My Kommunity

What do you get when a medical doctor with a stand-up comedy side hustle sits down for a podcast with no script and zero censor button? This episode. John sits down with the hilarious Dr. Shawn Keating — Jersey-born, 33, and somehow both a licensed physician AND the funniest guy in the room — for a wild ride through the most unhinged patient stories you'll ever hear. From the woman who put Clorox on her face because "it's not bleach, it's Clorox," to the Oreo incident that had an entire hospital staff losing it, to a heroin push present in the labor and delivery ward — Sean has seen it all and lived to joke about it. But underneath the laughs, there's real heart here too. Sean drops some genuine wisdom on human kindness, finding your people, and why saying please and thank you might just be a revolutionary act in 2025. Equal parts comedy special and motivational talk — this one's a certified banger. Disclaimer: No patients were harmed in the making of this episode. Pedro the sketch artist, however, is a different story.

Some of the most powerful conversations about faith don’t happen in church — they happen at the kitchen table. In this heartfelt episode, John sits down with the woman who started it all — his mom — for an honest, moving, and surprisingly funny conversation about faith, prayer, and what it means to believe in something bigger than yourself. From Catholic school roots to questioning everything at 17, to finding her way back — John’s mom shares the real story of a lifelong faith journey, including the prayer that helped pay for college, and what she’s learned about trusting the process after decades of life experience. John also opens up about his own faith evolution and shares a deeply personal story about a toxic workplace, a bathroom prayer, and the moment God basically said “get out of there.” Whether you’re deeply religious, spiritually curious, or somewhere in between — this one’s for you. You don’t always get what you want. But you get what you need.

What happens when two guys who ditched the pew — but never lost the plot — sit down to talk about faith? John sits down with musician and longtime friend Michael Cherry for one of the most refreshingly unfiltered conversations you’ll hear on the subject. From Catholic school dropouts to agnostic philosophers, they dig into what faith actually means when religion doesn’t fit the mold. Expect SpongeBob references, Star Wars analogies, a George Carlin misquote, and somehow — a surprisingly deep take on heaven, struggle, and what it means to believe in something when you’re not sure what that something is. No judgment, no agenda, just two regular guys figuring it out one episode at a time. Don’t be a d*ck — that’s the only commandment that matters here.

In this deeply reflective episode of My Kommunity, John sits down with author Rashaan Bryant to explore the true meaning of faith, spirituality, and self-discovery.Rashaan shares his journey growing up in a deeply religious Baptist household and how life experiences—like a powerful moment working alongside a Muslim coworker—expanded his understanding of faith beyond religion.Together, John and Rashaan dive into:The difference between religion and spiritualityWhy faith is often hardest in our lowest momentsThe importance of perspective and personal belief systemsHow people enter our lives at the exact moment we need themAnd what it truly means to build a relationship with a higher powerThis episode is about unity, growth, and embracing your own path—without judgment, labels, or limitations.

What happens when success suddenly disappears?In this episode of My Kommunity, I sit down with Nick Ramos — former military signal systems specialist turned high-performing solar salesman — to talk about the unpredictable journey of career, business, and personal growth.Nick shares his story of:Transitioning from the military to civilian lifeDiscovering unexpected success in salesClosing massive solar deals and building teamsWatching companies collapse despite successNavigating layoffs, uncertainty, and reinventionReturning to school at 33 to pursue network & IT technologyThis conversation goes beyond business. Nick opens up about growing up in a rough environment, questioning authority, and learning that life isn’t a race against anyone else — it’s you vs you.Sometimes the path forward requires starting over.

What’s worse — being stuck in a “dead-end” job… or never sticking with anything at all?In this episode of My Kommunity, I sit down with my longtime friend and former boss Jimmy to talk about:Our Abercrombie days and early 20s chaosRetail as a “transitional phase”Job hopping vs long-term consistencyBreaking into tech through bootcamps10 years in software engineeringCorporate culture & terrible bosses“Chandler jobs” and meaningless workWill AI eliminate spreadsheet jobs?We get real about fulfillment, money, work-life balance, mental health, and the struggle to find purpose in modern careers.This one’s personal too — because Jimmy isn’t just a friend. He’s someone who showed up for me when it mattered most.

What’s it really like working in New York City?In this episode of My Kommunity, I sit down with my guy Hector Santos (aka Sub Zero) — senior manager in cybersecurity, MBA holder, and future entrepreneur — to talk about:The reality of working in the cityThe pros & cons of the NYC grindCybersecurity and consulting lifeWhy failing fast is critical in businessBuilding a 5–10 year planEntrepreneurship vs. playing it safeThe importance of asking yourself WHYWe also dive into community building — from fitness to gaming to mental health — and why relatable, “normal” voices matter more than influencer perfection.Hector drops some real wisdom near the end: 👉 Don’t chase certifications just to chase them. 👉 Don’t build something without knowing your “why.”👉 Fail fast. Learn faster.

In this powerful and personal episode of My Kommunity, John sits down with local Keyport legend, chemist, and gym lover Jasmine Medina to break down the realities of modern love. 💔❤️‍🔥They dive into:Online dating vs. in-person connectionKnowing yourself before entering a relationshipWhy dating in your 20s and 30s is nothing like it used to beJasmine’s thoughts on her ideal partner (👀 gym guys, take notes)How self-growth and emotional maturity shape better relationships💬 Jasmine shares her journey from long-term relationships to rediscovering self-worth, and how vulnerability, communication, and knowing your value are essential in today’s dating landscape.Whether you’re in a situationship, engaged, or simply trying to figure yourself out — this episode is for everyone navigating love, life, and self-respect.

n this deeply moving episode of My Kommunity, John is joined by nurse, mother, and all-around incredible human Cecile Dimizio for a raw, vulnerable, and inspiring conversation about love, divorce, faith, motherhood, and the power of self-reflection.Cecile opens up about:Her 20-year relationship and the journey to divorceWhat love looked like at 18 vs. what it means nowDefining moments that shaped how she loves and how she wants to be lovedThe power of faith and surrender during life’s unravelingsCore memories that shift your life foreverLearning to stop accepting “good enough” and start choosing yourself💬 With warmth, humor, and brutal honesty, Cecile reminds us that self-discipline is the highest form of self-love — and that sometimes, walking away is the most loving thing you can do for your future self.If you’ve ever questioned your relationship, your worth, or whether you're truly showing up for yourself, this episode is for you.🌹 P.S. Don’t forget the flowers.#MyKommunity #LoveAndLoss #DivorceHealing #SelfLove #FaithAndGrowth

What does love really look like over 45 years?In this episode of My Kommunity, I sit down with my dad — a retired NYC public school teacher — to talk honestly about love, heartbreak, breakups, timing, fate, and what it actually takes to build a life with someone over decades.From awkward first dates and missed signals… to career struggles, three breakups, and finally choosing each other — this is a raw, funny, and deeply human love story.We talk about:Finding love when the timing isn’t perfectWhether soulmates are realWhy no relationship is ever “perfect”Why relationships aren’t failures just because they endAnd what makes love worth the effort

n this cozy, hilarious, and heartfelt episode of My Kommunity, I’m joined by lifelong friend Amanda McGowan as we unwrap our most ridiculous, warm, and unforgettable holiday memories—from awkward Santa photos and St. Patrick’s Day chaos to pranks, fire sticks, and egg hunts gone wrong. 🥚🎄

In this emotional and deeply insightful episode of My Kommunity, I sit down with the brilliant and compassionate Nye Jones, a wellness advocate and DEI professional, to talk about mental health, grief, equity, and the deeper systems that impact our well-being.

In this episode of My Kommunity, I sit down with my lifelong friend Jake Murtaugh to reflect on our shared journeys through mental health, anxiety, self-awareness, and the importance of deep friendships over time and distance.

In this soul-stirring episode of My Kommunity, I sit down with Isiah Sestoto—a deep thinker, storyteller, and emerging author—for an unfiltered conversation about mental health, identity, and navigating the chaos of modern life.

In this hauntingly fun episode of My Kommunity, John sits down with scientist and former radio host Dr. Victoria Sharp, who shares some chilling personal stories that will stick with you like a haunted melody. From her childhood encounters with the mysterious Scratch Man to eerie tales of staircases in the woods, fungi with minds of their own, and cryptid lore like the Jersey Devil — this episode blends science, folklore, fear, and fun.Tune in as John and Victoria explore how spooky stories reflect our deepest fears, the role of intuition, and why sometimes the things we can’t explain are the most fascinating of all.👻 Grab your nightlight and enjoy this spine-tingling ride!

In this eerie and emotional episode of My Kommunity, John sits down with special guest, poet and editor Chimen Kouri — to share chilling, true supernatural experiences that will make you sleep with the lights on. 🕯️👀From a terrifying red-haired spirit that haunted Chimen's family for years… To sleep paralysis figures, three-knock warnings, and an emotional visitation from a past-life lover… This episode dives into the unexplained, the unbelievable — and the undeniably real.🎙️ Topics we cover:Childhood ghost sightingsSleep paralysis demons & the "Hat Man"Paranormal activity in suburban New JerseySpirit guides, past lives, and dream visitationsWhy not all ghosts are evil💬 Whether you're a skeptic, believer, or someone in between — this episode might change how you think about the spirit world.📚 Learn more about Chimen:Peach Milk (Bottlecap Press, 2021)What Haunts Me The Most (Currency Press, 2023)

In this deeply personal and joyfully creative episode of My Kommunity, host John Garis sits down with his wife, Katie Garis, for the final installment of the Hobbies Edition — and it might just be the most heartfelt one yet. 💛Katie opens up about:🧶 Her lifelong love of crochet, crafting, and carpentry 📚 How books and video games became tools of connection and comfort 🏠 The inspiration behind becoming a civil engineer 🎮 Childhood memories of The Sims, GameCube, and bonding with family 🧠 Living with perfectionism and learning to embrace the big picture 🎉 Her dreams of turning creativity into a future businessFrom handmade bachelorette party gifts to shelves she built herself, Katie shares the real, raw truth behind the joys and challenges of being a maker, and how it all ties into family, identity, and love.It’s an episode full of laughs, nostalgia, insight — and one very competitive game of Mario Party. 💥

In this episode of My Kommunity, John sits down with his childhood best friend Pat Strickland — a world traveler, lifelong athlete, and diehard Washington Commanders fan. From snowball fights that felt like warzones to traveling across Southeast Asia, Pat shares how hobbies, sports, and fandom shaped his identity.We dive into:Pat’s early days playing every sport under the sunHis hilarious snowball sniper momentsMoving to China and lessons from life abroadHis deep-rooted loyalty to the Commanders (formerly Redskins)What it means to stay true — to your hobbies, to your team, and to yourselfPlus, Pat shares life advice from his travels: the value of curiosity, being off the beaten path, and why loyalty always pays off in the long run.

In this heartfelt and wildly creative episode of My Community, host John Garis sits down with Marisela Salles — a 22-year-old artist, cosplayer, voice acting hopeful, and aspiring filmmaker — for an open conversation about life, expression, and finding your voice.

In this episode of My Kommunity, I sit down with the multi-talented Theresa Loconsolo—artist, audio producer, and spooky story enthusiast. We dive into Theresa's early days drawing comics in high school, her journey into podcast production for a major financial news outlet, and how she keeps her creative spark alive through sketching and storytelling. Along the way, we swap some eerie tales passed down from family—ghosts, demons, and haunted bridges included. Whether you're into hobbies, haunted houses, or the hustle of the creative grind, there's something here for you.

In this episode of My Kommunity, I sit down with the ever-inspiring TJ McNeal—actor, voiceover artist, real estate agent, and fellow Mets fan—to dive deep into what really fuels motivation. We talk about the power of perspective, creative burnout, perfectionism, mental health, and how sometimes “good enough” is exactly what you need to move forward.From personal stories to real-life failures and successes, this conversation is packed with insight, laughter, and vulnerability. If you've ever struggled with getting started, staying motivated, or silencing your inner critic, this one’s for you.

Welcome back to another episode of My Kommunity! In today’s episode, I’m joined by Jerome as we dive deep into motivation, confidence, and the power of small wins. Jerome shares his inspiring journey from being a skinny high schooler at 110 pounds to becoming a gym enthusiast who not only transformed himself but now motivates others around him.We also chat about unexpected motivators, like how a simple challenge from a crush sparked his fitness journey, and the role of encouragement in overcoming tough days. Plus, Jerome opens up about his new passion for the Disney card game Lorcana, showing how trying new things can fuel motivation and personal growth.Whether you’re on your own fitness journey or just need a boost to get moving, this episode is packed with relatable stories and practical advice to help you build confidence and find joy in progress.Don’t forget to subscribe for more motivational content!

Today, I sit down with Ron Simone, a real estate pro who’s built his brand around the superhero mindset. We dive deep into the power of motivation, authenticity in business, and how building genuine connections in your community can set you apart. From the gym hustle to real estate deals, Ron and I talk about why consistency, word of mouth, and being real with yourself are the real keys to success.If you’re looking for motivation to push through your daily grind or tips on building a brand that actually works, this episode is for you.Subscribe for more real talk, motivation, and community stories!

🎙️ In this inspiring episode of My Kommunity, Mansi Patel opens up about her real and raw journey through postpartum depression—and how fitness, friendship, and discipline helped her reclaim her identity.As a new mom navigating the chaos of early motherhood, Mansi faced the emotional toll of postpartum depression, a challenge many new moms silently endure. In this candid conversation, she shares her postpartum depression story, the struggles she faced, and the powerful mindset shift that transformed her life.💪 Whether you're a parent, on your own postpartum recovery journey, or simply looking for motivation, this episode offers helpful tips and a reminder: you are not alone.

In this deeply moving episode of My Community, Anthony Galbreath shares his raw and inspiring story of struggle, loyalty, and redemption. From walking away from a once-in-a-lifetime record deal out of loyalty to his friends — to fighting through the court system as a single father and raising two incredible kids — Anthony exemplifies resilience and heart.We talk about:Why he walked away from Def JamThe reality of being a single dad in a biased systemBuilding a support network and rising through adversityThe lessons that shaped his identity and kept him groundedThis is the finale of our Struggle Series — and there's no better way to end it.🎧 Tune in and be reminded that even when your back is against the wall, you can still come out of hell without burn marks.➕ Subscribe for more real conversations on life, growth, and purpose.

In this episode of the podcast, we’re diving deep into the real-life story of Brandon Brunson, a former athlete turned IT professional who shares his powerful journey of struggle, perseverance, and self-discovery. From setbacks in his first job to unexpected promotions, Brandon’s experience is a raw and relatable look at what it takes to rise above challenges.We also talk gym culture, emotional support spotting (yes, that’s a thing!), and how discipline and consistency in the gym mirror success in life and the professional world.Whether you're into tech, fitness, personal development, or just love a great comeback story, this episode is for you.

Have you ever been in relationship that would change the course of your life? Initially set on a path for love. Once looking deeper inside the relationship sometimes you got to find out you may have to go through the darkness to come into the light.For 11 years, Chris thought he was just trying to make the relationship work—being supportive, compromising, and forgiving. But behind the surface of love was a slow erosion of self-worth, identity, and peace. In this powerful, deeply personal story, Chris opens up about surviving an emotionally abusive relationship, how he finally saw the truth, and what healing looks like on the other side.If you’ve ever felt confused in a relationship, second-guessed your instincts, or wondered, “Is this normal?” — this story is for you.

The first episode of the podcast featuring my friend who I high fived out of the womb. A memorable one for sure. Dealing with the great goodbye is never easy but sometimes we come out a changed individual for the better because of it. This is Ted Forlenza's story about his brother Nicholas and how Nicholas's battle with cancer changed his life forever.