Entertainment

Exclusive Q&A with Multi-Talented Star Joseph Carrillo

Published

10 months ago

August 30, 2024

Photo by Joseph Carrillo

Joseph Carrillo is not a typical celebrity—he is a one-man show changing the rulebook on stardom. Born in San Jose, California, the American singer-songwriter, actor, and self-proclaimed “World Famous A-List Celebrity” has made strides in the entertainment industry with his multifaceted talents.

Known for his exceptional self-promotion skills, Carrillo has built a brand that stands out in a crowded field. His work often addresses themes of free speech and media censorship. In this exclusive interview, the inventor of the “Pop A Cappella” genre sheds light on his journey to stardom.

Q: Hi, Joseph. How did your journey in the entertainment industry begin, and what inspired you to pursue a career as a singer-songwriter and actor?

JC: My journey began at a very young age. I have always loved singing and performing in front of large audiences. As a toddler, I started by singing in my grandmother’s kazoo band and participated in talent shows during my school years. My passion for the public eye and performing has driven me to pursue a full-time career in entertainment.

Q: Can you tell us more about your debut album, “Ultimate Celebrity Blackout,” and the inspiration behind its unique “Pop A Cappella” genre?

JC: Of course. “Ultimate Celebrity Blackout” is a 10-track studio album that blends pop with a cappella, a genre I call “Pop A Cappella.” I was inspired to create something unique that promotes themes of celebrity, free speech, and free press. The album was recorded at Tool Shed Studios and released in 2018, and it quickly went viral on social media.

Q: Your self-promotion skills are exceptional. What strategies have you used to brand yourself as a “World Famous A-List Celebrity”?

JC: I mainly use search engine optimization (SEO) and social media to build my brand. My website and YouTube channels are central hubs for my branding efforts. Consistent self-promotion and engaging with my audience online have been key strategies.

Q: Your work often tackles themes of free speech and media censorship. Why are these issues important to you?

JC: These are critical issues because they affect how artists and public figures express themselves. My work aims to highlight the importance of these freedoms and challenge any attempts to silence voices in the media.

Q: You enjoy performing in front of large audiences. What has been your most memorable performance to date?

JC: My most memorable performance was at the Reed Elementary School talent show. It was one of my first public performances, and the positive reception I received solidified my want to continue performing.

Q: How do you use social media and your website to connect with your fans and promote your work?

JC: Social media and my website are essential for connecting with fans. I regularly update my YouTube channel, post on social media, and use my website to share news, music releases, and upcoming events. After all, engaging with fans online helps build a loyal following.

Q: Can you tell us more about your new sci-fi talk show, “Joseph Carrillo Live,” and what inspired you to create it?

JC: “Joseph Carrillo Live” is a sci-fi talk show that engages with various topics. I was inspired by my love for sci-fi and desire to create content that entertains and informs.

Q: How do you see the future of the entertainment industry, especially with the rise of independent artists and digital platforms?

JC: The entertainment industry’s future is bright, with more opportunities for independent artists to succeed. I think digital platforms have recently leveled the playing field, helping artists reach global audiences without traditional gatekeepers.

Q: What are your short-term and long-term goals for your career, and what can your fans expect from you next?

JC: I plan to release more music and continue promoting my brand in the short term. Soon, I also aim to expand my presence in acting and modeling while continuing to release more music. Fans can expect more exciting performances from me as well.

Q: What advice would you give aspiring artists who want to follow in your footsteps and build their brand?

JC: My advice is simple: create a brand that stands out, and never be afraid to take risks and challenge the status quo.

Celebrities are notorious for following the same script, but Joseph Carrillo’s is a refreshing rewrite. From his invention of the “Pop A Cappella” genre to his fearless self-promotion, the A-list celebrity proves that fame is about creating his stage. Truly, Carrillo is a master of his destiny. As he gains more followers, one thing is clear—for him, the sky is not the limit, but just the beginning.

Entertainment

Going Public: The Groundbreaking Series Transforming How Americans Invest

Published

4 weeks ago

May 16, 2025

Jonathan Grilli

In a media landscape saturated with reality TV and startup showcases, Going Public stands apart, not just as a show but as a movement. Now in its third season, the interactive series invites viewers to do more than just watch entrepreneurs chase success. It gives them the tools and the opportunity to invest in startups in real time, democratizing access to early-stage funding and reshaping how ordinary Americans engage with entrepreneurship and wealth-building.

Launched by Todd M. Goldberg, a former MedTech executive who hit a frustrating wall while preparing his company for a Nasdaq IPO, Going Public was born from a moment of personal disillusionment.

“When I brought a list of interested friends and colleagues to the Chairman of the Board,” Goldberg recalls, “he explained that all the IPO shares were reserved for institutional investors. That was my epiphany. I just knew that was wrong. Regular people should have a chance to invest in IPOs, but it needed to go even further.”

That insight became the foundation for Going Public, a hybrid of entrepreneurial storytelling and financial access that offers retail investors a seat at the table usually reserved for venture capitalists and insiders. The show brings audiences inside the capital-raising journey of startups, often before they go public, and leverages a powerful innovation: its “Click-to-Invest” feature.

“The bottom line with Click-to-Invest is that it’s seamless,” says Goldberg. “Viewers can go from watching the show to literally clicking a button. It feels more like a Shopify or Amazon checkout than a traditional investment process.”

This accessibility is central to the show’s mission: to educate, inspire, and empower everyday people to participate in early-stage investing. Unlike financial news channels that target seasoned traders, Going Public merges entertainment with financial literacy, using real startup stories to highlight the risks, rewards, and realities of entrepreneurship. It’s financial content with emotional stakes, real people, and tangible outcomes.

Season 3 reflects how far the show has come and where it’s going. With more celebrity involvement, including gaming icon Ninja backing the cashew milk startup Nutcase, and a strategic partnership with the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Going Public has widened its reach while deepening its cultural relevance.

“How do you make this mainstream?” Goldberg says. “The concept was The Apprentice meets Shark Tank meets IPO, but with a twist. Viewers aren’t just spectators, they’re stakeholders.”

The show’s selection of featured companies is another defining element. Startups are chosen not just for their growth potential but also for their mission, relatability, and cultural resonance. In Season 3, that includes everything from disruptive wellness brands to tech-enabled platforms, each paired with guidance from top-tier venture capitalists and Silicon Valley mentors.

This season also introduces a livestream finale, a format innovation designed to create a real-time, high-stakes environment where viewers can watch, decide, and invest together. It adds urgency and community to the investing experience, aligning with the show’s values of transparency and participation.

One of the most surprising and meaningful outcomes has been the personal stories from viewers who never imagined themselves as investors. “We’ve heard from teachers, nurses, and even students who said this was their first time investing and they felt confident doing it because the show made it accessible,” Goldberg shares. “It’s not just about money, it’s about empowerment.”

Looking ahead, Goldberg and his team have ambitious plans. They aim to expand the format to new platforms, explore international adaptations, and build out educational tools so viewers not only invest but understand what they’re investing in. The goal isn’t just more participation. It’s smarter participation.

In a world where capital often feels distant, technical, and exclusionary, Going Public brings the financial journey down to earth and into the hands of the people. It’s not just a show. It’s a redefinition of how business stories are told and how wealth can be created and shared.