Jonathan Van Ness: Unstoppable Force of Nature - Summary
Key Concepts:
- Crop Failure: A method to reframe negative self-talk.
- Finding the courage to be disliked: Overcoming the fear of criticism.
- Blooming where you are planted: Finding joy and fulfillment in your current circumstances.
- Full body yes/no: Using physical sensations to guide decision-making.
- Intergenerational queer history: Recognizing the long-standing presence and experiences of queer individuals.
Healing Power of Queerey and "Crop Failure"
The interviewer expresses deep gratitude to Jonathan Van Ness (JVN) for the healing impact of Queerey during a difficult personal time. JVN shares the origin of the "crop failure" concept, learned from a woman in their childhood. This woman, despite later revealing conservative political views, taught JVN that negative self-talk is like planting bad seeds that yield undesirable results. The phrase "crop failure" serves as a fun, redirecting tool to combat negative thoughts.
Example: When experiencing self-critical thoughts, replacing them with "crop failure, honey" can shift the mindset.
Overcoming Fear: The Diving Board Story
JVN recounts a story about learning to do a back dive with the help of their stepdad, Steve. Despite initial fear and mental blocks, Steve's unconventional (and slightly forceful) method pushed JVN to overcome their fear. This experience taught JVN the importance of confronting fears to unlock new possibilities.
Application: This story serves as an analogy for letting go of fears to try new things, even when facing mental blocks.
Creative Evolution and "Let Them Stare"
JVN discusses their journey into fiction writing, specifically their young adult novel Let Them Stare, co-authored with Julie Murphy. The book features a genderqueer protagonist, a haunted handbag, and themes of intergenerational queer history and finding joy in one's current circumstances.
Key Points about Let Them Stare:
- Target audience: 12-18 year olds, but appealing to adults as well.
- Plot: A genderqueer teen finds a haunted, priceless handbag and forms a friendship with the ghost.
- Themes: Finding joy where you are, intergenerational queer history, ghost evictions.
- Inspiration: Interviewing queer historians and realizing the long-standing presence of queer individuals.
Example: The book aims to provide young queer people with possibility models for finding joy, even if they cannot leave their hometown.
Navigating Criticism and Being Fully Seen
JVN shares advice for creatives and entrepreneurs afraid of criticism and judgment. They cite Gaziani's advice to "find the courage to be disliked." JVN acknowledges the difficulty of this, especially as their career has grown. They emphasize the importance of protecting one's creative vessel and focusing on personal well-being.
Key Argument: The more known you become, the more you will be exposed to people not liking you.
Evolution on Queerey and Production Insights
JVN reflects on their evolution on Queerey, noting that the biggest changes were stylistic, thanks to their stylist, Ali Bee, and the development of JVN Hair products. They also discuss learning to be more concise and aware of production needs.
Production Details:
- Shooting time: 30-40 hours per episode.
- Salon scenes: Can involve continuous filming with multiple cameras and pressure to work quickly.
- Hair transformations: JVN now test strands before filming to ensure predictable results.
Fame, Self-Love, and Boundaries
JVN discusses the challenges of fame, including the pressure to always be "on" and the difficulty of saying no to fans. They share a personal anecdote about a difficult experience and the struggle to balance personal boundaries with fan expectations.
Key Takeaway: It's important to find a balance between being accessible to fans and protecting one's mental health.
Decision-Making and Team Dynamics
JVN describes their decision-making process, emphasizing the importance of "full body yes" and acknowledging the difficulty of saying "no." They highlight the value of key team members, particularly their VP of operations and their new business manager.
Key Hires:
- VP of Operations: Provides complementary skills and helps maintain sanity.
- Business Manager: Provides financial clarity and helps manage impulsivity.
Comedy Career and Overcoming Setbacks
JVN recounts their journey into stand-up comedy, starting with Game of Thrones recaps and encouragement from Margaret Cho. They discuss the challenges of breaking into the comedy scene as a queer, genderqueer individual and the importance of finding one's voice.
Key Points:
- Early success: Selling out Radio City too early in their comedy career.
- Learning from setbacks: Going back to smaller clubs to hone their craft.
- Importance of relatability: Acknowledging the challenges of being relatable to a broad audience as a marginalized individual.
Finding Support and Future Projects
JVN emphasizes the importance of having a support system and identifies their husband and mother as key people they call for advice. They express excitement for upcoming projects, including new JVN Hair products and Let Them Stare.
Future Projects:
- New JVN Hair products.
- Let Them Stare book launch.
- Potential new season of Queerey.
- Getting Better podcast (Mondays: The Monday Edit, Wednesdays: Getting Better).
Conclusion
Jonathan Van Ness's journey is a testament to the power of self-acceptance, resilience, and creative exploration. From overcoming personal fears to navigating the complexities of fame and building a successful career, JVN's story offers valuable insights for anyone striving to live authentically and make a positive impact on the world. The importance of finding joy in the present, embracing one's unique identity, and finding the courage to be disliked are recurring themes that resonate throughout the conversation.
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