Halogen’s own Josh Shipp, host of the upcoming motivational reality show “Jump Shipp,” was named one of “30 Under 30: America’s Coolest Young Entrepreneurs” by Inc. magazine. We recently spoke with Josh about his background and the inspiration behind his new show.

What are some of the most common issues you find that young adults struggle with?

I think a lot of us (young adults) have a case of the missing identity. It’s really challenging to figure out where you fit in your 20s. Your immediate/ down the hall from you/ college support system is no longer there. You’ve spent the last four years of your life (or 6 – sorry Jeff) getting a degree and now your supposed to go out into the world and “use that degree.”

So there is a lot going on all at once.

My greatest fear for myself and my fellow young adults is settling. Settling for good enough. Average. Because average is comfortable. Average isn’t scary. Everyone believes they deserve average. Living an extraordinary life – now that’ll scare the Shipp out of you.

As you’ve gained distance from some of the painful events of your past, do you find it difficult to relive them through your work?

Not at all. Frankly, I don’t find my story of growing up in foster care, experiencing abuse, etc., all that inspiring. To me – it’s just my life. I know no different. The point isn’t that I don’t think my story is that significant. It’s that we all feel that way. Truth is, there is no better way to connect with someone than to talk about some of your darkest, most painful life events. The things that have hurt us the most, are actually the things we can use to help others.

Describe the importance of humor in the work you do.

It’s absurdly important.

From time to time people will give me crap and say that for a “self-help guru” I’m not serious enough. The truth is, I work with some people going through some pretty serious challenges – but that doesn’t mean we need to approach it with a scowl on our face.

In HS I was the class clown. I ran for class president with the slogan “Shipp Happens.” Once a teacher said to me – “Josh when your friends laugh at you, they are listening … now what will you say?” It’s stuck with me forever.

Now I don’t think of myself as a “motivational speaker” but as more of a “motivational ninja,” here to make you laugh and then when you least expect it, drop-kick you with knowledge. You have been warned.

When did the idea of a TV show work its way into your mission? How did it come about?

Honestly, it’s a show designed to be a wake up call to a few of my close personal friends. I get rather wound up when I have friends who are absurdly talented – and yet not doing anything with their absurd talent. I have friends in horrific relationships, but they are afraid to move on because they don’t believe they deserve anything better. Growing up, our moms always told us that “winners never quit.” Not true. Anyone who’s been successful (in any endeavor) and some point had to quit the so-so to pursue the great.

So in a funny/depressing/inspiring way “Jump Shipp” is about quitting. Yay!

How do you find the people you’re intervening with through the show?

Many ways. They reach out via email or something and declare boldly, “I wanna Jump Shipp.” This is the ideal situation of course, because no one changes until they want to. So it’s a lot of fun with someone who wants to make a change, but just needs a little big brother/motivational ninja support to do so.

Sometimes parents will submit their 20-something son. Who lives in the basement. And doesn’t have a job. And eats Cheetos all day. And thinks Febreze is an appropriate shower substitute.

Either way – game on.

What are five tangible things that are essential to the work you do?

Care about people

Care about people

Care about people

Care about people

And a goat.