It’s another hot and sunny day in Southern California, making October feel like the middle of summer. Driving through a labyrinth of backstreets in beautiful Encino, I’m on my way to meet a bonafide Hollywood star. Ian Somerhalder, 41, is a model, actor, director, producer, activist, and entrepreneur.

Most would immediately recognize Somerhalder’s handsome face from hit TV shows “Lost,” and “The Vampire Diaries.” When Ian’s starring turn in Netflix’s “V Wars” recently came to a premature halt, he didn’t throw a pity party; instead he turned to filmmaking (Kiss the Ground), activism (The Ian Somerhalder Foundation), and entrepreneurism (Brother’s Bond bourbon). Above all, Somerhalder is an environmentalist and family man. But let’s start at the beginning.

The story of how John became Legend is one wrought with hardship and trauma, but ultimately ends in hope. In a time when people need it most, John serves as a reminder that anything and everything is possible so long as you have the courage to try. We first met John Roger Stephens 16 or so years ago when he was singing hooks for Kanye West...