Welcome to my new website! I wanted to start up a blog where I could share not only what I have learned losing 200+ lbs, but also my life. While I have a YouTube channel that does this already, I am thinking that here I can share different recipes that have helped me on my weight loss journey and give details beyond what makes it into the vlogs. So to start things off, let me share a bit about me.
My name is James Jansen. I recently moved to Duluth, MN with my significant other Emilee. We have a cat named Picasso who can be a bit unpredictable, but oddly comforting at times. I grew up in Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point with a degree in Web and Digital Media Development. While my degree is in an IT field, I took a trip to LA in my second year of college that sparked my love for filmmaking. This changed what I wanted to do for a career.
Upon graduation I started my first job in technical support but I was determined to pursue filmmaking in my free time. Unfortunately, I weighed 570lbs and that was a pretty big hold up to my dreams. I could barely walk around without losing my breath, let alone work on a set for hours on end. I didn’t want to wait to start working on my career, so I started my YouTube channel and decided to share my weightloss story.
Starting my channel almost 6 years ago was one of the best decisions I have ever made. My mental, spiritual and physical health have all improved. I have learned so much about video production and have developed many friendships around the world. It has been humbling to see the impact that my work has had on others and the support that has been given in return. My channel and the online community that formed from it has been instrumental in my weight loss success.
After working on the set of a low budget film for the first time this last summer, I decided to launch my own production company Meadowlark Media. A few months after this, I was unexpectedly let go by my full time employer. With Emilee’s support I have gone full time with my business.
In short, that is where I am at in life. I look forward to seeing where this all will lead. Just as I started my YouTube channel years ago, I hope to look back upon this new beginning with the same fondness. Thank you for being here with me and I hope that the things I write bring joy to your life.