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

Hi Jacob, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
One thing most people don’t realize about the acting industry is just how mentally taxing it can be. You have to be really grounded and secure in who you are. So much of it is a mental game. It’s all in your mindset. It’s not just about talent or who you know; it’s about how you handle rejection, keep yourself motivated, and stay grounded through all the highs and lows. I can recount so many auditions that I felt I nailed, and I still didn’t book. You have to realize it’s not personal, it’s not about you – sometimes the decision makers just see the part differently. Or you remind casting of their ex haha! There’s so many things you can’t control, but what you CAN control is always putting up good work and being prepared. In this business, you’re constantly putting yourself out there, facing rejection, and it’s easy to get in your head. But when you find that balance—surrounding yourself with the right people, working hard, and not letting the “no’s” mess with you—it’s a game-changer. And that’s when you start to see more momentum.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am all about helping people feel less alone in their lives- both in my work and personal life. I love helping people see things from different perspectives, rise past their own limitations and transform their lives. I am very passionate about telling stories that make the world better and operating from a space of personal growth. What sets me apart is my drive to dig deeper than the surface-level. It’s not just about booking the next role or hitting a certain goal; it’s about creating lasting change and adding more joy to one’s life.

Getting to where I am now hasn’t been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. Overcoming challenges is always a matter of mindset—learning to pivot quickly when things don’t go as planned and staying laser-focused on the bigger picture. For me, it’s always about consistency, commitment, and putting in the work every single day. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you can’t do it alone. Surrounding yourself with the right community, the right mentors, and the right energy makes all the difference.

What I want the world to know is that my story is still being written, and I’m always evolving. The goal is to empower others to find that evolution within themselves, to break through limitations, and to embrace a higher standard for their lives, whether that’s in their career, health, or personal growth.

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?
Whenever my friends visit, I love making sure they get the best of what LA has to offer.

We’d kick things off hitting some of the best plant-based spots around—starting with brunch at Gracias Madre for some great Mexican flavors, and then hit up Doomies or Sugar Taco for a casual, laid-back bite. For a more intimate dinner vibe, Shojin is a must for vegan sushi.

We’d definitely spend some nights checking out a concert at iconic venues like the Hollywood Bowl, The Wiltern, or Crypto.com Arena. There’s nothing like live music under the LA skyline or inside some of the most iconic venues in the world, whether it’s your favorite band or discovering someone new.

Amoeba Records would be a stop for sure. Browsing through vinyl and soaking in that old-school record store vibe is a must for any music lover. And of course, a night at the theater is in order—whether it’s catching a show at the Ahmanson Theater or seeing a big Broadway touring show at the Pantages.

In between all that, there’d be plenty of time for exploring, whether it’s hanging out in different neighborhoods, hiking and taking in the incredible views or finding hidden gems. LA’s got so many layers, and I’d make sure my friend got to see the best of each one.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate this article to all of the incredible teachers who have helped shape me, both inside and outside of the arts. The saying it takes a village is true.

There are far too many to name but I’ll name a few – Peg Hutson, Mike Wilson, Paul Raheb, Brad Myers, J Daniel Herring, Howard Fine and Robert D’Avanzo.

I have worked with Howard and Robert in Los Angeles since moving here – and they have helped take me to entirely new heights as an actor over the past several years.

I would not be where I am today without the guidance of incredible mentors and teachers along the way. Invest in yourself and your dreams. Get incredible coaches on your side to guide you.

I also want to thank both Brendon Burchard (check out his book High Performance Habits) & Jen Sincero (You Are A Badass books) – we haven’t met yet but I know we will. Your works have been instrumental in helping me continuously level up my life and keep my mindset sharp. Thank you for bringing value to others, inspiring people to rise higher, and for making the world a brighter place.

Website: https://jacobkwilson.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/jacobkwilson

Twitter: https://x.com/jac0bwils0n

Facebook: https://facebook.com/jkwilson93

Image Credits
Stephanie Girard

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.