World of Jenks

Jenks heads to Abilene, Texas and lives with high school football star Herschel Sims as he prepares not only for his senior season, but also the release of his mother from prison.

During a week in the Big Apple, Jenks moves in with rising comedy talent, Dan St. Germain, as he prepares for the biggest and most important stand-up show of his career.

The term celebrity takes on many forms and often garners more attention than is even healthy. Splashed across magazine covers and the internet, I was really intrigued by the idea of seeing the celebrity world from the other side of the lens. Over the course of eight days, I spent time in LA, NYC, and Miami with rising pop star, VV Brown. Already huge in the UK, VV is currently on a whirlwind press and recording tour that's bringing her unique brand of pop to the States. Very focused on her career, celebrity means very little to her. Her art takes precedence. If you ask me, VV has a once in a generation talent. As she would tell you, 'celebrity' is much more work than red carpets and escaping the paparazzi. The real challenge is holding on to who you are.

Whether it's a supermodel in a bikini sipping a cold beer or a buff dude in his Calvin's, beauty and sex sell. One of the most highly displayed examples of American beauty can be found on the sidelines of football stadiums every Sunday. To get under the surface, we decided to move in with Jessi, an NFL cheerleader for the Tennessee Titans. A very accomplished dancer, Jessi is not the typical cheerleader. She recently gave up a blossoming career in LA and moved to Nashville to live a more righteous life. While she has to keep the look (blonde, tan, and trim) she doesn't subscribe to a superficial lifestyle. In her spare time, she uses her cheerleader status to volunteer over 200 hours a year. Jessi quickly brought me into her world and gave me a taste of what it takes to keep up with the demands on her body and the negative attention that can often come with the uniform.

I am a terrible surfer. But the lifestyle is so damn appealing. I wanted to meet someone on the competitive side and learn from one of the best. A surfer first and model second, I was introduced to Anastasia and spent a week with her as she prepared to compete in one of the biggest competitions of the year: the U.S. Open. As a model, she has to fight for respect with the other surfers and every time on the water is a make or break opportunity to prove that she deserves to be there. This sport is a lot more intense than catching waves and hanging on the beach.

We've all had the fantasy of being on stage rocking out in front of thousands. But how many of us are actually doing it? I love the movie Almost Famous and I wanted to find out what it was really like to be on tour with a rock band. We got hooked up with the Warped Tour where I met Sierra, the lead singer of VersaEmerge. I quickly learned the ropes of life on tour, but I was surprised to learn that Sierra was one of very few female leads out on the road. While she's living her dream of performing all summer, she struggles to gain acceptance from the guys. One stop on tour was a hometown show for VersaEmerge, where emotions ran high and emotional issues were brought to the surface. Sierra's tough, but everyone has a breaking point.

As a filmmaker, I've never really had a 9 to 5 job. That may sounds pretty cool, but it also means that I didn't know where my next paycheck was coming from. I wanted to meet someone making the same kind of hustle. We talked to a lot of players, but none had a story as crazy as our subject. At twenty-two, Nick became the youngest person to win the world series of poker, taking home a cool two million; then spent it all! I couldn't believe it. Where does two million dollars go? Battling depression and anxiety, Nick became an inspiration as someone who struggles everyday and is open to expressing his emotions. On his quest to make back his money, old habits are hard to break: expensive dinners, insane nights at the club, and of course- girls. Nick went from having it all to having to start over from scratch.

These are the people who throw red paint if you're wearing fur, right? Wrong. With her bleach blonde hair and brightly colored nails, I met Brogan in Miami Beach and thought I was in for a week of passing out pamphlets. But before I could get unpacked, she had me putting on a disguise and ducking down in the front seat of her car as we scouted some of Florida's most dangerous slaughter farms. Next thing I knew we were taking aim at a gun range followed by overnight missions in the Florida swamps dressed in full camouflage. Living with Brogan was probably one of the scariest weeks of my life, but also one of the most inspirational. Her dedication has saved countless animal lives and she doesn't plan on stopping anytime soon.

With ultimate fighting rapidly gaining in popularity, spending time with a fighter was at the top of my list. Plus, I never understood people who beat each other up for a living. From the info we were able to dig up online, Anthony was a perfect choice and we quickly reached out to get him involved. Little did I know that his career in the WEC was just one of his many important responsibilities. From tragedy striking his family, to being a role model in his community, Anthony had way more than a possible title shot weighing on his shoulders. My time with Anthony shattered my perception of his sport and taught me a lot about what it really means to be a champion. Even though there's only two guys in the ring, they're never fighting alone.

I was not a child of privilege, but I never had to worry about where my next meal was coming from or where I'd be sleeping that night. Of all the worlds this season, homeless is definitely the one from which I'm most disconnected. And that's exactly why we did it. I met our subject, Danielle, in a city where homelessness is prevalent- San Francisco. While I was saddened to learn that Danielle has been living on the streets for almost ten years, I took comfort in knowing that I would be living with a pro. During my time on the streets we did it all: sleeping on a bed of cardboard, begging to fill a cup with change, dumpster diving for dinner. We even hitchhiked to Danielle's hometown for a shocking family reunion. As her friends call her, "Heavy D" opened up a culture that carries huge stereotypes and helped me to understand that the streets might not be the worst place for her to be living.

I have always wondered what it would be like to truly get to know someone with Autism. Now a hot topic in the news, I was reminded of a school my friend's mom worked at. I was soon introduced to and spent eight days with Chad, a 20 year-old living with autism. Not only does Chad not make you feel sorry for his disabilities, I quickly noticed that he's one of the funniest and most compassionate people I had ever met. I witnessed the heartache he feels from feeling different, but in our time together we took on challenges and pushed the boundaries of his condition. I'm glad to call him a close and trusted friend.

Jenks lives with a previously convicted rapper to experience the life of a hip hop artist on the rise.

Chad moves into his new home; Kaylin's clothes make it to the runway; D-Real organizes a dance battle.

The Turf Feinz open for Mac Miller; Kaylin faces disaster; Chad struggles with the idea of leaving home.

CHAD In an effort to help Chad lose weight, Jenks wants to take him to the gym. While Chad would rather "die and rot in hell," he goes anyway. After a failed attempt at the treadmill and refusing to try free-weights, Chad finds success on the stationary bike. Chad, Jenks, and Chad's job coach, Sean, return to Alfonso's for a trial run at Chad's potential job. Alfonso puts Chad immediately to work: making garlic knots, folding pizza boxes, and stocking supplies. Chad quickly impresses the staff with his skills and charm. Alfonso offers Chad a job, which he excitedly accepts. Later, Jenks goes grocery shopping with Sheri, Chad's mother. She explains that she and Chad's father have adjusted their eating habits to help curb Chad's diabetes. She then reveals that the family is planning to move into a new apartment in a nearby town, but they haven't told Chad yet. Jenks worries because Chad doesn't do well when his routine is changed.

CHAD Jenks explains that obsessive behavior is a part of Chad's autism, and that Chad's food fixation is making him gain weight. Jenks sits down with Chad's mother, Sheri, to discuss the reasons for Chad's weight gain and Sheri talks openly about her own struggles with this issue. Soon after, Chad has a doctor's appointment, and the doctor tells him and his family that Chad has diabetes. But if Chad can adjust his diet, increase his exercise, and lose weight, it is possible that the condition will subside. Later that evening, Chad's anxieties about his diagnosis push him to his emotional limits. To help his mood, Jenks stages a cooking show ("Cooking with Lorenzo") in Chad's kitchen as a way to encourage Chad to eat food that's better for him. D-REAL At a dance battle, a fight breaks out between Chonkie and members of a rival dance group. D-Real helps to diffuse the tension, but then gets into an altercation with a security guard and ends up threatening to shoot him.

CHAD Chad and Amanda have a date at the Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary but moments before Amanda arrives, Chad tells Jenks that he might want to break up with her. He doesn't appreciate Amanda's affection for "Justin Beaver" and her general "immaturity." He enlists Jenks' help in approaching Amanda with his concerns. After some hesitation and stammering, Chad politely describes his frustrations to Amanda who reacts graciously. Chad and Amanda are able to work out their problems without any lingering tension. They all enjoy the rest of the day at the farm. Back in Middletown, Chad's job coach from Occupations, Sean, has set up an interview for Chad at Alfonso's, a local pizzeria. Chad's anxieties are present, but he manages to charm and impress Alfonso and secures a trial run of the job.

D-REAL D-Real and the Turf Feinz give Jenks a new nickname, Whoa-J (derived from World of Jenks). Jenks likes this nickname much more than his old one, The Gentle Giant, which was given to him in elementary school because he was much taller than the other kids. D-Real gets a call from renowned choreographer, Flii Stylz (Usher, Chris Brown, J Lo) asking if he and the Turf Feinz will come to Los Angeles and meet him. The guys and Jenks fly out the next morning and Flii tells the Turfs that he saw their videos online and want to work with them. Afterwards they all go out to a dance club. The next morning on their drive to rehearse with Flii, D-Real tells Jenks that he has trouble accepting the peaceful vibe of the LA neighborhoods they're in. D-Real's gotten so used to Oakland's violence that it's easier for him to relate to death than to a smile. Then the Turf Feinz rehearse with Flii. They've never done choreography, which presents challenges, but Flii believes that they can learn.

The episode begins with a montage of Jenks's college speaking engagements before filming began on WORLD OF JENKS: Season 2. During these appearances, Jenks talked about his first two documentaries, ROOM 335 and THE ZEN OF BOBBY V, and how he got to be on MTV. Jenks plans to use these experiences of speaking in public to help Chad, who must deliver a speech at his graduation ceremony. CHAD Chad's teacher reminds him that he must deliver a speech during graduation. He's not thrilled about it, saying that he doesn't believe in speeches, but goes along and enlists Jenks' help in writing it. The night before graduation, Jenks talks with Chad's parents, Mike and Sheri, about what life will be like for Chad after graduation. They are sad about him leaving school, but excited for the future.

The episode begins with Jenks on his way to see Chad. In the car, Jenks talks with producer Kassie about growing up near Chad and Jenks' less than stellar dating history in high school. CHAD Only a week away from graduation, Jenks joins Chad for one of his last days at Westchester Exceptional Children's School. While there, Chad struggles and complains throughout his least favorite class: gym. Later, one of his teachers, Sylvia, explains to Jenks that while Chad is extraordinarily bright when it comes to maps and geography, he still struggles to read and write. While school has been tremendously beneficial to his development, it is apparent that Chad must continue to work on life skills such as buttoning his own shirt and tying his own shoes. During a counseling session, the reality of having to leave school and change his routine after graduation begins to hit home for Chad, and he talks about the anxiety he's feeling.

Jenks and his younger brother, Matt, are working out together at a gym. Matt gives Jenks a hard time about being out of shape. Jenks is grateful for his time with Matt because he doesn't get to see him much these days. CHAD It's Chad's senior prom. His girlfriend, Amanda, will be his date and he debates whether or not to kiss her. This would be Chad's first kiss. After picking out their tuxes, getting a haircut, and shaving, Chad and Jenks get dressed and discuss Chad's anxiety about prom. Since childhood, he's used a 'calming stick' that helps settle his nerves. Dressed, now calmer, and pumped for the night, Chad and Jenks head to prom in a stretch limo. On the way to Amanda's, Jenks and Chad make up a song about the upcoming night. They pick up Amanda at her house and surprise her with what will be her first ride in a limo. During their ride to prom, Chad's anxieties take over. He becomes obsessive about taking pictures and being late.

Jenks begins his journey, meeting Chad, Kaylin and D-Real for the first time. Chad has autism, Kaylin has cancer, and D-Real is dealing with the recent murder of his brother, but all three of them inspire Jenks by their refusal to give in. CHAD After surprising Chad, a 21-year-old with autism who was a featured subject on WORLD OF JENKS: Season 1, the guys head off to Chad's favorite neighborhood spot: The Castle Fun Center, a place with miniature golf, go-carts and video games. En route, Chad says that he's extremely anxious about the near future, when he'll graduate from school and need to find a job for the first time. Chad and Jenks pay a visit to the home of Chad's girlfriend, Amanda, who is also developmentally disabled. Jenks observes the dynamics of their sweet and caring relationship while learning that Amanda doesn't consider herself to be a disabled person. On their way back to Chad's, Jenks announces that he would like to sleep in Chad's room tonight.