This is Orlando

Instead 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--Appalachian folk, country, and rock, she creates music that's familiar yet fresh, music that reflects the listener's life experiences back to them.There are swampy songs, honky-tonk tunes, alt-country cruisers, and a samba-tinged nod or two to her Cuban heritage on Journey Proud, woven together with her direct lyrical challenges to society's idea of gender roles and femininity, her throwback vocal vibrato, and fiery fingerpicking. She sings of heartbreak, rebellion, substance abuse, hard work, and spirituality--a micro-verse of American life told through American musical styles. Journey Proud encompasses tales of addiction, death, and even a bank robbery (a true story)--the subjects may be tough, but it's a beautiful listen.Archer has performed at Stagecoach, SXSW, Americanafest, Canadian Music Week and more. She plays both solo and with her band. Cowboys & Indians"A poetically candid impression of everyday struggles and life milestones, the album covers emotions and moments that everyone can relate to..."Americana Highways“If you don’t feel something when she sings...you might be made of stone”Miami New Times"Eagerness to challenge modern expectations of femininity in her art... willingness to place gorgeous, harmony-laden country ballads alongside smoky dive bar riffs"Parade Magazine"With beautifully shot Southern footage and a mournful story, ['Six Wing Angel'] takes Archer's swampy sensibilities and rolls them into a fingerpicked fable" Wide Open Country"Come for the punky riffs, stay for the lyrics" American Songwriter"Growing up in Gainesville, Florida, Edan Archer had no choice but to be influenced by the city’s favorite musical son, Tom Petty. Petty’s influence has made its way into much of Archer’s music, which blends country, Americana, and heartland rock" AXS"Archer serves fans country tunes with punk attitude" I hope you enjoy the episode. Be sure to watch the video version for the video to Six Winged Angel or visit her website for more info. Her LP Journey Proud has proven to be a favorite of mine this year so check that out as well. It’s also available at her website. Carlos did an amazing job on the video and the sound….as always. Also want to thank Ed Agudelo for helping to make this happen and of course thanks to Edan herself for taking the time to sit down and chat. a Carlos Ivan Joint

To 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 media, audio, visual, interactive. Basically his passion is for telling stories and he is not reluctant to use whatever medium helps him accomplish this task. In addition to being one of the nicest guys you will meet he is always looking to collaborate and expand his vision so be sure to hit him up at the links below or find him on Linkedin. I want to thank him for taking the time out of his crazy schedule to share some thoughts and work with us. For a closer look at some of Jesse’s work be sure to check out his Vimeo and Youtube channels. Audio versions of the podcast can be found here or your favorite podcast app. The video version is here or on my Youtube channel. Thanks Carlos for dealing with some challenging audio issues on this and for sprucing up the video. You continue to amaze me brother. He’s The Man!

I 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 and started offering advice to them through the hashtag #getchogrindup. From small things big things one day come! GetchoGrindUp has catapulted into a huge movement among current and recent college graduates. It has spawned the podcast and the newsletter. His linkedin posts average over 200,000 views each month. He is currently working on a new ways to present job fairs and is making some huge waves advancing and disrupting an industry and making it the go to place for the next generation college students. Everything you need to follow, listen and subscribe is available at his Linkedin page here. For a more complete overview of Justin and GetChoGrindUp be sure to check out the podcast and be sure to drop Justin a line and say hello. I hope everyone is hanging in there during this difficult time. I try to remain positive and stay busy. If anyone needs a chat or anything at all you know where to find me. Thanks as always to the man behind the curtain Carlos Ivan. Check out some of his work at the link below.

It 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 present not just the audio podcast but video as well. I know everyone out their is extremely excited to watch two dudes talk to each other through their computers for an hour, right? Good times! We have more episodes in the can and hope to bump up the frequency of new episodes during the crazy times we find ourselves in. Be sure to find us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RobCobleThisIsOrlando/ as well as Twitter - https://twitter.com/TIOrlandoShowBe safe y’all. I’m standing by. Carlos once again provides the secret sauce to bringing these episodes to you so be sure to show him some love. As always, we want your suggestions and thoughts, ideas too. Be sure to reach out to me at rwcoble@gmail.com .

Well, 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 episode for you. I know times are tough and my offer stands. Those of you in the service industry or others who have lost their job due to this virus and would like a resume review I am happy to give your resume a tune up. You can email me at rwcoble@gmail.com. Let me know what it is that you want to look for and I will get back to you asap with any pointers that may improve your chances. I know it’s pretty crazy out there but let’s try and look out for each other. Make good use of all the social media tools we have to stay connected and be nice for God’s sake. Carlos and I will continue to bring episodes as quickly as possible. We welcome comments and feedback. My extreme gratitude to Carlos for all of his continued efforts with This Is Orlando. He’s the man! Much love to Chad and the gang at the Game Space. We would be there if we could. You guys be safe. To those out there helping to fight this thing Godspeed. We appreciate your efforts and your selflessness.

Game 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 have such an active community here in Orlando and hope you will take advantage of these and other events. Spread the word and get involved. Much love as always to the always evolving Carlos Ivan. You make the podcasts sound great. Thanks also to the Orlando Game SPace for making room for us each month.

Happy 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 Fusion, Funk, R&B and even a bit of rock I knew I had to have them on the show. This band loves to play and I guarantee you will feel it. The energy and vibe is one of joy. It’s obvious that these gentlemen love what they do. It’s difficult to define their sound in one category, Jazz Fusion would come closest however they bring the funk so get ready to shake your butt. 3 keyboards lead the way ranging from synths to a blistering hammond B3. Excellent guitar work and a solid rhythm section hold it all together. Their CD “Merger” is available now through their Facebook page, Website, or any of their upcoming live appearances. They will be appearing again this year at the St. Pete Jazz Fest and once more at Winter Parks Blue Bamboo on Feb 4th. We will be on hand Feb 4th and the Blue Bamboo and would love to have an onslaught of listeners show their support. The Conglomerate is;James Adkins - Drums / Daniel Kelley Howard - Electric Guitar / Keith Phelps - Keyboards / Ed Anderson - Keyboards / Daven-Roy Llewellyn - Bass / Keith A. Phelps - KeyboardsHere’s the blurb from their web site for a little more insight - The Orlando based jazz-funk-R&B fusion ensemble formed out of a deep desire to engender a vibe that is scarcely found in the area. The group originated the Conglomerate Performance Series, a recurring concert series that served as the debut for the collective, and drew a definitive line in the metaphoric sand separating them from the pack. The Conglomerate comprises musicians and producers who have created and contributed to works by LaRue Howard, Hananeel, Jazmin Ghent; performed with Tye Tribbett, Haley Reinhart (American Idol), The American Gospel Choir, Sisaundra Lewis (The Voice) and Disney ensembles. The band moves as a cohesive unit of old souls performing original music or standards with vivid passion and pure organic leanings that harken back to a time past. Enjoy the episode. I hope to see you Feb 4th at the Blue Bamboo in Winter Park. In the meantime my thanks as always to Carlos for all of his hard work and time in helping to make these shows a reality. Check out his work on his web site below.

The 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 Fundraising Foundation (Amfund) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a Platinum rating from Guide Star. It has been serving other nonprofit organizations for over 20 years and has distributed over $33 million for worthy causes. Each year Amfund’s Board of Directors carefully selects organizations to support through sponsorship of their events. In recognition of its 20 year anniversary, Amfund unveiled a new logo that includes its signature tree and a Golden Pear. The tree has always stood for growth and deep roots. The newly added golden pear is symbolic of the extra touch that Amfund brings to each of its nonprofit partners. The history of the pear is extensive and best described as symbolizing wisdom, good health, longevity, and prosperity — all the things Amfund sees in the organizations it serves and the causes each represents. And behind every golden pear is a great story. It may be the story of a child receiving special literacy assistance, or a woman finding shelter from an abusive relationship or an animal being rescued. Every time Amfund helps an organization it is helping others. Each person has a “golden pear story” to share. That’s Amfund… The nonprofit with the golden pearThanks Kalley and Monica for all of your hard work and benevolence. We are standing by to help in any way possible. If you would like more information you can email Kalley Dunn - Director of Development and Strategic Initiatives kdunn@amfund.org Hey Listeners, A call to action. Please be sure to subscribe to This Is Orlando at your preferred podcast provider and like us on Facebook and Instagram. Every click counts and we appreciate your support. I am also interested in hearing from you. Drop me a note here or directly at rwcoble@gmail.comCarlos, you are the man! In addition to working full time, being a great Dad and Husband he has somehow found time to travel to NYC to the debut of the movie he scored and sound designed. More about this later but in the meantime congratulations my brother. Be sure to check out some of his work here -

On 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 of being a CEO, Mother, Wife and Community cheerleader (be sure to check out her blog Mom Boss to learn more) and her thoughts on the recent disbandment of the Central Florida Tech Alliance. We appreciate you Suneera, thanks for taking some time out of a very busy schedule to sit down with us. My thanks to Rachel Dobbs of Hylant for co-hosting and supporting This Is Orlando. Corner Office is a monthly feature focusing on the view of Orlando through the eyes of local executives in the community. You can find out more about Rachel and Hylant by clicking the links. Thanks as always to Carlos Ivan who has been busy scoring and sound designing a feature film, working full time, producing This Is Orlando and raising two kids. Just another day in paradise right amigo? Be sure to check out some of Carlos work by clicking the photo below. How he finds time I’ll never know. You can find This Is Orlando wherever you get your podcasts. Please subscribe and find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram too. We welcome comments, suggestions and episode ideas. Just email me at RWCOBLE@GMAIL.COM

The 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, Soul or Funk group. From the outside it is deceiving. From the street you find an old warehouse. Once inside you will find a home to a world class venue, recording facility and record label. Touring acts like Nicholas Payton and Dr. Lonnie Smith have played here and Chris himself plays frequently in a trio that changes names and styles each month. We do indeed have some world class musicians here in Orlando and our thanks to Chris for providing a room for them to showcase their talents. Check out their web site for a calendar of events and be sure to bring a few extra bucks with you to pick up one of the many CD’s by Chris and the roster of Blue Bamboo. Got an idea for This Is Orlando? Be sure to drop me a note. Thanks as always to the Orlando Game Space for their support as well as Carlos Ivan for the sound. This Is Orlando Podcast can be found on your favorite podcast app or here at robcoble.org

I 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/college rock legends the Pixies, the grungy melodicism of Nirvana, the folk styling of Elliott Smith, the pop sophistication of the Beatles, the progressive rock of Rush and Yes, and the modern rock experimentation of Radiohead, all with a bluesy/roots undercurrent. A peer once described their sound as a “Progressive Rock version of The Band.”This past August they released their first full-length album, entitled “Virtues.” Recorded in Newman’s living room during the course of 2016 and the first half of 2017 and mixed and mastered by Shaun Combs, the material reflects a significant stylistic shift from their earlier sound, which had a more country/gospel flavor a la the “Cosmic American Music” espoused by Gram Parsons. Some of the newer material has a more experimental side, as the band explores odd-time signatures and sudden tempo shifts, while at the same time adhering to traditional song structure. They play in and around Central Florida. As I explore the local music scene more and more I am interested in hearing about your band, label or club. Drop me a line and let’s chat about a possible episode of This Is Orlando. In the meantime enjoy episode 30 and let me know your thoughts. My thanks as always to Carlos Ivan for making happen and to my pals at the Orlando Game Space for their support.

I 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, kinder and outgoing personality. I think it shows in this interview. Her experience in broadcasting makes her a natural behind the mic and her zest for life and people makes it one of the most pleasurable interviews I have had the privilege to conduct. If you are interested in a career in healthcare you need to hear this episode and reach out to her via her Linkedin page here. Be sure to let her know you found her on This Is Orlando. My thanks to Carlos Ivan for the awesome audio work and to the Orlando Game Space for the room in which to make it happen. You will find This Is Orlando at your favorite podcast app. We welcome questions, comments and warm hugs. Be sure to say hello.

One 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 audience as part of the performance. In addition to Black Cow he will be presenting a new experience in October called No Assumptions. Here’s how he describes it - No Assumptions - Policy, Religion, Dance and Civil Discourse brings differing mind thinkers together in a highly structured discussion about topics of our times. This is a chance for citizens of a polarized nation to civil discourse in a fertile and open space where the Venn Diagram of humanity can grow. This will happen October 24, 2019 @ 7 pm at the Winter Park Library and is free to the public. Complimentary refreshments and light snacks are served.Although these activities take up a lot of his time this is only the beginning. You can find him performing for children at the many area libraries as his characters Jiggleman and Math-U the Counting Cowboy. He has had multiple appearances on the Late Show with David Letterman and currently has 6 films streaming on Amazon. Most recently he has stepped into the political arena and serves as the chair for the Lake Soil and Water Conservation District, Lake Co. Strap yourself in and enjoy this episode. Learn more about and connect with Banks at his web site here. Be sure to subscribe to This Is Orlando at your favorite podcast app. For advertising opportunities email me at rwcoble@gmail.com. We welcome and appreciate comments at the link below or via email. Thanks as always to Executive Producer Carlos Ivan for making it all happen.

I 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 Corner Office is to shine a light not only on the executives themselves but more so their involvement in our community and their efforts to grow and build the region through philanthropic and community events. Our first episode accomplishes this goal and so much more. Our guest this month is Adam Scheinberg, VP Information Technology at Massey Services Inc. and Vice Chair of the Central Florida Tech Alliance. In addition to these he also serves as the President of the Mockingbird Foundation and serves on the board for the Orlando Repertory Theater. If that’s not enough be sure to ask him about his work with Phish and Umphrey’s McGee, two of the most visible and prolific jam bands working today. A subscriber to the " What you give is what you get” school of philosophy he also manages to find time to spend with his wife and kids and when not working on behalf of our community will most likely be found checking out some live music or theater. Watch for future episodes of Corner Office around the middle of each month and future episodes of This Is Orlando around the first. Be sure to subscribe to This Is Orlando on iTunes and Google Play or wherever you get your podcasts. If you are feeling really adventurous like us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram For information about sponsoring or becoming a guest on the show contact me at rwcoble@gmail.comMy thanks to Rachel and Carlos for their dedication and hard work. A special shout to my pals at The Orlando Game Space and Chad Hoover for providing the room to stretch out and get it done. We love what you are doing at the Game Space, keep up the great work. Doing this show is fun and we hope you enjoy what you hear. Get involved and help us spread the word about what a great community we are a part of. I hope to hear from you.

If 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 sure to follow the activities on Facebook too. You can find This Is Orlando on Google Play and iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. Be sure to subscribe, spread the word and send us your thoughts and suggestions. We look forward to hearing from you. Thanks Carlos!

I 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 tips on networking should take note. Not only is he very visible around town but he is eager to meet and connect with everyone. You may not know about Florida Poly but I bet you know the building? It’s the state of the art white behemoth building on the south side of I4 heading west towards Tampa from Orlando. They are a STEM focused University featuring many engineering and computer related degrees. There are tons of opportunities to get involved and Bob is standing by to tell you more. Find him on Linkedin here. Email him at: rkennedy@floridapoly.edu. My thanks to everyone who has tuned in and listened. Special thanks to everyone that has taken the time to write me with your thought of encouragement. I love hearing from you be it good or bad. It’s difficult to get a good read on analytics. What episodes do you like best? What topics would you like to see more of? If you gave a good story be sure to let us know. Lastly, I again bow down ro Carlos Ivan Marquez for his commitment and dedication to making this show happen. We have come a long way with our technology and overall set up since we began working together and it’s important that you know how appreciative I am of your work and I especially appreciate the opportunity to get to share some laughs and fellowship as we get together for these recordings. For advertising and sponsorship opportunities email rwcoble@gmail.com Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook too.

Part 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 worked in the past with artists ranging from Justin Timberlake, Shakira and Damian Marley amongst many others. My personal favorite is the work he has done with our own Carlos Ivan Marquez. (shameless plug) We had the pleasure to hang out with Miguel and his brother Juan (visiting from Philly) a couple of weeks ago at the Orlando Game Space and I can honestly say a nicer guy you will never meet. His love of the craft and his commitment to helping new artists succeed is a welcome presence here in our city. Be sure to check out his Facebook page Lucesca Productions and check out some of the artists he is currently working with at his Soundcloud page.

That 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 be a much more vibrant music scene than I was to believe. Michael is not only an acclaimed artist, Q-Burns Abstract Message, label owner, 8D Industries, music publisher, 8D sync but also currently continues consult artists looking to make their way in the industry. Who better to advise than one who has been through the chaos? A lot has changed since the days I have worked and marketing artists and music. It was great to hear about all that is happening here in the Orlando scene. …This is Now One last thing before you go, long time denizens of the Orlando scene are no doubt familiar with the club nite Phat and Jazzy which Michael helped get off the ground. They will be celebrating their 25th anniversary May 11th at the Iron Cow in the Milk District and Michael himself will be spinning records and looking to connect. Be sure to say hello and thank him for helping to keep the scene alive. Rob CobleWhile your in the mood for some new music be sure to check out our Producer Carlos’ web site and show him some love. 

Every 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 night you will find live music recordings, documentary crews filming and of course plenty of art being displayed. The idea is to create a safe space for all creatives to share ideas, collaborate and brainstorm. Each night features at least one but often multiple artists showing their work while additional art work from Orlando artists fill the surrounding walls. All the while DJ’s spin ambient jazzy beats and often live musicians will join in along with local Orlando MC’s. You never know what to expect and that’s what makes this group so amazing. The vibe is easy going and the Game Space provides a spacious and comfortable environment to chat with friend old and new. I myself had such a great time I will for sure make it back next Month. We were finally able to pin down Jamal as well as his Administrative Asst. and Chair of the CAYA Network Asjah (CAYA = Come as you are, another great initiative) for a quick chat about what is happening in the Orlando Art world and how their benevolence is helping young artists find the vehicle to help them show off their work. Enjoy the episode and thanks to Jamal and Asjah for their time. Thanks to the Orlando Game Space for hosting the event and thanks to Carlos for making it all happen. Listen here or search This Is Orlando where ever you get your podcasts. Don’t find it? Let us know and we will fix it. Got a good story to tell about your community? Holler at us. We would love to hear from you. Sponsorship opportunities for This Is Orlando are available. To inquire contact me direct at rwcoble@gmail.com

Wednesday 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 Business of Blockchains and Cryptocurrency and Creating a Community of Innovation. The evening was capped off by words from Orange County Mayor Jerry Demmings. We tried something different with episode 21. We set up shop at Digital Orlando and invited a few panelists and participators to chat with us about their businesses and their thoughts on the state of affairs here in Orlando. Here’s the breakdown of those included in this episode. 9:41 - David Glass - Founder / Digital Orlando - Orlando iX16:00 - Ron Nation - CEO / Ryn Software20:28 - Shannon Pastizzo - Director Business Development / Synapse29:43 - Mike Felix - Co Chair / Black Orlando Tech37:46 - Avani Desai - President / Schellman and Company46:26 - Kelli Murray - Founder / Med SpeaksI can’t thank you all enough for taking the time to chat with us and share your thoughts and vision for our community. You all work tirelessly for the betterment of our region. Your philanthropic efforts do not go unnoticed and your willingness to give back really does touch the lives of so many. Be sure to listen to the episode for all the specifics. I apologize to those we had to cut for the sake of time but perhaps we could revisit for future episodes? As always, my gratitude to Carlos for his direction, enthusiasm and willingness. A better man you will not find. Need help with your podcast? Shout at us. I will forgo the links moving forward as you will find This Is Orlando wherever you get your podcasts. Google Play, Itunes, Stitcher, LastFM and Spotify for sure. If you don’t see it in your app let us know so we can fix it.

Welcome 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 high school and college students but is open to all. You need no experience to attend, in fact the event kicks off Friday with a full day of learning featuring workshops in web and app development among others. Be sure to listen to the full episode and more from Dr Eckroth and Heyley. I love their passion and commitment. Thanks to you both as well as Sandra Carr for helping to coordinate our recording. The campus is beautiful and just a quick half hour from Orlando.  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Stetson University Greater Central Florida Tech Faire + HatterHacks Sparks InnovationMore than 300 high school and college students expected to attend computer science event DELAND, Florida, March 21, 2019 – Computer coding is used to create apps and phones, robots and other gadgets with technology, which is one of the most important skills in the world today. The Greater Central Florida Tech Faire + HatterHacks at Stetson University, hosted by Stetson HackerSpace, the university’s official computer science club, is planting a technology-building seed by providing high school and college students with an opportunity to collaborate in computer science challenges and workshops, tech talks, a code competition, gaming tournament and other activities during its fourth annual spring hackathon. No coding experience is required for the free, three-day event, April 5-7, on the Stetson University DeLand campus. Participants will need to register and bring their own laptops. Complimentary food, drinks and parking will be provided. The fun starts with a 12-hour Day of Learning on Friday, April 5, 7 p.m., at Elizabeth Hall, 421 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand, 32723. The Day of Learning will be preparing hackers or builders for the hackathon by providing them with educational information during workshops and crash courses. Next is a 24-hour HatterHacks hackathon, beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, at the Edmunds Center, 143 E. Pennsylvania Ave., DeLand, 32720. The hackathon concludes at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 7. The Greater Central Florida Tech Faire + HatterHacks is sponsored by Electronic Arts, Electrosonic, the City of Orlando, Particle, Inc., Major League Hacking and Monster Beverage. The goal is to educate students about STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and computer science during activities and workshops while providing them with the skills to create technology. “Stetson faculty and workshop leaders will be teaching students about coding, app design and ethical hacking during the hackathon’s numerous workshops and crash courses,” said Joshua Eckroth, Ph.D., assistant professor of computer science at Stetson University. “The core hackathon event allows students to practice what they have learned in a social and collaborative environment. Hackathons naturally encourage small communities to form in which students learn from each other and work together to build sophisticated projects in a single weekend.” The Greater Central Florida Tech Faire + HatterHacks is advantageous for students. “I strongly believe that computer science is a skill that can only benefit you from this point forward because computer science is a global phenomenon,” said math and computer science junior Heyley Gatewood. “It’s everywhere. We carry technology in our backpacks and pockets and on our wrists. Computer science isn’t as scary as it seems from the outside. You can’t be afraid to take the first step, and you can’t be afraid of failure. Embrace your ignorance and mistakes because they only make room for more understanding.” “The need for talented programmers and hackers has grown dramatically over the last couple of decades and continues to accelerate,” expressed Eckroth. “The nation needs more people who are really good at building complex software. The Day of Learning and HatterHacks hackathon helps students learn new techniques and practice those techniques in a close community and unique all-day and all-night setting, and strengthens the bonds between the student participants and each other as well as in their artful craft.” About Stetson UniversityFounded in 1883, Stetson University is the oldest private university in Central Florida. Stetson focuses on intense learning experiences in a supportive community that allows students to develop their voice in a connected, inclusive environment. Stetson University ranks No. 5 on U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 list of Best Regional Universities (South), and has been recognized as one of The Princeton Review’s 384 Best Colleges, 2019 edition. Stay connected with Stetson on social media. Contact: Sandra CarrMedia Relations,P: 407-256-5090 Thanks to Carlos for taking the time to pull it all together. This Is Orlando podcast is now available everywhere. Search for This Is Orlando on Google Play, iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Player FM and more. If you don’t find on your source let us know and we can fix that. If yu have a story about community here in Central Florida and you would like to be feature on a future episode be sure to reach out.

It’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 as a top destination for Esports. If you are new to exactly what Esports is this is a great place to start. Josh provides an enthusiastic overview of what is happening globally and how Orlando is positioning itself to support local growth while supporting the global community as a whole. As per usual, so many cool things happening right here in our own back yard.Thanks for tuning in. It’s great to be back on track after a brief hiatus. As always, couldn’t do it without Carlos, the heavy weight champion of audio. Thanks brother. We’re lining up future episodes and really, really want to hear from you. I love your ideas for future podcasts so please keep them coming. You can email me at robcostudios@gmail.com. In the meantime, enjoy episode 19.

Yes 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 garage. The product was so well received and the community so strong they needed to expand. The concept dates back to the days of Luther when the community pub was also the place for discussion on all topics but especially theology. Using this concept Jared wants to offer a place where people can sit down, have a beer and more importantly a conversation and an opportunity to work through whatever issue may ail them. Still confused? I was too until we had chance last week to dig into the concept and find out straight from the horse’s mouth. The brewery is in the part of Orlando they are calling the Gateway in a beautiful new building right by the intersection of Goldenrod and Hoffner. The atmosphere is contemporary and laid back. A very inviting place to congregate. Offices and cooler alike have been created with old shipping containers and throughout you will find an emphasis on the environment and staying as green as possible. Regular services will be help Sunday mornings and the brewery is open 7 days a week. Head to their web site and be sure to download the app as well. The brewery offers Old World inspiration and New World innovation on a rotating selection of year-round, seasonal, and special batch releases.Castle Church is all about community and they want me to make sure to tell you all that they have space available for corporate and personal events. A private conference room, a yoga room and other quiet spaces are tucked away and ready for use. They are also interested in being a part of your company and community events. If you are looking for sponsors be sure to connect with them through their website. The more I ramble the more I realize that I am probably not doing much to explain so be sure to check out the episode and visit the web site. Welcome to the neighborhood Jared and thanks for creating a place where everyone is welcome and love is the main entree. Details for the December 1st grand opening can be found on their website here. Thanks as always to my brother Carlos for his dedication and help. He travels the Metro Orlando vicinity mic in tow at a moments notice to bring us this show and we appreciate you!

As 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 learning to do. Having spent the past 15 years in the game space I am being bombarded by new terms and technologies and being introduced to a whole new world of tech speak and theory. Fortunately for me I met Regine Bonneau through our Advisory Board here at ECPI. Regine runs her company RB Advisory here in the Orlando area. She is a Certified Third Party Risk Practitioner which basically means that she works with and advises companies about staying compliant with all the government regulations that have been instituted since the plethora of breeches like Equifax and even Facebook recently. It’s interesting to note that her main goal is to spread awareness on this issue called Cyber Security and how it not only affects larger corporations but us individuals as well. Anyone with data that can be monetized is at risk. She doesn’t preach this to scare us but to make us more cautious within our own day to day. Much like we lock our cars when we leave them we need to start thinking about taking similar precautions with our data and our online presence. I am thankful to Regine for taking the time to spend with me. This recording was more for me than anyone. Trying to wrap my head around black hats, white hats and network security has been tough and I think that she makes it a lot easier to understand. Feel free to reach out to either of us with your questions either here or through Linkedin and while you at it join us each month at any of the ISSA or ISC2 association chapter meetings often held right here on our Lake Mary Campus. ISSA and ISC2 are the two largest Cyber Security associations and are extremely active in our community. If you are looking for ways to get more involved start here. It was great to have Carlos back at the helm for this one. Thanks brother for coming out to Lake Mary and for your always passionate contributions to This Is Orlando. Be sure to check out his music on his website and buy two, one for a friend. He has kids you know!!!!

“We 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 the studios of Falcons Creative in Metro West using the audio set up of their brilliant sound guy Rick Morris while Carlos worked his magic on the back end. Thank you both for your help. If you are not familiar with Falcons Creative Group and live in Orlando you haven’t been paying attention. They are responsible for creating some of the greatest interactive experiences currently out there today. Whether designing theme park attractions or museums exhibits they use cutting edge tools to create experiences that are unique to each individual often bringing the world right to your home through AR and VR technology. If they don’t have the technology they create it. I sat down with Jason Ambler, Executive Producer / Director of Production and Jesse James Allen, Editorial Director for a chat about the studio and the process they use to create. A shout out to Saham Ali, Technical Director who was at the last minute pulled away on family business and unable to join us. Thanks also to Phoebe Hicks, Marketing Coordinator for the tour of the studios. I can’t think of another time I have visited a studio and met so many passionate and exciting people. They obviously chose the right careers as only the mention of technology was enough to rev them up to full speed. They were excited to share their processes and their passions with This Is Orlando and I hope you will feel the enthusiasm on this episode. Be sure to check out their work at their website. Thanks as always to my brother and audio guru Carlos Ivan for all of his help and enthusiasm in helping to produce This Is Orlando. We can’t do it without you. Check out his website here.

The 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 consultancy that focuses of the goals of each initiative and how to best achieve results. Marketing however is only one page of their massive tome. Their involvement with The Collective, a group of spirited entrepreneurs, focus in primarily on the not for profit sector providing a network for not only spreading the word but collaboration. Each day they are finding ways to help make our community safer and all inclusive. Their philanthropic spirit helps others solve issues such as homelessness and poverty through their events and willingness to role up their sleeves and get busy helping others. I was able to sit down with them at the perfect time. They are about to launch an exciting re brand of CT Social among many other initiatives. Our community is thriving but there is always more to be done. Greg and Carolyn have been working tirelessly to find solutions to the many issues we face and if you are looking for ways to get involved here in Orlando there is no better place to start. Be sure to check them at out their web sites and attend the meetups to learn more about what you can do to make a difference. CTS Agency: http://cts.agencyThe Collective: http://collectiveorlando.comInstagram: @ctsagencyEmail: projects@cts.agency While you are scrolling away be sure to check out the Music Projects of This Is Orlando's Audio guru Carlos Ivan. CD's and downloads available at his web site. Oh, and if you are looking for music for your game he's available.   

It'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 Game Development and Design programs where he has taught both programming and design to thousands of students looking to make gaming their career. So much has changed in the art of programming since he began but many things remain the same. One thing is certain, programming, like all languages, relies on certain principles and foundations. Miss a comma somewhere and your entire program may fail. It becomes frustrating and grueling for someone starting out to know where they went wrong and many times they give up or have to wait for help from their instructor. It is also time consuming for the instructor to try and grade the many assignments and try and provide the all so important personal mentor ship to many students simultaneously. With the creation of Diagram Justin has set out to solve these and the many other issues he has faced over the past 14 years and make the ever evolving art of programming easier to digest for both students and instructors. Diagram provides solutions to these and other problems both students and instructors face. Instructors build the content and provide the feedback inside of Diagram while students tasked with the lesson receive live time feedback and direction. Grading these assignments is also a breeze, click a button and Diagram does it for you. Diagram is designed for both beginners and pro's. It can also be used as a stand alone visual scripting tool for Unity. Listen to the podcast for a more complete breakdown and overview straight from Justin's own perspective. Justin is offering a special discount for listeners of This Is Orlando. Head to his web site Virtual-hammer.com and use the code "thisisorlando" to receive $20 off for the month of June. Educators that are interested in learning more can email me here to learn more about how Diagram can work for you. In the meantime be sure to check out the Virtual Hammer You Tube channel and Web Site for more details. Thanks as always to my pal Carlos for always providing the audio and the encouragement. Check out some of his awesome work at the link below. Carlos is available to help solve any of your projects audio needs and can be contacted through his web site.

Over 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 with Kristine Thomas, Chief Wellness Officer at Welli. Short for Wellness through Innovation, Kristine is at the fore front of our ever expanding food scene. However, as you will quickly learn, she is so much more than another food critic. Her primary goal is to educate and promote healthy habits that help us with daily life. Not just another dietary fad of the month, hers is a way of living which promotes mind, body and soul. She is part chef, part trainer and spends much of her time evangelizing to our our local business community the benefits of healthy living in order to promote productivity and create a harmonious environment that we will thrive in while feeling better physically and mentally. In this episode we talk about a lot more than losing weight. We discuss good practices for a healthier lifestyle while dispelling the myth that Gamer's live on a steady diet of Doritos and Mountain Dew. Be sure to listen for her local independent restaurant suggestions and support our community. Our burgeoning tech scene would be nothing with out our thriving food scene. Be sure to head over to her web site Get Welli to learn more and be sure to check out all of the health and delicious recipes while your at it. Welli was one of the sponsors at the recent Mega Health Jam so many of you already know what I am talking about. I want to Take a moment to once again that all who contributed and participated in any way to last months Special thanks to Kelli Murray and Nina Talley at Medspeaks for their support and sponsorship of this podcast. Kunal and Chad at The Orlando Game Space and Indienomicon for their support and for keeping the spirit alive. Lastly, much love to my brother and Audio Engineer Carlos Ivan Marquez for his passion and commitment to helping me with this podcast as well as his philanthropic and benevolent look on life. I am proud to call you friend amigo. Be sure to click through his banner below to check out some more of his awesome work. That's it for now. You know where to find me. As always, Standing by.

A 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/

The 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 12 of This is Orlando to fill you in and create awareness. Here are the main points of interest;Thursday night April 12th and the Cinedome inside of the Orlando Science Center we kick off with a night of chats, networking and fellowship. Get to know the players involved, grab a bite and a drink and jump the gun to start crafting pitches for the jam. Friday night we move over to the Guidewell Center at Lake Nona, a state of the art co working lab that houses a good portion of those Orlandoans who work in Medical Simulation. Friday night is pitch night and will decide the focus of the projects that will take place over the next 48 hours. Come prepared with your thoughts and be sure to link to the web site for categories and ideas to get your brain turning in the right direction. Sat - Sun we develop and mingle with the many sponsors who will be available at booths throughout to talk about their connection to the simulation and technology world. Booth space is still available and you can reserve your space by visiting the web site. What excites me the most about this event is the opportunity our gaming community has to show the city and the world what we are capable of doing with gaming technology. It seems as if we fight every day for respectability among the tech community and little do they know how much brilliance abounds. This event is great for students and recent graduates who want to network, add to their portfolios or create new skills. Tech business owners who have a service or product they want known. Health care providers interested in new technologies to benefit their staff and patients. Wellness coaches and advocates and anyone who wants to learn more about where health care is headed and how technology can change our daily lives in a positive way. OK, that's enough, listen to the podcast to get the full picture. If you can't see how this brings a splash of color to our local Orlando picture then give me a ring or drop me a note so we can discuss. We talk a lot about bringing and providing content to our local scene and I applaud Kelli and Kunal for actually taking the time and making the effort to actually do something for the benefit of us all. BTW - Thanks again to my Man Carlos for setting all of this up and making it happen. Be sure to check out his page for information on his CD releases and more. P.S. Need a good audio guy? http://www.carlosivanmarquez.com/music-design/

If 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. As Jim settles into his role as CEO of the OTA he has a lot on his plate. Tech has infiltrated every corner of our society and Orlando is being positioned as a major hub on a national scale. We continue to see growth in Gaming, Enterprise, Military and Medical Simulations and Jim has been tasked with finding a way to unite, promote and evangelize on behalf of all Central Florida Tech, AR, VR and Interactive Media. Herding cats is more like it. We caught up with Jim Mid January to find out what's in store for 2018 but more importantly what can we do to support the cause. There are many questions and even more opinions but as a wise man once said, "if you are not a part of the solution you are a part of the problem". You can start by getting involved. The OTA meets monthly and a schedule is posted on their Meetup page here. Thanks Jim for taking the time to meet with us and share your wisdom. On behalf of our community thanks for all of your hard work and dedication to helping make Orlando a top tier tech hub and something we can ll be really proud of. Before I let you go I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year and say thanks again to my pal Carlos Ivan for all of his help, support and especially that jaunty podcast introduction countdown. Be sure to check out Carlos work and pick up a copy of his latest The Pulse Diaries Vol. 2 available wherever fine records are sold (or should I say downloaded?) . Thanks also to you, the listeners and supporters of this podcast. Please continue to spread the word and let me know what ideas you have for future guests. Let's make 2018 a year to remember and as always GET INVOLVED!   

Our 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 Experience Engine and is visible throughout our Central Florida Tech community. She will soon be hosting a series of resume workshops and is also working on the second edition of The Recruiting Snitch which is expected by the end of 2018. It's always refreshing for me to sit down with another Career expert and compare notes. In this episode we discuss topics ranging from resumes, following up, staying in touch and how to grab the attention of a recruiter through social media and meet ups. We share stories of the do's and don'ts of a job search and she even schools me on the legalities of corporate job posting. If you listened to our podcast with Sr. EA Recruiter Alan Ashby you will start to see trends in common with recruiters and hiring managers. If you are not paying attention you are doing yourself a disservice. As 2017 comes to a close I want to wish you all a Happy Holiday and say thank you for all of your support throughout the past year. We have a lot to accomplish in 2018. Our Central Florida Gaming and Tech communities continue to grow and I hope to be able to continue to provide the conduit for all, whether your are looking to advance your career, sourcing for open positions at your company or looking to hire a team of developers for your media project perhaps I can help. You know where to find me.

Last 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 lot about his involvement in our community and the fact that we are all in this together. John's primary focus as Executive Director is to support his constituents while evangelizing the benefits of our community. He networks tirelessly to help companies find the connections and manpower to successfully complete projects and support the infrastructure of our Central Florida community. It's interesting to find that our industry divides no longer exist. Film and TV productions now require the talents of our technical community. Opportunities are everywhere for programmers, artists and VR/AR enthusiasts too. John take a very positive and proactive approach. Rather than focus on what isn't he focuses on what is. He spends is days supporting the community through social networking and his involvement in many legislative and community organizations. There are many ways for you to get involved. Start bu heading to the Film Florida web page for more details on meetups and events happening frequently throughout the state. Thanks John for taking the time to sit down with me and thanks always to Carlos for making it happen.

Being 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 received it has not come without a ton of elbow grease and hard work. It takes an incredible amount of time and effort to secure space, wifi, speakers and dollars to plan an event of this magnitude. In this episode we discuss the foundation and vision of the OiX brand and some of the difficulties encountered within the community to pull of an experience that benefits both the consumer and the tech devotee. Ask David if it's easy and you will be met with a scowl but ask him if it's worth it and he breaks into a smile. "Absolutely it's worth it" In spite of the obstacles he will not slow down. The goal is to create a brand that unites all of Orlando's thriving tech community, developers, gamers, entrepreneurs and the people that consume their products. Last years OiX featured representatives from Microsoft, HTC Vive, Doghead Simulations and a plethora of local game and interactive media companies. 2018 promises much more and we can't do it without everyone's support. If you are interested in hearing more about next years conference be sure to sound off. We are now accepting submissions for speakers, presenters and expo booths. Sponsorship's are also available. Thanks David for your ongoing passion and hard work on behalf of our community. It may not be easy but we appreciate your dedication and ongoing commitment to making Orlando a tech city of the future. As always, special thanks to Carlos Ivan Marquez for making it happen.

One 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 conversation he explains the entire process from soup to nuts including answers to questions such as;How he sources new candidates.What he looks for on resumes. What it is that makes candidates stand above the rest.The three interview process from phone screen to technical interview and in person white board challenges.Throughout the conversation he makes one thing absolutely clear, it's not just your technical skills that get you noticed but how you communicate and interact that makes the first impression. Alan is faced daily with hordes of resume submissions that he has to comb through and sort. Now is your chance to learn how to add your application to the top of the stack and then position yourself as the candidate that the rest of the team will want to work with. For a list of current openings at Tiburon click here. Be sure to keep an eye out for Alan at the many meet ups and conferences here in Orlando and be sure to reach out and extend a hand. He is always looking for good talent and is interested in expanding his network. The video below was shot 2 years ago but gives you a peek behind the curtains at the Maitland offices. I hope you enjoy and learn a lot from episode 7 of the This Is Orlando podcast. If there are any topics or guests that you would like to hear from in the future be sure to reach out to me anytime at rwcoble@gmail.com and follow me on Facebook at Rob Coble Career Management and on Twitter @robcoblecmNow, without further ado here's Alan

At 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 around Disney was wide open space. Now we see growth all the way through the bedroom communities north to Daytona Beach and south into Dr. Philips and Windemere. UCF area has exploded and we have become one of the best regions for education boasting a half a million students within a 100 mile radius of downtown featuring world class facilities and an incredible talent pool that is raising eyebrows across the region.Our quality of life has become something we boast about rather than tolerate. We have an abundance of great restaurants, live venues and museums and the culture to support them. Orlando City and Pride soccer games are seeing people fill our new Camping World Stadium and major touring acts are frequenting the Amway Arena. Amanda and Sheena sat down with me recently to discuss the mission of the Orlando Economic Partnership and why living and working in Orlando has become a national topic. I get a sense that we have only just begun. Our downtown area is being rejuvenated by the addition of the Creative Village and the UCF Downtown Campus which is sure to fuel the continued growth and focus on our great city.I urge you to be a part of the excitement by contributing to the #thisisorlando social media push. Add the #thisisorlando hash tag and help spread the word on why you choose Orlando as your place to live and work. It's true when they say, Orlando - You Don't Know The Half Of It! For more on the Orlando Game and Tech scene be sure to check out the This is Orlando page of this website. If you are looking for ways to get involved within our community drop me a note. Orlando iX is coming up in less than two weeks and I hope to see you there.

I 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 mind that these folks volunteer their time while holding down full time positions in the games and tech fields. They do this out of love and passion for our community and the industry. If you are interested in learning more about Indienomicon and how you can get involved you can find them all via email or Twitter. Feel free to reach out, they love hearing from you and are always on the lookout for volunteers, sponsors and anyone who is interested in attending their monthly meetups and game jams. Kunal Patel - kunal@indienomicon.com @KunalPatelNecole Pynn - necolepynn@gmail.com @NecolePynnChad Hoover - chad@continuum-studio.com @chadmhooverKyle Morrand - kmorrand@302llc.com @kymorrandRobert Torres - rtorres@302llc.com @bobbyt0318Jack Henkel - jack@indienomicon.com

I 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 employment responsibility with their students as well as Grae's perspective on what it means to provide guidance and encouragment.  Grae is a programmer, educator, and recovering corporate attorney. He joined Thinkful as employee #4 to build the mentorship program and now leads Thinkful's education department, including career services and employer relations teams. He's coached a number of Thinkful graduates through the job search and negotiation processes, and splits his free time between wrangling his two year old son and solving problems on Project Euler. Follow him on twitter at @Grae_Drake.Let me know your thoughts - @robcoble

It'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 ViveChance Glasco - 2015, Infinity WardJameson Durall - Oddworld, EA, Deep Silver VolitionThey recently relocated their home base to Orlando in order to take advantage of the thriving local tech scene and their relationship with Full Sail University where all three are members of the schools elite Hall of Fame. In this podcast we discuss Dogheads current state and plans for the future, What's new in Virtual Reality, the Orlando tech scene and how these three longtime game industry veterans have successfully managed their careers from their first jobs in the industry to founding their own company. Permalink

In 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.

Travel through the Orlando tech and gaming scene with tech Guru Kunal Patel and learn how you can get involved.