Friday, December 20

Interview With Producer and Writer, Jamee Natella

 

Josh Mitchell referred Jamee Natella to us, perhaps as a Christmas present. This is what she told us.

La Libertad:  What would you like to tell our readers about your new initiative, Worldride Adventures?  

Jamee:  Worldride Adventures is a cultural exploration initiative aimed at inspiring children to understand and appreciate the diversity of the world around them. Through engaging stories, immersive experiences, and educational content, Worldride Adventures helps young readers explore cultures and traditions in a fun and relatable way. My debut, children’s book series, Sam in London: Cheeky kids, Medieval Blokes, and Giant Trousers, introduces children to cultural differences through the eyes of a curious American boy as he navigates his new "normal" in a not-so-familiar place. Inspired by my travels with my own son and his never-ending curiosity towards different cultures, Worldride Adventures goes beyond the books, including a global newsletter, an immersive website, and a sustainable backpack line made entirely out of recycled bottles. 

Our reach goes beyond adventure with our non-profit organization, Worldride Impact. Through Worldride Impact, we are able to provide grants to underserved children so that they can experience cultural travel, whether virtually or in real life. Earlier this year we opened the Worldride Library at the Paul Revere Charter Middle School in Los Angeles. This is the first of many, as Worldride Impact's initiatives include the renovation and maintenance of libraries in underserved communities, buying new books annually, funding local educational experiences, and sponsoring global cultural travel for children.

La Libertad:  How did you get your start in writing?

Jamee:  I got my start in writing because of my travels and my son, Sam. While traveling around the world, Sam’s endless questions about different cultures sparked my realization that there was a gap in the marketplace for books that help children understand cultural diversity and global traditions. I created Worldride Adventures to fill that gap and began writing stories that would inspire kids to be curious about the world. My debut book, Sam in London: Cheeky Kids, Medieval Blokes, and Giant Trousers, was the result of this passion, and it became the first in a series designed to teach children about cultural differences in a fun, new and accessible way.  

La Libertad:  Of what accomplishment are you most proud?

Jamee:  One of the accomplishments I'm most proud of is the creation of Worldride Adventures and Worldride Impact. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how it’s evolved from an idea into a platform that educates and entertains children. I’m especially proud of how my son, Sam, has been actively involved in the journey, even serving as Chair of the Youth Consumer Board for Worldride Adventures. Watching the impact of the books, website, and our non-profit, Worldride Impact, on children and families around the world is truly fulfilling.

La Libertad:  Where did you get the idea for your new book, Sam in London?

Jamee:  The idea for Sam in London came from my travels with my son. Sam’s natural curiosity about the world - asking questions like why some countries have kings and queens, or why people drive on the left side of the street - prompted me to write a story that helps kids understand and appreciate cultural differences. London was the perfect setting for this adventure, as it’s rich in history, traditions, and unique quirks. I wanted to create a story that was fun and educational, so I incorporated cultural elements like British slang and historical landmarks while keeping the tone light and humorous to appeal to young readers. The next installment will take place in Tokyo.

La Libertad:  What would you like to tell our readers about the upcoming feature film you're producing?

Jamee:  I’m currently producing a sci-fi thriller called Moral Capacity, written by Peter Moore Smith and directed by Brad Anderson. We’re in the casting phase right now, so there’s not much more I can share at this time, but I’m incredibly excited about how this project is coming together. It’s a compelling story, and I look forward to sharing more details as we progress.

La Libertad:  What is your favorite holiday movie?

Jamee:  I have a few favorites that I enjoy:  

Love Actually, as I am hugely inspired by my friend Richard Curtis

The Holiday

And, of course, the two Christmas movies I produced:

A Christmas Eve Miracle and 

Chilly Christmas

La Libertad:  What are you most looking forward to in 2025?

Jamee:  I’m most looking forward to getting into production for the "Sam in London" television series, directed by Sean McNamara (Reagan, Soul Surfer, " That’s so Raven," and "Even Stevens"). Hopefully, that will bring more awareness to my brand, and garner a larger audience, in a new format. It’s an exciting time of growth and opportunity for both my writing and the mission behind Worldride Adventures.

La Libertad:  What are your overall career goals?

Jamee:  My overall career goal is to promote global understanding and empathy through impactful storytelling. I aim to inspire children to celebrate diversity, embrace new perspectives, and approach the world with curiosity and compassion. By creating meaningful, educational content that highlights the richness of cultures and traditions, I hope to build a lasting legacy that empowers future generations. I’m also excited to continue expanding Worldride Adventures, with the second installment on the horizon and plans to develop more immersive experiences worldwide.

La Libertad:  What links would you like to share?

Jamee:  You can learn more about my books and Worldride Adventures on the official website: 

www.worldrideadventures.com

Check out our non-profit organization, Worldride Impact, to learn more about our grants and our overall mission across the globe: 

www.worldrideimpact.org

Be sure to connect with us on Instagram for the latest Worldride news and updates! 

www.instagram.com/worldride.adventures

La Libertad:  What else, if anything, would you like to tell our readers?

Jamee:  I encourage parents, educators, and young readers to stay curious and open-minded. The world is full of diverse cultures, traditions, and perspectives, and embracing that diversity is essential for building a more compassionate and understanding future. Whenever you’re unsure or curious, ask questions—just like my son Sam does. Curiosity is the key to learning, growing, and connecting with the world. Through my stories, I hope to inspire children to embark on their own adventures, explore new horizons, and approach the world with wonder and empathy.

Interview by Josh Mitchell. Edited by William Mortensen Vaughan

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