Sheep Interview: Cover Model Jason Vendryes + Giveaway

Check out Jason's theme music

Do we have a treat for you today! Everyone has checked out Jaci Burton's smoking hot cover for Taking A Shot. Well those abs are here, right now! They are attached to one of the most charming and sweetest guests we've had, Jason Vendryes.

girl, look at that body, he works out!

Sharon: Welcome to the Flock Jason *passes a tray of moonpies and grape Kool Aid* Here is the flyswatter…um, you will know what to do with it when the time comes.*cuts eyes to Katie and kicks roll of duct tape under the table before guest gets worried*

Katie: Now, now Sharon I will as ever be on my best behavior.

*Sharon looks at Jason, then fly swatter and back to Jason. gives curt nod*

Jason: I'm happy to be here. Thanks for the invite!

Sharon: For our fans who don’t know you, can you tell us a little about yourself

Katie: And please take your shirt off while you do it. Fear not, this is what we ask all our guests to do. *nudges Sharon, hard*

Jason: Well, who am I to argue your customs here at I Smell Sheep? Here's my shirt. Katie, you can keep it, I have more at home.

Katie: *stuffs shirt into purse*

Sharon: *hangs head*…so embarrassing..

Jason: Now, for your readers who don't know me: I'm an American actor and model. I've appeared on shows like The Beautiful Life: TBL, Big Lake, Bravo's Fashion Hunters, Dr. G Medical Examiner, Dog Bites Man, and Disney's Ultimate 10 as well as a few films such as the recently released W.E. On the modeling side, I've been in multiple fitness magazines, walked runway for Nike and Adidas, and shot print work for several swimwear and underwear companies. I can also be found on the cover of Jaci Burton's new book, Taking A Shot, which was released earlier this month and is already on the USA Today and New York Times Bestseller lists!

Sharon: Have you been on any other book covers or was this your first?

Jason: I was on the rerelease of Prince of Wolves, making Taking A Shot my second cover, but my first original release.

Sharon: *runs to google cover*…oh! Niiiice….

Katie: Would you like to continue doing book covers and how did you get into this to start?

Jason: I'd love to do more covers! I've been asked to do several others, but sadly my schedule conflicted with the shooting dates. As far as how I started, I was just in the right place at the right time. I was fortunate to meet some people who took a liking to me and helped get me started in the business. I booked the cover for Taking A Shot from some of my photos online.

Katie: You do know that the women who read these genres are a lusty bunch? Not me of course, no I'm all about class and never do I cross boundaries- Oh my! How did I end up sitting on your lap? Silly me, well since I'm here we can just continue on with your answers.

Sharon: *points at swatter*

Jason: I never took you for being part of that lusty bunch, I could tell your level of class right away. I must say, I'm quite impressed by Katie's sly moves! It’s not often someone sneaks on my lap while I take a quick glance away.

Sharon: Which Disney Princess would you like to date?

Katie: I would like to add that you can nominate anyone as a Princess, like let's say the two fine gals in front of you. *winks* Your choice of course.

Sharon: *headdesk*


Jason: Ha! This is too funny!! I attended the University of Central Florida, which is close to Disney World, and I actually went on a couple of dates with a few Disney Princesses. Nothing against either of you... I met them first. Maybe we can get Disney to make their next princess movie about you two!

Katie: Yes I can see it now "The Smutty Princess and the Girl with the Optimus Prime tattoo". Should be a hit!

Sharon: er…yeah, I have a thing for Optimus, but you didn’t answer the question Jason…are you a Mulan/Pocahontas type or Cinderella/Snow white type?

Jason: oh yeah, the question! I'm more of a Belle/Ariel kind of guy. Well, completely human Ariel. Half fish would be deal breaker for me.

Sharon: What music do you listen to while working out? Driving in your car?

Jason: I listen to a wide variety of music no matter what I'm doing. Today I was listening to Rival Sons and Led Zeppelin in the gym. Just now in the car I was listening to Jack Johnson's Pandora station.

Sharon: You do a lot of charity work. Which ones do you work with and why?

Jason: I hold a dear place in my heart for Give Kids the World, Dreamflight, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation and really enjoy being in a position to help add brightness to the lives of those kids and their families. I work closely with an organization called ReCreation based out of Asheville, North Carolina. They rebuild homes for people who desperately need it but otherwise couldn't afford it on their own. The great part is that its groups of middle school and high school students coming to work on the homes, so you get to help someone in need and teach kids some useful life skills. I was part of a youth group that went each summer growing up, so I was once one of those middle/high school students. I also donate and have helped raise awareness for charities like the UN RefugeeAgency and Artists for Peace and Justice.

Sharon: Great causes! Are you from the Asheville area? I have always lived in NC, love it!

Jason: No, I grew up in Wellington, Florida. I did go to North Carolina twice a year, aside from my ReCreation visits. I'd go skiing at Beech & Sugar Mountains in the winter and white water rafting & camping in the summer.

Sharon: Do you have any thoughts about model stereotypes? Has it been an issue for you? Do you think female models have it harder or easier in the industry?

Katie: Is this a bad time to start stuffing bills in his pockets? Yes. No?

Sharon: *picks up swatter and whacks Katie* Sorry about that Jason…

Jason: Ohhh, so that's what the fly swatter is for! I've had some stereotype issues creep up. A few people have told me they were surprised I wasn't a "meathead" and I've read some interesting interpretations of my personality based on my photos. I think like any stereotype, some people fit into those formulas but most do not. I don't believe women have it more or less difficult than men in the world of modeling. Some jobs are for guys, some for women, and then we're all putting ourselves out there to be judged.

Sharon: If you could have a theme song play every time you enter a room, what would it be?

Jason: Jason Mraz's "Living in the Moment" would be my theme song. I believe he's putting it on his new album which releases next month, but I'm sure you can find it on YouTube already. You should check it out; such a great song.

Katie: Has anyone ever told you that you look a lot like Eric Banna?

Jason: Yeah, I've heard that before.

Katie: Does it creep you out? If not can I pull out this rugby uniform, I just so happened to have in my purse, and can you do a little Aussie accent?

Jason: Not at all, where's the uniform? Arvo mate, lets get on the turps and throw shrimp on the barbie at knock-off time.

Sharon: Haha! He could be the next Crocodile Dundee, just younger…and cuter J

Katie: *passes out*

Sharon: You probably run into celebrities in your line of work. Had any fanboy moments?

Jason: I got to hang out with Michael Jackson a couple of times and managed to keep my cool while I was with him. Afterwards was a different story. Once I actually processed it, I was like, THAT WAS MICHAEL FREAKING JACKSON and had my freak out moment and called everyone I knew. I think my only ungraceful celebrity encounter was with Susan Sarandon. I was talking with a friend at a party in New York and she walked up out of nowhere, started talking to us, and we both froze like deer in headlights. It was quite embarrassing.

Katie: Did you do the Moonwalk for him?!

Jason: No, I probably would've fallen on my butt if I tried! I did get to put on his sequenced glove! That thing was a lot heavier than I imagined it would be. Not that I really spent much time thinking about the weight of Michael Jackson's glove.

Sharon: Is there a natural wonder of the world you would like to visit or a place that leaves you awestruck every time you see it?

Jason: I really want to explore the pyramids of Egypt one day. I'm always awestruck whenever I visit Red Rock out in Vegas or the Grand Canyon.

Katie: Does this also mean you like to 'climb on'? Sharon! Don't look at me like that! This was an innocent honest question a term for climbers!

Sharon: *grabs duct tape* excuse me Jason, Katie and I are gonna have a moment…

Jason: You two crack me up! Sharon, Katie is completely right though, that's an actual term. I've been to an indoor climbing facility called Climb-On. So yeah, I guess I do.

Sharon: Oh, crap! You just threw gasoline on the fire that is Katie….

Katie: What’s a passion you have outside of the modeling world?

Jason: I love traveling to new places. I just got back from a trip to Singapore and Indonesia. It was my first time in Asia and it was so much fun! I got to try new foods, meet a ton of interesting people, and even got to ride an elephant! I also like playing beach volleyball, rock climbing, and playing my guitar. Of course, nothing would be fun without sharing it with people I cherish.

Katie: So, for the ladies who wonder…does that mean you have someone "special" in your life to share these experiences with?

Jason: I have a lot of special people in my life, especially my mom and dad. They're my number one fans. They were actually up visiting me this past weekend. They kicked off my love for traveling when I was a kid. They were always taking my sister and me to new places.

Sharon: Jeez, just when I think you can’t get any more perfect…yay! for great parents. Mine rock too

Sharon: If you could eat only one food for dinner for a year, what would it be?

Jason: Is this post modeling career? I think I could eat pizza every day, as long as I could vary the toppings. Oh, and moonpies with grape Kool Aid.

Katie: Jason, you do know that flattery will get you everywhere yes?

Jason: Why, whatever do you mean?

Sharon: *smacks Jason and Katie with fly swatter*

Katie: Now it's time for some rapid fire questions! Jason, sit back don't worry about the blind fold we are placing on you *evil laugh* and answer with the first thing that pops up. Ready? Go!

Katie: Chick flick or Action packed?

Jason: Action packed

Sharon: got a favorite?

Jason: I like comic based movies: Iron Man, Captain America, Batman, Transformers, and Kick Ass. Of course, there's a total 80s side to me that loves all the Schwarzenegger, Stallone, and Willis flicks too.

Sharon: yes, my friends…he just got more awesome!

Sharon: moonlight or sunlight

Jason: Sunlight

Katie: Do you sparkle in the sun? hehe

Jason: I body doubled for Taylor Lautner once, so I guess that makes me more of a werewolf... no sun sparkles for me.

Sharon: score one for the shifters! Woot!

Katie: Hard candy or Chewy?

Jason: Chewy... sourworms... mmmmmm

Sharon: bungee jump or cliff dive?

Jason: Cliff dive

Katie: Coke or Pepsi?

Jason: Neither, I don't like soda

Katie: Jason my sweet, sweet man. We are having a Coke vs. Pepsi war going on so if you HAD to pick one which would it be? *mouths the words PICK COKE*

Sharon: *slaps duct tape over Katie’s mouth*

Jason: Actually, I would pick Coke. It’s more of an American classic. Plus, I crack up at those polar bear ads.

Sharon: *sob*

Katie: YES!

Sharon: Bert or Ernie?

Jason: Bert

Katie: Time Travel or Space Travel?

Jason: Time

Sharon: If you could go back in time, when and where would you go?

Jason: classic Hollywood era, 20s and 30s. There's something so romantic and magical about that time period to me. I love watching all those old films.

Sharon: flip flops or deck shoes?

Jason: Flip flops

Katie: Horseback riding or Cow Tipping?

Jason: Horseback riding

Katie: Shirtless? Sharon! Stop hitting me with the fly swatter!

Jason: OUCH, that one looked like it hurt! I'd totally be shirtless, unless it was freezing out. I hate being cold!

Sharon: puppies or kitties?

Jason: puppies

Katie: Godzilla or King Kong?

Jason: King Kong

Sharon: horse or Harley?

Jason: Harley Night Rod Special

Katie: Wow he even has it picked out!

Jason: Yes! I have my motorcycle license. I don't ride too often, but when I do, it’s a Can-Am Spyder. They're pretty fun, but I want a Night Rod!

Katie: Sexy blonde or Sexy brunette? (On yeah I made him pick ladies!)

Jason: Sexy brunette

Katie: My heart is breaking. I just heard it crack right in half. *pouts*

Jason: You made me pick! I really don't have a preference, there's a lot more to a person than their hair color.

Sharon: Mary, Mary Quite Contrary or Mary with the little Lamb?

Jason: Mary with the little Lamb of course!

Sharon: Okay, now you are just sucking up…here have another moonpie

Jason: No sucking up here. The choice is simple; a Mary who is stubborn or one that has a pet lamb. I'll choose the pet lame; Mary Quite Contrary sounds too dramatic for me.

Katie: Sexy Librarian or Sexy Cop?

Jason: Sexy librarian

Sharon: Anything you would like our readers to know about, upcoming appearances, movies or charity events?

Jason: Unfortunately, I am working on several projects at the moment but none have been officially announced so I can't talk about them... yet.  Once I'm allowed to reveal more information, I'll be posting it there.

Your readers can follow me on

 Twitter and Facebook.

Katie: If an author or agency wanted to book you would they find that information on your website?

Jason: Yes, they can visit jasonvendryes.com to get all of the appropriate contact info.

Sharon: Thanks for taking the time to talk with us!

Katie: Yes, thank you Jason and don't worry all clothes will be returned to you before leaving.

Jason: It was my pleasure. Like I said, you can keep the shirt. However, I'll be needing my underwear back. How you got them off without removing my pants or without me even knowing is beyond me!

Katie: I'm that good Jason. *winks*

***GIVEAWAY***

Jason will send a lucky winner a signed picture PLUS Jaci Burton is offering a copy of Taking a Shot to one winner.

To enter:
1. Leave a way to contact you
2. If I gave you $100 to donate to a charity, which one would you pick?
*double entries for followers