We had the good fortune of connecting with Binoj Jacob and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Binoj, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I believe risk is choosing to step out of your comfort zone for the sake of your own growth. When we are able to live uncomfortably, that is when we find what we are mentally capable of. I have taken two major risks in my life, and both were what I call chaotic as well as calculated.
I spent most of college trying to find the best path for me, but nothing sparked my interest. During my last year of college, my friends asked me, “Why don’t you make a career off of your personality?” Up until that moment I had never even considered an option like that, but that’s what friends are for right? It was then when I took my first risk and when my Radio career began. First with my own show in college radio, which then led to interning at Power96 & 560 Sports, two local legendary Miami radio stations.
I realized the Miami market wasn’t going to financially reward me for my risk but instead the reward for this risk would be crafting and perfecting my skills and personality– one on-air shift at a time. After two years in Miami, I took my second risk which was my decision to move to Los Angeles. I landed here without a job, a car, or any family/friends in the area. The only guarantee I had was a futon to sleep on for six months and, therefore, six months to make something happen.
One could say both risks I have taken were quite chaotic. However, the rewards I gained from them along with the belief I had in myself, a lot of faith, a little luck, and a consistent work ethic proved my risks to be calculated as well. Ultimately, giving me the confidence to further my career.. It has been nearly 8 years since I took the risk to move to Los Angeles, and I have had my share of struggles, but in hindsight they were stepping stones to my success and my story.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The part of my career that I want to focus on and highlight is my podcast. Risk has become a pivotal part to who I am as a person, so my story wouldn’t be complete without sharing my passion for storytelling and wanting to provide a platform for others to also share their stories of risk.
As a result, I started and released a podcast called ‘Never Overnight’, which focuses on how success is… never overnight! I bring on guests from different industries and we focus on not only their successful moments, but the struggles that have brought them to where they are today. The purpose of this podcast is to inspire and motivate others to take their own risks, no matter how big or small they may be. At the beginning of 2023, I was given the opportunity to partner my podcast with Rukus Avenue Radio, a global South Asian Radio station. Episodes are available now! https://anchor.fm/dashboard/never-overnight
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Los Angeles is a place of different cities, flavors, and identities. There are so many options and I would plan to spend a day in each of my favorite parts of town.
A Day in South Bay:
Donuts from Randy’s Donut
Eat some pizza at Pitfire Artisan
Catch a sunset at Dockweiler Beach
Catch a show at the YouTube Theater
End the day with some Oreo Milkshakes from HoneyMee
A Day in Culver City
Some ice cream from Salt & Straw on the Culver City Steps
Lunch at Mayura Indian Restaurant
Drinks and Games at Cozy Inn
Dinner at Etta
Drinks at Blind Barber
A Day in Santa Monica/Venice
Brunch on the the Pier
People watching The Bungalow
Walk around at the Promenade
Dinner at Elephante
End the night with drinks at Gran Blanco and The Brig
A Day in DTLA
Take pictures at LACMA
Lunch at Grand Central Market
The Broad
Dinner at Cabra Los Angeles
A Day in Hollywood/West Hollywood
A hike to Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood sign
Drinks at TomTom
Dinner at Palms Thai
Catch a show at the Troubadour
Catch a party at Harlowe
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It was January 2016 and it was the first birthday I would be spending in Los Angeles since moving here. I remember spending that day alone, feeling quite sad, and just asking myself if I would ever find a community and a sense of home here. Looking back on my time and journey in Los Angeles so far, I can firmly say each one of my friends in Los Angeles came along and impacted my journey exactly when they were meant to.
The genuine friendships I have made in this town may not feel the need to be recognized, but that’s exactly why I want to recognize them. I have been fortunate enough to have some incredible people add unforgettable value to my life. Namrata. Norwin. Dhara. Jackie. Michael. David.
My church community has also played a significant role. I am fortunate to be surrounded by loving individuals that uplift me. Corine. Mary Ann. Alex. Jaeden. Tanisha. Jacob. Charles. Fabiola. Luis. Amy. Thando. Chad. Sophia.
These are all names in an article, but, to me, they are my sources of joy.
My parents risked everything they had to come to this country with me from India to make a better life. That risk allowed me to take my own leap of faith in moving to Los Angeles to chase my passions and purpose.
Taking a risk is scary. But sometimes the risk we take is the reward itself.
Website: https://linktr.ee/mynameisbinoj
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mynameisbinoj
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/binoj-jacob/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyNameIsBinoj
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@neverovernight
Other: https://www.instagram.com/neverovernight/ https://anchor.fm/dashboard/never-overnight