John Henry Soto shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning John Henry, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
What I’m most proud of building is my resilience — the part no one sees. I’ve quietly shown up day after day, even when no one’s watching, pushing through setbacks, rebuilding after losing my office, and staying focused on my dream for my family. It’s not flashy, but it’s everything.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m John Henry Soto — a filmmaker, musician, digital marketer, and now a signed actor with Talent Trek Agency here in Nashville. After spending over a decade behind the camera, I made the move to step back in front of it, and it’s been one of the most rewarding decisions of my career.
I also host a livestream show where I bring humor, heart, and real talk to creatives — interviewing award-winning filmmakers, legendary musicians, and sharing tools to help artists build a life and business around their passion. It’s about more than content — it’s about connection, legacy, and showing up fully as an artist.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that constantly seeks outside validation has served its purpose — it pushed me early on, but it’s time to let it go. Now, I create from a place of purpose, not permission. I trust my path, my work, and the people I’m meant to serve.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yeah, there was a moment that hit hard. I was almost cast in an HBO show — things were moving forward, it felt real — and then, out of nowhere, I got the call: “They’re going another way.” It crushed me. For a second, I thought, “Maybe this just isn’t meant to be.”
But I’ve learned that those moments don’t define you — your response does. I got back up, kept creating, and eventually found new doors opening, including signing with Talent Trek and launching my own show. Giving up wasn’t an option — purpose doesn’t let you quit.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
For a long time, I tried to please everyone — said yes when I should’ve said no, took on things that didn’t align with who I was, just to keep the peace. But that version of me is gone.
Today, what you see is what you get. The public version of me is the real me — honest, focused, a little goofy, and fully committed to living with purpose. It took time, but now I show up as myself, no filters needed.
It’s freeing, actually. When you stop performing for approval, you make space for real connection — and the right people show up. I’d rather be authentic and misunderstood than approved and invisible.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I’d like people to say I was a good family man first — that I showed up for my wife and kids no matter what. A loyal friend, someone who truly listened, and stood by the people he loved.
And if they remember that I made them laugh, made them think, maybe even entertained them a little along the way — that’s a bonus. I hope the story people tell is that I cared deeply, worked with purpose, and tried to make life better for those around me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.johnhenrysoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnhenrysoto/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhenrysoto/
- Twitter: https://x.com/johnhenrysoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnhenrysoto
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnHenrySoto
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnhenrysoto
