An Inspired Chat with John Orlando of Westerville

We’re looking forward to introducing you to John Orlando . Check out our conversation below.

Hi John, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Who are you learning from right now?
This might sounds cliched but I am learning from my wife. We have been together for five years & recently got hitched. In the time that we have known each other, she has been teaching me how to focus on not worrying about things. My wife is amazing at looking at a situation, analyzing it & coping with whatever the situation has presented to her. On the other hand, I am worrying about possible outcomes that may or may not come to fruition. Thanks to her, I have made improvements in not catastrophizing whenever I am in a difficult situation.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a podcaster that produces two shows. The first one is The PVDcast, which I started in 2012. Those early days saw me release episodes once a month. Soon, I was releasing episodes twice a month. Then, three times a month, to what is now a weekly podcast. Each episode you’ll hear a conversation with a guest that has some link to my passions: comics, hockey, movies & pro wrestling.

In 2020, I started to produce another podcast, along with my partners, Justin & Jason. This podcast is called MatTalk & it is the only Matlock themed podcast on the planet. Each episode, Jason & I watch an episode of the 80’s TV show, Matlock. The guys analyze it, discuss it & even poke fun at it. MatTalk is a bi-weekly podcast.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
The death of my father is the event that shaped how I see the world. My father had always dealt with cardiac issues. He had a damaged valve in his heart. He had two operations when I was little to put an artificial valve in his heart. In 1993, he was not feeling good & found out that the artificial valve was worn out. My father had to have surgery to replace that valve. Two days after the surgery, he slipped into a coma & passed away a few months later.

My father always stated that age was nothing more than a number & not to let it dictate your life. This event strengthened that philosophy in me. I see many people who adhere to my father’s philosophy, but I also see many you use excuses not to do the things they want to do. “I’m too old to do that.” This sentiment was never uttered by my father.

When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
This is a really difficult question to answer, but I believe my parents would be the people that helped me when I was scared. My parents were very supportive & loving. Were they perfect? No. But, no parent is 100% perfect. They seemed to No matter if it was my mother or father or both, they had the power to make everything feel alright.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Growing up, I was really into hip-hop & rap music.. Public Enemy was one of my favorite groups. Chuck D. has always been someone that I admired. Chuck was not afraid to speak his mind. Chuck was an activist using Public Enemy as a way to speak for the voiceless. I know that speaking your mind can lead to problems, but that never stopped Chuck.

I believe that I got my honesty from my parents, but Chuck D.’s openness to discuss issues further helped to expose me to speaking your mind.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I believe that I am doing what I am born to do. Ever since I was a little kid, I wanted to be the center of attention. Many kids that want to be centers of attention will do anything to get that attention. I knew that there were boundaries to that concept especially at home. My parents would not mind me sing a song to my grandmother when she visited, so long as I asked & waited politely for the chance to perform.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pvdcast.com
• Instagram: @pvdcast
• Twitter: @PVDMVP
• Facebook: @pvdcast
• Youtube: @mattalkpodcast3065