This is Orlando

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 Innovation

More 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 University

Founded 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 Carr

Media 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 [email protected]. 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!!!!

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.agency
The Collective: http://collectiveorlando.com
Instagram: @ctsagency
Email: [email protected] 

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/