We were lucky to catch up with Jordan James recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jordan, so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?
From a young age, I was placed in situations where survival required courage and quick decision-making. Between the ages of 4 and 8, I had to testify in court against my childhood abuser, an experience that forced me to confront fear head-on long before I fully understood it. I don’t talk about it often publicly, but I’ve come to realize that the same survival instincts I developed during those early years have shaped my ability to take risks and move forward with confidence.
What began as a fight to survive has become a drive to lead, speak up, and pursue opportunities with resilience and boldness.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’ve always been passionate about uplifting others, giving back, and shining a light on the good in the world. That’s really been my foundation. Whether through blood drives, highlighting community heroes, or simply doing small acts of kindness, I believe positivity creates a ripple effect.
My public story began in 2015 when I launched *Blood is Blood,* a community group focused on urging the FDA to adopt blood donation policies that were not discriminatory toward the gay and bisexual community. We held a community rally in Buffalo, NY, with Congressman Brian Higgins and other local officials. Since 2016, we’ve hosted more than 10 blood drives, directly helping to save over 1,000 lives. Our efforts, alongside those of others, contributed to meaningful change: the FDA’s lifetime ban on gay and bisexual men donating blood was reduced to a one-year deferral, then to three months, and today, there is no blanket ban at all—eligibility is now determined by individual risk-based assessments.
After losing my mom in 2019, someone who always said the world needed a TV show about good things happening. In February of 2021 I pitched *Good Deeds Buffalo.*, It took months of brainstorming, developing ideas, and finally presenting it to a local TV network. *Good Deeds Buffalo* started airing on TV late 2021.
That’s where I found my true passion. Creating and hosting *Good Deeds Buffalo* introduced me to people from all walks of life. I researched changemakers, learned what drives them, and discovered that most of the time, their work grew out of necessity or trauma. Those hardships transformed into beautiful projects and lasting community impact.
Six months into my TV career, February of 2022, I got a call that changed everything. Drew Barrymore’s team invited me to New York City. I thought I was filming a digital segment for social sharing Celebrity good deed stories, but it turned into a surprise appearance on *The Drew Barrymore Show.*
Which aired March 22, 2022.
It was surreal—especially because at that time, I was sleeping on the floor and relying on food banks to survive while self-funding my show. For the first time, I felt like things might actually change. The constant worry of “will the show last another week?” started to fade, and I believed *Good Deeds* could reach a national audience.
The visibility was a gift, but it also created challenges. People assumed I had “made it” and that all my struggles were behind me. In reality, that wasn’t the case. It also became harder to know who was truly my friend and who simply wanted to get closer to Drew.
Then came one of the hardest decisions of my career. In April of 2023, I pulled my show after the owner of the TV station posted anti-trans rhetoric which includes depicting transgender individuals as “destructive to our society and culture” which is anti-LGBTQ+ in nature. Statements such as these generate HATE and may provoke dangers for LGBTQ+ people. As a long-time LGBTQ+ advocate and the creator of a program that celebrates kindness, I was unable to stand by or associate myself with hateful, divisive and dehumanizing comments and language that not only can cause emotional pain, but also may cause physical harm or even death through violence. Comments such as those made by Mr. Arno on social media are traumatic and a reminder to anyone who, because of who they are, has felt vulnerable and threatened.
In multiple conversations with top executives at the station, I requested a public apology from Mr. Arno to the communities impacted. That apology never came.
Buffalo’s Area news stations largely ignored the story, which was disappointing. Instead of recognizing the bigger picture, Accountability.
It felt like some were relieved to see a “good news” competitor taken off the air. The Buffalo News did cover the story, but beyond that, there was little acknowledgment. Many with platforms chose to stay silent, except for Roswell Park Cancer Institute, which pulled it’s advertisements from the station just 13 days later.
The fallout was difficult. I felt like I was “Cancelled” and I received messages all over social media, telling me to “end it”, or that they “would take me out”, using fictious names like “Sunny D” and “Capri Sun” among other names, without the culprits easily traceable I was told there was no action the police could take.
Fast forward to today,
People often ask, “Was it worth it?” The answer isn’t simple. I don’t have much to show physically or financially, but emotionally, I strengthened something greater, the strength to speak up for what’s right. After years of bullying in my teen years, I finally stood up for “young Jordan” and kids like him, and that, to me, was worth it.
Walking away from the TV station could’ve easily meant the end of my TV career. Getting a show in the first place is almost unheard of, but I made the call and I don’t regret it for a second. The impact could have been greater if local outlets had shared the story, but instead, my sacrifice happened quietly, and the show never found a new network.
But is my TV career really over? Absolutely not.
I see myself hosting another program that highlights communities, changemakers, and the people shaping our neighborhoods. I’d also love to explore a political talk show that bridges divides and helps people see their common connections, or a morning show that blends daily news, uplifting stories, changemakers, and tough conversations in a safe, respectful space.
If you’re a network or producer looking for a host with passion, resilience, and a mission to spread kindness, I’m ready.
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’d say the first quality was resilience. There were so many moments when it would have been easier to quit—whether it was sleeping on the floor, juggling bills, or constantly questioning if the show would survive another week. But resilience kept me going when the circumstances weren’t ideal.
The second was empathy. Whether I was talking with someone at a blood drive or interviewing a guest for Good Deeds Buffalo, being able to truly listen and connect with people made all the difference. It wasn’t just about telling a story—it was about honoring their experiences.
And the third was vision. I’ve always believed in the power of positivity and community, even when others didn’t see the value in it. That vision gave me the courage to create Good Deeds Buffalo and to stand up for what I believe in, even when it came at a personal cost.
My biggest advice is to start where you are with what you have. When I launched Good Deeds Buffalo, I didn’t have a big budget, a fancy studio, or a full production team—I had an idea, a passion, and the determination to make it real. Don’t wait for the “perfect time” because it may never come.
Stay true to your values. There will be people who question your vision or try to push you in another direction, but if you know why you’re doing it, that clarity will carry you through.
And lastly, embrace the small wins. It’s easy to focus on the end goal and get discouraged when it feels far away. But the little victories—an encouraging message from a stranger, someone saying your work inspired them, or one life saved at a blood drive—those are the moments that prove you’re making a difference.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely. I’m always looking to collaborate with people and organizations who share a passion for storytelling, community impact, and positivity. Specifically, I’m interested in connecting with TV networks, production companies, producers, and sponsors who want to bring meaningful content to audiences.
I’m drawn to partners who value authenticity, want to highlight changemakers and communities, and aren’t afraid to tackle tough conversations in a thoughtful, respectful way. Whether it’s hosting a national talk show or segment, a news segment, or a digital platform with heart, I’m ready to bring my experience, vision, and energy to create something impactful.
If you’re reading this and want to collaborate, you can reach me directly through my social channels. I’m also open to podcast, radio and TV/news interviews.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/JordanJamesNY
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GoodDeedsAmerica
- Other: tiktok main – https://www.tiktok.com/@JordanJamesNY
tiktok alt -https://www.tiktok.com/@jordansfabfinds
Image Credits
Photo of Drew, Jordan and Erik- Image credit The Drew Barrymore show
All others – Image folder file for Jordan James
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
