John Cardoza (@johnfcardoza) joins me on Had to Ask for a vulnerable, moving, and deeply human conversation about love, grief, and resilience. From touring the country in Moulin Rouge! to creating the role of Young Noah in The Notebook on Broadway, John has built a career grounded not just in talent, but in choosing what feels right and meaningful.

We talk about the unexpected loss of his mother, how grief has shaped him as an artist, and why nothing will ever be more important than being there for family when they need him. John opens up about navigating fear, vulnerability as a muscle you have to keep flexing, and the resilience it takes to keep showing up in this industry.

Of course, it’s not all serious — John also shares his irrational fear of tall buildings (tough luck in NYC), his Broadway diva fighter of choice, and his admiration for Solea Pfeiffer. Plus: what it was like finishing The Notebook with Jordan Tyson after three years of building those roles together, crying in grocery stores, and how following the path that feels right led him all the way to Christian in Moulin Rouge! on Broadway.

This episode is about love, loss, and why the sacrifices have to be worth it. If you’ve ever chased a dream while trying to hold onto what matters most, you’ll feel seen in this one.

Chapters:

• 6:03 John’s love for touring with Moulin Rouge
• 11:39 What really scares him
• 21:07 What led John to Young Noah in The Notebook
• 25:45 Crying in the grocery store and seeing the beauty in the everyday
• 31:08 Following the path of things that feel right
• 33:30 How proud John is to still be on his feet
• 42:12 The Tour of Moulin Rouge! Versus Broadway
• 49:20 Other John would go back to Moulin Rouge
• 53:19 The joy John is choosing next.

Follow John Cardoza (@johnfcardoza) and Had to Ask (@hadtoaskpod) for more bold, unfiltered conversations — hosted by Melanie Sutrathada.

Co-produced and edited by Joseph Loper. Special thanks to The Chatwal in NYC for being the home of Had to Ask for season 1!

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