486. Kentucky Roots & the Power in Speaking: Jonathan Mertz

About this episode

Jonathan Mertz discusses the power of voice and personal growth through his diverse experiences.

What happens when Kentucky roots, a life in radio, and a passion for understanding people come together through the power of voice? In this down-to-earth episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts reconnects with Jonathan Mertz host of It’s Your Break for a conversation about creativity, reinvention, and what it truly means to use your voice with purpose. From Kentucky roots to radio beginnings, Jonathan shares how his journey has taken him through IT, consulting, voice work, and even working in a jail each chapter shaping how he sees people and the stories they carry. “There’s power in speaking and even more power in learning to understand people.” Jonathan opens up about fatherhood, mentorship, weight loss, knee surgery, and the uncomfortable seasons that force growth. He reflects on his late grandmother’s influence, the importance of education, and how family continues to ground his creative path. The conversation also explores his wife’s experience discovering her biological father later in life, highlighting themes of identity, connection, and healing through truth. Reena and Jonathan dive into the art of voice acting, podcasting, and storytelling discussing how…

People in this episode

Host: Reena Friedman Watts

Guest: Jonathan Mertz

Topics covered

• creativity
• reinvention
• voice acting
• storytelling
• identity
• connection
• healing

Keywords

• Kentucky roots
• radio
• fatherhood
• mentorship
• weight loss
• generational trauma
• storytelling

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: It’s Your Break

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