My journey through darkness began at 14, not just metaphorically but quite literally, when a car accident stole my sight but curiously, gave me a new vision for life. Grief further tested my resilience with the loss of both parents by the time I was 18, yet here I am, Johnny Nato, living proof that when life hits hard, creativity can be your shield and your sword. In Embrace Your Storm, I’m laying bare my soul’s symphony, from the thrash metal chords that echo my inner turmoil to the soothing rhythms of my victories. Discover how a love for Metallica and gangster rap evolved into a broader appreciation for the arts and how losing my sight never dimmed the light of my ambitions.
Strap in for a ride through my personal odyssey, where I transformed pain into purpose, turning to the guitar as my faithful companion in the aftermath of tragedy. My tale isn’t just about music; it’s a mosaic of creativity that spans the gamut from advocating open source software to organizing conferences at Harvard. We’ll explore the multifaceted world of creative expression, where organizing a festival, jamming in a band, or even podcasting since 2009 becomes a testament to the human spirit’s indomitable urge to create, share, and persist. No guests, no filters, just a raw session of passion-fueled storytelling that might just inspire you to pick up your own metaphorical guitar and play through the storms.
You can see the show notes here!