Jonathan Carr

Welcome and Channel Milestone

Taryell Simmons: Welcome ladies and gentlemen to another episode of Rise Urban Nation. I had to fix my lighting real quick. When you are as chocolate as I am, you have to make sure the lights hit at every angle. It is Taryell Simmons and I am back for another episode with a special guest in the building. I have been waiting for this brother to come through: Jonathan D. Carr. Jonathan, thank you for coming on. I know we have been talking about this for a while and you are finally here. Before we hit record, I was saying it is a special moment because we just hit a milestone of one hundred thousand views on YouTube and were invited into the YouTube Partner Program. You bring good energy, you are a lucky charm, or this is destiny at its finest. What is your take?

Jonathan Carr: Maybe it is all three. This was meant to happen—a moment of destiny because you deserve to hit this milestone and go even higher. Hearing all the good news with Rise Urban Nation, this is what is supposed to happen. Let us keep it up.

Taryell Simmons: Let us keep it going. I usually like to ask people: for the people who do not know you, who is Jonathan D. Carr? Tell the people, allow me to reintroduce yourself.

The Journey of The Upcoming Podcast

Jonathan Carr: Hello world. My name is Jonathan Carr. I am the host of The Upcoming With Jonathan Carr, which you can find on Spotify, Stitcher, Pandora, Google Podcasts, and Amazon Music. I started this last year around June 2022. The first interview was in February while I was figuring out what I wanted to do with the show. I initially started my career as a writer. I always loved novels and screenplays, so I wanted to write as many stories as possible. I still write, but along the way I found an absolute love for talking to people, having conversations, asking questions, and hearing their stories. Everyone has a story to tell. You do not have to be a celebrity or bestselling author to share something compelling that has impacted your life. It is beautiful when people break down their stories, how they overcame hard times, and how they enjoyed the good times.

Taryell Simmons: I remember having profound conversations where you said that. It reminds me of Nathan Howard, who said, "Tell your story before they do," because often our stories are told by someone else. I love talking to gifted writers and storytellers like you. How has the transition been from writing to the audio format? How does your approach differ between the two mediums?

Curiosity, Creative Questions, and Early Inspirations

Jonathan Carr: It came from curiosity because I have always liked to think deeply into things. Curiosity drove me most to being a writer. I was a creative kid drawing comic books in middle school. That curiosity peaked when I met other authors. Kevin Young, an amazing poet, came to my college for a reading and Q&A. Both times I asked him questions about the influence of poetry. Afterwards, my professor told me Kevin Young was really impressed with my questions, saying I asked really interesting questions. That inspired me to be more creative with my questions, the same way I get creative with books, scripts, or stories, making people genuinely reflect on the answer. When my friend Zeke O'Clair, a director, released a short film, I asked to interview him about his creative process, the film, and him as a person. The same way a book makes people stop and reflect, a good question makes people pause and reflect. I realized I could really do this, driven by curiosity, creativity, and an obsession with asking questions and hearing the answers. That is when I founded The Upcoming.

Taryell Simmons: A really good, deep question brings out the best in a person, pulling out a prolific story. Was Kevin Young your original inspiration for writing, or did you have earlier inspirations?

Jonathan Carr: My very first inspiration to be a writer was Rick Riordan and the Percy Jackson series. In middle school, I was a diehard fan of the Percy Jackson books. Before turning fifteen, I went back and forth between wanting to be an actor or wanting to design video games. I always had ideas, drawing comic books of characters with mystical powers. Reading Rick Riordan made me realize I could do this too. I was fifteen when that thought came, and now at twenty-three, that same passion has not gone away. A few ideas, passions, and inspirations can put you on your path.

Career Path and Diverse Work Experiences

Taryell Simmons: Did you do writing as your main career right away, or were you doing writing while working other jobs? What was your career trajectory like?

Jonathan Carr: My career has not been jumping right into writing and getting paychecks right off the bat. My first role was with a nonprofit called Neighborhood Youth Achievers, a college prep program helping kids learn new skills and prepare for college. My first real job was working as a peer coach for the City of Los Angeles in 2018. Before starting, we met then-Mayor Eric Garcetti and shook hands with him, which ended up in the newspaper. After that, my jobs varied: I worked in an Amazon warehouse, and later worked as a program counselor for the School of The New York Times, which drove my love for New York as the writer capital of the country. Finally, my biggest employer was Penguin Random House, where I was an intern.

Taryell Simmons: Being an intern at one of the largest book publishers is amazing. Do you pull creative muse from all these different jobs and real-life experiences into your writing?

Jonathan Carr: I do. Dealing with students, coworkers, and supervisors in every job has given me ideas. While working these jobs, I was still writing and storing experiences in my head or notebook so that when the time was right, I could sit down and write.

Publishing Insights and Strategic Advice for Authors

Taryell Simmons: Interning at a major book company is every aspiring writer's dream. Now that you have seen how the publishing sausage is made, what do most writers not know that they should know?

Jonathan Carr: Writers need to understand their key selling points. They must know who their book is for, what its selling points are, and how it differs from other books. As an intern, we compared books constantly based on prices, selling points, author profiles, and clients. You are your own business. Keep track of what other books in your genre are doing, how they are selling, why they are selling, and what makes you different. Publishers receive thousands of books, looking for how a title will sell and how audiences will react.

Taryell Simmons: What can writers do to separate themselves from the noise and grab the attention of a major publisher for a book deal?

Jonathan Carr: Always get feedback. Do not rely solely on agents or editors; ask family, friends, other writers, and join writing workshops. Everyday people buy your books. Listen to why people like or dislike certain elements, and be open to making changes when constructive criticism is valid. Also, read widely within the genre you are writing. Study how successful authors did it, compare your work, and determine how you can be better and stand out. Writing requires both creative imagination and business analytical thought.

Mentors, Family Support, and Lifelong Learning

Taryell Simmons: Who in your family has contributed most to the person you are today?

Jonathan Carr: My parents and grandparents have been the most supportive, loving people I have ever known. My mother dedicates herself to giving me the most honest and constructive feedback. She listens to every episode of The Upcoming and points out areas to improve, asking if I am centering the guest enough or suggesting more natural phrasing. My father always offers wise words, roots for me, and shares a smile whenever I share my accomplishments. My grandparents have been amazing. I have also had mentors, like Mr. King, who gave me my microphone and designed the show logo. Others have shared my social posts and taught me how to deliver clear, crisp speech during interviews. It builds connections, allowing me to support others while receiving support.

Taryell Simmons: What authors and books do you read to compare yourself against and refine your writing style?

Jonathan Carr: I am a genre hopper. I jump between action comedy, psychological thrillers, and romance. My bookshelf includes works by Nic Stone and James Hanahan, who was my instructor at the School of The New York Times. I read non-fiction for self-growth and financial literacy, including Robert Kiyosaki. I still keep my Rick Riordan Percy Jackson books and comic books from Marvel and IDW. For a long time, I was deeply moved by On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong. It inspired me to write a book review that was published by SUNY Purchase in Italics Mine.

Taryell Simmons: Is there a piece you have written that is your favorite?

Jonathan Carr: I wrote a short story set in the Roaring Twenties about a young boy named Joseph who faced bullies and an abusive father. One night he falls asleep and is whisked into a fantasy world called the Sea of Dreams, where he learns self-love, positivity, and courage so he can return and face the real world.

Personal Growth, Creative Thinking, and Meaningful Connections

Taryell Simmons: What have you learned about yourself over the past year?

Jonathan Carr: I learned that I genuinely love talking to people. For a long time, I was an introvert and felt awkward in social situations, on college campuses, or on playgrounds. The more people I speak with, the more I appreciate human resilience and ambition. Seeing people pursue their dreams as doctors, artists, or entrepreneurs inspired me to step out and build relationships.

Taryell Simmons: What should someone read if they want to become a creative thinker?

Jonathan Carr: To be a creative thinker, read beyond fiction. I recommend reading non-fiction as well, such as The Autobiography of Malcolm X. Ordinary life contains extraordinary creativity. Expand your reading horizons across biographies, arts, and politics, then return to fiction to see all the different ways stories can be told.

Taryell Simmons: What have you learned about connecting and collaborating with others?

Jonathan Carr: Look for a common connection point. Before reaching out, research the person's career, accomplishments, and previous interviews. Finding shared interests makes conversations authentic. I never go into an interview blind because I want guests to know their time is valued and that I truly see them.

Time Management, Life Purpose, and The Mission of The Upcoming

Taryell Simmons: How do you manage your time between writing, working, and producing the podcast?

Jonathan Carr: After leaving Penguin Random House, I gained more free time. I conceptualize everything in my head first and let it sit. If I cannot visualize it clearly, my audience will not either. That mental planning allows me to manage daily tasks, promote the show, stay active around Los Angeles, and then sit down to write with focus.

Taryell Simmons: What is your personal mission in life, and how are you carrying it out?

Jonathan Carr: My mission as a writer is to release my ideas into the world to entertain and inspire, whether through books or screenplays, with total creative freedom. As the host of The Upcoming, my mission is to uplift guests and show listeners that they can share their stories too. The show started in my dorm room with a simple recording app and has grown to thirty-eight episodes. I interview guests across diverse fields—mechanical engineers, tech founders, writers, architects, and musicians—to shatter stereotypes and provide a platform for hard-working individuals making a positive impact.

Embracing Lows, Taking Action, and Final Advice

Taryell Simmons: What is one major lesson life has taught you?

Jonathan Carr: If you want to do something, just do it. Do not let doubts or insecurities hold you back. I wanted to write a book, so I started writing; I wanted to create a podcast, so I launched it. Be grateful for the lows because overcoming them builds strength and wisdom. It took me two years of rejections before landing my role at Penguin Random House, and I was not published in Italics Mine until my senior year. Tenacity pays off. Things are hard before they become easy.

Taryell Simmons: How do you view the future of the industry for diverse creators?

Jonathan Carr: Focus on continuous improvement and prioritize quality over quantity. Instead of just bringing one hundred percent, bring one hundred and one percent. Stand out by refining your unique selling points, studying your audience, and making each project better than the last through feedback and study.

Conclusion and Where to Connect

Taryell Simmons: Where can people connect with you and follow your work?

Jonathan Carr: You can find me on LinkedIn as Jonathan Carr, follow the podcast on Instagram at @the_upcomingpodcast, and listen to The Upcoming on all major podcast platforms. We are also building the show website and blog, and I am preparing new written titles for release.

Taryell Simmons: What are your final words of wisdom for the audience?

Jonathan Carr: Do what makes you happy. Life is too short to spend all your time crammed in an office just for a paycheck. Attend meetups, workshops, and build authentic connections. Keep pursuing your craft as a hobby or business because your passion brings true fulfillment. Just keep grinding and keep going.

Taryell Simmons: Beautiful words of wisdom from Jonathan D. Carr. Make sure to connect with Jonathan and support The Upcoming podcast. We will catch you next time on Rise Urban Nation.

Jonathan Carr: Take care, everyone.