High-Level Summary
In this episode of Rise Urban Nation, host Taryell Simmons interviews writer and podcaster Jonathan Carr, creator of The Upcoming. The conversation details Jonathan's artistic development from writing screenplays to building an interview platform, emphasizing the vital balance between creative imagination and commercial business acumen. Jonathan shares actionable wisdom on navigating career transitions, viewing rejection as a catalyst for growth, and proactively cultivating authentic human connections.
Key Takeaways
Approach creative work strategically: Long-term success in writing and podcasting requires creators to analyze market trends, define their unique selling points, and treat their craft like an independent business.
Embrace the power of adversity: Rejection and career setbacks serve as necessary character-building milestones that strengthen creative resilience and refine artistic output.
Actively solicit constructive critique: Welcoming transparent feedback from trusted family, mentors, and peers is critical for eliminating blind spots and accelerating personal development.
Execute without hesitation: Overcoming internal doubt through a resolute bias toward action—simply adopting the mindset to just do it—unlocks creative momentum and fulfillment.
Detailed Outline & Topic Breakdown
1. Celebration of Channel Milestones
Host Taryell Simmons opens the episode by announcing that Rise Urban Nation has reached 100,000 views on YouTube and gained entry into the YouTube Partner Program, welcoming guest Jonathan Carr to reflect on destiny, timing, and positive momentum.
2. Origins of The Upcoming Podcast
Jonathan recounts his evolution from a fiction writer into a podcast host, explaining how an obsession with human stories led him to launch The Upcoming in 2022 to provide a platform for everyday professionals striving toward their dreams.
3. The Power of Thoughtful Inquiries
Jonathan discusses how early influences like Rick Riordan and a transformative encounter with poet Kevin Young shaped his interviewing philosophy, inspiring him to ask deep, reflective questions that encourage guests to pause and share profound truths.
4. Career Progression and Publishing Lessons
Detailing his diverse career across youth nonprofits, municipal coaching under Mayor Eric Garcetti, Amazon, and the School of The New York Times, Jonathan shares the commercial insights gained during his internship at Penguin Random House regarding pricing, marketing, and competitive analysis.
5. Mentorship, Family Feedback, and Self-Growth
Jonathan credits his parents, grandparents, and mentors like Mr. King for supporting his journey, noting how his mother's candid critique helped him refine his podcasting delivery and evolve from an introverted student into an engaging communicator.
6. Overcoming Adversity and Advice for Creators
Reflecting on enduring two years of job rejections before securing his publishing internship, Jonathan urges aspiring creatives to maintain tenacity, bring 101 percent effort to every project, and prioritize daily passion projects regardless of day-job obligations.
Memorable Quotes
Jonathan Carr: "A good question can make people really stop and reflect on it. And so that's when I realized that as I went real deep into this interview, I was like, I can really do this."
Jonathan Carr: "Be grateful for the lows because you gotta learn to overcome those lows. You gotta grow from those lows because that's how you get stronger. Things are hard before they're easy."
Jonathan Carr: "Even if you gotta work another job, do what you know makes you happy. Just do it, because life is too short for us to be doing nothing but just crammed in an office just for the sake of collecting a paycheck."
Resources, Tools, & Recommendations Mentioned
The Upcoming With Jonathan Carr: Podcast hosted by Jonathan Carr, available on Spotify, Stitcher, Pandora, Google Podcasts, and Amazon Music.
Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan: Influential fantasy book series that inspired Jonathan to pursue creative writing at age 15.
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong: Celebrated novel that inspired Jonathan's published review in SUNY Purchase's Italics Mine.
The Autobiography of Malcolm X: Biographical work recommended by Jonathan as a prime example of extraordinary real-world narrative.
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki: Influential financial literacy guide cited for personal finance and self-growth.
Penguin Random House: Major global publisher where Jonathan interned in book sales, marketing, and title analysis.
School of The New York Times: Educational program where Jonathan served as a program counselor and studied writing.
Featured Figures & Mentors: Poet Kevin Young, author Nic Stone, author James Hanahan, director Zeke O'Clair, and mentor Mr. King.
Social Links: Jonathan Carr on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-carr and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the_upcomingpodcast.
