Introduction
Welcome to the first episode of Meet Miss Jess VR. In this conversation, host Jess Toft and her mentor Joshua T. Berglan explore the topics of personal growth, conquering ego, sustainable fashion, and using technology to create inclusive educational environments. Dive in as they discuss pushing beyond comfort zones and stepping into your life’s calling.
Q1: Jess
Joshua, thank you so much for producing and managing Meet Miss Jess VR. I’m grateful for your help because technology is not my strength. Can you talk about what you saw in me that made you believe I should do this show, and how you discovered your own calling?
Joshua: I appreciate the compliments. You have a real gift for asking questions and seeking to understand people rather than memorize facts. From the start, I saw your curiosity and willingness to learn. That’s special. As for me, I discovered my calling by realizing that media, technology, and storytelling could empower people to step into their own gifts. Watching you transform and push past your comfort zone has reminded me why I love doing this.
Q2: Jess
You've talked a lot about ego in the past. It took me a while to understand what you meant. Can you share your perspective on ego and why it’s so challenging to let go?
Joshua: I once heard ego described as “edging God out.” It’s when you insist on being right, placing yourself above others, or refusing to see another viewpoint. I believe true growth happens when we let go of ego—realizing we don’t have all the answers. It also means staying open-minded. That’s not easy, because the ego fights to remain in control. But the more I surrender my ego, the more I can step into the person I’m meant to be.
Q3: Jess
In our conversation, you mentioned a lot about challenges, including physical struggles with frequency-induced tremors. Despite the pain, you still show up and create. If you could be a superhero in a movie, what would your powers and outfit look like?
Joshua: I'd be “The World’s Mayor,” healing people with my hands. My suit would be a sleek Tom Ford ensemble—something I can move in—equipped with EMF protection. It would absorb external energy and convert it into healing power. For me, that's symbolic of taking adversity and turning it into something beneficial for others. No spandex needed!
Q4: Jess
You’ve also talked about how your perspective on fashion and sustainability changed over the years. How did that happen?
Joshua: Honestly, it was your influence, Jess. At first, I avoided thrift stores or used items. You introduced me to repurposing and showed me that a lot of so-called “trash” can be turned into unique designs. It taught me that we don’t need brand-new things all the time. Doing more with less is a powerful way to address waste and even larger issues like unfair labor practices. It’s all about not feeding a materialistic mindset.
Q5: Jess
What about your current projects—like the Bridge Media Empowerment Centers? How did that vision come about, and what impact do you hope to have?
Joshua: The vision started years ago, influenced by experiences in inner cities and learning about marginalized communities. We aim to build 500 secure facilities globally, teaching media literacy and technology skills. This includes youth, ex-convicts, trafficking survivors, and people with disabilities. The idea is that everyone deserves the chance to monetize their gifts and become self-sufficient. We’re flipping the traditional media model so creators and students benefit the most. Watching it come to life with an amazing team, including Microchron AI, is incredibly fulfilling. It’s about elevating everyone.
Q6: Joshua
Jess, you’ve grown an impressive network. Do you have any organizations you’d like to shout out or highlight before we wrap?
Jess: Absolutely! The Marine Foundation is doing amazing work globally with micro projects that have a macro impact, preserving culture, and fostering inclusive education. I’m also involved with Lady Rebel Club and Rebel World Magazine, which provide a supportive community for neurodiverse individuals. These collaborations prove how much brighter things become when we each shine in our own light, side by side.
