Meet Joy Sutton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Sutton.

Hi Joy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve been engaging audiences as far back as I can remember, including a theatrical performance at New York’s famed Apollo Theater when I was 13 years old. These days my celebrity interviews are making national headlines with features in People Magazine, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Yahoo News, Daily Mail, and E! News.

My path to the media industry was inspired by Oprah Winfrey’s career. After graduating from Howard University, I started working in the news business. For more than 10 years, I was a TV journalist for a CBS affiliate and covered a multitude of stories, including the impeachment hearings of former President Bill Clinton. After leaving the news business, I transitioned into corporate communications. I’ve spent the past several years working in marketing and public relations for two leading healthcare companies.

I am currently the director of corporate communications for American Addiction Centers where I also host an award-winning talk show called “Addiction Talk,” featuring interviews with celebrities, influencers, and everyday people impacted by addiction.

In addition to my full-time job, I operate a media company, Sutton Impact, LLC. I work with my clients to leverage the power of the media to gain visibility, credibility, and profitability. I also offer emcee services for local and national events. Some of my clients have included the Black and Missing Foundation, Calling All Allies Project, and Career Thrivers.

My passion for inspiring others led me to launch a new podcast in 2023 called “She’s Big Time Now,” where I interview successful women and share their success secrets. Most recently, I had a full circle moment and got to interview the former executive producer of the Oprah Winfrey Show, Sherri Salata.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has had its challenges, setbacks, and lessons learned. In 2011, I launched a TV talk show and secured a licensing agreement with a network affiliate. I had just completed season 4 of the show when a series of events derailed my dreams.

Two of my colleagues at the TV station where I produced my show, were murdered on live television, the station was subsequently sold, and I lost my business partner all within the same year.

It was heartbreaking to grieve the loss of my colleagues while also watching everything I worked so hard for come to an end. It was during this time that I decided to pivot and move from Virginia to Nashville to be closer to my family.

For four years, I put my business on pause, and for the first time in my adult life, I was not on television. Coming to Nashville was a fresh start for me and my business. I’m now more driven than ever to pursue my dreams and make a positive impact on the world.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m most known for my compelling interviews and innate ability to get people to open up to me and share their most intimate details. I will never forget how NBA Star Lamar Odom got choked up during our interview or when Actor Tom Arnold shared heartbreaking details of his childhood trauma with me.

I’ve always been fascinated by people’s stories, so it’s not surprising that I chose a career in media. I’ve also found that being on the stage is my happy place whether as a speaker or event emcee. I’ve hosted events with dozens of people to thousands in the crowd and always feel a sense of “home.”

Recently, I was interviewing Olympian Greg Louganis on “Addiction Talk.” After the show, he shared that the experience reminded him of his first interview on the Oprah Winfrey Show. I was blown away and it was a reminder to me that I’m on the right path.

My experience in front of the camera and behind the scenes has been instrumental in my success as a media coach and consultant. To have had the opportunity to work in various aspects of the industry has truly been my superpower.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was the child that asked a million questions and always wanted to be at the adult table. I would sit there so quietly that people would forget I was listening to the conversation. I found out early on that I learned so much from people’s stories.

Of course, I also got into trouble for talking too much in school. On long road trips, I can also remember times when my family would tempt me to be quiet in exchange for winning a cash reward. I don’t think I ever won. Ha!

I also knew very early on that I wanted to be in the media. Initially, I thought I was going to be an actress and did theater in both middle and high school. I remember after one performance in particular, students were lined up to get my autograph with several telling me that they knew I was going to be famous someday.

However, becoming an actress seemed like a pipe dream. It wasn’t until I started watching Oprah on TV that I realized there was a different path to the entertainment industry. By the time I was 13, I already knew I was going to college for journalism.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thejoysutton.com, www.shesbigtimenow.com and www.theaddictiontalk.com
• Instagram: @joysuttonmedia
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/joysuttonmedia?wtsid=rdr_0LLMJwCzwzNEjmrGX
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-sutton-671b0953?original_referer= 

Image Credits
Tausha Dickinson