Interviewing Joshua Mason: Insights from a Former Detective
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Dear Readers and Writers, I'm excited to present another interview with an influential author. The process of writing, editing, and curating content allows me to engage with genuine and impactful writers and leaders from a variety of fields.
I relish the opportunity to connect with individuals from different cultures, countries, and professions. One of my passions is interviewing notable writers and sharing their insights with my audience. Since 2019, I have been conducting interviews with writers on Medium.
During my tenure as a postdoctoral fellow and adjunct professor at Australian universities, I have had the privilege of interviewing numerous senior leaders and entrepreneurs from major corporations. I continue to engage with various leaders and freelancers, particularly those in startups or pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors.
As I discussed in a previous article titled "The Importance and Remarkable Benefits of Interviews in My Professional and Personal Life," these dialogues have provided me with valuable insights into their learning and leadership styles, motivating me to seek collaborations.
Every interview has opened a new perspective in my life, allowing me to connect with another kind-hearted individual on a deeper level. I use these discussions as a tool for cross-pollination, enriching and empowering my readers, fellow writers, and editors of my publications.
Meet Joshua Mason
Today, I'm thrilled to introduce Joshua Mason, a talented writer whom I have been following and mentoring for over a year. Through this time, I have gained insight into his background, education, lifestyle, and writing style.
Despite having a smaller following than mine, his articles in my publications have garnered more views, with several even going viral. The exceptional stories I nominated for promotion were well-received, leading to a significant increase in his audience, surpassing that of my other mentees. Therefore, I am eager to present him to my readers and fellow writers as a role model in both content development and thought leadership.
While he is relatively new to Medium, he has a wealth of writing experience. His articles featured on YourTango showcase his keen observational skills and deep understanding of human behavior, honed during his law enforcement career and further enriched by his ongoing Master’s degree in Psychology. Recently, he has also begun sharing his life experiences on Substack, quickly attracting a substantial number of subscribers. I hope you enjoy this interview and share it across your social networks.
Hi Joshua, tell us a bit about your background.
Thank you for the opportunity, Dr. Yildiz. I spent more than a decade working in a large police department as a detective, specializing in gang investigations and fugitive pursuits. I was also a certified Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) operator. While I was passionate about my work, it eventually took a toll on me. In 2017, I realized I wanted to pursue a different path. Although I would love to share more about my current work, I am limited by non-disclosure agreements.
What are your hobbies, or what excites or entertains you?
I already held a degree in management, but I returned to school to pursue a master's degree in psychology. My time in law enforcement fostered a fascination with psychology and understanding the mind. This passion remains with me today. I love to write, having discovered this passion at the end of 2023. Additionally, I am an avid reader and enjoy traveling—especially when it brings me closer to nature.
What are the top three books that affected your life?
The reading that impacted me most isn’t a traditional book; it's a compilation of letters by the stoic philosopher Seneca the Younger to his friend Lucilius. The wisdom within those letters transformed my worldview. Following that, "Man’s Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl and "The Almanack of Naval Ravikant" also had a significant influence on me.
Why do you write on Medium?
I began writing on Medium to gauge whether I had anything valuable to share. My first articles went largely unread, but I was surprised when one of my early stories gained traction and the comments were incredibly encouraging. That piece discussed my decision to leave law enforcement, and the response was powerful, motivating me to continue writing on Medium.
Do you write on other platforms like Substack? If so, how do you find them?
Initially, when I started writing in late 2023, Medium was my sole platform, aside from a newsletter through Beehiiv. As I learned more about Substack, I decided to move my newsletter there. The more I use Substack, the more I appreciate it. Moving forward, I plan to balance my time between both Medium and Substack.
What are your values as a writer?
My primary value as a writer is honesty. This sometimes involves sharing aspects of myself that aren’t flattering or taking stances that might not be popular. In my early articles, I was overly concerned about others’ opinions, avoiding topics that could be offensive or controversial. I find that my best writing emerges when I write as if nobody is going to read it. I also strive to ensure my work provides value to the reader, as I believe time is our most precious resource.
How do you connect with your readers?
Initially, it’s easier because there are so few readers to engage with. I responded to all comments and emails at the start. Although I still reply to emails, responding to all comments has become challenging. I’ve found that my newsletter is an excellent way to connect; it allows me to share my unfiltered thoughts, and anyone can respond through Substack. I make it a point to engage with anyone who reaches out, and that connection is my favorite aspect of writing online.
Why did you join ILLUMINATION, and how do you find it so far?
I was new to Medium and didn’t fully understand what a publication entailed. A few writers suggested I contribute to ILLUMINATION due to its supportive community and large audience. After writing my first article, I was pleasantly surprised to be invited to write for Illumination-Curated. I felt a bit out of place due to the talent present, which I now realize was likely imposter syndrome. Your guidance has accelerated my progress, providing feedback that has helped me grow significantly.
Who are some writers you follow on ILLUMINATION?
The primary writers I follow on ILLUMINATION are you and Tim Denning. I’m inspired by your ability to simplify complex topics, making them enjoyable to read. Tim Denning's writing is refreshing; he expresses his beliefs candidly and has achieved impressive success as an online writer.
What are the success factors for you as a writer?
The relationships I've built with other writers and editors have been crucial to my success on Medium. I strive to read their work, and they reciprocate. Their support has improved my writing and led to several of my stories being boosted, which greatly contributed to my growth. I am also fortunate to have a supportive wife who is my biggest cheerleader and an impressive writer in her own right. Ironically, I didn’t inform her about my writing endeavors at first, fearing it wouldn’t measure up.
What do you recommend to new writers?
Do what others won’t. Many people avoid dedicating time to write daily or stop after their first few articles go unread. A lot of writers struggle to shed their egos and share honest stories that reveal their vulnerabilities. It's remarkable how simply showing up every day and being willing to take risks can lead to success. To stand out among the vast sea of online writers, you must be willing to do what 99% won’t, and it doesn’t require any special talent.
What are your plans as a writer or as a professional?
I aspire to write a book soon and am developing a content strategy that divides my time between Medium and Substack. I maintain a newsletter where I discuss my writing journey, life lessons, monetization strategies, and favorite books and podcasts. You can join my subscriber list here.
A big thank you to Joshua Mason for sharing his insights with us. You can connect with him on Twitter, his website, ILLUMINATION’s Slack workspace, or via Substack Notes for potential collaborations.
Joshua Mason | Substack
I was a police officer and detective for almost 13 years. Now, I'm a top writer on Medium, sharing my experiences...
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