Overheard Orlando

In honor of Pride month, Overheard Orlando makes a return to form highlighting local trans artist Emory Alvarado. Though she has seen much success, we'll delve into the path that got her there via love letters to the past and trials of self-actualization. In this mega-episode, Emory speaks on the often misunderstood concept of artistic materialism and her plans to change the world through subversive activism. She even dares to reclaim the franchise that once brought bravery and inspiration to a young Emory back from its author and arguably the world's most infamous trans exclusionary radical feminist: J.K. Rowling.

In the inaugural episode of Overheard Orlando's return, I sit to chat with local Orlando artist Tom Sadler about the centuries old technique of Plein Air painting. Like the French Impressionists before him, Tom has a penchant for nature and seeks out the pristine areas of Florida yet to be affected by human activity. We'll  discuss the virtues of innate talent vs. learned technique and how to view the world through the eyes of an artist.

I sit with local photographer Matt Keller Lehman on a bright Orlando morning to discuss the people we meet who drive and inspire creation within the creative mind. Surrounded by a city in motion, we'll say farewell to a tumultuous year with new hopes for the year to come.

An update on the goings on of my life, and some new concepts and ideas for Overheard Orlando going forward. A reunion can take many forms and can even occur within oneself; reuniting all the aspects of one's persona.

Halloween may have come and gone but our true fears inside us all stay with us year round. With contributions from two Orlando women who share their own personal fears, I'll discuss what it means to live with this sometimes debilitating part of the human condition.

Local musical artist Dylan Suggs (aka Conley) seeks a path of emotional expression and vulnerability as a way to bolster both his personal life and his musical career. As anyone who has left behind a life of emotional suppression for freer pastures knows, this path is rife with challenges and personal mountains to climb. Recorded at Stardust Video & Coffee.

Whether physical, mental, or emotional, oftentimes adversity originates from within. For local artist/model/actress Kelly Baysinger this came in the form of a life changing and perilous adolescent spinal surgery for her inherited scoliosis and some good old fashioned depression. We'll get into how she overcame and coped with this adversity leading to the beautiful life she lives today.

In this episode I share the reasoning behind the personal decision to completely cut alcohol out of my life. The hope being to inspire you to look at the things in life you could or should be doing without. It starts with acknowledgment.

I briefly dive into one of my favorite philosophical metaphors, all whist touting the dangers of becoming like the frog in a pot of boiling water.

The concept of home is a major part of the lives and development of most people at some point or another. I sit with writer and visual artist Steven Archer as he reckons with a home he once sought to escape, a deeply rooted neighborhood in south Florida, and a home he's never been to, the vast and culturally rich nation of Peru.

One of the very few universal experiences amongst all people is death, inherently making the topic itself an undying cliche. Orlando Weekly's Best Comedian nominee Simon Nash will take us on a tangent of life, death, and the spaces in between. 

Aspiring model and newlywed Caitlyn Weesner shares her story of living with anxiety and panic disorder. Caitlyn tells of anxiety's far reach into her career, her love life, and her personal philosophy with myself providing relatable commentary. 

I join my friend Paulaidan in his home to discuss just what it means to be an artist in this absurd world. Down the rabbit hole and into a world of Paulaidan's own creation, absurdity is abound and inspiration can be drawn from the fringes of reality. We'll also discuss pandemic adaptation strategies and the ambassador of Paulaidan's world, the llama.

I chat remotely with local artist Brett Tachi about her dreams for our fair city and its illustrious art scene. We'll discuss her love for murals and how she circumvents social anxiety to remain a part of Orlando's rich artistic community. 

In Overheard's eleventh installment, I'm joined by Orlando artist Ryan Price to discuss just how the seeds of creation come to reality within his own mind. One such creation, Ryan's own 99¢ Zine, comes at a time where a lack of in person art galleries and showings leaves many artists completely reliant on digital media exposure. https://www.ryanoteroprice.com/shop/99cents

"Freedom and free will, has always been a hotly debated topic in philosophy long before the land of the “free” was even in a sparkle in the colonists’ eye. Just this year, we’ve seen a nation embroiled in a battle over freedom. Be it the freedom to consume goods and services or the freedom to simply exist without fear. What is freedom? Does it exist? Can it exist in a world as it currently stands? What would a free world look like?" I posed this very prompt to three very different Orlandoans, Chris Brown, Britney Cabral, and Ryan Price. Here you'll find just what they had to say about Freedom.

A refresher course on the whats and whys of Overheard Orlando. I'll discuss the current direction of the podcast as well as why every one of us is a philosopher, even if you've never delved into the subject at length. In a world that has left many of us crestfallen, empathy and sincerity is the key.

Queen of all trades, Tyla Harrington talks successes and set backs one year after saying goodbye to the 9 to 5 for good. We'll discuss the ever elusive secret of striking balance between expression and entrepreneurialism and the importance of paying yourself. I proudly welcome to the Overheard Orlando team the very talented, resilient, and black; Queen of the Camera, Miss Tyla Harrington.

In another light hearted Fifth Sunday Bonus episode newcomer to the Overheard Orlando team, photographer and videographer Tyla Harrington, conducts an interview on me. We'll reveal our favorite Orlando eateries, what TV currently has us captivated, and more.

Is time a manmade concept or simply a part of natural law? I'll scratch the surface of this deep philosophical concept. Through personal experience, I'll discuss how time, often lauded as a healer, can become your own worst enemy if things are left under rug swept.

The importance of a supportive and tight knit community cannot be overstated. I sit with Omar Ramo to discuss his place in both the Orlando art community, as well as the LGBT community. Using his artistic merit, Omar takes on the challenges of mental health and even manages to get a mention in Orlando Weekly. 

Someone's presence (or absence) can change the air of a space just as much as much as any captivating curio. Guru of all things aesthetic, Danielle Budd joins me in discussing love and design. We'll talk the art of effective compromise and how to take a personal inventory not just of the things that no longer serve your surrounds, but of the cumbersome thoughts and emotions that have overstayed their welcome within us.

Reality itself never changes, except of course in our own minds. I sit (remotely) with writer and wellness enthusiast Cori Sims to discuss some of her universal truths and her Personal Philosophy. Cori also shares with us an excerpt from an untitled project as well as the processes that are bringing it to life.

As Gen Z comes into adulthood, their way of navigating this strange new world is often misunderstood. Via remote recording, I sit with Emily Wagg to discuss the prominence of a generation. We'll dive into some Gen Z touchstones from perceived "Cancel Culture" to the misgivings of past generations and of course, TikTok.

In a time where leaving the house is largely forbidden, this bonus episode takes us away from Orlando and off to Alberta, Canada. Using remote recording software, I'll chat with my friend and the man behind the music of Overheard Orlando; Neon Dreams. We'll discuss personal philosophies, the current state of the world, art, and creation in this XL bonus episode. 

As all eyes remain fixed on the novel Coronavirus, I sit with Chris Catino to change the focus to Multiple Sclerosis. With March being National MS Awareness Month, we'll discuss his reality after the life changing diagnosis, and the effect it's had on his personal philosophy.    Artwork by Jon Stemberger   Help the cause: www.nationalmssociety.org

The concept of Personal Philosophy explained. Four current and former Orlando area residents expound upon thier own personal philosophy and their take on the characteristics surrounding the human condition. 

I sit with Jon Stemberger as we discuss his new art series, the creative process, and why looking to the future might be overrated.

The who and what of Overheard Orlando, and what to expect from future episodes.