We’re looking forward to introducing you to Linda Joe. Check out our conversation below.
Linda, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
I’m chasing the dream — but not just mine. I want to change the world in my lane, through entertainment. For me, that means telling stories that create space for the underserved, the unseen, and the voices that often go unheard. With projects like MUTT – A New Musical Comedy, I get to share conversations about disability awareness and acceptance, and I love shining a light where there’s often only shadows.
I’m also chasing freedom — financial independence, and the ability to produce my own work instead of only building other people’s visions. I want to create things that last and open doors for the next generation. The work keeps pulling me forward, and the hustle never stops.
At the same time, I’m chasing something very small — the way a leaf moves in the wind, or the path of a ladybug on a rock. As a kid, I used to ask the universe to bless those moments. I really believe everything is connected, and noticing the tiniest creatures and smallest details reminds me that our lives and stories are woven into something larger and greater than we can see.
And honestly? I enjoy the chase. I love putting events, productions, and shows together, bringing people into spaces where they feel joy, unity, and belonging. Seeing a whole community smile because you went above and beyond to create an unforgettable experience — that’s fuel.
But I don’t chase for myself alone. I carry a whole team, a community, and a network of people who rely on one another. If I let go, I feel like I’d be letting everyone down. So I keep going, because the chase isn’t just about me — it’s about all of us.
And if I stopped? As a high achiever who constantly pushes through exhaustion, I sometimes worry things might crumble. But I’m learning, growing, and reminding myself that it’s okay to lean on my support system and ask for help. The chase isn’t just about pushing forward nonstop — it’s about the joy, the meaning, and the people we bring along on the journey.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Born and raised in Los Angeles, I always knew I wanted to be part of the entertainment world—and to make it here in LA. After graduating from USC Film School, I dove into the industry headfirst, taking on a wide range of roles across film development, international sales, production, marketing, and everything in between. I traveled globally to major festivals like Cannes, Berlinale, and TIFF, worked on film production sets, and built my foundation by saying yes to every opportunity that could teach me more about the business.
Over the years, I’ve produced for film, TV, theater, sports, video games, and live events—from Comic-Con to the NBA, the Super Bowl, global esports tournaments, festivals, concerts, and countless experiential activations. I’ve also weathered studio layoffs and corporate shakeups, using each pivot as an opportunity to expand my skill set and grow, learn, and explore new creative spaces. That curiosity led me on what I call my “education tour,” working across concerts, live events, theater productions, and beyond—soaking up as much experience as I could along the way.
As a Korean American global entertainment producer and executive, I’ve always prioritized diversity and representation, and I continue to fight for these values in every project I take on. Whether producing for a company or bringing my own projects to life, I strive to make an impact and be a force for positive change in the industry. I’m constantly finding creative ways to solve problems, taking risks, and adapting to whatever comes next. My hunger, drive, passion, and resilience fuel me in an industry that’s always evolving, and I remain humbled by every opportunity to learn, grow, and improve.
Alongside my dear friend and business partner, Marcus Terrell Smith, I produce passion projects, including one especially close to my heart: MUTT – A New Musical Comedy. The show tells the heartfelt and hilarious story of a three-legged rescue dog and his loyal chew toy on a quest to find love and belonging in Hollywood. It’s a celebration of dreamers, outsiders, rescue pets, and the power of second chances. MUTT recently premiered at the Hollywood Fringe Festival in June 2025 and held a sold-out three-day workshop in April 2025 in LA. Every day, we hustle to grow the show and have big dreams for its future.
I’m a passionate, resilient, and versatile producer—constantly evolving, always creating, and ready for whatever comes next.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My first lessons in work ethic came from watching my parents grind day in and day out for over 40 years running a small restaurant business. My parents worked seven days a week, getting up everyday at 6 a.m. sharp, with no excuses, no sick days, and no vacations. That wasn’t just work, it was discipline.
Both my parents were athletes—my dad a basketball player, my mom a volleyball player—so there was always this sports mentality in the household: push through, no complaints, the game isn’t over until it’s over.
They never had to lecture me about resilience or sacrifice—they showed me through their daily actions. By showing up, by never quitting even when it was hard, and by putting family and community first. Everything I chase now—my drive, my hustle, my commitment to my work—is rooted in the examples they consistently set.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me gratitude — to appreciate the good, be grateful, and never take things for granted. Success is exciting, but it doesn’t teach you how to endure when you feel unheard, unsupported, or stuck fighting uphill battles with no resources. I’ve been there — sitting at the table but without a voice. That frustration taught me that equity isn’t handed out; you have to create it. And if the table isn’t built for you, then you build your own.
Suffering also taught me resilience. I’ve learned there are no bad days—only bad moments. You face each moment, learn from it, and get back to work, because the work still has to be done. That mindset keeps me from ever settling for mediocrity or doing just the bare minimum.
But suffering also taught me something else: you don’t have to go through it alone. I’ve been lucky to have the support of so many family and friends, including my dear friend and business partner, Marcus Terrell Smith. He is someone who hustles just as hard, sees the bigger picture, and understands that the sacrifices we make today pave the way for the successes of tomorrow. It’s always better to succeed with a team, because it really is lonely at the top. The victories mean so much more when you have someone to share them with along the way.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m deeply committed to my passion project, MUTT – A New Musical Comedy. On the surface, it’s about a three-legged dog and his chew toy chasing fame, fortune, and belonging in Hollywood — but at its heart, it’s about acceptance, resilience, and fighting for your place in the world. That’s a story I will champion as long as it takes, because it deserves a Broadway stage.
As a Korean American, I also carry deep ties to the Korean community, which has been incredibly supportive of MUTT and my other projects over the years — from being featured on Korean American radio shows like Tangerine’s ChaChaCha on Radio Seoul, to appearances in various podcasts, shows, and print media. One of my biggest dreams is to bring that same energy to Broadway with a K-pop musical I’ve been developing with my producing partner, Marcus Terrell Smith, and would love to see it alongside MUTT, with multiple shows sharing the big stage at the same time.
For me, it’s not about speed — it’s about consistency. Every workshop, festival, production, or performance is another step forward, and every step counts. The dream might take years, but I’m in it for the long haul, because every step forward is already a win.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say I was a good person who gave back in every way I could—someone who lived fully, gave 100% every single day, and tried to make the world a little better for others.
I see my legacy in the seeds I’ve planted: mentoring the next generation, opening doors for others, serving my community, and creating stories that leave the world just a little brighter.
I don’t always think about it while I’m doing it. I just try to do the right thing because it feels right—not because I’m chasing recognition. And if nothing else, I hope people remember me as someone who cared, who shared, who lived, who loved, who helped, who hustled, who spoke up for others, and who never stopped giving back.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.TheMuttMusical.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheMuttMusical
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelinda/
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/hCxYaHsiQzs?feature=shared
