Jess Val Ortiz: From TikTok to the Theater

Content creator, actor, and Broadway hopeful Jess Val Ortiz joins Erik Zachary for a conversation that’s as funny as it is heartfelt. From viral sketches to real-life auditions for Wicked and Moulin Rouge, Jess opens up about her journey from musical theater student to digital powerhouse — and the grind behind chasing a Broadway dream. She talks about meeting Lin-Manuel Miranda (yes, it was just as wild as you’d imagine), the balance between authenticity and brand work, and why she uses her platform to speak on serious issues even when it’s not “on trend.” Plus, Jess shares how therapy, her golden retriever, and the hustle of New York keep her grounded while navigating rejection, social media, and self-belief. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices