JP Sears is an enigmatic internet personality who has amassed millions of followers across social media with his unique brand of satire and parody. Though he pokes fun at new age trends and pseudo-spirituality, Sears is actually a highly experienced and qualified emotional healing coach. He has leveraged his comedic talents to build a thriving online business and coaching practice.
In this comprehensive profile, we will look at how Sears went from holistic practitioner to YouTube sensation, the income streams fueling his growing net worth, and what makes his content so shareable. Read on to learn all about the man behind the ultra-spiritual persona.
Who is JP Sears?
Born on April 12, 1981 in Northwestern Ohio, JP Sears had an unusual upbringing as the son of a Catholic mother and atheist father. His parents split when he was young, leaving him to help care for his younger sister.
Though he didn’t attend traditional college, Sears completed an emotional healing coaching certification program in his early 20s. He then moved to California and spent over a decade as a practitioner.
In addition to working with thousands of private clients, he taught workshops and retreats around the world. Sears also ran a health club for 10 years and served on the faculty of the prestigious CHEK Institute.
However in 2012, Sears took his career in a radically different direction by launching a satirical YouTube channel. His videos spoofing new age culture quickly went viral, earning millions of views.
Though the long-haired, bearded character “Ultra Spiritual JP” is a comic creation, Sears is dead serious about emotional healing. He has combined his expertise with a flair for social media to build a coaching empire that only continues to grow.
Key Facts and Overview
Full name | JP Sears |
Birthdate | April 12, 1981 |
Age | 41 years old |
Nationality | American |
Gender | Male |
Parents | Catholic mother, atheist father |
Relationship status | Married to Amber Sears |
Children | Son named Wilder |
Place of birth | Northwestern Ohio |
Current residence | Austin, Texas |
Education | Emotional healing coaching certification, no traditional college |
Occupation | YouTuber, comedian, emotional healing coach |
Years active | 2006-present |
Social media | YouTube, Instagram, Facebook |
Associated acts | AwakenWithJP, C.H.E.K. Institute, Poo~Pourri |
Early Life and Education
Born in 1981 in Northwestern Ohio, JP Sears had an unusual upbringing as the son of a Catholic mother and atheist father. With parents of such divergent beliefs, Sears was not raised as a Catholic despite his mother’s wishes.
His parents split up when Sears and his younger sister were still young. Without a stable family structure, he had to become responsible at a young age and help care for his sister.
In his early 20s, Sears left Ohio and moved to California. There he embarked on a certification program in emotional healing coaching at the Journeys of Wisdom spiritual school.
Though Sears did not attend a traditional 4-year college, his coaching certification provided him with many skills he still uses today in his work. He studied topics like:
- Releasing pain, wounds, trauma
- Overcoming self-sabotage
- Developing self-awareness
- Building connection
- Supporting emotional health
In addition to his coaching credentials, Sears selectively chose mentors to learn from. These thoughtful teachers helped shape his unique outlook and approach.
Mentors and Influences
Sears credits two mentors in particular with guiding his early development:
Paul Chek – Founder of the C.H.E.K Institute, a holistic wellness and corrective exercise organization. Sears was first Paul’s student before becoming an instructor himself. Paul helped Sears improve his own health and dive deeper into emotional, mental, and spiritual work. The two developed a close bond.
John McMullin – Teacher at Journeys of Wisdom where Sears completed his training. John taught Sears practical skills for coaching clients at the emotional and spiritual levels. This helped Sears unlock his natural talents for working with people.
Beyond his formal mentors, Sears attributes much of his growth to the act of teaching and helping others itself. Working hands-on with clients of diverse backgrounds allowed him to expand his capabilities and discover his unique voice.
Life Coaching Career
Though he is now best known as a YouTube star and comedian, JP Sears has authentic roots as an emotional health coach. For 16 years he ran a thriving coaching practice that only ended when his online career took off.
Training and Certifications
- 2004 – Completed emotional healing coach certification at Journeys of Wisdom
- 2006-2013 – Faculty member at C.H.E.K Institute
- Certified Holistic Lifestyle Coach through Holistic Coaching Institute
Services Provided
- One-on-one remote life coaching sessions via Skype
- In-person workshops and retreats
- Online classes and training programs
- Keynote speaking engagements
- Health and nutrition consulting
- Emotional health assessments
Notable Achievements
- Ran busy coaching practice for 16 years (2006-2022)
- Worked with thousands of private clients all over the world
- Taught numerous workshops and retreats globally
- Owned Holistic Health and Fitness club (2002-2012)
- Served on faculty at prestigious C.H.E.K Institute
At his peak, Sears was conducting up to 6 private client sessions per day, 6 days a week. He worked with clients across the United States and around the world seeking emotional healing and life advice.
This extensive experience enabled Sears to develop his personal philosophy and approach with diverse perspectives. Though he stepped back from intensive coaching to focus on his creative projects, his years of knowledge continue to empower his work.
The Birth of His YouTube Persona
Sears originally launched his satirical YouTube channel in 2012 as a form of “self-therapy” and a creative outlet. After many years of intense coaching and self-work, Sears wanted to tap into his more lighthearted side.
The “Ultra Spiritual” videos allowed him to poke fun at the wellness world he was so immersed in. The characters, sketches, and parodies quickly struck a chord, collecting millions of views.
Though the long-haired, bearded character JP portrays onscreen is exaggerated for comedic effect, Sears is not exactly pretending. He has lived the holistic lifestyle and New Age culture he satirizes.
Sears believes humor itself carries lessons that can awaken audiences. His funny, shareable videos allow him to reach people with deeper messages about authenticity, presence, and more.
Balancing serious coaching with playful parody, Sears has leveraged his content and persona into a thriving online lifestyle brand.
JP Sears’ Net Worth
While concrete numbers are not public, various estimates place JP Sears’ net worth between 2-3 million dollars. This fortune has been accumulated primarily through his booming online business and YouTube success.
Sears likely earns at least $30,000-$40,000 per month from his monetized YouTube channels alone based on estimated CPM rates. With over 2 million total subscribers, his social media earnings will continue to grow.
His parody videos regularly exceed 1 million views each, earning significant ad revenue. Sponsored posts provide additional income, and Sears now offers premium membership access.
Beyond YouTube, Sears earns income through public speaking, comedy shows, retreats, books, and likely other business ventures. As his brand expands, so do the avenues to monetize his message and vision.
While financially successful, Sears also makes an effort to donate to charitable causes like providing clean water through Charity:Water. The values of his coaching work remain part of his identity.
Income Sources
- YouTube ad revenue – estimated $30k-$40k/month
- Sponsored content
- Premium membership program – $19.99/month
- Public speaking/events
- Stand up comedy shows
- Retreats and workshops
- Book sales
- Merchandise
- Other investments/businesses
Secrets to Creating Viral Content
So what makes JP Sears’ videos so shareable? We asked him directly during an interview. Here are a few key tips Sears shared:
- Tap into what people relate to – Make fun of trends, phrases, and ideas that the audience knows well so they feel “in” on the joke.
- Exaggerate cleverly – Use hyperbole and exaggerated acting to poke fun without being too mean-spirited.
- Add surprise – Go against expectations, like having a spiritual teacher say arrogant things. The contrast sparks amusement.
- Be insightful – The best comedy illuminates real patterns in amusing ways. Base satire on actual human contradictions.
- Have fun! – Don’t take jokes, yourself, or spirituality too seriously. Play with ideas and stay lighthearted.
Sears believes being too serious can alienate people today. By adding just the right amount of gentle humor, he makes personal development more appealing and fun.
Private Coaching Program
Though Sears retired from intensive private coaching to focus on his creative projects, he recently launched a new premium membership for fans seeking personal growth.
For $19.99/month or $179.99/year, members gain access to exclusive content not available to the general public. This includes:
- Weekly lessons
- Live Q&As
- Interviews with experts
- Practices and rituals
- Private community access
- Additional videos
- Special discounts
- Early event access
Sears shares more vulnerable insights and wisdom not found in his free social media. With thousands already signed up, this premium offering likely provides a significant income boost.
Podcast
In addition to his main YouTube channel, JP Sears launched a solo podcast in 2021 called JP Solocast.
The audio show allows Sears to share his perspective through long-form conversations on emotional health, mindfulness, psychology, and of course, humor.
With nearly 50 episodes released, Sears uses the podcast to connect with listeners in a more intimate format. Guests have included doctors, philosophers, entrepreneurs, authors, and fellow YouTube stars.
While the podcast is not yet as widely known as his videos, it provides another avenue to reach his target audience. The show can be streamed across all major platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.
Books
Expanding his brand, Sears published his first book in 2017 called How to Be Ultra Spiritual: 12 1/2 Steps to Spiritual Superiority. The title alone captures Sears’ trademark satirical approach.
The book spoofs new age culture through a series of mock commandments and lessons. It is filled with the same wry observational humor that made his videos go viral.
Beyond the jokes, Sears incorporates real emotional healing principles into this entertaining take on spirituality. The book provides fans with an expanded look into how his mind works.
How to Be Ultra Spiritual is available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, and other major retailers.
Stand Up Comedy
Capitalizing on his comedic talents, JP Sears has also begun regularly performing live stand up shows across the United States.
His tour schedule filled up quickly for 2022 into 2023 with shows across the Eastern and Southern states. Tickets are typically priced around $25 for general admission.
Sears further hones his material on relationships, society, and spirituality through these live appearances. For devoted followers, the events offer a fun and rare opportunity to see their favorite personality onstage.
Performing helps Sears strengthen his improvisation and delivery skills which in turn enhances his video presence. Booking more comedy events allows him to reach new local audiences and subscribers.
Public Speaking & Events
A sought after voice in the modern wellness space, Sears occasionally speaks at seminars, retreats, and conferences. His unique perspective on spirituality resonates with many event organizers in the genre.
For example, he has delivered keynotes at:
- Soul Journey Retreats with Leigh Burton
- The Shift Network Summits
- Spirit Rock Meditation Center
- Professional Development Seminars
- Health and Wellness Conferences
Sears likely commands a speaker fee starting in the mid 5-figures up to low 6-figures depending on the event size, production, and other variables. Speaking engagements provide income while expanding his professional network and authority.
Personal Life and Relationships
When not performing, Sears lives in Austin, Texas with his wife Amber and son Wilder. His spouse Amber runs her own business as a holistic life coach, making them the perfect match.
Sears married Amber in 2018 after several years of dating. Besides their toddler Wilder born in 2020, Sears has no other children.
Prior to his marriage, Sears dated fellow health coach Diana Deaver while living and working together in California. Despite his often irreverent online persona, Sears maintains a fairly low key personal lifestyle centered on family.
Travel seems to be one indulgence he enjoys. For example, Sears and his wife Amber escaped on a spiritual retreat together to Peru’s Sacred Valley. The trip became fodder for one of his podcast episodes as he shared highlights and realizations.
Charity Work
While clearly financially successful, JP Sears has not lost his commitment to making a difference. Right on his website, he highlights his partnership with Charity:Water, a cause near to his heart.
100% of donations to Charity:Water go directly towards funding projects in developing countries to provide access to safe drinking water. Lack of clean water affects nearly 1 in 10 people worldwide, a shocking humanitarian issue.
Sears’ collaboration has helped the organization fund wells, piping systems, and other infrastructure to bring potable water and improved sanitation to over 8 million people. He frequently promotes the charity to raise awareness and funds.
This effort provides a glimpse into the mindset of someone who has found fame and fortune but continues using his platform to help others. Though known for humor, Sears has never abandoned his sincere desire to uplift.
5 Things to Know About JP Sears
Beyond the key facts and figures, here are 5 bits of “JP trivia” that provide color on the man behind the persona:
- Despite the long hair and beard, Sears is only 41 years old. He just has a timelessly youthful face.
- He avoids euphemisms and believes in using real language like “obese” rather than “curvy.”
- Sears follows a ketogenic diet and feels this lifestyle best supports his energy and clarity.
- Basketball and tennis are his favorite sports to play, though he jokes yoga is his true talent.
- If his home was burning down, the first thing Sears would grab is a photo album filled with memories of his grandmother who deeply inspired him.
Quotes and Messages
While best known as a humorist, diving deeper into JP Sears reveals profound insight on life’s big questions. Here are some thought-provoking quotes from the man himself:
“Authenticity is when we can look at our gifts and look at our flaws and say yes to both.”
“As a generalization, I think meaning and a sense of purpose in life come when we’re willing to explore mystery.”
JP Sears Height, Weight & Physical Stats
How tall is JP Sears? The height of JP Sears is 5 feet 7 inches, and the weight is 70 Kg or 154 lb. The eye color is Blue, and the hair color is Golden Blonde.
Height | 5 feet 7 inches |
---|---|
Weight | 74 Kg or 154 lb |
Hair Color | Golden Blonde |
Eye Color | Blue |
Tattoo | No |
Social Media Information
If you are a fan of JP Sears, you can follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Facebook.com/awakenwithjp | |
Twitter.com/awakenwithjp | |
Instagram.com/awakenwithjp |