Behind every beloved character from film or television is an actor or actress that pours their heart, soul and personal experience into its creation.

Welcome to The Darin Olien Show.

On this podcast, you’ll hear me, Darin Olien, “the superfood hunter,” have inspiring and enlightening conversations with extraordinary people from all walks of life. Although our ideas and approaches to life may differ, our ultimate goal is the same- to save the planet one conversation at a time.

If you’re interested in expanding your view of the world by learning new perspectives on health, nutrition and healing the planet, and want to learn more about society’s Fatal Conveniences™- the things we may be doing because the world we live in makes us believe we have to, even though they may be doing harm- then this is the podcast for you.

My guest for this week’s episode is probably one of the most genuine, unique people I know, John C. McGinley. John has been in dozens and dozens of hit films like Platoon, Point Break, Wall Street and The Rock. He’s even shown his Broadway chops in plays like Glengarry Glen Ross. But perhaps his best-known role was as the loveable, but scary, Dr. Perry Cox on the TV show Scrubs.

What you may not know is that inspiration for Dr. Cox’s hidden heart of gold, as well as distinctive traits of other characters John has played, comes from his relationship with his son Max. Max was born with Down Syndrome and completely changed John’s life in ways he never imagined. Being a father to Max and daughters Billie and Kate is and will always be his most cherished role.

During this epic conversation, John and I discuss his current roles as an ambassador for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation and the Special Olympics. We get into what being involved with these awesome organizations has taught him about life and the human spirit. We also get to hear some hilarious behind the scenes stories of John’s long, impressive career. But don’t worry, this isn’t some stuffy Hollywood guy bragging about his accomplishments. This is a down to earth, ridiculously thoughtful guy gushing about the gratitude he has for the amazing opportunities he’s had in life.

Highlights from my amazing conversation with Johnny:

• John’s hilarious Edger Allen Poe soundcheck
• How having a special needs son has completely changed his outlook on life
• How John carries Max with him to every set
• Why John picks Down Syndrome organizations that don’t just focus on “the Kumbaya”
• What it means to live in gratitude
• The Spread the Word to End the Word Initiative and how it came about
• The adorable story of how Max introduced John to his wife
• Why John juggles when he’s memorizing lines
• John’s advice for new actors
• This episode’s Fatal Convenience™: Plastic

Links:

Global Down Syndrome Foundation

Special Olympics

Spread the Word to End the Word

Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome

John on Twitter

 

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The Darin Olien Show is produced by the team at Must Amplify. If you’re looking to give a voice to your brand and make sure that it’s heard by the right people, head to www.mustamplify.com/darin to see what Amplify can do for you.