Teen Living Today Interview
Josh Shipp "Hey Josh"
Teen Advisor
What do you like most about giving teen advice?
When someone asks for advice they are listening. You don't ask someone for advice you don't respect or wouldn't listen to. So first of all its a vote of confidence in my perspective and I appreciate that. Also I love making advice entertaining. Life is so tough. Who cares. We all have problems. I think we need to stop taking our problems so seriously and have fun looking for solutions. The best sort of advice is entertaining. Would you rather watch Titanic the documentary? Or the movie? I'll never let go. Tear.
When did Hey Josh first start? How did you come up with the idea?
November 1st 2007. I tour speaking at high schools and youth events and I would naturally get emails after events from students anyways. Its amazing how when you open up about your crap, other people open up about theirs. So I would get a ton of emails asking for advice on all sorts of random stuff. Serious stuff like "I'm being abused and I don't know what to do." To random stuff, like "I'm pretty sure my brother is the anti-christ." Its a lot of work to answer every email and I'm a bit lazy, so I thought why don't I film myself answering a few questions and toss it up on the net. Thus, the birth of Hey Josh.
What’s the most common question that people ask you?
Dating questions. Hands down. How do I know if a guy likes me? How do I know if she likes me as more than a friend?
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
I would create a Uturn signal for vehicles and cereal would never get soggy. I know, I know, that's two things. But they are both crucial.
What’s your number one goal that you want to achieve in life?
I wish to entertain and inspire teens.
About how many schools each year do you talk to?
I speak live in front of about 100,000 teens each year. All over the US and Canada. Also in a few weeks we are launching the first of what will be a series of HEY JOSH DVDs. They are going to be this pimp short films on a series of topics that are relevant to teens. How to land your dream job, parents, dating, money, laundry management. Part of my goal is to reach out to a bigger group of teens using the internet, tv, and other media. And also influence teens to give advice to themselves and others.
What general advice to you have for all teenagers out there?
I had a crappy past. I grew up not knowing my parents, I've been abused, felt depressed and worthless. Who cares! Its not about your past, its about your future. Don't see yourself for who you were, see yourself for who you could be. Everyday you wake up you have a decision. Who will I be? Then go live it!
Be sure to check out Josh's Web sites at JoshShipp.com and HeyJosh.tv.
