Thank you for listening to Identity Unboxed – a space curated to amplify Black voices and foster authenticity through engaging conversations.
Biography:
Jay Martin Jr., the esteemed Media professional, is a national broadcaster on PBS Nature, a journalist for Crosscut Now, and the founder and host of his podcast, The Drive Project. He found his interest in journalism from a young age, growing up watching his favorite show, Nature, which he now hosts. He always aspired to grace television screens like some of his role models, Oprah Winfrey, LeVar Burton, and Lester Holt. Before living out his dream that was two decades in the making, he uncovered the power of authenticity that allowed him to pursue his passion for storytelling by launching his podcast, The Drive Project, where he shares stories of hope to uplift and encourage listeners to discover passion, purpose, and possibility in their lives.
His podcast, once a passion project alongside his other career endeavors from theater to modeling and even time spent in sales, grew to reach thousands of listeners across the globe. Doors began to open as his budding TV career took off in 2021 when he landed his first position in television at KCTS9, a PBS member station in Seattle. Jay has made appearances on King 5 shows, New Day Northwest, and Local Lens, the network’s YouTube flagship show. He also joined a local show, Northwest Bar and Wine Nights. His work has received a Telly Award, an honor that recognizes excellence in video and television across all screens, and his podcast was acquired by a Seattle Media company, Converge Media, focused on curating local news coverage for urban audiences.
Off-camera when he isn’t flying between coasts to film, Jay can be found giving back to the community with purpose as a Board Member for the ‘Melodic Caring Project’, a non-profit dedicated to providing hope, connection, and sharing the power of music with children battling illnesses. Devoted to his faith in God, he is involved with The Pursuit Northwest, served in ministry, and performed some of his earliest media work for the church. He strives to pave paths for those who follow behind him, prioritizing DEI efforts in his work serving on the DEI Committee for Navia Benefit Solutions. His life is full, balancing parenthood as a father of three children that he shares with his wife, Shannon.
Advice From Jay:
Remind yourself that if your dream is only about you, it’s too small.
