Sometimes your next career move comes with four paws and a leash. 🐾
In this episode, Jenny chats with Justin Cohen, founder of Justin Walks Dogs in Los Angeles, about how he flipped his career, and his mental health, by trading spreadsheets and studio lots for sunshine, fresh air, and wagging tails.
After years in the film industry, Justin was burnt out, anxious, and craving meaning. A wild trip abroad (involving a rat and a rabies scare, yes, really) led him back to LA, where he stumbled onto a dog-walking app that completely changed his life. What started as a side gig turned into a thriving small business, and a huge boost to his wellbeing.
Jenny and Justin talk about what it takes to walk away from a “good on paper” career, the freedom of self-employment, the mental health perks of spending your days outside, and how dogs have a magical way of leading us exactly where we’re meant to go.
What you’ll hear:
- Leaving a stable film career for a happier life
- How walking dogs improved Justin’s mental health and daily routine
- Turning a side hustle into a full-time business
- The realities of building your own path (and income)
- Finding meaning, flexibility, and peace — one walk at a time
Connect with Justin:
🐶 Instagram: @JustinWalksDogs
🌐 Website: justinwalksdogs.com
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🎵 Music Credits
Season 1: Intro & outro music by Audionautix.com
Season 2: Original music by yours truly, Jenny Dempsey, recorded in my home studio
And hey, remember my favorite question: What’s the best that could happen? 💫
