Meet Jake Fraczek | Author, writer, and podcast host.

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

Hi Jake, how do you think about risk?
Risk might be the cousin of fear, and it lurks in every aspect of life, every opportunity, every challenge, within each dream and goal. Without taking risks, you’re not going to get much more than what is handed to you. And for most of us, that ain’t enough. Every risk, I weigh my options, the pros and cons. But I weigh them against what it is I hope to achieve or obtain by taking that risk. Looking back, so many things in my life sculpted me to take more risks, from skateboarding, to a music career, to writing books, pursuing all my artistic desires, as well as facing personal challenges and moments of maturation. My father was a risk taker in a grand sense, living his whole life, until his death, in the ring of intense risk and reward. Some people’s desires and outlooks don’t orbit risk in order to function. Mine certainly have, and I’ve grown reasonably comfortable with the perennial fear, doubt, and fortitude that come along with it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Writing is my primary creative outlet these days, penning my first two books, Quicksand, and The Waiting Room, while I work on the third. I also write movie reviews and host my Damaged Goods Podcast. I have always written, whether music and songs, or poems. I had an indie music career for years that turned into what I do now. Being an artist is never easy, but I’m sure just like many others, I don’t know if I could walk another path. Over time, I found my voice and learned to embrace my story, my perspective, and use that as what separates me from anyone else, because that is what no one can duplicate or take from you. You just have to find a way to accentuate it while keeping it unique and true to yourself. My dark comedic lens allows me to tell stories and produce commentary that reflects who I am while being vulnerable and incorporating my own life experiences.

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?
Why come to Southern California if you’re not gonna hit the beach? We’d go Malibu or Palos Verdes, and then steal some sun while I surf unless they’re up for a lesson. They’re gonna put on some pounds, so diets are out the window. Thai Town for Jade noodles, maybe Musso & Frank for a classic Hollywood steak, late night tacos, and keep your feet clean because we’re taking our shoes off at Irori for omakase sushi. We’re skipping the walk-of-fame and taking a detour to Paso Robles to dabble in some crushed grapes.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
All the friends and people I have chosen to be around in my life get the big shoutout, whether I have been around them for personal or professional reasons. I’ve been blessed, if I can use that recycled word, to have surrounded myself with creative and unique individuals. Artists, musicians, writers, skaters, surfers, chefs, actors. I get inspired by seeing intimately people I know create and do their thing. I also take the chance to learn from what they do, whether it’s directly taught to me or just by observation. It keeps me humble, inspired, and open to absorbing a wider range of visions.

Website: https://linktr.ee/jakefraczek

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jakefraczek/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jthes

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU3lqnW4LH10iurB6GyGXzQ/videos

Other: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1977253407/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_HQ94JXJQW3R2YW7FNJAS https://www.amazon.com/Quicksand-Jake-Fraczek/dp/164620168X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1YTOFZMFW60Z5&keywords=quicksand+jake+fraczek&qid=1660592908&sprefix=quicksand+jake+fraczek%2Caps%2C206&sr=8-1 https://www.damagedgoodspodcast.com

Image Credits
Photos by Adam Amengual