If there’s one thing I’ve learned on this journey, it’s that starting over isn’t a setback—it’s a new chapter.
When I first started The Real Life of Jo, I had no idea what I was doing. Then, I moved from California to Ohio in the same year, and suddenly, I was rebuilding again. I didn’t even know how to edit videos yet. All I had was the vision: a show that highlighted real stories, real artists, and real conversations.
The beginning stages were raw, unpolished, and full of trial and error. I was figuring out the basics—how to frame a shot, how to make the audio sound right, and how to even put clips together. I spent hours watching tutorials, testing different software, and making so many mistakes along the way. But even in the chaos, I never let go of the dream.
Looking back, I’m proud of the struggle. Every restart, every rough edit, every “this is trash” moment was part of the growth. Now, The Real Life of Jo is stronger than ever, and I know that every time I had to start over, I was just laying the foundation for something greater.
So, to anyone in the beginning stages of their dream--keep going. You don’t have to have it all figured out today. Just start, learn as you go, and trust that every step is leading you somewhere powerful.
Here’s to the journey, the evolution, and embracing every new beginning. 🚀

Before I fully committed to The Real Life of Jo, I had a different dream—I wanted to be a rapper. Music wasn’t just something I listened to; it was something I felt deeply, a way for me to express my emotions, experiences, and creativity.
Even though my journey led me to storytelling through interviews and deep conversations, I still have love for that era of my life. This playlist right here? It might say "Episode 2," but it’s actually a collection of my OG rap songs. It’s a glimpse into the time when I was in the studio, writing bars, and chasing a different kind of dream.
🎶 Check out my rapping season here: [Playlist Link]
Honorable mention—one of my favorite verses of all time from my rap days is in this video: [Favorite Verse Video Link]. Something about the energy, the flow, and the words just still hits for me.
Even though my path shifted, I still carry that passion with me. The rhythm, the storytelling, the creative expression—it all shaped who I am today.
So, whether you’re here for The Real Life of Jo or just curious about the past, enjoy this throwback to a different side of me. Who knows? Maybe one day, I’ll drop a track just for fun. 😉🎤