Name: Josh Manning
Expertise: Failing Forward
Location: Los Angeles, CA

Interests: I enjoy producing motorcycle films, connecting people and acting like a chef in the kitchen.

Favorite meal: Fresh caught wild Alaskan salmon with wasabi horseradish, homemade southern collard greens with apple cider vinegar, Jalapeño cornbread and two pints of Guinness.

Recent purchase: A twenty-seven dollar full-face helmet to demonstrate paths of travel at the motorcycle safety school.

Background: I was born and raised around horses and Christmas trees in rural North Carolina, where I found tremendous pleasure in horses on two wheels. I spent my youth walking across beds of wet leaves in forests after brisk rains. I lived in Barcelona, Spain for one year between high school and college, working as a model. After that, it was time to buckle down and study, so I auditioned and was accepted to the prestigious University of North Carolina School of the Arts, School of Drama. After college, I moved to Los Angeles, where I discovered God had other plans for me. I have lived the last 7 years in New York City, where I graduated from the William Esper Studio?s Acting Conservatory program.

Hidden talent: I?m a lion in the kitchen.

Favorite Books:
“Wild At Heart “ by John Eldridge. A story about man’s rugged and pioneering spirit.
“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” by Mark Haddon. A wonderful character description of a boy with Autism.

Favorite Films:
“On Any Sunday” An evocative ‘70s motorcycle documentary about the passion for motorcycling, featuring Steve McQueen.
“Babel” The search for meaning in Babel always resonates with me. I love the drawn out soundtrack and the lack of dialogue. It gives me that ‘right there in the room with the characters’ experience.
“Vanishing Point” Dude attempts to deliver a package from Denver to San Fran in 13 hours in a supercharged Dodge Challenger. What?s not to like about that?

Restaurant recommendation: Souen. Prince Street & Avenue of the Americas. A romantic, laid-back candle-lit atmosphere with wholesome food that won?t break the bank makes this place a delight. I love going there alone or with company and having hot kava-ginseng tea sweetened with real maple syrup and steamed soy milk.

If I had $20, I?d... Buy a six-pack of Guinness and a round trip Metro Card

Transformative travel experience: Graduating high school in rural North Carolina and working as a model in Barcelona.

Favorite neighborhood: CHILITA (Chinatown & Little Italy in NYC)

Dream holiday: I think seeing the earth from outer space would be cool.

If I could solve one problem, it would be: Give love to every unloved creature.

I wish people cared more about: Riding bicycles.

Recent aha! moment: I can do this!

The world would be a better place if: People took all the plastic they recycle and make art with it.