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Falling in Love with the Process with Joanna “JoJo” Levesque

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November 22, 2024

TLDR: Singer-songwriter and actress JoJo (Joanna Levesque) discusses her 20-year career journey, from chart-topping debut to releasing memoir 'Over the Influence' about addiction, fame, and faith. Book available now.

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In this episode of Barely Famous, host Kail Lowry chats with singer, songwriter, and actress Joanna "JoJo" Levesque, who shares her two-decade-long journey in the spotlight. JoJo discusses her early success with her hit single "Leave (Get Out)" and her new memoir, Over the Influence, where she candidly opens up about addiction, fame, and life lessons learned.

Key Highlights

The Journey of Writing Over the Influence

  • Cathartic Experience: JoJo describes writing her memoir as both terrifying and liberating, allowing her to reflect on her past challenges.
  • Fan Reactions: The feedback to her book from fans, as well as newcomers learning about her story, has been overwhelmingly positive.

The Importance of Family and Support

  • JoJo emphasizes her relationship with her fans, crediting them for their unwavering support throughout her career.
  • She discusses how her father's passing influenced her decision to write the book and honor her family legacy.

Reflections on Fame

  • JoJo contrasts her experience with that of other young stars from her era, noting how her level of fame allowed her a sense of "relative anonymity" that she appreciates.
  • She acknowledges the pressures faced by women in the entertainment industry during the early 2000s, contrasting her experience with that of others like Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan.

Growth and Self-Discovery

  • Lessons from the Past: JoJo shares how her early success led her to explore themes of resilience, redemption, and self-discovery, particularly in her romantic relationships.
  • Addiction Struggles: JoJo reveals her childhood background of growing up with parents who struggled with alcoholism and how it shaped her life and choices.

The Concept of "Over the Influence"

  • The title of JoJo's memoir, Over the Influence, refers not only to her battles with addiction but also her realization of being influenced by external expectations throughout her life.
  • Through her writing, she emphasizes the need to establish personal values and make independent choices moving forward.

Guidance for Young Aspirants

  • JoJo advises young aspiring entertainers to not chase fame but rather to connect with their artistic passions. She emphasizes:
    • The Significance of the Process: Encouraging a love for the creative journey rather than the end goal.
    • Authenticity is Key: It’s essential to remain grounded and focused on personal growth over public validation.

The Importance of Mental Health

  • JoJo discusses her journey to therapy, crediting it with helping her confront her past behaviors and build a healthier relationship within herself.
  • She acknowledges the importance of physical practices and self-care routines that help her stay grounded and balanced.

JoJo's Future Aspirations

  • Looking ahead, JoJo expresses excitement about her new home in New York and her experience working on Broadway, stating she feels fulfilled helping others while also pursuing her creative passions.
  • She discusses her desire to use her platform to nurture and support young artists in their journeys, aiming for a future where she can give back collaboratively.

Final Thoughts

JoJo Levesque's journey teaches us invaluable lessons about resilience, the impact of supportive relationships, and learning to love the process of creativity without being overwhelmed by the desire for fame. Through her memoir, she provides a candid look into her life, encouraging others to find their voice and value beyond public perception.

Conclusion

This insightful episode with JoJo highlights the significance of personal growth, the power of community, and the importance of living authentically—values that resonate deeply in the pursuit of one’s dreams.

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