Credibility is an issue for anyone in the media. There’s far more challenges in proving one’s worth and knowledge in a pool full of self-proclaimed experts, out-of-this-world talking heads and D-list celebrities. But there are those who stand out not because of how loud they shout, but because of the commitment they bring to applying the things they talk about.
Meet Johan Stephan, a male fitness model and TV producer from South Africa. I first met him almost two years ago when starting my blog through CSA Models and was one of the first male fitness models I’ve interviewed for the site. Focused, passionate and genuinely devoted to the idea of spreading health and fitness knowledge in the mainstream, Johan walks his talk by doing the very things he shares. From general fitness knowledge to motivational advice, Johan divulges his character through his expressions – sincere, down-to-earth and relatable. He loves the visual medium and storytelling is a natural skill set he has further enhanced out of the tremendous dedication he has for the craft.
One of Johan’s goals is to combine his dual-love for TV and fitness by creating a platform that can be used by everyone with a desire to stay fit. He’s currently working on a website that will fused this, to be launched from his home country of South Africa very soon.
Asked where his interest for media came from, Johan responds, “I’ve always loved the media, so I went to study journalism and graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism Degree at Rhodes University.” While in school, Johan started a magazine and contributed articles to the local newspaper. He also hosted a radio show at the local community radio station. This passion for communications was further intensified with the emergence of new media, where you can tap a broader based of viewers and readers with simple and scaleable technologies.
As in love as he is with all things related to media and communications, Johan carries the same intensity when it comes to talking about fitness. He began training with his friends from school almost five years ago, and has been an advocate of living healthy ever since. He also finds inspiration to be fit and healthy from other athletes and models as well. “There are a few great athletes that inspire me,” said Johan, “not least of all my best mate Jaco de Bruyn, but I also follow other fitness enthusiasts from America on Twitter, like Scott Herman, Matt Corso, John Carter and CommittedJay.”
“My passion for fitness stems from a completely different motivation,” according to Johan. “For me, the science of food, the pursuit of following a healthy lifestyle, and the results brought by this lifestyle (being in shape or even muscled), is all interesting concepts that I continually do research on, and study. I want people to feel good about their bodies, and inspire a healthy lifestyle, and the passion to look good. Therefore, one could argue that working in media gives me the experience to help create a platform for a discourse on “healthy lifestyles” and diet.”
Johan leverages his media expertise to further promote the conversation of living healthy and his upcoming online project will center on this, giving access to key information and inspirational advice that will put everyone on track on the road to fitness.
For Johan Stephan and the topic of health and fitness, credibility is not an issue. He lives the knowledge he freely shares, applying it to his daily life to accomplish the results that is obviously evident in the eyes. Johan doesn’t just preach about being healthy, he lives and breathes its very principles.
+ Official MFM Profile of Johan Stephan
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