Actor, director, and U.S. Air Force veteran Jon Huertas joins the Manifesting Your Mission podcast to talk about creative evolution, purpose, and giving voice to the working class of Hollywood. Jon opens up about his journey from This Is Us to directing the new Amazon series Ballard, leading and executive producing Fire with Fire, and launching his upcoming podcast The Working Class: Hollywood. His story is a masterclass in reinvention, resilience, and creating meaningful work that uplifts others.

 

In this episode, you will learn... 

• How Jon Huertas transitioned from actor to director with authenticity and discipline.
• The mindset shifts that helped him overcome rejection and redefine success.
• Why storytelling, purpose, and representation matter more than ever in Hollywood.

 

"If an a**hole like me can do it, then you can too." - Woody Harrelson

 

Time Codes: 

00:00 Introduction
01:51 Transitioning from Acting to Directing
05:56 Military Background and Its Influence on Creativity
12:33 The Importance of Resilience in the Creative Industry
14:48 Advice for Aspiring Directors
20:04 The Impact of Travel on Creativity
27:14 Culinary Connections and Cultural Reflections
29:20 The Power of Music in Daily Life
32:02 Influential Reads and Perspectives
35:23 Rethinking Existence and Human Constructs
38:41 The Power of Personal Stories and Quotes
40:59 Impactful Documentaries and Environmental Awareness
43:33 Championing the Working Class
49:06 Mentorship and Influences in the Industry
52:10 Advice to the Younger Self
55:06 Surprising Childhood Activities
57:12 Current Projects and Future Aspirations

 

Apple Podcasts Listeners: Click "Episode Website" below the show notes to view them in full, including bonus links, recommendations, and goodies! 

 

Connect with Jon:

Instagram: @jonhuertas

TikTok: @jon_huertas

X: @jonhuertas

Website: www.jonhuertasdirector.com

 

Connect with Brianna:
Instagram: @briannabrownkeen
X: @brownbrianna
TikTok: @briannabrownkeen
YouTube: @briannabrownkeen - Full video versions of each episode are available here! 

 

ManifestingYourMission.org

TheNewHollywood.org

BriannaBrownKeen.com

 

To follow along, learn more, and stay in the know with all things MYM and the podcast, sign up for our newsletter at ManifestingYourMission.org. Together, we can Rise Higher, Shine Brighter, and Give back! 

 

Check out our Inspirational Playlist on Spotify, featuring music recommendations from each podcast guest. 

 

Don't forget to visit our Amazon Storefront, where you can shop the MYM Podcast reading list and product recommendations from our guests! #commissionsearned 

 

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BONUS CONTENT! Jon's Favorites...
Book Rec: Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari

Documentary Rec: Kiss the Ground (Amazon Prime Video)

Inspirational Song: "How We Do It" by Sally Green featuring Too $hort, "Pick Up the Pieces" by Average White Band

Inspirational Follow: Diana Maria Riva

 

Other Recommends From This Episode:

Arroz con Pollo (Puerto Rican style)

Castle (Amazon Prime Video)

This Is Us (NBC)

Generation Kill (HBO Max)

Ken Olin

John Terlesky

John Leguizamo

Esai Morales