This is my very first blog post. My brother Michael suggested I start one, which was suggested by two of his friends Dan and Alex.
My name is Joseph Garner. I’m the director and “Joe” of “Craigslist Joe“.
The response to our documentary has been overwhelming. The film premiered on August 2, 2012, and has screened in over 20 cities in the U.S., Canada, and soon in many more countries around the world. The film is also on iTunes, Amazon, Vudu, Hulu, Netflix, and more.
We live in a very interesting time right now where we have access to film, music, art, science, history, and pretty much anything else we could want to look up, with the simple click of a button. We have more ways to communicate and connect with each other than ever before.
I have been blown away by the incredible support our film has received via email, facebook messages, tweets, instagram photos, and more. Your stories are so inspiring. I will do my very best to respond to all of your messages, so keep ’em coming.
Here’s a few links you may find useful…
www.facebook.com/craigslistjoe
twitter: @craigslistjoe
instagram: @craigslistjoe
much love.
joe.
craigslistjoe 
Great idea! I look forward to following your posts. Very inspiring movie. Hey, when’s the sequel?
Thanks Ariel. Where would you like the sequel to take place?
Europe or Australia or Canada. Really, anywhere that has CL
Craigslist Joe 2: Electric Boogaloo
I would love to see a sequel Joe! When will you make it?
<3
8-)
Hey Joe Hope all is well man! After watching you’re documentary I felt so humbled by the actions of the people you encountered and they’re actions of kindness……days after watching I found myself there for a person in need, now, i’m not saying I wouldn’t have help this person in the first place, but I found a certain pride in helping I had never really felt before…..thanks for helping my heart to be filled once more.
That’s awesome, man! Great to hear that.
LOVED Craigslist Joe. I’d like to do the same and vagabond across the States in a similar fashion. Thank you for making this film. You’re such an inspiration to so many people! (:
Thanks Amy. Let me know when you decide to go so I can keep an eye out for you. :)
I just now saw, two years later, that you had responded to my message! Thank you so much. Have you gone on any other Craigslist-related adventures since filming Craigslist Joe?
Actually, I just re-realized that this is your blog, and probably about your adventures and happenings in your life. I’ll catch myself up on the past two and a half years, and I think I’ll start one of my own as well. :)
I am glad you started a Blog. I will follow. I am taking a trip in May around the USA by Greyhound. I am going to use Craigslist for places to stay and find odd jobs, soup kitchens, etc. I am in my mid 40’s, but this is something I have wanted to do for MANY years. Your film was the inspiration to just DO IT.
Very cool, Stephen. You should also check out http://www.couchsurfing.org they’ve got a great setup for places to stay. Keep me posted.
I was incredibly moved by your film, Joe!
Since I’ve watched it, I’ve started ride sharing from Portland to Grants Pass (WHERE JAKE’S FROM!) every time I go to visit my family, or any time I’m headed out of town. I’d never have ever looked at Craigslist as a such a fantastic means of gathering as a community if it weren’t for you and your team.
I want to thank you so much for quite honestly changing who I am.
wow that’s awesome dude. thanks for sharing. Jake is the best. Glad you’re recognizing that.
Craiglist Joe, please read my facebook message I’ve sent you. if you didnt receive it, you can directly go to the meat of the story on here
http://www.gofundme.com/five-element
I need everybody’s help now more than ever. I am an earth builder and herbalist that had been contributing my services to the society since I stepped out of college life. Please help contribute to my cause or simply just spread the word.
Muchas Gracias and many many blessing!
-Nesrine Rahme
will check this out. thanks!
I can’t wait to read the blog!
thanks Tamara. It might take me a minute to get good at this, so thanks for the words of encouragement.
Just finished watching the film. Excellent. to see so many different things going around around the country. To leave everything you know and to start new. That is what it means to move out of the country I suppose.
So incredible to see so many different stories of peoples lives around the country.
I agree with you, Michael. There’s a lot of cool things happening around us ALL the time. We just gotta be open enough to see it.
Cherry Popped! :) First comment. Woot! I recently (about five minutes ago) finished watching ‘Craigslist Joe’ via Netflix. It was strangely heartwarming…yet perfect for combatting the negativity I’ve felt towards what I’ve nicknamed “Shady A** Craigslist”. Thank you for documenting your journey; it was amusing and moving. d(^_^)b
*** I’d love to see you use CL Worldwide to travel around the world.
Thanks Melissa! I’ll always remember my first. ;)
My 16-year-old daughter and I watched this past weekend and were moved to tears. At the end, she said, “I just wanna give that guy a hug!” Consider this a virtual hug from Emmy G. :) What an amazing film!
thank you Betsy and Emmy! Virtual hug received!
Watched the film last night and LOVED it! Wish I were brave enough to do something like that!
Thanks Teresa! I don’t think it’s an “all or nothing” sort of thing. I bet you’d find out you’re braver than you think. The key is to start small and just take it one step at a time.
Hi! I’m just a regular Joe, or rather a regular Katie, like you. I just finished watching your documentary on Netflix and wanted to say what a feet job you did! It was inspiring. My belief in the general goodness of people confirmed. I laughed out loud through a lot of it and cried at the end. All I can say is…wow. Love, love, loved it!
I meant great job, not feet job. Stupid auto correct!
Thank you, Katie. I’m sure you’re far from “regular”. Glad you liked the film.
Wanted to congratulate you on an incredible documentary. I thought you were perfectly ‘cast’ for the role, and more than anything appreciated how you interacted with all the people you met with such respect, love, and kindness.
I’m curious how you personally got into the role. I’ve noticed you are already an actor, is it something you were ‘cast’ for? Something you had wanted to do? Was it acting or reality?
I founded a nonprofit for depression, and aspire to have all humans treat those with mental health issues the way you did in the film. So much gratitude to you and appreciation for being a role model to the world. Congrats!
I agree. Treating ALL people with dignity and kindness could solve many problems.
Thanks for the message. It was never my plan to be “Joe” in the film. I was trying to convince my brother to do it actually. But he insisted I was the right “Joe” for the job, and I finally agreed to do it.
Very cool about your nonprofit. Would love to support it.
hey joe,
I literally just finished watching craigslist joe. I cried and laughed and felt so many blissful emotions while watching the film, that ill carry with me. there is something about what you did that is truly amazing. you went out there with complete faith and hope and the universe corresponded to that. i am an independent distributor for a wellness company called “young living” mainly our products are therapeutic grade essential oils that have been healing people and changing peoples lifestyles for the better due to their medicinal properties! they are natures medicine! anyway, the reason i share this to you is because the woman with cancer in the film might love these products and i cant seem to get the thought of helping her out of my mind. i feel an overwhelming feeling that i have to reach out to her. it is my passion to help people who want to help themselves especially naturally. she had such spirit and like you said vibrancy. do you happen to have her email, or any way to contact her? what you did was outstanding and i will be paying it forward even more so than i already do. thank you for doing what you did. i love it-ashley hope to hear from you soon ✌✌✌✌👍
Hi Ashley. Thanks for reaching out. Email me directly joe@craigslistjoe.com and I’ll put you in touch with Fran. Thanks.
Joe, I’m a 58 year old mother and just watch Craigslist joe with my 17 year daughter. She’s rushing to school and Monday to recommend her English media teacher watch and then show the movie to the grade 12 class. I’m sharing with my 50+ year friends. What you did is very inspirational and hope many many young people learn that entitlement is not a given in life. Break from the parents skirt strings and go out into the community and world to help others. If you never do another movie, your inspirational will live for very long time. Congrats and thank you for reawakening the goodness in us all.
Hi Cynthia. Thanks a lot for watching CLJ with your daughter. I’m glad you both recognize the importance of community, especially now more than ever. Let me know if your daughter’s teacher ends up showing the movie to her class. All the best… Joe
your movie is so inspiring! my daughter and I watched it twice together and cried with you at the end. you are inspiring! I’ve decided that this year I’m going to go on an adventure to find humanity myself!!! thank you! I will definitely follow your blog. keep writing please.
That’s great to hear! Thank you for sharing.
Joe, I just saw your movie on Netflix. It is very inspiring but also fun. If there is a sequel, you have nowhere to sleep and eat in Buenos Aires ;-)
Sweet. That would be great. I’ve always wanted to check out B.A. Consider it done. Thanks man.
Hey Joe… Just watched this on Netflix and enjoyed it VERY MUCH! THANKS FOR SHARING! What an inspiring story! You are such a sweetheart and it don’t surprise me that so many took you under their wing for a night at a time cause you have such a kind heart towards others!!! Anywhoooo I plan on spreading the word about your movie. There is still good out there in the world. Again, Thanks for sharing this with the world!!! {{{hugs}}}
Hi Cindy. Thank you for your very sweet comment and for spreading the word. I really appreciate your support.
Brave concept, inspiring journey, and a final product that was far more than entertaining. Congrats and thank you! I imagine it’s bittersweet to go back to “real life”. I hope you’ll share some of that here as you carry your Craigslist Joe experience into the future. All the best!
Emily. Thanks for message and you’re right about coming back to “real life” being a major adjustment at first. But once I realized I can take that feeling of community and being open to others, it was easy to integrate that into my life now. You don’t have to “put your life on hold and travel the country” to start making changes in your life. You just have to decide to do it then actually do it. Thanks!
Well said. Are you doing any speaking tours? I work in higher ed and think you & the film would be a big hit on campus.
Hi Joe,
I’m planning on hitch hiking across the states, starting in LA and ending in NYC. I’m a young female :) . I’ve never done it before but I was thinking this would be awesome film coverage if there was anyone interested. I am looking to see if there is someone who is looking for an opportunity such as this to film. I am bringing nothing with me besides a backpack, a spare change of clothes and a laptop. I am by nature very outgoing and adventurous, but have not tried anything like this yet.
Hitch hiking Jane.
It will be an awesome adventure. Would love to hear back from you with advice, tips, suggestions, direction…. anything at all!
Thank you so much! And by the way … my friends and I LOVED Craigslist Joe!!!
Elle, In many states it is illegal to hitch rides…..so be careful. Not to mention it is dangerous …… May be better off on Greyhound or Amtrak, or Craigslist……. http://www.hitchhiker.50megs.com/custom.html
I agree with Stephen. I never “hitch hiked” during craigslist joe. I found rides through the “rideshare” section on craigslist. Still be very careful before doing so and check out my response to your message for more details.
Hi Elle.
I’m glad to hear the film had an impact you and inspired you to go on an adventure. I would just ask you please be safe and smart about your travels. It’s unfortunate, but the reality for a woman to “hitch hike” is way more dangerous than it is for a guy. I wish it weren’t this way, but you should be aware of the potential danger.
A couple of things that you can do keep yourself as safe as possible…
1. go with a friend and tell people exactly where you are and who you are with at all times.
2. first talk to the person on the phone, then meet them in a public place, finally ask to take a look at their driver license, all before agreeing to get in the car with them.
3. start small. hang out with people in your city and get comfortable with the idea of interacting with “strangers” before you embark on a cross country trip.
4. lastly, bring back up money and a credit card. if you ever get into a sticky situation, you want to be able to bail and have enough cash to catch a bus or pay for a hotel, etc.
good luck, be safe, and keep me posted.
-joe
I saw your film on Netflix last night. Pretty cool. I related with you and the family from Iraq. I recruited for the US Army in the early 90’s and recruited a young man from Iraq. His family was so inspiring by their loyalty to being a US Citizen now and supporting by volunteering to enlist. Not only did he warm my heart, but to this day I know a country does not represent all people. We are all God’s people.
Darren. Thanks for your message and for your service to our country. Mohammed and his family are indeed inspirational to say the least. One of the strongest families I have ever met to this day.
I just watched this documentary for the first time and it genuinely inspired me to follow through with something I’ve always wanted to try. With this era everything and everyone can be reached with one click. As a young mother I have been volunteering with my daughter since she was 4 to help her see all walks of life. Unless you step out of your comfort zone, you won’t know what’s out there. Tonight I made the steps to purchasing a stand up paddle board. My hope this summer is take my 8 yr old daughter down the river for an entire week seeing nature at it’s finest and meeting the people who utilize the river along the way. My plan is to have no plan and no technology along the way, just go where the wind blows. Hopefully she will gain experience, knowledge and appreciation for what’s outside your backdoor. I appreciated seeing your journey and hopefully at the end of ours, we will be so overjoyed with emotion!
Wow. Your strength and faith is really inspiring. This is a beautiful concept. We should all want to relate to actively filling that void inside of us with truth and goodness. Thank you so much for this reminder of how much power that tolerance carries. You’ve acquired yet another faithful follower. Much love.
Hey Joe, I so loved your film!!… and the whole concept of bringing us back to a”Community” based mind set.It brings me hope in our human race to see the results of your journey.The kindness,generosity and realism was incredible to watch…it made my heart smile.I have a question though,beyond the fame and media…what did it do for you as in your soul?Did you go back to your job and apartment or did you want something more impacting in your life?
Keep up the good work:)
Joe, saw the movie this weekend. All I can say is…wow….loved it! During the filming, did you ever come across anyone that you truly had reservations about taking any help from? Wish I could do what you did. Talk about living purely on faith. Thanks for sharing your film.
Dear Joe,
I just finished watching your film on netflix and after a good cry, had to google you and your movie to see where you are at now. Thank you for making such an important documentary, and sharing your inspiration!
With so many documentaries out right now waking us up to the evil in the world, it’s refreshing to watch a movie that showcases the love. If you make it up to Washington state again for your next adventure, you are welcome for a meal and place to crash here in Tacoma, WA.
Sending Love and Joy ~ Carly :)
p.s. Kevin Flint’s work was/is amazing… really beautiful. xo
Thank you! Very inspiring!
Hi Joe! My boyfriend and I watched your documentary and he was very inspired. He plans on doing a “craigslist eric” trip June 2014 for a month. Not as extreme as yours, he will still contact with people at home, etc. thank god haha. For our anniversary, I want to give him a cute gift that helps get his trip started…any fun ideas?!
Hello. I’m a writer who watched your movie and fell in love with it! I was wondering if it would be possible to do an interview with you? I usually do e-mail based interviews with your permission and a pictures and post them to my writers website. Please contact me and let me know if this could be possible. Thank You.
Absolutely. I think people just hold so tight to themselves that when they do open up they ha’ve forgotten how to receive.
Man I just downloaded the album on iTunes and i’m really diggin it. Music is about the message, not the money. I think people have forgotten that. And your selection definitely shines through. The album is ironically parallel to movie. Very unique. If you want to know and curiosity has gotten the best of you,(LOL) what’s my favorite track on the album. It is by far “Beside My Queen”. I wish it was longer than 1:52. Appreciate the experience.
Everything is Temporary
Just finished watching “Craiglist Joe”. I loved it. I will be telling my friends and family to watch it. It was very inspiring. I am heading over to Craiglist next to see if there is something I can do to help out someone in need.
I just finished watching Craigslist Joe, and I wanted to let you know how inspiring I thought your film was. It is fantastic to see that the spirit of humanity is not dead here in America. Despite what the news or our politicians seem to think, we as a nation and a community seem to have just as much common ground as we ever have. It is not often that one can watch a film and have their faith in humanity restored, but this film did that for me. I envy your adventure and the courage it took to postpone your everyday life for even 30 days.
Joe I have to say that after watching Craiglist Joe I got so emotional, just by listening to how you described your whole experience…. Your documentary inspired me… I lost faith in people and felt that there was no one willing to lend a helping hand anymore… but just seeing what you went through and the wonderful people you met along the way really made me look at things on a different perspective. I myself have recently started my own blog… so I wish you the best with your blogging adventure….. I definitely have to write about your documentary … I know it will inspire a lot of my readers, just like it inspired me. Best wishes to you…. I have definitely become an admirer of what you did, and I am looking forward to reading more about you…. Greetings from Southern California…. :) Zuly
Craiglist Joe were you dancing @ Bishops Lounge, Norhtampton about a month ago?
Joe, when you go to Iraqi family’s house, their story made me cry so hard. I have lots of refugee friends and they really need a society which is not judging them with their religions and regions. Your movie is incredible. Now I am going to buy a couple of your dvd from amazon and send them to my friends. I hope we can see you to make a documentary about “Refugees in the US” in future. Thank you so much and PLEASE continue to inspire us.
There are, however, a number of telltale signs that guys give when they like you.
Presented in stark contrast is his wife Lois- the attractive, logically thinking wife representing the fantasy of most American males.
t you’ve a minumum of one person you share information with.
I just finished watching your documentary and I just wanted to let you know that I truly enjoyed it and was truly inspired by it. I am currently recovering from surgery as a result of a motorcycle accident. Not being able to drive or walk, I’ve had a lot of time to think and reflect on life in general. Everyday that goes by, I am more appreciative of the people that visit, send their love, and well wishes. I always had faith in humanity and what I’m going through right now just reinforces that belief. Your movie definitely tells us that there’s hope and we can still rely on each other no matter what color your skin is, job, and how much money you have in your pocket. Good luck with your future endeavors…
Thanks Joe!!!
Gary
craigslist joe starts a blog. | craigslistjoe
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One of the top documentaries I’ve seen so far. I’m trying to go the whole summer off of craigslist this year (Junior in High school) in inspiration from your documentary. Wish me luck!
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עבודה חוקית בהוואי
… עבודה באירופה – חיפוש עבודה בחו"ל זה תחום שאפשר ללמוד אותו ולצבור ניסיון עיוני לפני חזרתך לשוק העבודה באוסטרליה. יש עוד הרבה מה לעשות עם עבודה חוקית בהוואי? רוצים לראות מקומות חדשים ונופים… craigslist joe starts a blog. | craigslistjoe …
What happened to the bike you borrowed in the beginning of your documentary?
Kara Lewis
Just saw the movie for the first time Joe, I wanted to comment on what amazing courage it took to do what you did. Everyday we hear of horrendous things happening to people and yet your journey proved there is so much love in this amazing nation. I wish I had the opportunity to meet you, it was YOU that made me watch the entire film. If ever travelling through Houston you have a friend here. Peace. Mike