Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan “Jacey David” Carey.
Hi Jonathan “Jacey David”, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Jonathan “Jacey David” Carey: Bridging Entertainment and Education for the Next Generation I was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, but I was raised in Atlanta, Georgia, the youngest of four siblings—April, Deborah, and Ransom Jr. My family is everything to me. My parents, Ransom Sr. and Dorothy, have been my rock since day one. They prepared me for life—how to be, what to be, and why to be. They are the best people I have ever met, and I’d be in a bad spot without them. Their love, support, and the example they set shaped me into who I am today.
Growing up, sports were my life, and football was my focus. I played quarterback, a position that unknowingly prepared me for my future as a producer and educator. Being a quarterback is a lot like being a producer. You have to read the field, understand every moving part, make quick decisions, and lead a team toward a common goal. It’s about vision, execution, and leadership—skills I now use every day in media production and education.
I was also fortunate to have great teachers and mentors who saw potential in me. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to learn, observe, and gain wisdom, and I don’t take that for granted.
From the Classroom to the Camera: A Journey of Purpose
For over 20 years, I’ve worn many hats—educator, mentor, producer, and community leader. I spent years teaching at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, guiding students through literacy, emotional intelligence, leadership, and communication. Teaching gave me purpose, but my passion for media, storytelling, and production was growing.
On March 6, 2011, I made a life-changing move to Los Angeles to pursue entertainment. That experience changed everything. I immersed myself in video production, storytelling, and media creation, sharpening skills that would later define my career. Moving to LA wasn’t just about breaking into the industry; it was about growth—learning how to tell stories, capture moments, and most importantly, connect with people through the lens.
But I knew I had more to offer than just entertainment. I saw a gap between education and media, and I wanted to bridge that gap. That’s when I shifted from being a consumer to a producer—a transition that became the foundation of everything I do today.
JACEY TV, LLC & The Lunch Table Podcast ATX: Creating Spaces for Stories
After returning to Austin, Texas, I founded JACEY TV, LLC, my media production company dedicated to storytelling, content creation, and community-driven events. Through JaceyTV.com, I built a platform for People Meeting People Making Memories (PMPMM), where real stories could be shared and amplified.
One of my most exciting projects is The Lunch Table Podcast ATX, a space where authentic conversations happen. Streaming on all major platforms, The Lunch Table is about real people, real conversations, and real impact. It’s a place for diverse voices to connect, reflect, and be heard.
Youth Pathways Project (YPP): My Purpose, My Legacy
While media and storytelling are my passion, empowering young people is my purpose. That’s why I founded Youth Pathways Project Corporation (YPP), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on three core pillars:
Podcasting & Video Production – Giving youth hands-on experience in media to foster creativity and technical skills.
Youth Development & Emotional Intelligence – Building resilience, leadership, and emotional well-being.
Reading & Writing Literacy – Enhancing academic success and self-expression.
At YPP, students aren’t just learning—they’re leading. Our YPP Podcasting Program gives youth in Austin, Texas, a real-world platform to tell their stories, develop their voices, and gain career-ready skills. The program integrates Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Social Emotional Learning (SEL), ensuring that students build both technical knowledge and emotional intelligence.
The foundation of YPP is my book, “Become A L.E.A.D.S.T.A.R.: The 8 Guidelines for Effective Communication”. This book is more than just words on a page—it’s the backbone of everything we do at YPP. It teaches students the fundamentals of communication, leadership, and self-growth, preparing them for success beyond the classroom.
📖 Get the eBook
🎙️ Join the Summer Podcast Program
🎧 Sign Up for the After-School Podcast Club
💖 Donate & Support YPP
The Glue Between Entertainment & Education
Bridging entertainment and education isn’t just a passion—it’s my mission. My journey has been filled with challenges, but I’ve learned that obstacles are just opportunities for growth.
“Transitioning from a consumer to a producer is essential in coming full circle as an adult. This is how I’m giving back.”
Through JACEY TV, The Lunch Table Podcast ATX, and Youth Pathways Project, I’m creating spaces where young people can find their voices, tell their stories, and step into leadership roles.
For me, YPP is more than a nonprofit—it’s my purpose. I want every student who comes through our programs to know that their voice matters, their story matters, and their future is limitless.
I am the glue between entertainment and education, and my goal is to give young people the tools, confidence, and platform to create, lead, and succeed.
“My journey—from Baton Rouge to Atlanta, from LA to Austin—has been about learning how to lead, how to create, and how to give back. YPP is how I complete that circle.”
Final Thoughts
This is more than just my story—this is my calling. Every film I produce, every podcast I host, and every student I mentor is part of something bigger than me. I don’t just want to entertain; I want to educate, inspire, and empower.
The road hasn’t been smooth, but every challenge has been a lesson, and every lesson has brought me closer to my purpose.
If there’s one thing I want people to take away from my journey, it’s this:
📢 Tell your story. Own your voice. Keep learning. Keep leading. And most importantly, never stop growing.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Juggling the pursuit of a dream while making a living has always been one of my biggest challenges. There’s this delicate balance between chasing what sets your soul on fire and making sure you can keep the lights on. But once I figured that out—once I found that balance—every pursuit became more meaningful.
Like many creatives and educators, I’ve faced moments of doubt and uncertainty. There were times when the grind felt endless, when the sacrifices felt overwhelming, and when it seemed easier to give up than to push forward. But through it all, one thing remained constant: my refusal to quit.
Learning and not giving up—that’s been the key for me. Discipline and consistency are what breed discovery. I wouldn’t know what I know today if I had stopped learning along the way. Every challenge, every setback—it’s all been part of the process.
I’ve learned to see life’s challenges not as barriers, but as lessons. The past is a place of reference, not residence. Every day I’m changing, learning, and growing. The path I’m on isn’t a punishment—it’s a lesson. And the obstacles? They’re really just opportunities for growth.
That mindset has been the driving force behind building JACEY TV, LLC, launching The Lunch Table Podcast ATX, and developing transformative programs through Youth Pathways Project. Every struggle, every setback, has become a stepping stone toward creating something bigger than myself.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: the dream is only as strong as your will to keep going. And when you start seeing every obstacle as a chance to grow, the road—even with all its bumps—becomes part of the journey, not the end of it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I wear a few hats, but at the core of everything I do is storytelling, community, and empowerment. I run JACEY TV, LLC, lead the Youth Pathways Project (YPP) nonprofit, and host The Lunch Table Podcast ATX. All three are deeply connected through the belief that stories can inspire, educate, and unite people.
JACEY TV, LLC is my media production company where we specialize in storytelling, video production, and community-driven events. We focus on creating authentic, impactful content—whether that’s through video, podcasts, or live events. Our mantra, People Meeting People Making Memories (PMPMM), is what drives us. It’s about creating spaces where people connect, share their stories, and build something meaningful together.
One of our standout projects is The Lunch Table Podcast ATX, which streams on all major platforms. It’s a place for raw, unfiltered conversations about culture, business, and life in Austin. We highlight diverse voices and bring people to the “table” who may not always get the spotlight. It’s real, it’s honest, and it’s all about community connection.
But what I’m most proud of is Youth Pathways Project (YPP). YPP is my heart and my purpose. It’s a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on empowering young people through hands-on programming that combines Podcasting & Video Production, Youth Development & Emotional Intelligence (SEL), and Reading & Writing Literacy.
We run both after-school and summer podcasting programs for youth in Austin, giving them real-world media skills while teaching them leadership, emotional intelligence, and communication. Our programs align with Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Social Emotional Learning (SEL), so students not only learn how to create podcasts but also how to lead, express themselves, and navigate life’s challenges.
At the core of YPP is my eBook, “Become A L.E.A.D.S.T.A.R.: The 8 Guidelines for Effective Communication.” It’s the foundation of everything we do. It teaches youth how to communicate effectively, build leadership skills, and develop emotional intelligence—all essential life skills that extend beyond the mic.
What sets us apart is the blend of education and entertainment. We’re not just teaching kids how to create content—we’re teaching them how to find their voice, tell their stories, and use media as a tool for empowerment. We focus on authenticity, leadership, and self-expression, which is something I think the world needs more of.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the impact we’re having on young people. Seeing a student go from shy and reserved to confidently hosting their own podcast is everything. It’s why I do what I do.
For anyone reading this, I want you to know that JACEY TV, YPP, and The Lunch Table Podcast ATX are all about connection, storytelling, and empowerment. Whether you’re looking for authentic content, meaningful youth programming, or a platform to share your story, we’ve got something for you.
And if you’re passionate about youth development or storytelling, I’d love for you to get involved—whether that’s through donating to YPP, grabbing a copy of “Become A L.E.A.D.S.T.A.R.”, or simply tuning into The Lunch Table Podcast ATX. Together, we can create spaces where stories matter, voices are heard, and communities grow stronger.
📖 Get the eBook: https://jaceytv.com/products/become-a-l-e-a-d-s-t-a-r?_pos=2&_psq=bec&_ss=e&_v=1.0
🎙️ Summer Podcast Program: https://jaceytv.com/products/youth-pathways-project-ypp-summer-podcast-program-2025
🎧 After-School Podcast Club: https://jaceytv.com/products/youth-pathways-project-ypp-after-school-podcast-club-2025-2026-school-year
💖 Donate & Support YPP:https://jaceytv.com/products/youth-pathways-project-corporation?_pos=1&_psq=dona&_ss=e&_v=1.0
How do you think about luck?
I look at every experience—good or bad—as both a blessing and a lesson. I don’t really believe in luck in the traditional sense. It’s not about waiting for something good to happen or blaming misfortune when things go wrong. It’s about awareness, growth, and responsibility.
We’re not entitled to a happy ending. It’s up to us to be aware, to learn, and to improve. Every setback I’ve faced has taught me something valuable, and every success has come from hard work, discipline, and consistency. Sure, timing plays a role, but how we show up and respond to life’s moments is what really defines the outcome.
I’ve had moments that felt like bad luck—failed projects, doors that closed, opportunities that slipped away—but looking back, those were often the moments I learned the most. They pushed me to level up, to refocus, and to become better. And the moments that felt like good luck? They were really just the result of preparation meeting opportunity.
That’s why I say, “Blessings and Lessons”—because you can’t have one without the other. Every experience is a gift, even if it doesn’t feel like it in the moment.
And if that resonates with you, I’ve actually got some “Blessings and Lessons” merch that embodies that philosophy. You can check it out at Jaceytv.com and rock the mindset with me.
Pricing:
- Become a L.E.A.D.S.T.A.R. : https://jaceytv.com/products/become-a-l-e-a-d-s-t-a-r?_pos=1&_psq=BE&_ss=e&_v=1.0
- YPP (Summer ’25): https://jaceytv.com/products/youth-pathways-project-ypp-summer-podcast-program-2025
- YPP (After School ’25 – 26): https://jaceytv.com/products/youth-pathways-project-ypp-after-school-podcast-club-2025-2026-school-year
- YPP (Donations): https://jaceytv.com/products/youth-pathways-project-corporation?_pos=1&_psq=donations&_ss=e&_v=1.0
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jaceytv.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelunchtablepodcastatx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569949552921
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaceytvworld/
- Twitter: https://x.com/jaceyTV
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JaceyTVWorld
- Other: https://linktr.ee/jaceytv
Image Credits
All images provided are owned by me/JACEY TV, LLC. No additional credits are needed.
