I’ve been thinking a lot about freedom lately—what it really means.
With everything going on in the world, it feels heavier. More urgent.
I’m a U.S. citizen… and yes, I have a “Plan B.” A way to leave if things ever get truly unbearable. But even with that safety net, I feel anxious.
I keep thinking about the millions of Americans who don’t have that option. Who are watching the news, wondering what happens next, and feeling like there’s no safe escape.
My last video touches on freedom through a personal lens—what I’ve learned from living between the U.S. and Europe.
It wasn’t meant to be timely. But somehow… it is.
This isn’t about politics. It’s about humanity. About how deeply we all crave safety, stability, and a sense of belonging.
🖤 If you’re feeling overwhelmed, scared, uncertain—you’re not alone.
Today I started a new activity…adding a daily 30 minute swim session to my workout routine. Feels like summer…cause it’s almost officially summer. Today it will be 39 celsius in #PalmSprings 😅…and I’m loving every second of this dry #california#desert heat.
That’s me up there. This is our 3rd year in renovating this old country house in Germany. We started with a budget of 50k and now we are well over 150k and probably nearing 200k in total cost. It’s insane the amount of work we’ve put into this but feels rewarding every morning when I wake up and look at the progress. Last three weeks have been spend on the exterior of the house and we have two more weeks to go. Hence my absence from YouTube. I can’t wait to show you guys the inside soon. Once this is completed, our next mission is the front garden followed by the back garden. #germany#americaningermany#houserenovations#dyi#livingingermany
#Coachella 2023 has completely wrapped up now with both weekends. Our favorite show was a complete surprise to us...#Blondie performed the best set on day 1. #Deborah#Harry at age 78 gave such an amazing concert. I have so much more appreciation for her than I ever did before 😍. Day 2, I was overwhelmed by experiencing first #Punjabi artist ever to play at #Coachella, #DiljitDosanjh who exuded nothing but good vibes. Day 3 favorite act was #FISHER an Australian artist who was a new discovery for us. His music was insane. Second weekend was short lived for me as I may have over exhausted myself and ended up with the infamous #CoachellaFlu, it's a real thing, I am not making it up. 😅.
#Coachella#Music#Festival is our favorite time of the year for so many reasons. 1. It's a great place to discover new artists. 2. A fun weekend to enjoy with your significant other or with close friends. 3. The festival is filled with people who appreciate and love music, #art, and #fashion.
Coachella is the complete opposite of how many of the influencers and media have portrayed it. It's nothing but good, chill, fun vibes. It always blows my mind to know that I am surrounded by over 100K people at the festival and yet it all seems so calm and chill.
PS, I've not posted a video in 2 weeks due to Coachella and now because I'm recovering. I literally have no voice 😅 🙏✌️
The Human Lens by Jay
Quick update.
If you’re here for vlog-style or culture content, that now lives on Jay & Stephan.
Here's the link: youtube.com/@JayAndStephan
This channel is now The Human Lens.
Same conversations. Just in the right place.
Appreciate all of you — hope to see you in both.
4 days ago | [YT] | 17
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The Human Lens by Jay
I've been thinking a lot about where this channel is going.
Less about where we live.
More about how we live.
5 days ago | [YT] | 7
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The Human Lens by Jay
“There’s a certain kind of goodbye that doesn’t feel like the end… but stays with you anyway.”
A week between Zurich and Germany.
Moments I didn’t want to rush through.
✈️ Leaving Again – A Week Between Zurich and Germany
👉 https://youtu.be/0KLbXCsLnq4
9 months ago | [YT] | 12
View 0 replies
The Human Lens by Jay
I’ve been thinking a lot about freedom lately—what it really means.
With everything going on in the world, it feels heavier. More urgent.
I’m a U.S. citizen… and yes, I have a “Plan B.” A way to leave if things ever get truly unbearable.
But even with that safety net, I feel anxious.
I keep thinking about the millions of Americans who don’t have that option.
Who are watching the news, wondering what happens next, and feeling like there’s no safe escape.
My last video touches on freedom through a personal lens—what I’ve learned from living between the U.S. and Europe.
It wasn’t meant to be timely. But somehow… it is.
This isn’t about politics. It’s about humanity. About how deeply we all crave safety, stability, and a sense of belonging.
🖤 If you’re feeling overwhelmed, scared, uncertain—you’re not alone.
🎥 Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/S6PkeN9KZBA
#Freedom #LifeBetweenWorlds #Belonging #ModernExpat #IntrospectiveThoughts
9 months ago | [YT] | 12
View 0 replies
The Human Lens by Jay
I woke up with bedhead, holding a coffee, while doing something new.
Instead of one of my usual sit-down videos comparing life between Europe and the U.S., I filmed our weekend in LA for Stephan's birthday.
It’s messy. It’s personal. And it’s my first vlog.
Would love for you to watch and let me know if this kind of content resonates with you.
Big Love!
https://youtu.be/Ur37x0WCYLY
#FirstVlog #LifeLately #QuietMoments
10 months ago | [YT] | 10
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The Human Lens by Jay
Today I started a new activity…adding a daily 30 minute swim session to my workout routine. Feels like summer…cause it’s almost officially summer. Today it will be 39 celsius in #PalmSprings 😅…and I’m loving every second of this dry #california #desert heat.
1 year ago | [YT] | 11
View 0 replies
The Human Lens by Jay
The weekend is around the corner fam 🍺
2 years ago | [YT] | 18
View 4 replies
The Human Lens by Jay
That’s me up there. This is our 3rd year in renovating this old country house in Germany. We started with a budget of 50k and now we are well over 150k and probably nearing 200k in total cost. It’s insane the amount of work we’ve put into this but feels rewarding every morning when I wake up and look at the progress. Last three weeks have been spend on the exterior of the house and we have two more weeks to go. Hence my absence from YouTube. I can’t wait to show you guys the inside soon. Once this is completed, our next mission is the front garden followed by the back garden.
#germany #americaningermany #houserenovations #dyi #livingingermany
2 years ago | [YT] | 19
View 3 replies
The Human Lens by Jay
Post 2 of 2
Here are some more photos of a beautiful experience at Coachella 2023 #fashion and #art.
#Coachella2023 #MusicFestival #CoachellaWeekend1 #CoachellaWeekend2 #Coachella #Music #California #CoachellaValley #Indio
2 years ago | [YT] | 21
View 1 reply
The Human Lens by Jay
#Coachella 2023 has completely wrapped up now with both weekends. Our favorite show was a complete surprise to us...#Blondie performed the best set on day 1. #Deborah #Harry at age 78 gave such an amazing concert. I have so much more appreciation for her than I ever did before 😍. Day 2, I was overwhelmed by experiencing first #Punjabi artist ever to play at #Coachella, #DiljitDosanjh who exuded nothing but good vibes. Day 3 favorite act was #FISHER an Australian artist who was a new discovery for us. His music was insane. Second weekend was short lived for me as I may have over exhausted myself and ended up with the infamous #CoachellaFlu, it's a real thing, I am not making it up. 😅.
#Coachella #Music #Festival is our favorite time of the year for so many reasons. 1. It's a great place to discover new artists. 2. A fun weekend to enjoy with your significant other or with close friends. 3. The festival is filled with people who appreciate and love music, #art, and #fashion.
Coachella is the complete opposite of how many of the influencers and media have portrayed it. It's nothing but good, chill, fun vibes. It always blows my mind to know that I am surrounded by over 100K people at the festival and yet it all seems so calm and chill.
PS, I've not posted a video in 2 weeks due to Coachella and now because I'm recovering. I literally have no voice 😅 🙏✌️
#Coachella2023 #MusicFestival #CoachellaWeekend1 #CoachellaWeekend2 #Coachella
2 years ago | [YT] | 19
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