Meet James Lott Jr

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to James Lott Jr. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

James, 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.

I discovered my true career purpose later in life, after turning 40, and it was one of the most liberating realizations I’ve ever had. For years, I had been exploring different paths, trying to find work that resonated with me, but nothing ever felt like the right fit. It wasn’t until I embraced my own experiences, passions, and the unique skills I’d developed over time that clarity finally emerged. I realized that my purpose wasn’t about chasing what others expected of me or following a conventional path—it was about creating, connecting, and sharing stories in a way that could genuinely impact others. Finding this purpose after 40 taught me that it’s never too late to pivot, to discover yourself, and to build a career that aligns with your heart and your values. It reminded me that life doesn’t follow a set timeline; the right time is whenever you’re ready to recognize and embrace it.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

What I do is all about storytelling, media creation, and crafting experiences that connect with people on a deeper level. I produce podcasts, audio dramas, and creative projects that mix truth, imagination, and real emotion—work that allows me to explore the human experience in all its complexity. What excites me most is the moment when someone engages with my work and feels something—whether it’s laughter, reflection, or even a little discomfort that sparks thought. There’s a special thrill in knowing that what I create resonates, inspires, or even challenges someone else’s perspective. My brand, JLJ Media, is rooted in authenticity and curiosity, with a commitment to storytelling, bold ideas, and projects that blend artistry with emotional honesty. I love breaking norms, experimenting across mediums, and giving audiences experiences they didn’t even know they were waiting for. It’s work that keeps me energized, challenged, and constantly growing as an artist and creator.

Even though I’m based in Los Angeles, my podcast work has newer roots in Western Indiana, where I’ve built meaningful partnerships that allow me to create content with local flavor and authentic community insight. These collaborations connect me with schools, local programs, and creative voices across the region, bringing stories and experiences from Indiana directly to my audiences. Working with these partners has been incredibly rewarding—it allows me to amplify voices that might not otherwise be heard, while also blending my LA-based production expertise with the heart and authenticity of Western Indiana. It’s a dynamic mix of local perspective and professional polish, and it’s one of the things that makes my work in the podcast world so unique and fulfilling.

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?

Looking back, I would say there are three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey: resilience, curiosity, and the ability to connect with people. Resilience allowed me to navigate setbacks, self-doubt, and unexpected detours, teaching me that persistence often matters more than perfection. Curiosity fueled my willingness to explore new mediums, experiment with creative ideas, and learn skills outside my comfort zone—especially in areas like podcast production, storytelling, and media strategy. And the ability to connect with people—whether collaborators, audiences, or mentors—has been invaluable, helping me build partnerships, find opportunities, and craft work that resonates with others.

For those early in their journey, my advice would be: first, cultivate resilience by embracing failures as lessons rather than roadblocks; treat each setback as a way to sharpen your focus and strengthen your resolve. Second, nurture curiosity by actively seeking knowledge, asking questions, and trying things you’re unfamiliar with—don’t wait until you feel “ready.” And third, develop your people skills: listen deeply, show empathy, and be authentic in your connections. Relationships are often the bridge to growth, opportunity, and insight that textbooks and tutorials can’t teach. By intentionally honing these three areas, you’ll create a strong foundation for long-term success and fulfillment.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was that they did not coddle me. For the most part, I had to raise myself, navigating life’s challenges without someone constantly smoothing the path ahead of me. At the time, it felt like I was carrying more weight than I should have, but looking back, I see the lessons hidden inside that independence.

Because they didn’t overprotect me, I learned self-reliance early. I had to figure out how to solve problems, adapt when plans fell apart, and make decisions without waiting for permission. I learned resilience not from being told I was strong, but from being put in situations where I had to be strong.

It wasn’t easy—there were mistakes, rough patches, and times I wished someone would just step in and take care of it for me. But the skills I developed then—resourcefulness, emotional toughness, and the ability to think for myself—are the foundation for who I am now. In their own way, my parents gave me the tools to stand on my own two feet for life.

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Image Credits

All images courtesy of James Lott Jr

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