Meet Yoshua Israel

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Yoshua Israel a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Yoshua, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

That’s an excellent question—and one I had to reflect on for a moment. My parents played a foundational role in developing my self-esteem and confidence. As a homeschooled student, they were instrumental not just in my education, but in shaping how I viewed myself and the world around me.

They divided responsibilities in our homeschool environment much like they did in our household. My father is the visionary—passionate, driven, and unstoppable once an idea takes root. My mother is methodical, detail-oriented, and deeply thoughtful. Together, they made an incredible team.

My father handled subjects like history and math, and organized extracurricular activities—field trips, music and tennis lessons, and afterschool programs like Fuel Media, where I picked up my second camera and began learning TV and film production. My mother focused on language arts, science, arts and crafts, and social studies.

They both made it a point to ensure I truly understood each concept before moving on to the next. It was always about building precept upon precept—helping me grow step by step. Whether it was learning to read, tie my shoes, or dress myself, they supported me through it all. They never dismissed my dreams or criticized my self-image. If anything, they often reminded me not to take myself too seriously—something I didn’t fully grasp until I turned 27.

By the time I was 18, I genuinely believed I could do anything I set my mind to. That belief came from the environment they so intentionally created—one where I could learn, make mistakes, and grow with a sense of empowerment.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m the founder of the film production company, Fourth House Creatives, that focuses on telling underrepresented stories with integrity, creativity, and depth. Our work spans documentaries, narrative films, branded content, and immersive media experiences. What makes this work so exciting for me is the power of storytelling—how a well-crafted visual can shift perspectives, preserve history, and connect people across different walks of life. I’ve noticed that some times, we look for others to tell our stories or teach our history when really it’s nobody else’s job to do so, BUT us. Even more, we can’t be upset when someone from outside of our culture tells our stories, especially when we don’t or won’t.

One thing that’s unique about our approach is how hands-on we are. From development to post-production, we stay deeply involved in the creative process to ensure that each project reflects a high standard of care and authenticity. We also use NFC technology in our merchandise and screenings to give our audiences a more interactive, meaningful connection to the stories we tell.

Right now, we’re in an exciting season of growth. We recently partnered with the City of Atlanta to help relaunch Public Access Channel 24, which gives us the opportunity to invest in community-driven content and help new voices enter the media space. We’re also working on a documentary about NFC manufacturing and continuing to expand our services to support artists and organizations with production, editing, and distribution.

At the heart of everything we do is a desire to make people feel seen, to document culture with intention, and to leave a legacy of creative excellence.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey so far are: self-confidence, being coachable, and lifting as I climb.

To put it plainly—believing in yourself is the foundation. Without it, nothing else holds. Being coachable means being willing to remove ego, receive correction, and shorten your learning curve by listening to those who’ve walked the path before you. And “lifting as I climb” is a principle I live by—your legacy is tied to who you help or harm along the way. Success isn’t just about personal achievement; it’s about the impact you make on others.

For those just starting out, my advice is this: pursue your purpose, not what society, your parents, or even well-meaning friends expect of you. You’ll know when you’re aligned with your purpose—and just as clearly when you’re not. Listen to that inner voice.

Don’t let the unknown stop you. Fear thrives in the absence of understanding. So study your craft, your field—whatever it is—diligently. The more you understand, the more confident and fearless you become.

And finally, find your counterparts. No one truly succeeds alone. Collaboration, accountability, and community are essential. These are universal success principles—you’ll hear them repeated in almost every book, interview, or story from people who’ve built something meaningful.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, the first thing I do is pause and ask myself—have I prayed to Yahweh? Seeking guidance helps me re-center and remember what truly matters, especially when I’m unsure if I’m doing what I should be doing.

Next, I take a look at my surroundings. I’ve found that a cluttered environment often reflects a cluttered mind. Sometimes, simply tidying up helps bring a sense of order back into my thoughts.

I also focus on my breathing—deep, intentional inhales and exhales. It’s a simple but powerful way to calm my nervous system.

And lastly, I go outside. Nature has a way of grounding me. I’ve learned that even a 10-minute walk can completely shift my mood. I don’t listen to music or podcasts when I walk, which surprises some people—but being fully present, without distractions, has become a peaceful and essential part of my routine.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Aidid Byer, Yoshua Israel, Kimberly Ware, Ben H. Israel, Cherrylita Castedio, Simeon A Jenkins

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