Interview with model Jacob Rodney Hogue

TRC: Hi Jacob, and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the cover of Laura Kaye’s RIDE WILD. We are BIG fans of Laura at The Reading Café. We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Follow Jacob on : Instagram

Jacob: I grew up living in multiple states temporarily, but spent most my time in Great Falls, MT until I was 15. I moved to Yuba City, Ca at that age. At age 19 I joined the Army reserve and after 8 years and one deployment to Afghanistan I chose not to reenlist and moved to Long Beach, CA to model and act.

TRC: What were your dreams and aspirations growing up?

Jacob: Dreams and aspirations as a child were very limited. I grew up in a loving yet sheltered Christian home. I loved singing and sports but never really approached either as a career possibility.

TRC: When not modeling what is your ‘day job’?

Jacob: I work security at Sgt Peppers Dueling pianos on the weekend and am also an avid writer in my free time. I write songs, poetry and am creating my own tv show.

TRC: Would you please tell us about your beloved four-legged friends?

Jacob: My pets are my children. I have two pitbulls. My male is 1/2 bullmastiff. I also have a savannah cat, who is the coolest guy ever (hence the name “Xander Cage” and my girlfriend has a dainty little Siamese girl.

TRC: What first sparked your interest in modeling? Is there a defining moment where you knew that modeling was something you were interested in pursuing?

Jacob: Modeling was something I never really considered, but my good friend, John DeWall, had dove into modeling and acting and put me in touch with Wander once I was out of the Army and now here I am.

TRC: Have you ever had a photo shoot that went completely wrong?

Jacob: I have never had a shoot go completely wrong, but if it ever does happen I’m sure I will make the best of it because that’s all one can do. I love to be challenged.

TRC: Nudity in modeling or acting can be controversial. Some pictures can cross the line between sexuality to pornography. What would you tell young models/actors /body builders just entering the business about nude modeling and photography?

Jacob: When it comes to nude modeling. My advice is always do your homework on those involved and then do what you want to do. I’ll repeat that. Do what YOU want to do. If you’re truly self aware and know who you are then focus on that. There will always be people who disagree with you or have different perspectives and that is okay. There’s always a chance that walking through a door can open others as well as close others. If you’re happy with what you’re doing than that’s what is important.

TRC: The modeling industry exposes you to many people and sometimes it can be very stressful. At times do you feel alone, surrounded by so many people? What do you do when the stress becomes overwhelming?

Jacob: I never feel alone. I consider myself an outgoing introvert. I thank my girlfriend and my younger Brother for that. We see most things the same way and they always have my back because of our similar perspectives on everything. She loves photography and modeling and he is a musician. I’m an outgoing introvert so if I’m alone it’s because I’ve chosen to be for that moment. When I’m stressed I just remind myself that I can handle it. Eight years in the Army help with that. I also smoke a joint and have a glass of wine. I focus on controlling what I can control.

TRC: At times, there has been a ‘stigma’ surrounding the male model and the romance-cover industry but the popularity of the romance storyline has skyrocketed in the last few years especially with the erotic and sensual cover images. What is your opinion about the recent popularity and the very busy industry of the ‘romance cover model’?

Jacob: When it comes to a stigma on the male model/ romance industry I don’t really give it much attention. There are so many perspectives and opinions out in the world. A person just needs to focus on doing what they want and love. I think the recent jump in the industry is due to the love of all the people involved. I’ve only been to one event/signing but the fans are fanatics and I believe the same could be said for the authors. It’s a community happy within itself and growing. There will always be those throwing shade or causing conflict but the few cannot destroy the masses.

TRC: What do you do to prepare yourself for a shoot?

Jacob: As an avid writer and inspiring actor when I get on set I just create my interpretation of the character and write my own scene in my head to play with. I become what is asked of me. And I love it. I always approach shoots like I’m in a scene of something.

TRC: Do you know the number of novel covers that your image has appeared?

Jacob: I’m the kind of person who doesn’t keep track of the number of stuff I’m on. I’m honored and enjoy every single one but I’m always chasing the next one. Plus, the goal is to be on more than I could count so why bother lol

TRC: Do you remember the first cover (book or magazine) on which you appeared?

Jacob: The first magazine I was on was a cover/ editorial for obvious magazine which was awesome. I actually wore most of my own clothes and helped style myself which was awesome.

TRC: Would you please tell us what you do to relax?

Jacob: I spend a lot of time on walks with my dogs to relax. I live 4 blocks from the beach so how could I not. Also, I’m a huge believer in the best way to relax is to just do nothin. Non-typical meditation of sorts. I just sit down somewhere and do absolutely nothing, except for maybe smoke a joint 🙂

TRC: What three things would you like to accomplish in the next five years?

Jacob: In the next 5 years I’d like 1) quit my day job 2) have my tv show idea really go into motion 3) still be happy. You will always hear me resort back to being happy. There are so many forms of it and I feel people get too caught up in chasing other people’s happiness or trying to please everyone. I believe in being selfish and kind at the same time. Do what you want, be nice to people and avoid those who aren’t.

TRC: What is something that few, if anybody, knows about you?

Jacob: I’ve actually already mentioned it in an earlier question. Hardly anyone knows I write and love to sing. I was a choir boy in high school and took vocal lessons.

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception about modeling ?

Jacob: The biggest misconception I’ve experienced is many people believe there is no hard work in it. It is unreal the work behind the scenes and when you’re on set shooting you are expected to do your job so it’s not all for nothing. People who don’t look for the big picture will never see it. Misconceptions are for the ignorant who are not concerned with learning. And I have ZERO time for that. I love to not know things so I can learn. But I do wish I knew everything.

TRC: What type of music do you listen to? and what music is on your playlist today?

Jacob: I listen to almost everything so I’ll name artist : Mixon (my brother) Logic, j cole , usher, JT, Lukas graham… all country, all types of rock, some classical, some jazz… like I said… everything

TRC: On what on your currently working?

Jacob: I’m currently finishing up the script for my pilot episode and trying to book more modeling and acting jobs. To see my Latest project follow me @jacobrodneyhogueshow I put everything in instagram

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Jacob: I would love to stress my beliefs in being happy. Whatever your happiness is. Do that. Always try to understand others perspectives whether you agree. Seeing how all different types of people get to different types of places will help you navigate life. In the end do what you want and be happy. Stop caring about what everyone else thinks. You can always find people who are on your level. Be happy be happy be happy.

Lightning round

Favorite Food–pizza

Favorite Dessert-Twinkies

Favorite Movie-Legends of the Fall and Warrior (sorry had to give 2)

Favorite TV Show-Shameless

Last Movie You Saw–La La Land

Secret Celebrity Crush-Michelle Rodriguez

Dark or Milk Chocolate–milk chocolate

Last Book You read-Inside Delta Force

Pet Peeve-ignorant pit bull comments

TRC: Thank you Jacob for taking the time to answer our questions. It is always a pleasure to meet the man behind the cover. We wish you all the best.