Meet JJ Yosh

We were lucky to catch up with JJ Yosh recently and have shared our conversation below.

JJ, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

For me, finding my purpose was less about a single moment and more about following the pull of curiosity and connection. I’ve always been drawn to nature, adventure, and storytelling — but when I started bringing my cat Simon along and documenting our journeys, everything clicked. The outdoors became my studio, and sharing those wild, cinematic moments turned into a mission: to inspire people to explore, reconnect with the earth, and see the extraordinary in the everyday. Whether it’s climbing volcanoes, creating survival episodes, or filming at home in the Rockies, my purpose is to tell meaningful stories that move people — and to do it alongside my best friend, Simon.

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 an adventure filmmaker and storyteller based in Colorado, known for exploring the wildest corners of the world with my fearless sidekick — my cat, Simon (@backpackingkitty). Together, we’ve built a community of over 10 million followers by sharing cinematic content that blends high-stakes adventure, outdoor survival, and heartfelt connection. Whether I’m scaling volcanoes in Guatemala, trail running through the Rockies, or creating survival-themed episodes from my off-grid mountain home, my goal is always the same: to inspire people to get out there, reconnect with nature, and live a story worth telling.

I run Higher Earth Media, my production company that creates powerful branded content for companies across industries — from outdoor gear to tech to pet care. One of the most exciting parts of my work is showing how products can fit naturally into a rugged, real-life adventure — making every campaign more than just an ad, but a story people want to watch.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Resilience – The path of a creator is filled with rejection, self-doubt, and unexpected challenges — especially when you’re carrying a camera, a cat, and a 60-pound pack up a mountain. What helped me was learning how to keep going even when things got tough. My advice: get comfortable with discomfort. Adventures (and life) rarely go to plan, but that’s where the magic happens.

Storytelling – Being able to tell a compelling story — whether through video, a photo, or even a caption — has been everything. It’s not just about what you show, but why it matters. If you’re just starting out, study films that move you, write often, and share your truth in a way that feels authentic. The more personal it is, the more universal it becomes.

Vision + Execution – Having wild, creative ideas is one thing — but knowing how to bring them to life is what sets you apart. I’ve learned how to be scrappy, whether I’m shooting solo in the jungle or building a custom video set in my garage. My advice: start before you’re ready. You’ll learn by doing — and you’ll get better, faster, and more fearless along the wa

If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?

I’d live even deeper — with more intention, more presence, and more time in nature. I’d chase the stories I haven’t told yet and the places I haven’t seen. I’d spend more nights under the stars, more mornings watching the sun rise over mountaintops, and more moments side-by-side with Simon, my adventure cat. I’d create films that outlive me — stories that awaken people, make them feel, and remind them that the Earth is worth protecting. And I’d keep building community — sharing not just my journey, but helping others find the courage to live their own.

Because if I had 10 years left… I’d make them count. Every single one.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

all pictures by Higher Earth Media

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