Farewell Hulk Hogan: How a Canadian Kid Was Influenced by a Real American Hero

In this emotional and reflective episode, host Guido unveils a major update: the podcast formerly known as Gtalk has officially been rebranded as The Ordinary Effect. Guido explains the reasons behind the name change, emphasizing the show’s commitment to exploring everyday stories and moments that carry deeper meaning.

The bulk of this episode is a heartfelt tribute to Hulk Hogan (Terry Bollea), who recently passed away. Guido shares personal memories of growing up in Canada and the profound impact Hogan had on his childhood — from rushing home after church to catch Superstars of Wrestling, to passionately singing "Real American" despite being Canadian.

Guido acknowledges the complexities of Hogan’s legacy — including controversies later in life — but focuses on the unmatched influence he had on the rise of professional wrestling and pop culture. With honesty and nostalgia, this episode serves as both a personal eulogy and a cultural reflection on what it meant to believe in a hero, even if just for a time.

Closing sentiment: "To the real American, Hulk Hogan — I think I’ve missed him for a long time, and I’ll continue to miss that version of him. Rest in peace, Hulkster."

🔄 Rebranding the Podcast

• "From Gtalk to The Ordinary Effect": Guido shares the reasoning behind renaming the show, moving from a personal moniker to a broader concept that reflects everyday stories and deeper cultural moments.
• Searchability & Identity: The change comes after realizing "Gtalk" was too generic and hard to find online.

🕊️ Remembering Hulk Hogan

• "A Childhood Icon Passes": Guido reflects on the death of wrestling legend Hulk Hogan (Terry Bollea), expressing both shock and sadness.
• "Is it real?": At first, Guido questions whether Hogan’s death is another rumor, given past speculation and his recent public appearances.

🇨🇦 Canadian Kid, American Hero

• "Singing 'Real American' in Canada": A nostalgic story of a young Canadian boy idolizing Hulk Hogan so deeply he’d run home from church just to catch Superstars of Wrestling.
• "Cultural Crossovers": Explores how American wrestling — especially Hogan — influenced Canadian youth and pop culture.

📺 The Wrestling Experience

• "Saturday Night Main Event & Pizza": Family moments centered around watching wrestling together — Hogan was more than entertainment, he was part of home life.
• "Stampede vs. WWE": Commentary on how American wrestling overshadowed Canadian promotions in accessibility and appeal.

⚖️ Legacy and Controversy

• "The Good, the Bad, the Hulkster": Guido acknowledges Hogan’s controversial later years, including issues of racism and personal scandal.
• "Creative Control": Touches on Hogan’s behind-the-scenes influence in wrestling and how it sparked criticism within the industry.

🌟 The Immortal Impact

• "Wrestling’s Catalyst": Guido credits Hulk Hogan as a key figure in making modern professional wrestling what it is today.
• "Larger Than Life": Despite the flaws, Hogan's influence remains undeniable — a figure who defined an era.