CAMPING IN MY WORLD

Growing up, my Grandpa constantly asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up? Find something you like.” For me, that love has always been the outdoors and camping. From the moment I came home to my family, camping wasn’t just an activity—it soon became a part of my DNA. 

My love for the outdoors began in my grandpa’s Bass Lake, California, cabin. My 19 cousins and I would make the 6-hour trek with our parents every summer. With no television, computer, or walkman in sight, we spent our days fishing, waterskiing, taking nature walks, feeding the birds, and playing endless rounds of garage ping-pong. It was pure, unfiltered joy. That’s where the seeds of my outdoor passion were planted.

As I got older, my adventures grew bolder and more daring, driven by a thirst for exploration and a willingness to take risks. Why play it safe when there’s a world to explore? From cliff diving off the rugged rocks in Croatia to swimming with sharks in the vast Pacific, every leap into the unknown has taught me more about courage and the thrill of living fully. These adventures aren’t just about pushing boundaries—they’re about feeling truly alive, embracing the unexpected, and discovering the extraordinary in every moment.

When I started producing travel and outdoor series, I had yet to learn what I was getting into. I quickly realized outdoor shoots meant dealing with unpredictable weather—rainstorms, scorching heat, and occasional snowstorms. But despite these challenges, I was determined to turn my passion for adventure into my profession. This goal was my North Star; it guided my choices, believing I’d never truly be working if I did what I loved. 

For a long while, that approach paid off. I traveled to breathtaking locations, met incredible people, and found joy in every shoot, even when things didn’t go as planned. It wasn’t easy, but the excitement of creating something beautiful and authentic kept me going, making all the effort feel worthwhile.

Two and a half years ago, I decided to take on a new challenge in my career. After a fulfilling 20 years in television, I was ready for a new story in a new place—Creative Director for an outdoor brand, a name in the recreational outdoor industry. It was an opportunity to combine my passion for the outdoors with a new professional path. 

While some friends and colleagues were curious about my shift from TV to a corporate role, they supported my decision. I saw it as a chance to grow and bring my enthusiasm for adventure branding into a different arena, believing this new direction would be exciting and rewarding.

“Why play it safe when there’s a world to explore?”

Initially, the experience was thrilling. I traveled across the U.S., exploring stunning landscapes and meeting incredible people. From dedicated store employees to real Hollywood camera teams who are passionate about the outdoors, they are the ones who made my job worthwhile. These individuals kept everything running—the boots on the ground, working tirelessly behind the scenes. Their dedication and passion were the natural heart, inspiring me every step of the way. They taught me that the strength of any organization lies in its honest, authentic people, and their spirit and enthusiasm made my journey so rewarding.

However, I soon discovered that the reality of my new role was different from what I had imagined. While ready to dive into this new adventure, I faced constant 100-hour weeks filled with intense work, stress, and exhaustion. There were moments of excitement, like filming with a marching band on a college football field or dancing with Abe Lincoln around a fleet of RVs.  But those fun experiences were only part of the bigger picture. It became clear that those above me made the role more complicated than needed. Yet despite all the challenges, I always delivered top-notch campaigns on time and made with unrealistic budgets. But, after years of working tirelessly around the clock, the job demands started taking their toll. 

“I found myself in the ER with a blood clot in my brain, and I was less than an hour away from a stroke”. 

It was about that time that I started to notice symptoms I’d never experienced before—pounding migraines and neuropathy that seemed to take over my body. I initially thought it was just the stress of the job, but things escalated quickly. One day, after returning from an intense month-long stretch of travel, I found myself in the ER with a blood clot in my brain, and I was less than an hour away from a stroke. 

This was a 4-day wake-up call in the hospital. I was shaken to my core. I realized I was pushing myself for a job that wasn’t worth sacrificing my health. Despite the challenges, I kept moving forward, understanding that my health was far more important than any work deadline. It became clear that I had the strength to prioritize myself over the demands of a job that didn’t align with my values or support my well-being.

​​After wrestling with the decision, I realized that blending my passion for the outdoors with this corporate structure was not working. My love for the outdoors diminished after a year and a half in the role. What once was invigorating weekend escapes became stay-ins, and my connection with nature became strained. The very elements that used to inspire me now felt like reminders of a job that had failed to align with my film and outdoor brand values. 

In December 2023, we had the anticipated call that marked a decisive turning point in the job. I was ready and overdue for a bold move. The decision was made: the job was not to be renewed, and I was prepared to embrace the next chapter confidently.

“My connection to the outdoors is my identity and cannot be measured by a corporate misalignment.”

With a newfound sense of relief and invigoration, I grabbed my hiking boots, packed the truck, and set off on an impromptu adventure. The decision brought a sense of clarity, and I embraced the opportunity to reconnect with the outdoors and rejuvenate my spirit. It was the most exhilarating hike I’d experienced in years, and I cried tears of joy and relief for the first time in a long while. This moment of rediscovery was a powerful reminder of my love for the outdoors, which had been overshadowed by the demands of just a job that had become increasingly draining. The experience reaffirmed my commitment to pursuing what truly fuels my passion and aligns with who I am as a brand filmmaker.

Since that day, I’ve made it my mission to get outside every chance I have. Friends and family say they’ve never seen me this happy, this content. My love for the outdoors is back, and I’m ready to protect it and those I love fiercely. My connection to the outdoors is my identity and cannot be measured by a corporate misalignment. 

So, here’s to camping in my world—a world where the outdoors is not just a job or a hobby but a lifelong love affair that defines me. My journey has come full circle, and I’m thrilled to be back in the world of brand television and streaming, where I can bring you authentic, honest, compelling stories from my adventures to your screen. I’m excited to share real, impactful stories that resonate deeply with our love for nature and culture. Stay tuned as I continue to explore and celebrate the stories that matter, blending my passion for the outdoors with powerful storytelling. You are NOW Camping In My World. 

Love -JJ-