Meet JJ Yosh

We had the good fortune of connecting with JJ Yosh and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi JJ, how do you think about risk?
I see risk as an essential part of growth, both personally and professionally. Without risk, there’s no chance for real progress or discovery. Every major leap I’ve taken in my career has involved stepping outside my comfort zone, whether it was pursuing a non-traditional path in media, creating a production company from scratch, or even integrating my adventure cat, Simon, into my work as my sidekick. These choices weren’t guaranteed to succeed, but they were true to who I am, and they’ve made all the difference.

Taking risks has opened up incredible opportunities for me, like working on campaigns with major brands, building a community of over 10 million followers, and traveling to remote places to capture inspiring stories. At times, these risks involved financial uncertainty, the potential for public criticism, and the possibility of failure. But I’ve learned that every failure or unexpected outcome teaches valuable lessons. Even setbacks shape who I am and help me adapt, evolve, and stay resilient.

Risk-taking keeps me passionate and grounded because it requires trust in myself, my vision, and the process. It’s not about being reckless; it’s about being willing to embrace the unknown to achieve something meaningful.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is all about capturing the spirit of adventure and inspiring others to connect with the natural world. What sets my work apart is the unique perspective I bring to storytelling. Whether it’s a cinematic video, a single image, or an Instagram story, I aim to create a sense of awe and curiosity. With my adventure cat Simon by my side, I bring a playful twist that shows adventure is for everyone—even our pets! Together, we’re sharing moments that invite people to explore not just far-off landscapes but the beauty in their own backyards.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. My journey involved countless hours of trial and error, learning the ropes of media production, and taking some big risks. I didn’t have a traditional roadmap—just a passion for nature, a camera, and a drive to inspire. Early on, there were financial hurdles, times when I wasn’t sure if I’d make it, and setbacks that forced me to adapt. But I embraced each challenge as part of the adventure. I’ve learned resilience, the importance of persistence, and the value of staying true to my vision, even when the path forward wasn’t clear.

One of the proudest moments of my career has been building a community of over 10 million people who share my love for the outdoors. Hearing from followers who were inspired to take their first hike, learn more about conservation, or even adopt an adventure cat is incredibly rewarding. This community reminds me every day that my work is making an impact.

Through Higher Earth Media, I’m dedicated to creating content that goes beyond entertainment. My goal is to motivate people to see the world differently, take care of our planet, and find adventure in every moment. I want the world to know that my story is about more than just travel and nature—it’s about connecting with our environment, finding purpose in the outdoors, and reminding everyone that adventure is for everyone.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: Boulder’s Flatirons and Mesa Trail Run Morning: Start off with a 12-14 mile run on Mesa Trail, covering the entire length from South Mesa to Chautauqua. This run is packed with rolling terrain, beautiful views of the Flatirons, and diverse landscapes.
Afternoon: Refuel with lunch at Oak at Fourteenth downtown.
Evening: Head to Movement Climbing Gym in Boulder to warm up for the week’s rock climbing and get in some indoor bouldering.
Day 2: Long Trail Run in Indian Peaks Wilderness
Morning: Hit the Pawnee Buchanan Loop starting from Brainard Lake—a challenging 16-mile loop with intense climbs and epic alpine views, including Pawnee Pass and Buchanan Pass. This run will have us deep in the wilderness, with plenty of elevation gain.
Lunch: Picnic at Brainard Lake after the run to recharge.
Dinner: Dinner at Blackbelly Market, known for its delicious, locally-sourced meals—a perfect way to fuel up.
Day 3: High-Altitude Rock Climbing and Eldorado Canyon
Morning: Drive out to Eldorado Canyon for some rock climbing on the classic routes like Wind Ridge or Bastille Crack. These routes are challenging but offer stunning views of the canyon and surrounding areas.
Lunch: Grab a casual bite at Southern Sun Pub & Brewery after a full morning of climbing.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring more bouldering spots in Eldorado Canyon or a quick cool-down trail run along the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail (about 4 miles).
Dinner: Wrap up the day with dinner at Corrida for some incredible Spanish-inspired food with a view over Boulder.
Day 4: Hardcore Run in Rocky Mountain National Park
Morning: Head out early to Rocky Mountain National Park for a 20-mile run from the Bear Lake Trailhead up to Sky Pond via Lake Haiyaha and then on to Andrews Glacier. This route offers everything from challenging elevation gains to jaw-dropping alpine lake views.
Lunch: Trail lunch near Sky Pond or Andrews Glacier with breathtaking scenery.
Evening: Treat ourselves to some R&R at the Ameristar Casino in Black Hawk—hit up the buffet and try our luck at the tables.
Day 5: Nederland, Caribou Ranch Trail Run, and Boulder Canyon Climbing
Morning: After a late night, we’ll go for a trail run at Caribou Ranch Open Space near Nederland—a solid 12-mile loop through meadows, historic mining sites, and forested trails.
Lunch: Lunch at Crosscut Pizzeria in Nederland, with some of the best wood-fired pizza around.
Afternoon: Boulder Canyon climbing on The Dome for some classic multi-pitch routes with views over the river.
Dinner: Head back into Boulder for dinner at The Kitchen American Bistro to round off the day.
Day 6: James Peak Wilderness Marathon Trail Run
Morning: For a grand finale, we’ll take on an 18-20 mile run starting from St. Mary’s Glacier Trailhead, running up toward James Peak. This trail offers serious elevation, with exposed ridges, alpine lakes, and breathtaking views of the James Peak Wilderness.
Afternoon: Finish the run at St. Mary’s Glacier with a quick, icy dip to cool down.
Dinner: After a big day, we’ll grab dinner at Basta for wood-fired Italian in Boulder, with hearty dishes to refuel.
Day 7: Easy Run and Rest Day
Morning: For a final leg-loosener, head to Betasso Preserve for a more relaxed 8-mile loop on flowy, rolling trails through the foothills.
Lunch: Lunch at Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery for great food and a laid-back vibe.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon relaxing by Boulder Creek or floating down the water for a refreshing close to the trip.
Dinner: Wrap up the week with a farewell dinner at Frasca Food and Wine—an incredible Italian restaurant that’s perfect for celebrating the week’s hardcore accomplishments.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people and influences that have shaped my journey and deserve a huge shoutout. First and foremost, my family has always been supportive of my adventurous path and unconventional career, even when it must have seemed a bit wild. Their encouragement has given me the confidence to keep going, no matter how uncertain things might seem.

Then there’s my team at Higher Earth Media—none of this would be possible without their hard work and dedication. Their creativity, resilience, and commitment to our mission have pushed me to reach new heights and continue growing.

I also owe a lot to my mentors and friends who’ve been there to offer guidance when I needed it most. In particular, I’m grateful for the advice and insights of other entrepreneurs who taught me to look at obstacles as opportunities. Books like The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle and Start with Why by Simon Sinek have also been instrumental, helping me clarify my purpose and keep my focus on what really matters.

And, of course, my adventure cat Simon deserves his own shoutout. He’s not only become a big part of my content, but his curious and fearless spirit reminds me every day to embrace the world with an open heart and a sense of wonder.

Ultimately, my journey wouldn’t be the same without these incredible people, mentors, books, and, yes, even a cat. They’ve all been part of this adventure, and I’m so grateful for the support, wisdom, and inspiration they continue to provide.

Website: www.jjyosh.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jjyosh

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjyosh

Twitter: https://x.com/jjyosh

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jjyosh

Youtube: www.youtube.com/jjyoshtv

Image Credits
photography by Landon Paschall