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

Hi Jonathan, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
Getting a heart transplant.

Please tell us more about your work.

I’m a producer of feature films, reality shows, and documentaries.  I am always looking for ideas and new material.  Everyone has a story; some have written a screenplay or a book.  People find me, or I try to seek them out to see if I like the idea and can sell it.

We’d love to hear what sets you apart and what you are most proud of or excited about.  

I had a significant health crisis, and now I am looking for stories or ideas about health and wellness. I started a website called www.Personalstories.net to curate these stories about overcoming insurmountable odds.  Every life can change in a moment. My own life changed when I got a heart transplant. There are so many stories of people overcoming their health crises.  I want to tell those stories.

How did you get to where you are today professionally? Was it easy?

Life is a struggle in most professions, especially in the entertainment world.  It’s a lot of hard work, networking, and trying to move up constantly.  No job says, “Producer apply here.”  You must work on many types of shows and different formats to find your niche.  I like to deal with problems and find solutions.  Essentially, a producer solves problems. I like all parts of producing. I like developing, physically producing, and selling shows to networks, studios, or distribution companies. The show will always be part of your resume. Try to choose wisely.

If not, how did you overcome the challenges?

You cannot take No for an answer. I have always wanted to be in the entertainment business and have good ideas.  I like to develop ideas or material and see it through to completion.  I needed to be a producer. I like learning, networking, attending classes, and jumping in wherever the job is. You must start somewhere. Be a voracious learner and use all the knowledge to further your career. It helps if you know where you want to end up, and in my case, being a Producer.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?

I always say YES. I’m a little older today, and I have NO in my vocabulary.  But most people like a “can-do personality.” You need to stick to your path and learn and grow.  If you pick the wrong path, jump off quickly.  Don’t do a job that you hate or are indifferent to.  Find your passion.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I’m constantly reinventing myself. I have had significant health issues: heart failure, two strokes, aphasia (the inability to speak), an implantable defibrillator (ICD) that has shocked me eight times, a heart transplant last year, and my new heart from a woman.  I’m using all my skills as a producer, writer, and on-camera talent to focus on telling personal stories. My story is unfinished, and my brand is practicing the 3 Rs:  “Rigorous Optimism,” “Relentlessly Alive,” and a “Resilient Life”  because life can change in an instant.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

JB_ The highlights of LA. Rodeo Drive, Melrose Ave., Montana Ave, the Getty Museum, Academy Museum, Sofi, Hammer Museum, going to the beach. Eating the great food of LA. Sushi, Mexican, going to Sawtelle Ave.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I didn’t have mentors in my life. I wish I had. I wonder what would have happened if I had a strong male mentor or a father figure in my life. I grow up in a Matriarchy with a grandmother, auntie, and mom. I married a strong woman, so I would say I have always been influenced and strong women. Shout out to a strong woman.

Website: www.personalstories.net

Instagram: Jonathan_Bogner

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?fetchDeterministicClustersOnly=true&heroEntityKey=urn%3Ali%3Afsd_profile%3AACoAAAA7emYBRXO3twK7ng8ECAu0w5X97KDSQsI&keywords=jonathan%20bogner&origin=RICH_QUERY_TYPEAHEAD_HISTORY&position=0&searchId=336d2d5f-33c9-469a-a8a2-01bdaeba88f0&sid=e1*&spellCorrectionEnabled=true

Twitter: @jsbtv8

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.bogner.90

Other: Bognerentertainmentinc.com

Image Credits
Selfies

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