This is Orlando
41 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsIf you think the Orlando Region is nothing but tourism and oranges you're wrong. Join me as we meet up with leaders from Central Florida's thriving community of entrepreneurs and get involved. New episodes each month.
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Episodes
Episode 40 - Edan Archer
May 07, 2020 17:26 - 147 MBInstead of me trying to introduce you to Edan let me pull straight from her website. Archer's swampy sensibilities come through loud and clear in the grooves of Journey Proud, her voice is sultry as sweet tea and crackles like the ever-present heat lightning of her Everglades upbringing. All moonshine and honey, she gets gritty with dulcimer magic and casts spells with intimate ballads and fingerpicking, alternate tunings, and rich effects. As she pulls from her varied influences--Appalach...
Episode 39 - Renaissance Man Jesse James Allen
April 22, 2020 13:32 - 95.9 MBTo say there is a lot of passion in our community is an understatement. When it comes to igniting the flame of passion there is no one better to feature than Jesse James. As Editorial Director at Orlando’s Falcons Creative Group (see This Is Orlando Episode 16) he helps steer their creative vision. Known for there immersive interactive experiences (check out the link, you will be glad you did), this alone would content mere mortals. Not Jesse, you will find him involved in projects using all...
Episode 38 - Justin Nguyen / GetChoGrindUp
April 06, 2020 12:16 - 131 MBI recently had the pleasure of meeting an incredible and passionate voice in the Career Services field right here in Orlando a few weeks back. Justin Nguyen graduated from UCF in 2018 with a degree in finance. While working his way through school he quickly realized that an education was only a part of what he needed to succeed once in the real world. His instincts told him that his professional skills and network were just as important. He watch his fellow students struggle in the areas an...
Episode 37 / Tom Todia - Audio Director, EA Tiburon
March 27, 2020 12:47 - 145 MBIt was so good to get to sit down (virtually) with Tom this week and catch up. In addition to being a great ambassador of sound he is also an incredible teacher. Although many of his stories come from the world of audio his lessons are transferable to all disciplines. His message mush like my own, Get Involved, be creative and never give up. It’s a total bummer that we are not able to sit down in person these days but thanks to the folks at Zoom we are able to record these episodes and pre...
Episode 36 - Rob & Carlos, The New Normal?
March 23, 2020 12:43 - 115 MBWell, here we are. March 2020 and everyone is somewhat locked down and trying to make the best of things in dire circumstances. I miss getting to hang with Carlos and we wanted to keep the podcast alive so we decided to try our hand at remote podcasting through Zoom. Episode 36 is our conversation and it seemed to work out pretty well. In fact we have already recorded episode 37 with EA Director of Audio, Tom Todia. Will publish that one soon enough but for now here’s a little filler episo...
Episode 35 - Chad Hoover / Global Game Jam
February 24, 2020 13:18 - 113 MBGame Developers and technophiles in general. Do you know about the Global Game Jam and it’s impact on the gaming community? Game Jams in general are ubiquitous and a great way to advance and sharpen your skills. They are also a great way to network and pad your portfolio. On episode 35 we sit down with long time pal Chad Hoover from the Orlando Game Space to talk about the recent GGJ and upcoming jams and opportunities here in Orlando for you to get involved with. We are fortunate to ha...
Episode 34 - The Conglomerate
January 06, 2020 13:34 - 142 MBHappy New Year. TIO took a small sabbatical to enjoy the holidays with family but we are back, loaded and locked for 2020. I have been sitting on this episode for longer that I hoped. There is nothing I enjoy more than going to see a band that delivers way beyond expectations. Not that I had preconceived ideas or expectations, I had only heard of the Conglomerate prior to attending their record release party at the Blue Bamboo. However, after two incredible sets of their blend of Jazz Fusio...
Episode 33 - AmFund - Kalley Dunn & Monica Sakurai
November 13, 2019 14:42 - 105 MBThe best thing about hosting a podcast is that you get to meet some awesome people, case in point Kalley Dunn / Director of Development and Strategic Initiatives and Monica Sakurai / Director of Marketing and Development at AmFund. AmFund has been working with and supporting Non Profits locally and nationally for 20 years now. In fact watch for their 20th anniversary Ribbon Cutting to celebrate their new digs sometime after the new year. Here’s a bit more background - The American Fundrai...
Episode 32 - Hylant Presents Corner Office /Suneera Madhani - CEO/Founder Fattmerchant
October 29, 2019 11:31 - 105 MBOn the second edition of Hylant Presents Corner Office Rachel and I sit down and catch up with a guest many of you are already very familiar with. CEO and Founder of local Tech powerhouse Fattmerchant, Suneera Madhani. Suneera and her crew continue to grow this local Orlando success story into one of the largest and most successful payment platforms nationally, now employing over 100 at her downtown offices. In this episode we hear about where Fattmerchant is today, the daily juggling ...
Episode 31 - Chris Cortez / Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts
October 15, 2019 17:41 - 129 MBThe Conglomerate at their Record Release party My quest for music in Central Florida has proven quite fruitful. Meet Chris Cortez, Musician and proprietor of Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts in Winter Park. An Orlando native, Chris founded Blue Bamboo 4 years ago and has created a room that is all about the music. A cozy and comfortable environment with incredible acoustics and a welcoming vibe that features a variety of homegrown and touring acts in Jazz, Classical and the occasional Pop, ...
Episode 30 - The Cosmic Roots Collective
September 25, 2019 12:10 - 138 MBI am super excited to be able to start featuring some music on the podcast starting with my friends Paul Mauceri and Wheeler Newman from Orlando’s Cosmic Root Collective. From their website; The Cosmic Roots Collective are three dudes from Orlando, FL – Wheeler Newman, Ronnie Brannan, and Paul Mauceri – who play a unique blend of what they dub “Psychedelic Progressive Pop from Space.” They formed in 2013 and draw from a variety of influences, including the punk energy of alternative/colle...
Episode 29 - Angie Duplis - Advent Health
September 02, 2019 12:36 - 123 MBI have been fortunate to know Angie for over 15 years now. We met during our time at Full Sail. A few years back she took her talents to Advent Health where she currently serves in Community Recruitment Services. What she learned in Career Services she now brings to our region’s largest healthcare provider. Her goal is to help and serve while building relationships throughout Central Florida between future healthcare providers and Advent. On a personal note you will never meet a nicer, ki...
Episode 28 - Banks Helfrich - Black Cow Jumps
August 12, 2019 13:24 - 117 MBOne thing that Orlando has in abundance is passion. When I first met Banks a few months back I was quick to realize he had it in spades. Trying to pin down who he is or what he does is impossible. Actor, Children’s Performer, Clown, Film Maker. He is all of these things and more. In this interview we discuss all of these things but focus on his group Black Cow Jumps. I guess it could be best described as experimental or interactive theater. Actors portray themselves and include the audienc...
Episode 27 - Corner Office featuring Adam Scheinberg, Massey Services
July 15, 2019 13:25 - 128 MBI am thrilled to bring you the first episode in a new series of talks we call This Is Orlando - Corner Office. The series is sponsored by my friends at Hylant and will feature Hylants own Client Executive Rachel Dobbs as my co host. In addition to her work at Hylant Rachel has served our community well over the past 5 years including her stint as Chair for the Seminole County Tech. Association and her involvement in the chamber as well as a plethora of community meet ups. The goal for Corne...
Episode 26, Marco Santana - Tech Writer Orlando Sentinel
July 03, 2019 13:23 - 152 MBIf you are following the Tech scene here in Orlando you undoubtedly already know Marco. He has been covering Orlando’s tech scene for close to 5 years now and has seen a lot of changes. We sat down to discuss these changes and talked a lot about where we are heading. In addition to his work with the Sentinel I learned of Marco’s undying devotion to gaming. As a self proclaimed game nerd he is now fueling his passion by vlogging about the local scene on his YouTube channel The OVG and be s...
Episode 25 - Bob Kennedy, Florida Polytechnic University
June 03, 2019 12:30 - 122 MBI am excited to say that we have hit the 25th edition of our podcast and couldn’t be any more happy to finally get the chance to sit down with Bob Kennedy: Acting Associate Vice President of University Advancement and COO, Florida Polytechnic University Foundation. I have known Bob for a couple of years now. In addition to providing the voice for FPU he is extremely active in our tech community and serves on many boards including the Central Florida Tech Alliance. Those of you looking for ...
Episode 24 - Audio Engineer and Music Publisher Miguel Bustamante
May 14, 2019 12:49 - 133 MBPart two of our focus on the local music scene. Let me introduce you to Miguel Bustamante, audio engineer and owner of Lucesca Productions. The mission at Lucesca is to Support and guide independent and emerging artists and songwriters through the increasingly autonomous music industry landscape. Music production with a focus on storytelling, which converges with song placements and synchronization as a primary end goal. Miguel has a storied career and it’s only just beginning. He has wo...
Episode 23 - Music Impressario Michael Donaldson
April 30, 2019 12:54 - 128 MBThat was then… The benefits of doing the podcast are many but getting to meet so many cool people is the tops. Michael Donaldson is no exception. Whether learning about the current music scene or trading war stories from back in my days in the biz I could have gone on for hours. We tried to narrow it down to an hour but that was still not enough. It looks like Michael has a lot more is store for us so watch for follow up episodes as we work towards helping to expose more of what seems to b...
Episode 22 - The Mercury Collective
April 23, 2019 15:45 - 71 MBEvery third Thursday at the Orlando Game Space you will find my friend Jamal running around, shaking hands, sharing hugs and cultivating an incredible group of creatives at an event he calls Mood The Party. Mood The Party is a diverse gathering of Orlando creatives from the art, music , tech and film communities. The idea falls under the banner of Jamal’s organization The Mercury Collective. The Mercury Collective is a traveling art show that is a lot more than just an art show. On any given...
Episode 21 - Digital Orlando - Orlando Innovation
April 16, 2019 12:42 - 149 MBWednesday April 10th not only saw my 26th wedding anniversary but the meeting of the minds that was Digital Orlando 2019 at Orlando’s Science Center on Princeton Avenue. Digital Orlando was a half day of speakers, panels and exhibits that saw Orlando and Tampa’s most visible business leaders come together to discuss issues regarding our economy and what it’s like to live in such an open and creative environment. Some of the diverse panels included Startup and Innovation Culture, The Busines...
Episode 20 - Stetson University and The Greater Central Florida Tech Faire + Hatter Hacks
March 29, 2019 11:59 - 87.4 MBWelcome back Gang. I am excited to introduce you to Dr. Joshua Eckroth, Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Heyley Gatewood, A Jr. majoring in Math and Computer Science at Stetson University in nearby Deland. Heyley, in addition to attending classes has an extremely active role in leading the Campus Hacker Club as well as presiding over this years 4th annual Greater Central Florida Tech Faire + Hatter Hacks which takes place April 5-7 2019 on the Deland Campus. The event targets hi...
Episode 19 - Talking Esports with Josh Mora, Executive Director Strategic Partnerships @ Full Sail University
March 05, 2019 13:53 - 84.4 MBIt’s always great to sit down with my pal Josh Mora, especially when he takes you on a quick preview tour of the new Esports arena at Full Sail University. It’s so new in fact that I couldn’t take pictures however, by the time you read this there should be some press releases out there for you to see and learn more. In addition to Josh’ work at Full Sail he is also a member of the council for the Greater Orlando Sports Commission. GOSC has put quite an emphasis on branding Central Florida...
Episode 18 - Pastor Jared Witt, Castle Church Brewing Community
November 01, 2018 13:08 - 132 MBYes you read that correctly. Church and brew in the same title. I know it may be hard to get your head around this concept but that is exactly why we sat down with my pal, Pastor Jared Witt to talk about this incredible “new” concept for church. The Castle Church Brewing Community. Jared, an ordained Lutheran Pastor is creating an atmosphere based more on action than religious dogma. His partner, Aaron Schmalzle has been brewing for years in the original Castle Church Community of his gara...
Episode 17 - Understanding Cyber Security with Regine Bonneau of RB Advisory
October 10, 2018 12:05 - 139 MBAs you are most likely aware I started a position three months ago with a University in Lake Mary called ECPI (East Coast Polytechnic Institute). I am working with students primarily within a Bachelor Degree program called Networking and Cyber Security. The degree has been around for a few years but is new to my Lake Mary campus. In fact, our University has been designated as a Center For Academic Excellence by the NSA and Department of Homeland Security. Needless to say I had some learnin...
Episode 16 - Falcons Creative Group
September 19, 2018 13:25 - 160 MBWe create immersive experiences from global entertainment destinations to cutting edge digital storytelling to unparalleled themed experiences, our team successfully transforms everyday reality - every day. Well it’s been a long time coming but 16 has finally arrived. Carlos and I are currently experiencing conflicting work schedules making harder and harder to schedule time to sit down with guests who’s own schedules are hectic to say the least. In fact this episode was recorded at ...
Episode 15 - CT Social - Greg Trujillo and Carolyn Capern
July 15, 2018 12:40 - 122 MBThe number one thing I love most about my life and my work is that I get to meet so many great and interesting people. I had chance to get to know Greg and Carolyn while spending time at the Orlando Game Space where they have the headquarters for CT Social, an amazing group of marketers that pay close attention to new media and customize marketing plans based on the individual needs of each client. There is a lot more to marketing than posting ads and social media posts. They provide a consu...
Episode 14 - Diagram (Visual Scripting for Unity for Educators) with Virtual Hammers Justin Gallo
May 22, 2018 17:54 - 123 MBIt's good to have Rock Star friends. Especially when they are using their Rock Star talents to bring new solutions to educational issues. We all know the importance and need for good programmers in today's society but with the increase in students in the plethora of Comp Sci. and Game Dev. programs around the world are we providing them with the tools to help them easily grasp the concepts and foundations of the art? Justin Gallo has worked as a Course Director for Full Sail Universities ...
Episode 13 - Wellness with Welli Chief Wellness Officer Kristine Thomas
May 04, 2018 14:18 - 127 MBOver the past year that we have been recording the This Is Orlando Podcast we have tried to bring to you a potpourri of varied topics while always offering opportunities to learn more about and take advantage of our City Beautiful. My goal is to expand your view beyond the tourist destinations, chain restaurants heinous traffic and give you opportunity to get involved and enjoy what Orlando has to offer. The Jay Z and Beyonce of Downtown Orlando It is with this in mind that I sat down wit...
Episode 12.5 - Mega Health Jam Update
April 09, 2018 11:37 - 62.3 MBA quick update to fill you all in on the latest news about the Mega Health Jam. We kick off Thursday night at 6:30 at the Orlando Science Center. Be sure to get the rundown in print at http://healthgamejam.com/
Episode 12 - Kelli Murray & Kunal Patel, Mega Health Jam
March 12, 2018 14:49 - 50.4 MBThe Orlando Gaming community continues to grow and it's events like the Mega Health Jam that help to make it happen. April 12th - April 15th will welcome the first annual Mega Health Jam to Orlando. The brainchild of Medspeaks Kelli Murray and the Orlando Game Space' Kunal Patel the event will bridge and unite our thriving communities of Health Care and Technology in an effort to create wellness and health care technologies ALA game jam style. Rather than write about it we have set aside ...
Episode 11 - Jim Thomas - CEO, Orlando Tech. Association
January 31, 2018 14:51 - 111 MBIf you have been paying any attention to the local Orlando tech scene for the past few years then Jim Thomas is a name that you certainly recognize. Through his work with the Orlando Tech Association and the Orlando Chamber of Commerce he has provided a voice for our community on both a local and national level. Go to any of the ubiquitous tech themed meet ups around town and you will most likely find Jim spreading the word. 2017 was a year of growth and with growth comes many challenges. ...
Episode 10 - Alysse Metzler Coe - "The Recruiting Snitch"
December 22, 2017 12:21 - 152 MBOur 10th podcast of 2017 ends our year with a bang. This is the essence of what we do and preach day in and day out. If you are interested in a career in tech or ways to continue growing your career then you need to listen to what Alysse has to say. Her book, The Recruiting Snitch has helped countless people navigate the terrain of the professional recruiter. In fact it is required reading for all students in the UCF Business Program. She currently serves as the Sr. Recruiter at The Exper...
Episode 9 - A Podcast With Film Florida Executive Director John Lux
November 14, 2017 13:30 - 133 MBLast month when we were wrapping up Episode 8 with David Glass Carlos turned to me and asked if I have ever met John Lux from Film Florida. He went on to tell me that John and I were kindred spirits and he too shared the same passions and ideals. Carlos made the introductions and thankfully John agreed to come down and meet me here at The Gamespace to talk about his work with Film Florida. Carlos was correct. Not only did I hear John echo back to me many of my own thoughts but I learned a l...
A Podcast with Orlando Tech Evangelist & Orlando iX Founder David Glass
October 24, 2017 11:34 - 111 MBBeing a Tech Evangelist in Orlando often feels like preaching to the choir. We all know what a passionate and dedicated community we belong to but that's not always enough. Orlando's David Glass has worked tirelessly over the past 5 years to provide opportunities and education to our community while raising our nation profile as a top tier tech destination here in the U.S. September 2018 is the target date for the next iteration of OrlandoiX. Although the past three OiX' have been well re...
A Podcast with Alan Ashby, SR. Recruiter @ EA Tiburon
August 30, 2017 11:17 - 136 MBOne of the anchors of our Game Development community here in Orlando is without compare EA Tiburon. Located in Maitland and employing over 700 they work tirelessly each year bringing us the latest iteration of Madden, NCAA and FIFA as well as contributing to many other titles in the EA stable. I invited Sr. Recruiter Alan Ashby over to the Coble Ranch to talk about his role and to fill us in on a day in the life of a recruiter for one of the largest AAA studios in games. During our conver...
A Podcast with Amanda Roche and Sheena Fowler from The Orlando Economic Partnerships
August 08, 2017 11:47 - 104 MBAt the heart of our thriving community we will find Amanda Roche and Sheena Fowler working tirelessly on behalf of our Game and Tech communities. That's not all they do however, their main goal is to preach the gospel of Central Florida and this includes all of what makes Central Florida great. Our area has changed since I first began coming here in 1979. Orlando was two things, Disney World and Orange Groves. The northern border game to a halt around Longwood and the Kissimmee area aroun...
A Podcast with The Gang From Orlando's Indienomicon
June 29, 2017 11:52 - 149 MBI am sure you have heard me talk about Indienomicon many time before. If you are anywhere close to the Video Game Industry in Orlando then you already know about the awesome work they do. For over 4 years now they have spearheaded the gaming community in Orlando through their monthly meetups and annual game jams. This year sees them regroup with a new board and some exciting new initiatives to help continue bringing The City Beautiful more recognition in the global games community. Keep in...
A Podcast with The Director of Education for Thinkful, Grae Drake
April 03, 2017 16:38 - 29.8 MBI am fortunate to work part time with Thinkful, an incredible Online Coding Bootcamp that teaches both web development and Data Science. I had the opportunity to chat via Skype with the Director of Education Grae Drake and get his take on education in general, networking, overcoming social fears and what it is he looks for in people during the interview phase. I have been doing career services for 13 years now and I have to say I was blown away by Thinkful's perspective on sharing the emp...
A Podcast with the gang from Doghead Simulations
March 20, 2017 14:08 - 43.2 MBIt's always fun to get with the lads from Doghead Simulation and this recording was no exception. We braved the elements to get through this one including my wife's liquor cabinet and my poorly trained misbehaved yellow lab Maggie. Doghead Simulations was founded by my three guests, Elbert Perez - Microsoft, HTC Vive Chance Glasco - 2015, Infinity Ward Jameson Durall - Oddworld, EA, Deep Silver Volition They recently relocated their home base to Orlando in order to take advantage of t...
A Podcast with Full Sail University Hall of Famer's & Alumni
March 02, 2017 11:33 - 65.6 MBIn this podcast we talk about everything from social media, body language, conferences and networking in general. We also hit on the topic of managing your career. Networking doesn't end the minute you get your first job. If you are passionate about what you do it's a life long endeavor. These 5 guests have all watched their own dreams come true through hard work and a passion for their craft. What's even better is their willingness to mentor and give back to the next generation.
A Podcast with Orlando Tech Guru Kunal Patel
February 09, 2017 15:03 - 40 minutes - 35.9 MBTravel through the Orlando tech and gaming scene with tech Guru Kunal Patel and learn how you can get involved.