How I Joined the Show
By John, Co-Host of the Video Gamers Podcast
Helllooo Fellow Gamers! John here — the newest member of the Video Gamers Podcast crew. If you've been listening for a while, you've probably heard me chime in over the last few months. I thought it’d be fun (and maybe a little therapeutic) to peel back the curtain and share how I ended up on the show — and how video games, community, and some very real struggles shaped who I am today.
Growing Up Nerdy in the Valley
I grew up in the San Fernando Valley in Southern California. We didn’t have much — definitely lower-middle class — but my parents worked hard, and we always had enough to get by. My dad especially helped spark my love for nerd culture: sci-fi, comics, and of course, video games.
My first console was the NES, and from there I went through most console generations — Nintendo, Sega Genesis, Xbox, Dreamcast, PS2 — the only generation we really didn’t have money for was PS.
Around 8 or 9 years old, I started gaining weight and developed pretty severe anxiety. By age 15, I was over 300 pounds with a size 46 waist. My spine was literally compressed from the weight, and I was a few inches shorter than I am now.
I had physical symptoms of anxiety that no one really understood back in the '80s and '90s — constant nausea, chest tightness, and panic attacks that felt like heart attacks. Doctors threw out diagnoses like liver and nerve problems, but the truth was, I was anxious and spiraling.
Socially, I was an introvert with only a couple of close friends: Jeremy (basically a brother) and Spud (who I recently reconnected with). They were my lifeline and fellow nerds, and we bonded over games and geek culture. That time helped form a foundation of hero worship — admiring characters who overcame impossible odds. I didn’t yet realize those stories could apply to me.
A Turnaround Through Theater
I was a troubled teen — kicked out of five high schools and deeply depressed. At one of my lowest points, my mom, a costumer for a summer drama program, brought me along because my parents couldn’t afford childcare.
That experience changed my life.
For the first time, I was part of a community that didn’t care what I looked like or where I came from. I learned lighting, sound, and even did a little acting. It was a meritocracy: show up, do your best, and you had a place.
That year, I lost over 100 pounds — dropping from 313 to the low 200s. People treated me differently, but I still felt like the same scared, insecure kid. That internal battle led me to a bold decision: I joined the Navy at 17.
I served for about four and a half years, saw the world, and came out the other side ready to start fresh. Unfortunately, I was starting to slip into some bad habits in CA, so I relocated to Washington State to live with my friend Jeremy..
Fitness had become part of my life thanks to the Navy, but without that structure, I needed something else. That’s when I found kickboxing and MMA — not just as workouts, but as therapy. I trained, coached, and competed. I also held a string of odd jobs: Blockbuster (RIP), crime scene cleanup, restoration work, carpet cleaning — you name it.
Somewhere in there, I got married and divorced. No bad blood — it just wasn’t meant to be, and it was an extremely difficult time for both her and I. I grew a lot from that experience. And spoiler alert: I eventually met my amazing wife (on TINDER!!!), and she’s my partner in everything now.
Turning Pain into Progress
Post-divorce, I hit a low point. Depression was creeping back in, but instead of falling apart, I used it as fuel. I got a job at a heating and cooling company and poured myself into it.
This is where the influence of gaming heroes really clicked. I realized that while I might not be a superhero, I could still act like one. All those training montages and moral choices in games gave me a blueprint. So I leveled up my life.
My wife and I built that company into a successful and eventually sold it in 2022. That sale gave us the financial freedom to live wherever and do whatever. We spent time in Hawaii and SoCal, but I started thinking: What’s next?
Rediscovering Passion Through Podcasts
Like a lot of people, I listened to podcasts at the gym. I liked Joe Rogan for a while, but when it turned too political, I tuned out. I looked for something closer to my heart — first Warhammer (my favorite IP ever), then video games.
That’s when I found The Video Gamers Podcast.
Josh, Ryan, and Paul hooked me right away. Their banter was authentic. Their enthusiasm felt real. It was like being in the room with friends. I listened for two years and eventually thought, Maybe I can contribute to this.
Paul had stepped away to focus on an amazing nonprofit for foster kids (props, Paul). I reached out to Josh and Ryan through Patreon and Discord. Eventually, I flew to Arizona, we clicked instantly, and the rest is history.
The Best Community in Gaming
I’ve been officially part of the show for about four months now, and it’s been the most fun I’ve had in years. This is hands down the most positive and engaged community I’ve ever been a part of in gaming.
The sky’s the limit for this show — and for all of us. I genuinely believe we’re building something special here, and I’m honored to be a part of it.
I’m an open book.
If you ever want to talk about gaming, tabletop, fitness, business, anxiety — whatever — I’m here for it.
Thanks for reading. Thanks for listening. And I’ll catch you on the next episode.
— John, Co-Host - Video Gamers Podcast
