It’s not often that people find a pastor who runs their own radio show, provides marriage counseling and owns a food business as an executive celebrity chef.
Dr. Fredrick Jacobs, also known as Dr. J, is the Sunday host of “Dr. J, The Counselor” on Los Angeles’ KJLH 102.3 FM from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
He has become quite popular with listeners and because of his creative ways of giving spiritual insight on marriage, relationships and everyday issues.
“The Dr. J The Counselor [television] show will capture all we do on the radio show. We want to create an atmosphere that everyone can learn and get their needed answers,” said Jacobs.
“There is spiritual advice, but not relevant and there is relevant stuff, but not spiritual. So, we talk about everything that many Christians are afraid to talk about like sex and mental health.”
“Dr. J The Counselor” is also hosted on IMG Radio, an online network. He is currently waiting to release his first book, “Do I want to Stay Married?”
“Life could be messy and marriage is life,” said Jacobs. “Even when life comes against your marriage with adversaries, never leave your partner.
“Before you can have any type of strong relationship with anyone, you have to have a relationship with God first. Then you ask yourself, ‘do I have what it takes to go through the process of marriage?’”
Jacobs was born and raised in High Springs, Florida, to parents who were both in law enforcement. Raised with three siblings, Jacobs grew up in a disciplined atmosphere where he essentially learned how to be a self-starter.
He went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in business administration, master’s in counseling, a doctorate in theology and a doctorate in counseling. Dr. Jacobs first experienced counseling and helping others through his college years when he managed a mental health facility.
Due to some unfortunate events with police officers that took place in Florida, Jacobs, along with his wife, Taja, and their two children, Trinity and Isaac, moved to Los Angeles two years ago.
They immediately received guidance from Bishop Donnie Williams at The Family Church International of Pasadena.
“I met Dr. J before they made the move to California and when I met him I knew there was something special about him,” said Williams. “He is such a visionary that makes dreams come true. When you hear him speak and preach, you can see the spiritual manifestation in his words.”
Jacobs has been married to Taja for 12 years and the two have built a spiritual foundation through a strong bond through life’s troubles.
“God was, and still is, using him to be great, so when we made the move, I was very supportive because I knew spiritually that it was being worked out by God,” said Taja, also known as “Lady J” on the radio show.
She also hosts a segment on the radio show called “Let’s Be Clear,” which gives advice and inspiration for women. Both Taja and Dr. J work in a uniquely united approach in preaching, operating their food business, Celebrity Soul Food, and co-hosting their radio show.
Jacobs is now a pastor at The Family Church International. He has also become an activist consistently trying to educate his community about life’s challenges in encounters with police, societal issues and problems stemming from families.
“I pray to give people hope and inspire them to make good decisions for their life,” said Jacobs. “I want to hear the testimony behind the pain.”
Soon his efforts will stretch even farther than the Los Angeles area with his new TV show. The official launch will be on August 22, at 4 p.m., at 107 W. Valencia in Burbank.
