My Kommunity

Think about your closest friend right now. Not the one you text every day. Not the one you see at every party. The one who knew you before — before the career, before the relationship, before you figured out who you actually were. The one who read your rough drafts, sat with you at Panera while you poured your heart out, and never once made you feel like too much. Do you have someone like that? Be...

When's the last time you had a friend you didn't text every day — didn't send memes to every hour — didn't share your entire life with on Snapchat — and yet the second you were in the same room together, it was like no time had passed at all? If you have a friend like that, you already know there's nothing in the world quite like it. And if you don't? This episode might make you rethink every frie...

What do a magician, a car broker, a Long Island wise guy, and a new dad all have in common? They're all Alec Bornstein — and he just walked into the Kommunity podcast ready to talk. John sits down with his hilarious and surprisingly deep friend Alec for a conversation that goes from dirty diapers on airplanes and napkin etiquette, to getting ripped off at dealerships, growing up around the Gotti f...

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...

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 1...

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 Sponge...

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...

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 life Discovering unexpected success in sales Closing mas...

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 chaos Retail as a “transitional phase” Job hopping vs long-term consistency Breaking into tech through bootcamps 10 years in software engineering Corporate culture & t...

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 city The pros & cons of the NYC grind Cybersecurity and consulting life Why failing fast is critical in business Building a 5–10 year plan Entre...

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 connection Knowing yourself before entering a relationship Why dating in your 20s and 30s is nothing like it used to be Jasmine’s thoughts on her ideal partner (👀 gym...

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 divorce What love looked like at 18 vs. what it means now Defining moments that s...

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...

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 episod...

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… Thi...

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 behi...

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 sun His hilarious snow...

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 passe...

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...

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...