Joshua Sam Miller, who splits his time between California and Berlin, is a musician, environmental activist, eco-preneur and immersive media producer. His most recent project, alongside production company Embodied Sounds, is “Sounds of the Ocean,” a multi-sensory immersive experience that connects people with life underwater for a meditation experience. Learn about Joshua Sam Miller…
Hometown: Pleasantville, New York
First job: Soccer camp counselor at age 15
Favorite ways to spend your free time in CA: Surfing in the ocean and hiking in the mountains.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: I think creating Sounds of the Ocean is my biggest accomplishment so far because it has integrated everything that I’ve experienced in my life. It combines my experience as a filmmaker, musician, conservationist and mental health facilitator to support people to live healthy lives and make a positive impact on our planet. I am proud of that!
The biggest obstacle you overcame: My own fears and doubts about my ability as an artist and entrepreneur. For years, I was told my ideas are crazy and would never work, but as I kept those voices at bay and listened more to other, more supporting commentary. I was able to push through that resistance and be where I am today. I suffered many mental health challenges along the way including anxiety and moments of depression, which held me back for far too long.
Someone who inspires you and why: My fiancé Elise Lein inspires me so much because she is one of the strongest people I’ve ever met and continues to show up in her heart when things get difficult in life.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: My advice would be to just go for it. Do not wait for things to be “ready” or for you to feel that you have everything you need in order to get started. If you do this, you will not ever begin your quest as a creator. You need to just lean into the discomfort of not knowing exactly where you’re going and trust.
Favorite quote: My favorite quote is from Mark Twain: “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.”
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I have never actually got to swim with a whale. (But really want to!)
What makes someone fabulous: Persistence. Commitment. Passion. Patience. Unconditional love. Self-confidence. Courage. Humility. Forgiveness. Compassion. I think those are some things that make a person fabulous.