J. Wukotich

Greetings! I'm Joel, an experienced writer, content creator, and disability advocate. My writing journey spans diverse topics, including captivating explorations of music and film. With articles published in various online publications, I'm committed to using storytelling as a tool to break down stereotypes and foster understanding. Explore my portfolio for a glimpse into my impactful and multifaceted writing.

Toledo Parent •

Navigating Life's Next Chapter: GapQuest Gap Year Program in Toledo - Toledo Parent

In today’s fast-paced academic world, the concept of a gap year is gaining traction as more students seek alternatives to the traditional straight-to-college route.
A gap year is an intentional break from formal studies, allowing young adults to explore personal and professional growth opportunities.
For those in the Toledo area, GapQuest Gap Year Experience offers an innovative and structured program designed to help teens navigate this pivotal stage in life.The reasons for taking a gap year ar...
Libre •

The Forest Church — Libre

I feel the way it must, standing in an icy Norwegian forest, limbs quivering despite having taken extra steps to avoid the chill. Moonlight notwithstanding, pitch-black shards of loneliness blind and appall, which I may have gotten used to by now, had it not been for the decades I’ve ignored any of the light passed my way. By strangers or friends. The thickness of the mud in my mind has hardened with age, perverse in a selfish eagerness to exist. This is how I feel on the inside, daily, while dr...
Toledo Parent •

Beyond the Screen: Finding Fun for Kids Outside the Digital Bubble - Toledo Parent

In today’s digital age, children spend more time on cell phones, social media and streaming services for entertainment and education. While these technologies have many benefits, excessive screen time can negatively impact children’s physical and mental health and family relationships. It’s essential to find ways to engage our kids in both entertaining and educational activities to maintain a healthy balance and promote family bonding.


One of the simplest ways to pull kids away from screens i...
Toledo Parent •

Prioritize Hydration for Summer Adventures  - Toledo Parent

Parents should make sure their kids drink plenty of water in the hot summer months to stay healthy and active. Dr. John McBride, a doctor with Franklin Park Pediatrics, shares important tips for keeping kids hydrated in hot weather.
McBride emphasizes encouraging children to stay hydrated by consistently drinking fluids, particularly water, throughout the day. He suggests that regularly consuming small amounts of fluids is more beneficial than drinking a large quantity all at once.
This method h...
Toledo Parent •

Wolfpack Lacrosse Club: A Tradition of Community and Growth - Toledo Parent

The Wolfpack Lacrosse Club, established in 1989, is a significant part of the lacrosse community in Toledo. After a brief hiatus, the club was revitalized in 2021 to provide opportunities for young athletes and promote the sport’s love. In an interview with Luke Walters, we delve into the club’s history, objectives, challenges and impact on the community.

Wolfpack Lacrosse Club was founded in 1989 when lacrosse was gaining popularity in the area. It was the first of its kind, as no high school
Toledo Parent •

Fantastic Father’s Day Gift Ideas for Toledo-Area Dads - Toledo Parent

Father’s Day is just around the corner and finding the perfect gift for your Toledo-area dad doesn’t have to be a challenge. Whether your dad is into music, local crafts, sports or fine dining, we’ve curated a list of fantastic local gift ideas to make this Father’s Day unforgettable. Here’s our ultimate guide to making your dad’s day special in Toledo.

For the proud Toledoan dad, Printed on a Lark offers high-quality, locally-themed t-shirts that celebrate the spirit of the Glass City. These s
Toledo Parent •

Expert Tips to Keep Kids Hydrated in Summer Heat - Toledo Parent

Parents should make sure their kids drink plenty of water in the hot summer months to stay healthy and active. John McBride, a respected doctor at Franklin Park Pediatrics, shares important tips for keeping kids hydrated in hot weather.

McBride emphasizes encouraging children to stay hydrated by consistently drinking fluids, particularly water, throughout the day. He suggests regularly consuming small amounts of fluids is more beneficial than drinking a large quantity all at once.

This method
Toledo Parent •

Unveiling the Silent Threat: Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) - Toledo Parent

In 2019, the sports world was shaken by the tragic suicide of 18-year-old Wyatt Bramwell, who, posthumously, became the first high school football player diagnosed with late-stage chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). His case underscored the severity of brain trauma at a young age, shedding light on the alarming consequences of youth football.

Wyatt had been playing football since age 5, dedicating over a decade to the sport. A video shared by his parents with the New York Times revealed his
MoshPitNation •

INTERVIEW + REVIEW: Vinca Difformis - Eye Witness (Single)

Vinca Difformis is a songwriter from Athens, Greece. Her first single, “Eye Witness,” was released via FYC Records & Distro toward the end of 2023, with a full-length album on the way later this year.

In just under three minutes, with a sound reminiscent of trip-hop artists like Morcheeba and Hooverphonic, “Eye Witness” fuses tranquillity and grooviness that leaves you eager for more. Lyrically, the song is tender-hearted and endearing. Difformis’ delicate voice sings directly to an ageless bel
Toledo Parent •

Wood County’s Developmental Disabilities Triumph: A $2.45 Million Renewal Levy - Toledo Parent

In a resounding victory for Ohio’s Wood County, a $2.45 million renewal levy recently passed with a notable 65% to 35% margin. The success of this initiative marks a significant milestone for the Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities, renewing hope and support within the community.

Understanding the margin: a closer look at the levy’s success

The margin of victory, with 29,622 votes in favor and 15,949 against, represents a substantial win for the developmental disabilities community
Devoted to Vinyl •

10 Metal Bands with Black Singers That Are Amazing

Unlike hip-hop and jazz, heavy metal music has generally been considered a white-male-dominated art form. There are always exceptions to the rule, especially in niche genres’ often unexplored nooks and crannies. Below is a list of some of my favorite metal bands with black singers.

Killswitch Engage was one of the first metalcore bands to achieve success in the early 2000s. Howard Jones sang on three of the band’s most popular releases (The End of Heartache, As Daylight Dies, and Killswitch Eng
Toledo Parent •

Beyond Healthcare Toledo: Nurturing Mental Wellness Beyond Boundaries - Toledo Parent

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Beyond Healthcare emerged as a beacon of hope, pioneering a transformative approach to mental health care for adolescents aged 11 to 17 and their families.

Founded in 2021 by Lisa Richardson, a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in behavioral health, Beyond Healthcare transcends conventional healthcare norms to address the multifaceted challenges young minds face.

The Genesis of Beyond Healthcare

Richardson founded Beyond Healthcare in
Toledo Parent •

Toledo Public Schools: A Pioneer in Innovative and Inclusive Education - Toledo Parent

Toledo Public Schools (TPS) stands out as an outstanding example of innovative and inclusive education in Ohio. Explore some of the unique programs TPS offers that establish the district’s commitment to enhancing traditional learning.

One of TPS’s most notable programs is the Toledo Technology Academy (TTA). TTA focuses on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, equipping students with the skills for modern success. The program blends real-world experiences, project-
Koshas •

My Experience With EMDR Therapy To Treat Depression

I’m Joel – a fifty-year-old father and husband from Northwest Ohio. I’m a writer and graduate student passionate about film studies, photography, and heavy metal. Officially diagnosed with major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder in 2007, I have suffered from both for most of my life. I’d like to share my journey with depression and specifically how EMDR therapy helped me.

Over the years, I have tried multiple methods to find relief. Initially, I spent some time in a psychiatr
Devoted to Vinyl •

10 Songs About Poetry That You Will Love | Devoted to Vinyl

There’s something magical about songs that incorporate poetry into their lyrics. It’s a beautiful blend of two art forms that can evoke powerful emotions and connect with listeners on a deep level. Whether it’s a classic ballad or a modern pop hit, songs about poetry have a unique way of capturing the essence of life and love.

There is a cartoon drawing of two men riding in a train. The man on the left stares at a dark, blank wall beside him, frowning as he laments, “Life has no meaning.” The m
Devoted to Vinyl •

15 Songs About Midnight That Are Amazing Jams

Looking for some awesome songs about midnight? Well lucky you, because I have just the perfect list for you. Below are my selections for the best midnight songs ever made. So let’s get this countdown list started!

The Best Songs About Midnight Ever Made

Let’s begin in the early days of heavy metal with Judas Priest.

Judas Priest released the album British Steel in 1980, radically changing the course of heavy metal music. Priest and bands like Iron Maiden and Motörhead ushered in the New Wave
Devoted to Vinyl •

The Top 13 Led Zeppelin Albums Ranked Worst to Best

If you’re reading this, you’re likely in one of the following camps. Either you’re a long-time Led Zeppelin fan, or you’re someone that wants to know how a long-time fan would rank the best Led Zeppelin albums.

During the thirty-plus years I’ve been a Zeppelin fan, I’ve developed a solid opinion on the matter of “best” and “worst.” Most fans will agree on the top four or five on any list but argue on the order. That suits us just fine here because we love talking about Led Zeppelin. So, without
Moon Maker Entertainment •

Belonging

If you’re having trouble sleeping, relaxing, or eating; if you walk around with a lump in your throat for any serious length of time and feel like the chaos you surround yourself with will never let you rest… say that shit out loud to as many people who will listen.

Call yourself out. Own your pain. And when it passes – because it always does – remember the people who stood right next to you, holding your breath for you, picking up pieces you were too out of it to notice you dropped in the firs
The Metal Wanderlust •

Show Review: Spirituality & Distortion Tour – Igorrr | Melt-Banana | Otto von Schirach

Igorrr‘s Spirituality & Distortion was one of the best albums of 2020. I called it “an absolute masterpiece of genre-bending insanity” in my review and gave it a perfect rating. As it turns out, I love the album even more now – even before (finally) seeing the band perform. There really is no band on earth that sounds like Igorrr. Their show at the Crofoot Ballroom in Pontiac, MI was a long time coming.

Otto von Schirach got the show underway. Under normal circumstances, I’d have found him off-
Moon Maker Entertainment •

Notes for the Novel #01

Uncovered from the comfort of sleep with all of its nightmares

I make my way to the sink.

I use the cheap mouthwash because it stings. Self-harm hygiene, I guess. The pain is real, but it won’t leave a mark, and if the pleasure that brings me makes the Devil laugh, I’m okay with that. He can’t say I’m not minty fresh. So, mission accomplished.

I go back to bed, if I can. I watch documentaries about aliens and the keeping of time. Gear by gear.

I’d like to learn how to enjoy my own company.
Moon Maker Entertainment •

Life’s Been Good

My grandfather’s name was Joe. He was a bit of a gruff dude, but he loved his family. Grandma and Grandpa’s first child was named Joe Ben – we always just called him Ben. So, when I came along… mom and dad took the two names and called me Joel Ben. So, I am named after my. Grandpa Joe and my Uncle Ben.

My dad is a preacher, so Joel has some Biblical significance that I’m far too tired at the moment to explain at the moment. One of those rabbit hole situations.

Answering this prompt makes me th
The Metal Wanderlust •

Movie Review: Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar

The Metalocalypse is upon us! Dethklok is our only hope!

The final chapter of the Dethklok saga begins with Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar. The film was released on Tuesday digitally and on Blu-ray, along with a companion Dethklok record Dethalbum IV and the official motion picture soundtrack for Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar set for release on Friday. ALL of this, as promised by the greatest animated death metal band of all time, is BRUTAL!

Dethklok mythology is a twisty road full
The Metal Wanderlust •

Show Review: Toledo Deathfest 2023

Artists Performed: Extinction Agenda, Pharohound, Death Hex, Cephlic, Ignominious, Filth Spewer, Squidhammer, The D.O.O.D., Carrion Vael, Within Chaos, WöR, Hate Unbound, Summoner’s Circle, Casket Robbery, The Convalescence, Signs of the Swarm

Last month, the Toledo Deathfest blew up the Glass City. Once again organized by Toledo’s own Keith Wampler (The Legend Agency/The Convalescence), this year’s fest improved on the already excellent annual heavy metal celebration. More local acts were feat
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