast, and how we all feel and deal with shame, thinking we're alone when we're actually not. Please reach…
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Episode 36: The Juice Has To Be Worth The Squeeze, FT. CAIT LIETZ (PART 1)
In this episode, my friend of almost a decade graces Your Ex-Boyfriend's Podcast with stories of her time in the health care industry as a nurse, college woes, and thoughts on primordial internet memes. This is only Part 1! So come back in a couple days for Part 2! Please reach out with any...
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Episode 35: Practical Application (From Theory To Action)
In this episode, we return to some previous concepts that we've touched on and try to apply it to the real world with actual actions. If you feel like you've got a decent grasp on the concepts presented so far in this podcast, and you want some guidance on how to implement them, this episode's…
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Episode 34: Asking For Help (The Worst They Can Say Is No)
In this episode, we discuss my tentative motto ("...And that's ok!"), in addition to why asking for what you need is a necessary skill to develop. I also practice what I preach and ask for all my devoted listeners' help with improving this podcast. Please reach out with any questions, requests…
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Episode 33: Manifestation Isn’t Enough
In this episode, let's try to figure out why social media seems to be pushing the idea of "manifestation" being this magical solution to all your woes. If you can dream it, you can do it? Not likely! EMAIL: [email protected] INSTAGRAM: @your_exbf_podcast...
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Episode 32: The Quiet Quitter
In this episode, we debunk some terms in the recent news regarding what it means to be a good employee. Know what you're worth, and get what you're worth. EMAIL: [email protected] INSTAGRAM: @your_exbf_podcast https://www.instagram.com/your_exbf_podcast/?hl=en
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Episode 31: Overfunctioning (Assuming Direct Control)
In this episode, we break down in less than half an hour, discussing what it means to "overfunction" in relationship with other people. If you find yourself trying to manage what other people think, say, or do...this one's for you. Please reach out with any questions, requests, or comments you...
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Episode 30: Release is Release, FT. VERONICA PURYEAR (INDELICATE COACHING)
In this episode, we debut my longest episode to date! Sex and intimacy guide Veronica Puryear, founder of Indelicate Coaching, spends over two hours with me discussing...you guessed it...sex and intimacy. In addition, we dive into relationships, vulnerability, attachment, pussies, penises…
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Episode 29: The Devil’s Gooch Meat (You Get What You Pay For) FT. JON
In this episode, we make a return to the interviews! My old friend Jon, a high school band director, stops by the podcast, and we discuss everything under the sun. In the first half of my first 2+ hour interview, we'll hit the effects COVID had on the public school system, what music is, and the...
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Episode 28: Boundaries, Part 2 (Show Them The Door)
In this episode, we take a second dive into boundaries. We'll recap the concepts touched on in Episodes 4 and 22, and hit new ones like "what does codependency mean?" and why martyrdom doesn't work like Jesus said it would. Please reach out with any questions, requests, or comments you have. I...
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Episode 27: Extroversion vs. Introversion (Jungian Personality Theory)
In this episode, we jump into what it means to be an intro/extro/ambivert. We'll discuss what they mean, where they might have come from, and why you might feel one or the other. Please reach out with any questions, requests, or comments you have. I respond to everyone and look forward to…
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Episode 26: Highway To The Comfort Zone
In this episode, we come to what would have been the halfway point of the year had I done an episode every week! In that spirit, let's talk about an overarching concept that kind of covers everything we've talked about so far...THE COMFORT ZONE! Ride into the comfort zone, as Kenny Loggins would...
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Episode 25: Self-Worth (The Measure Of A Man)
In this episode, let's talk about self-worth. Where it comes from (YOU), what happens when you source it from elsewhere, and the benefits of knowing better. Featured guest this week is the air of anticipation of future guests. Please reach out with any questions, requests, or comments you have. I...
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Episode 24: Behavioral Patterns (Herringbone, Paisley, Tartan, Plaid)
In this episode, we actually don't talk about fabric patterns, and instead discuss how behavioral patterns can be recognized, understood, and changed. Thanks for letting me skip a week :) Please reach out with any questions, requests, or comments you have. I respond to everyone and look forward…
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Episode 23: Experience Without Expectation
In this episode, I do my best to speak *concisely* on being able to manage and communicate your expectations, in addition to what to do when they go awry. Please reach out with any questions, requests, or comments you have. I respond to everyone and look forward to whatever you have to say. Write...
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Episode 22: Resource Management (You Must Construct Additional Pylons)
In this episode, we talk about the ways in which we have to find balance in our lives, and how common it is to put too much or too little into one area or another. Featured guest...a complete lack of interruptions by Dr. Jones! Please reach out with any questions, requests, or comments you have.…
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Episode 21: Critical Thinking (Follow The Money), Part II
In this episode, we discuss some very sobering topics, and look at them through the lens of critical thinking. Also, please go check out the Gun Violence Archive for some very pertinent data regarding the nation-wide issue we are currently facing. https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/ Please reach...
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Episode 20: Third Shift...Not An Actual Graveyard, FT. ALEX AND CAITLIN
In this episode, my friends Alex and Caitlin, the happily and newly married couple, make a visit to Your Ex-BF's Podcast. Join the three of us (four if you count Jonesy interrupting) as we talk about marriage, moving, awful work schedules, the afterlife, and BDSM. EMAIL: [email protected]...
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Episode 19: Good In Equals Good Out
In this episode, dearest Jonesy makes a surprise appearance to let everyone know how important it is to be intentional with what you put into your mind, body, and soul...because it will inevitably be the same quality as what you put out into the world. Please reach out with any questions…
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Episode 18: Being Vulnerable (Who’s Got Your Belly?)
In this episode, we sit down with an evening brown and discuss how being vulnerable and being able to feel and express all your emotions is critical to being a person. Featured guests include my love for the Iron Giant and a couple manly tears. Please reach out with any questions, requests, or...
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Episode 17: The Kids Are Alright, FT. RACHEL FRESONKE
In this episode, I have my second guest on the show! Rachel Fresonke is a soon-to-be Behavioral Analyst, and a passionate advocate for our community's young people. We discuss the study of behavior a.k.a. "behaviorism," communicating your needs, and her only-child husband. EMAIL:...
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Episode 16: My First Guest!, FT. ELISABETH TENA
In this episode, my youngest sister Elisabeth and I chop it up for my first ever guest interview. So many topics...beautiful men, therapy, relationships and break-ups, pregnancy, coffee cake, and many more. It's a long one so buckle up! Please reach out with any questions, comments, ideas, or...
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Episode 15: Other People’s Business
In this episode, we talk about cool shit going on in my life, most of it having to do with other people! We'll discuss my friends Alex and Caitlin, who got married! We'll discuss my mom and her MS fundraising team, the MSfits in Tena Shoes...
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Episode 14: Carpe Dizzum
In this episode, we congratulate Alex and Caitlin on their tying of the knot, and we thank Hugh Jackman for shedding some light on why sometimes we should just go with the flow. And it was Tim Ferris, not Tom! Damn. Please reach out with any questions, requests, or comments you have. I respond to...
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Episode 13: Making A Podcast (Audiogenesis)
In this episode, we come BACK TO THE BACK! After taking an unscheduled break, we dive back into the goods. Let's talk about creation, and how to make a podcast. Shout out to the duo from IRL with Natalie and Thom! https://www.buzzsprout.com/1301536 Please reach out with any questions, requests…
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Episode 12: When You Know Better You Do Better
In this episode, we re-record some stuff after a tragic file corruption incident. We'll talk about how to be patient with those who are on the same journey, and why making mistakes is ok, and necessary. And the guys name is Stephen Szczerba! Please reach out with any questions, requests, or...
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Episode 11: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (My First Time in the E.R.)
In this episode, we talk about anxiety and men's mental health. Anxiety is like being in a videogame and hearing the boss music start to play, except you can't seem to find where the boss is! And finally...WE'RE ON APPLE PODCASTS! For real this time. Please reach out with any questions, requests,...
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Episode 10: Ten Things
In this episode, we celebrate the 10th Anniversary episode of this podcast! Join me for a list of ten things that I try to keep in mind everyday. Featured guest is my slightly inebriated but gradually more sober narration. Please reach out with any questions, requests, or comments you have. I...
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Episode 9: Critical Thinking (Follow the Money)
In this episode, we talk about opening your eyes and asking questions. There are those who would have you close your eyes and follow the herd. It's up to you to challenge that. Facts vs fiction. Please reach out with any questions, requests, or comments you have. I respond to everyone and look...
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Episode 8: Finding Purpose (Tending Your Garden)
In this episode, we ask a lot more questions than we have answers for. What gives your life meaning? What is purpose? Where is it? What does it smell like? Why can't you find it? Let's find out. Please reach out with any questions, requests, or comments you have. I respond to everyone and look...
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Episode 7: Being Afraid (Invictus)
In this episode, I read you an awesome poem, and we talk about fear and why it's a good thing. Featured guest is a story about my tightey-whiteys. Please reach out with any questions, requests, or comments you have. I respond to everyone and look forward to whatever you have to say. Write me an...
About this show
Your Ex-Boyfriend’s Podcast is a critical look into being human, centered on one man’s journey to be healthy, happy, and fulfilled, led by Justis Tena, your local jack-of-all-trades. Each week on Sunday, we’ll discuss a different topic related to personal growth and navigating life, ranging from fear and shame, to finding purpose and joy, to critical thinking and setting boundaries. Solo episodes by Justis will be alternated with special guests, including nurses, police officers, sex coaches, therapists, teachers, friends, family members, and many more. All the while, we’ll be analyzing things through the lens of one college dropout turned blue collar philosopher, and keeping in mind that if it’s not hard, it’s probably not worth doing.
Hosted by
Justis Tena