Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jeff Joslin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jeff , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Just like anyone that is born, you start questioning why I was born, why here, during this time of history, in a certain place, with a my family and things like that. Later you try to find what you are supposed to do here. Will it matter? I had great parents that encourage me and got me involved in my local church. Also played sports, mainly football. Early in life I wanted to be a professional football player. Early in life I was sexually abused my a neighbor and it took me off track but I continued to play football, probably as way to get out and get some confidence. Later, I ended up playing Quarterback for my local high school under Ken Sparks. I was third string, so it was a long shot if I was ever going to make an impact on the football field. Later I ended up being 1st string because of some injuries of the starters. We were very successful My coach, Ken Sparks, got me involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at his home. We would spend a lot of time talking a things, but he would always ask me and others, “How’s your heart?”. I came to know Christ to follow Him and that gave me purpose to why I am here and what I was supposed to be doing with my talents. Later he coached me in college and our slogan was, “Athletics with a Purpose.” That’s been my entire passion, my mission statement. Later into the acting and Directing, “Entertainment with a Purpose.” Reach others to help others to find their purpose for being here.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
In 2006, I got into the entertainment business and because of my business background, it was easy for me to market myself. I went to NYC and ended up with 21 agents. I also, got trained from Dov Semins, Hollywood Institute, on how to create feature films from $0-20 million dollar budgets. I shot two micro-budget feature films and some other short films and I wanted to do a film about my high school and college coach, Ken Sparks. I was booked on some roles on TV, Films, print jobs and many commercials. Things were picking up quickly. Fast forward, October 30, 2018, I ended up having a stroke from my wife hading an affair, and I lost my speech and memory. It took a toll on my health. I walked away from TV and film, but I booked 30+ commercial jobs in 2019, and I wrote 7 books, 6 were Children’s book about my granddaughter. Then I did a documentary course from Udemy, Documentary Filmmaking Step by Step by Adam Bhala Lough. So I decided to a documentary of Ken Sparks, Sparks-The Ken Sparks Story. My son did the music score, editing, and my daughter-in-law did the script and editing too. It ended up being an award winning documentary that went to theaters and got a 5-year deal with BMG distributors. My long term goal is to do a full feature film about Ken Sparks, called It Only Takes A Spark. So I’m waiting on the timing for this to happen. Personally, I’m training for OCR, Obstable Course Races to stay in shape.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I use the acronym, D.E.A.D. Desire, Encouragement, Accountability, and Discipline. Without those qualities, your goals and purpose could be dead. Mark Twain said it best, “Two most important days in your life: the day you were born and the day you discover why.” I know the Bible tells us how we got here, what our purpose is supposed to be doing, and where we will end up. It’s the perfect story, the perfect script and script is King. It has a great beginning, middle and an end. When my life couldn’t have been ended from a stroke, I found out that I was still here for a purpose. If I wouldn’t have had that stroke, I wouldn’t have done the documentary and moved back to Knoxville, TN. It was a blessing in my life. A stroke of love. I hold on to the Bible verse, Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who the called according to His purpose.” It’s not about my purpose and my will, but His will with what I’m supposed to be a part of it. So finding His purpose through Him and a relationship with Christ, this will give you the “why” and “what” we are supposed to be doing. My life is short, the Bible says “it’s like a vapor, here to day and gone tomorrow.” So I better preparing for eternity and not for this short time on earth. Once I understand my eternity and where I’ll be, then this time on earth will make sense. This is not my home, I’m just passing through time.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
More than any book it is the Bible. If God created the heavens and the earth, and us, which He did, “In the beginning God created….” Genesis 1:1 and it shows why we are here and were we are going, then it gives us purpose. Without it, then we are not more than a pond scum. In the middle of the Bible, Jesus Christ was born and came to earth. He lived a sinless life and Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father through me.” Most people know John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only son, so that whosoever believes in Him, will not perish, but have eternal life.” During Easter, we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. He conquered death. He died so we could live. We know that one out of one will die. the Bible says, “Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgement.” Hebrews 9:27 We better be prepared for eternity, because that’s a long time verses our short time on earth. If you understand that, then you will be better prepared for your purpose on earth. Without purpose or meaning, or the resurrection, then, “let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” I Corinthians 15:32 That’s why I love the Bible. God has spoken to us through His word, His son Jesus, and wants us to know Him.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jeffjoslin-actor.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffjoslin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffjoslinfanpage
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joslinjeff/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/joslinjeff
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLrlQAKeFOfBZEquhmWndmA
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/joslinmen/, https://www.facebook.com/jeffjoslinnyc
Image Credits
Jeffrey II, Justice, Javan, Jennie Lykken-Sister, Mom-Mary Nell Joslin, Ciera Danielle-Jeffrey’s wife, Feather Rose-9, River Jubilee-2, Julie Smith-My fitness trainer and friend.
