We caught up with the brilliant and insightful John Janezic a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, John thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of our favorite things to hear about is stories around the nicest thing someone has done for someone else – what’s the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?

As a new author, I felt like I was in an ocean. Treading water, trying to move forward, sometimes being pushed back, and than surrounded by sharks! People coming out of nowhere trying to “help” me but for a high price tag for their services. They did not have good intentions for me but only for themselves and their profit lines. Until I made a connection with a man named Mark Sean Wilson. Mark turned out to be my illustrator. He helped me because he believed in my project and offered advice that did not come with an obnoxious cost that would only advance his pocketbook. He gave me advice, suggestions, and comments because he is a good human and he wanted to make me better and more knowledgeable about this incredibly hard business. We ended up becoming the best of friends. Plus, I have connections in the performance arts area and have recommended him for a few projects which pay well. The lesson learned is that you never know the connections one may have to help advance your career. So instead of always looking out for yourself, it is wise to help people as best you can because you never know how that may pay off in the future. Connections and marketing is what the game is all about.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is John Janezic. I am a published children’s author whose books are based on my cockroach puppet “Louie the Roach.” In my first book, “Because Cockroaches Rule,” Louie takes the reader on a journey to discover fascinating facts about cockroaches. The second book, “100% Loved,” is an activity journal for kids. The book includes writing reflections, theatre games, family bonding ideas, magic tricks, and a whole lot more. I like to think of it as a keepsake for future family and friends. Something that the child can look back on, years from now, and share their answers with their kids. It truly will create laughter and memories for years to come.

John is an Arizona award-winning actor who performs for children as an interactive storyteller, incorporating costumes, magic, puppets, and music. For over 34 years, John has been involved in numerous theatre productions, as well as film, tv commercials, and professional wrestling. He is a ventriloquist and comedian and teaches improvisation workshops to kids and adults all over Arizona.

John currently lives in Mesa, Arizona. You can visit my website at www.johnjanezic.com

I am been an actor since I was 16. I had numerous jobs in the acting field and even met my wife, Jennifer, in a musical: Jesus Christ Superstar.

The problem with trying to be a full-time actor was the stress! Having to pay monthly bills and having money to spend on necessities like food and a place to live without a steady income can be stressful.
So I did the next best thing, I took many lessons in acting, music, and voice and then took jobs that gave me the freedom to express my creative side while getting benefits and a guaranteed income. I was a DJ/MC at a nationwide DJ company called A Solid Gold Sound. I moved up within this company to a management position. This allowed me to learn the complex environment of this company which eventually opened the doors for me to start my own entertainment DJ company. I ran that successfully for many years. Then as I felt a burnout coming, I made a move to the Southwest to pursue acting, tv commercials and film.

I moved to Arizona and ended up becoming a teacher. I have been a teacher for 25 years. This career has opened the doors to writing children’s books, Djing , storytelling, acting, and the most important item; making a difference in a child’s life.

I’m also a part-time adjunct professor at a local community college where I teach The Art of Storytelling to future teachers in the education department.

My life has been fulfilled both with my creative side while maintaining a great job with amazing benefits and pay.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

There are many stories in my life in which the answer has been NO. Being an actor, I have grown a tough skin with rejection. I faced many rejections in the acting world. But that only kept the fire burning inside me to become better and to think of different ways to present myself and market myself. I have heard the word NO from publishers regarding both of my children’s books. Sometimes that can be a blow to the ego but you need to keep moving forward and keep knocking on doors until someone opens it up and invites you in to hear your story.
Also, people who put me down because of my creative side. For example, using my puppets in comedy. I am a ventriloquist who uses puppets for storytelling and comedy with kids. I don’t know if it is a form of jealousy but I have had people put me down and make fun of me for working with puppets. When I hear that, it just fuels me to be more successful and to work harder.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Yes, to leave this world a better place because of the impact I have made, not only as a teacher but as a performer. (storyteller, comedian, radio DJ, mobile DJ, ventriloquist, and professional wrestling.) Whatever it is I am performing or how I am performing, my goal is to make sure the audience has an incredible time, forgetting their troubles and enjoying a trip from reality. I want to be sure that when it is my time to leave this planet, I leave it better then I found it. My main focus is this: Life’s got to be lived, no matter how long or short. You have to take what comes. Like all magnificent things, it’s very simple. Don’t be afraid of death; be afraid of an unlived life. (Tuck Everlasting)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://johnjanezic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnny.janezic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jjroxx
• Twitter: https://x.com/johnnyjroxx
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnnyj6887

Image Credits

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