Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jack Farmer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Jack, thanks for joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

When asked about what I believe it takes to be successful, I think it comes down to a combination of factors. Dedication, hard work, passion, and effective communication are all essential components of success. In my experience as a host, my unwavering commitment to excellence, natural charisma, and ability to connect with my audience have all been instrumental in my achievements.

One crucial aspect of being successful is understanding your audience and tailoring your approach to resonate with them. In the context of hosting events, I always emphasize the importance of knowing who I’m presenting to, as different events cater to different demographics. Strong communication skills are also vital in engaging and entertaining the audience.

Another key element to success is the ability to adapt and grow. I’ve been fortunate to host shows like Evolution of Movies and Practical Money, which have showcased my capacity to balance entertainment and education. This skill, often referred to as “Educational Entertainment,” has allowed me to thrive in various hosting environments.

An anecdote that illustrates my commitment to success is my approach to making every show the “best show ever.” While I acknowledge that not every event can be the best, my dedication to giving my all and striving for excellence has undoubtedly contributed to my achievements.

In summary, I believe that success often comes from a combination of passion, dedication, effective communication, and the ability to adapt and grow. In my career as a host, these qualities have played a significant role in my accomplishments.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My journey into hosting started when I worked as a wedding DJ and MC for several years. During that time, I had the opportunity to hone my skills in engaging and entertaining audiences, which eventually led to winning multiple awards. As I gained more experience, I realized that I wanted to expand my skill set and explore the world of broadcasting beyond live events.

With this goal in mind, I reached out to Maria Menounos’ AfterBuzz TV, where I was able to join their team as a TV show reviewer, focusing on the Sports and Wrestling Division. My primary coverage area was WWE, and when a new company called AEW emerged, I saw an opportunity to grow further. I pitched a show to cover their new program, Dynamite, which I wrote and hosted.

During this time, I also connected with David Marquez Productions. David Marquez has been an incredible mentor, guiding me in various aspects of the industry, such as hosting, interviews, ring announcing, and commentary. Working on his shows PrimeTime Live and Championship Wrestling has allowed me to sharpen my skills and gain invaluable hands-on experience in the field.

Becoming successful in this industry takes a lot of discipline and perseverance. Throughout my journey, I’ve encountered setbacks like getting jobs and then losing them for reasons that may or may not have been within my control. Like a company shutting down because of Covid and no longer needing a host, or there already being other broadcast team members available and becoming a redundancy in a position. It’s essential to understand that these challenges are part and parcel of the journey to success.

One of the critical aspects of growing in this field is taking feedback and being open to change. I’ve had to adapt my approach, try new things, and learn from my failures. Sometimes, the new strategies I’ve experimented with didn’t work as expected, but that’s all part of the learning process. You have to be willing to step out of your comfort zone and take calculated risks to grow as a professional. Also understanding that while you do this because it’s fun, sometimes you have to do the parts of the job you aren’t necessarily interested in to earn your spot on the team. My analogy is always that of an NFL running back. They got in the game to score touchdowns, but sometimes their job is to simply block for someone else to score the touchdown. Both roles are important to being a running back and being on a winning team, and there are ‘blocking’ rolls for broadcast teams as well.

It’s a constant game of self-reflection and self-improvement, always striving to polish your skills and abilities. This involves analyzing what works and what doesn’t, tweaking and refining your techniques in real-time. It’s crucial to be proactive and adaptable, as the hosting world is ever-evolving and demands that we stay on our toes to remain competitive and excel in our craft.

As a commentator, I specialize in providing the play-by-play voice for sporting events, with a primary focus on professional wrestling, boxing, and MMA. My enthusiasm, knowledge, and passion for these sports make me the perfect choice to keep viewers engaged and informed throughout the event.

As a ring announcer, my job is to set the stage for main event fights and create that big fight feel. With my unique voice and energy, I make sure to captivate the audience and build anticipation for the upcoming matches, ensuring an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

In addition to these roles, I work as an analyst and pundit, offering insights and breaking down shows and events. My expertise in the field allows me to provide valuable and thought-provoking perspectives on various aspects of the sports and entertainment industry.

Moreover, I also serve as a general host for panel discussions, conferences, or large shows and events. As an MC, I bring my charisma, professionalism, and excellent communication skills to the table, ensuring that the event flows seamlessly and that the audience remains engaged throughout.

My wide range of services showcases my adaptability and dedication to providing top-quality hosting experiences, regardless of the event type or platform. With my unique blend of expertise, energy, and passion, I’m well-equipped to make any event or production an incredible success.

One of the key problems I solve for producers and event organizers is enhancing their presentation and adding credibility to their production. Oftentimes, the broadcast team is the last element that people consider, but it’s crucial to remember that it’s the commentary voice that resonates throughout an entire event, or the ring announcer’s voice that builds anticipation for the audience.

As a host or panel moderator, it’s essential to understand how to ‘drive’ or ‘handle traffic,’ as we say in the industry. The absence of such expertise can result in a disorganized and sloppy show, which ultimately affects the overall presentation. By having a skilled and experienced host like myself on board, the event benefits from a polished and professional touch that elevates the production value.

The enhanced presentation not only improves the audience’s experience, but it also instills trust in them that they are witnessing a top-tier production. This trust, in turn, makes the event more enjoyable and memorable for everyone involved.

Having been in the industry for quite some time, I’ve gained valuable insights and expertise that allow me to contribute to the seamless flow of a production. My experience has equipped me to be an asset on both sides of the camera, guiding and collaborating with the team to create a well-executed and captivating event. By working together, we can ensure that the final product is a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and passion that goes into creating an unforgettable experience for the audience.

One of the aspects that sets me apart from my peers is my ability to strike the perfect balance between professionalism and clarity, while also incorporating enthusiasm, emotion, and a sense of humor. As a host, it’s vital to convey all the necessary factual details without compromising on the excitement and energy of the moment.

My enthusiasm is both unrivaled and infectious, allowing me to captivate and engage audiences throughout an event. By combining my knowledge and expertise with my passion for entertainment, I create a unique and dynamic atmosphere that resonates with viewers and attendees alike. This blend of professionalism and excitement ensures that the audience remains captivated and entertained, while still being informed and educated on the subject matter at hand.

One of the aspects of my career that I am most proud of is the opportunity to be a part of incredibly high-end productions and collaborate with some of the most reputable and talented individuals in the industry. From large-scale productions that are broadcast nationwide to exclusive, influential events and educational series, I have had the privilege of working with a diverse range of professionals across various platforms.

These experiences have not only allowed me to grow and develop as a host and announcer but have also provided me with invaluable insights into what it takes to create a successful and captivating production. I am truly honored to have been a part of such prestigious projects and to have had the opportunity to learn from and work alongside some of the most renowned professionals in the field.

As I continue to hone my craft and expand my portfolio, I am grateful for the experiences and opportunities that have shaped my career thus far and am eager to contribute to even more exceptional productions in the future.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

In reflecting on my creative journey, I wish I had been more open to asking for help from the people I respect in the industry earlier on. So many individuals involved in commentary have been incredibly open and willing to guide me along the way. At the beginning, I felt like I just needed to have “it” when I started, but I’ve come to realize that there are numerous strategies and processes that go into this line of work.

I was hesitant to ask for help because I think social media has created this pressure to always appear as the very best, never showing vulnerability or a need to learn from others. I was worried that by asking for help, people might see me as unqualified or think that I was trying to take their spot. However, my experience has been quite the opposite.

I’ve had the opportunity to speak with people from every major wrestling and combat sports company, and they’ve all been incredibly willing to help and guide me. I’ve learned that mentorship and seeking advice from those you respect and want to learn from is a powerful asset and resource. It’s something I wish I had embraced earlier in my journey, as it would have helped me develop my skills and understanding of the industry more quickly.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

One aspect that non-creatives might struggle to understand about my journey as a creative is that, despite being enjoyable and fulfilling, it is still a job. Yes, I love what I do, but it requires a significant amount of hard work and commitment. It’s a major investment of time and energy.

With events, there’s a constant pressure to get everything perfectly right every single time. This can lead to considerable stress, heartache, and extensive travel that keeps me away from the people I love. As someone working in this industry, most of my workdays tend to fall on special days, which means I often miss out on significant events in the lives of my loved ones.

Nevertheless, it’s an incredibly rewarding experience. The key to success as a creative is to treat your passion as a job and not just a hobby. This mindset helps maintain professionalism and dedication, which in turn drives progress and success in the long run.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jackcfarmer.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realjackfarmer/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackcfarmer/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/RealJackFarmer
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RealJackFarmer

Image Credits
Ari Michelson – Main photo iCaptureViolence – the two commentary (headset) photos Defy Wrestling – in the ring Championship Wrestling – my back to the camera