We recently had the chance to connect with JJ Yosh and have shared our conversation below.
JJ, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I’m being called to step into a bigger version of myself—to share my voice more publicly and unapologetically, even when it feels vulnerable.
For a long time, I was afraid of being fully seen—worried about judgment, rejection, or not being “perfect” enough. But now, I feel a pull to embrace visibility, to own my truth, and to tell stories that matter—even if they scare me.
Whether it’s leading with more heart, starting something bold, or letting go of what’s no longer aligned, the call is clear:
Trust the unknown and move forward anyway.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m JJ Yosh — an adventure filmmaker, content creator, and proud cat dad to my extreme adventure cat, Simon. Together, we travel the world, turning epic outdoor moments into cinematic stories that inspire people to reconnect with nature, themselves, and their wild side.
Through my production company, Higher Earth Media, I blend adventure, environmental awareness, and mindful living into immersive video content that’s both visually stunning and emotionally engaging. From scaling mountains to meditating by alpine lakes, Simon and I are always on a mission to show that you don’t have to give up your creature comforts to embrace the wild — and that even a cat can chase adventure.
Right now, I’m working on new episodes of my survival-meets-spirituality YouTube series OUT THERE, as well as several brand collaborations that bring wellness, sustainability, and storytelling together in powerful ways.
We’re here to prove that adventure is for everyone — even if you have paws. 🐾
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One moment that truly shaped how I see the world was the first time I took my cat, Simon, into the backcountry on a multi-day backpacking trip. Everyone told me it couldn’t be done—that a cat wouldn’t thrive in the wild, that it was too risky. But out there, under a canopy of stars, watching Simon confidently navigate boulders and forests beside me, I realized how much of our world is shaped by limiting beliefs—not by reality.
That moment showed me the importance of rewriting the rules, of trusting your bond with nature (and your companions), and of living a life that’s led by curiosity instead of fear. It’s how I’ve approached filmmaking, storytelling, and even relationships ever since.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes — there was a time I almost gave up, and it was right after completing my documentary Ancient Tomorrow. I had spent years traveling across the world, diving deep into ancient civilizations, hidden technologies, and the spiritual and scientific mysteries of Earth’s energy systems. It was a passion project, a calling even — but after pouring my soul into it, I faced massive resistance trying to get it distributed and accepted.
I began to wonder if the world just wasn’t ready for the questions we were asking — or worse, if I had wasted years chasing something no one wanted to hear. The weight of rejection, self-doubt, and financial strain nearly broke me.
But it was in those quiet, post-production months — often sitting outside with Simon or hiking solo in nature — that I realized the message of Ancient Tomorrow wasn’t just for the world. It was also for me. It reminded me to trust the unseen forces guiding us, to believe in my path even when it’s unpopular, and to keep creating content that challenges, awakens, and empowers.
That moment of near-surrender became the foundation for how I tell stories today — from Ancient Tomorrow to Out There. I learned that when you follow your truth, the right audience will eventually find you.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would probably say that what really matters to me is living with purpose — and making every moment count.
They’d say I care deeply about:
Connection to nature 🌲 — I feel most alive when I’m out in the wild, under the stars, surrounded by silence and wonder.
Authenticity — I’d rather have one real conversation than a hundred surface ones.
Adventure with meaning — Whether I’m filming, trail running, or backpacking with my cat Simon, I’m always seeking moments that stretch me and remind me why I’m here.
Inspiring others — I want my life to be proof that you can live boldly, take risks, and still lead with your heart.
At the core, they’d say I value truth, connection, and courage — and I try to bring those into everything I do.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I lived fully, fearlessly, and with heart — that I turned life into an adventure not just for myself, but for everyone around me.
That I told stories that mattered. That I helped people feel something. That I made them look at the world — and themselves — a little differently.
I hope they remember me as someone who walked his own path, who didn’t let fear stop him, who showed that even with a cat on your back and dirt on your boots, you could inspire millions just by being yourself.
And most of all, I hope they say:
“He helped people come home to nature, to each other, and to themselves.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jjyosh.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/jjyosh
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/jjyoshihara
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jjyosh
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/jjyosh
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/jjyoshtv
Image Credits
Higher Earth Media
