Meet Joshua Rodgers

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Rodgers.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
“The Story of an Awkward Black Dude” would probably best sum up my life (shout out to Issa Rae!). I have always been one to question the norms of traditionalism without destroying strong foundations. Living life as a skinny, black kid from Memphis, TN is not as glamorous as is it seems. Determined to be the best, but sometimes bound by the limitation of resources, I faced many hard choices for a kid. Whether it was sports vs. karate, piano vs. marching band, or an overseas trip vs. a Beautillion program, at a very early age my life was filled with tough decisions.

My parents did not let me out of those choices either. Somewhere deep inside of them, they knew the pressure to decide would ultimately cultivate me to be a better human. They encouraged me to use my logic, growing wisdom, ethics and values to be my guiding light. With much prayer and council, I believe I did alright with the choices I made. Interestingly enough, many of the decisions I made were not in line with what was most popular in my environment {insert the ability to master awkward situations and dialogues}. However, as much as my adolescent self sometimes yearned for acceptance, I found the power of developing my voice and paving my path. Here lies the birth of Joshua – the orator, writer, and strategist.

Around age 14, I entered my first oratorical contest. To my surprise, I won that contest and went to compete in several others – winning a state competition four consecutive years. These wins led to me receiving invitations to speak at local school and churches. During this time, I started taking my craft more serious and invested in my skills as a public speaker and writer. One of my most proud moments was winning the Otis Moss, Jr. Oratorical Contest in 2011 at Morehouse College. Continuing to receive sporadic invitations, I combined my innate speaking abilities with my formal education and work experience to train organizations on leadership, develop strategic plans, and create programmatic proposals.

While all of this was great, there was a sense that something was missing. Again, I was faced with a choice. Should I continue as usual, or should I interrupt my normalcy to pursue something more significant? I decided on the latter. Mid 2018, I decided to creatively bottle up what I had to say and distribute it to others. Although I was nervous, I knew there was a specific niche that needed filling. I am a Christian who is in tune with the culture and current events. No particular, visible outlet provided a source to engage in those conversations from a less derogatory platform. In addition to creating or adding to that platform, I wanted to make this a space that not only reported but gave a unique perspective and voice to ideas not popularly presented. This was when the J Word was born. After some social media polling, I officially launched the J Word on October 8, 2018, with about 45 subscribers. Since then, we have more than quadrupled that number, and I am excited about was is next! By the way, you can subscribe at iamjoshrodgers.com

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Smooth has not been the experience. However, fulfilling seems to be the proper adjective to use here. Producing the J Word all while working a traditional 9-5, being a graduate student, maintaining my training and speaking schedule, and being the best husband, father, friend and brother I can present its fair share of challenges. Can we pause for the cause to shout out my wife who is my consistent source of strength and support through all of this, and cue the Mississippi Mass Choir right here? *Lively southern gospel music begins* “I been runnin’ for Jesus a long time. I’m not tired yet.”

Having been alive for almost 30 years, my life’s journey doesn’t seem long. However, it takes dedicated time-management, a caring support system (to cheer and to cut), and tons of self-care and awareness to keep going. The run can be tedious, but the results are worth it. I would encourage each person to pursue your passion, drink plenty of water, and mind the business that pays you. This is the key to your peace and finding ease in a pursuit that can sometimes become hectic.

Fact is, there is never enough time or the right time. There are, however, opportune moments and the maximization of every second God graces to us.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
It is still difficult to think of what I do as a business. It is such a labor of love. I am the founder and sole content producer for the J Word. It is a weekly blog that provides a unique perspective on life and all that comes with it. It is your weekly dose of all things mental health, social wealth, and spiritual depth.

I also work as an independent content creator, public speaker, speech coach, organization consultant, and workshop leader/trainer. Whether you need a keynote speaker, someone to reorganize/develop your team, train leaders, or create programming for your organization, I am that guy. While producing the J Word takes the bulk of my free time, I make sure to keep my other skills sharp. I didn’t earn my degrees for show. I am qualified, fam!

What were you like growing up?
I have always been an introvert UNTIL I get warmed up. Then, the party is on. I was the only boy among my siblings, so I will admit to being a little spoiled. I have always been a sarcastic little fart, and it has gotten me in some trouble a time or two (it still does). I was the kid who was adventurous and thrilling but lacked the self-awareness to realize consequences. Let’s just say; I was no stranger to discipline!

I was different from most kids, but I must’ve been intriguing because there were very few circles that didn’t request my presence. This isn’t even bragging worthy. It is important to note, however, that if you remain true to yourself, you don’t have to fight to fit in. While many of my peers were playing sports, I focused on academics, student government, music, and personal development. It was this uniqueness that landed me titles as Mr. Hillcrest (my high school), senior class president, voted best all around, and the ability to maintain a pretty decent social life (whatever that means at 16-years old).

Contact Info:

• Website: iamjoshrodgers.com
• Email: josh@iamjoshrodgers.com
• Instagram: @iamjoshrodgers
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamjoshrodgers

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.