In this deeply personal and emotional episode of Duty Beyond Duty, host Manny Guzman sits down with his wife, Jessica Guzman, for an honest conversation about resilience, love, and the unseen strength behind service.
Jessica shares her journey as a wife, mother, and the backbone of a family shaped by military service, law enforcement, and profound loss. From navigating grief and uncertainty to holding a family together through the demands of duty, she opens up about the sacrifices made by spouses and families who serve alongside their loved ones — often in silence.
Together, Manny and Jessica discuss:
The real-life impact of military and law enforcement careers on families
Motherhood, partnership, and perseverance through life’s hardest moments
Grief, healing, and faith as pillars of strength
What it truly means to live a life of service beyond the uniform
This episode honors the voices that are rarely heard — the spouses who stand firm, love unconditionally, and carry the weight of service at home.
A powerful conversation about family, resilience, and the strength it takes to keep moving forward when life tests you the most.
🎧 This is Duty Beyond Duty — where the stories behind the badge matter.
In this special episode of Duty Beyond Duty, host Manny Guzman is joined by his son Josiah and his niece Jade to share a powerful and rarely heard perspective—growing up as children of first responders who also served in the U.S. military.
They open up about childhood memories shaped by uniforms, deployments, late nights, and the emotional weight of having parents who protect and serve. From pride and resilience to fear, responsibility, and unspoken sacrifice, Josiah and Jade reflect on how service-oriented households shaped who they are today.
This episode shines a light on the often-overlooked voices of first responder and military kids—the silent strength behind the badge and the uniform.
Because duty doesn’t end at work—it follows you home.
🎖️ For veterans
🚔 For first responders
👨👩👧👦 For families who serve together
In this deeply personal and powerful episode, host Manny Guzman opens up about the battles many never see — the quiet wars fought in the mind and the heart. Manny shares his own journey with PTSD, grief, trauma, and the demons that follow so many veterans and first responders long after the uniform comes off.
This is not a story of weakness — it’s a message of courage.
A reminder that asking for help is strength, not shame.
And a call to all who carry invisible wounds: you are not alone.
Through raw honesty and lived experience, Manny explores:
The realities of PTSD in military and police life
How trauma can hide behind a smile and a badge
Why talking to someone can be the first step toward survival
The power of community, vulnerability, and brotherhood
How healing starts with a single conversation
This episode is for anyone who has ever struggled in silence — and for the friends, family, and partners who stand beside them.
Together, we can heal. Together, we can survive.
This is Duty Beyond Duty.
Host Manny Guzman sits down with two of Chicago’s purpose-driven leaders: Sendy Soto, the city’s first Chief Homelessness Officer, and Kevin Barszcz, a U.S. Navy veteran and Director of the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs. Together, they discuss equity, housing, veteran advocacy, and the importance of collaborative leadership. Learn how Sendy and Kevin are building a city where dignity, service, and hope intersect — one person at a time.
This is Duty Beyond Duty......
In this inspiring episode, host Manny Guzman celebrates the 25th anniversary of Latin Rhythms Academy of Dance & Performance with its founder, Maricza Valentín.
Together, they discuss the academy’s beginnings, its cultural impact in Chicago, and its youth company Futuro, where Manny’s daughter Alany dances proudly.
They also shine a light on Bags of Hope — Latin Rhythms’ annual outreach project that spreads compassion through the community, proving that the power of rhythm goes far beyond the stage.
💃🏽 A story of movement, legacy, and hope — from the dance floor to the streets of Chicago.
This is Duty Beyond Duty with Ritmo......
#LatinRhythms #Salsa #Youth #LRFuturo #Dance #bagsofhope #community
In this powerful episode of Duty Beyond Duty, host Manny Guzman sits down with Elliot Cebollero — a Chicago firefighter, former Cook County Sheriff, and former O’Hare Aviation Security officer. Elliot was a former proud member of Chicago’s police baseball legacy, having played with both Chicago Police Baseball Clubs , The Finest and The Knights before joining the Chicago Fire Department Baseball Team.
From serving his community in law enforcement to stepping into one of the most demanding firefighting careers in the nation, Elliot opens up about the journey that shaped him, the discipline he learned across agencies, and the meaning of representing Puerto Rican heritage in first-responder service.
In this powerful Veterans Day episode, three brothers-in-arms reunite to reflect on service, sacrifice, and lifelong friendship. Host Manny Guzman, a 7-year U.S. Army veteran and 23-year Chicago Police Sergeant, sits down with Jose “Berty” Pacheco, a 9-year U.S. Army veteran and Department of Defense contractor, and Jose “Papito” Hernandez, a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel with 26 years of service, now with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES).
Together, they share heartfelt stories of how they met in the Army, the bond that carried them through decades of service, and what Veterans Day truly means to them. This conversation celebrates honor, resilience, and the unbreakable brotherhood that never fades—because duty, once taken, lasts for life.
🎧 Duty Beyond Duty Podcast — honoring those who serve beyond the uniform.
In this episode of Duty Beyond Duty, Manny Guzman sits down with Nick Ramos, a proud Chicago native, entrepreneur, and 0wner of Final Cuts, one of the city’s most respected grooming brands and creative hubs. From humble beginnings to building a business that blends barbering, culture, and community, Nick shares his journey of hard work, faith, and purpose.
Listen as Nick talks about the lessons learned from the streets of Chicago, turning passion into business, mentoring the next generation, and the meaning of legacy beyond success. His story is one of resilience, hustle, and staying true to your roots.
🎙️ From the chair to the community—Nick Ramos proves that real success starts with purpose.
#DutyBeyondDuty #FinalCuts #Entrepreneurship #Chicago #LatinoBusiness
In this inspiring episode of Duty Beyond Duty, Manny Guzman sits down with Gonzalo “Chalo” Pazmino — a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Chicago firefighter, and founder of Firefighters Hearts United. Born in Ecuador and raised in Chicago, Chalo shares his journey from managing some of the city’s hottest Latino nightclubs to dedicating his life to saving lives at home and abroad.
Hear how his mission of service extends beyond the firehouse — organizing training and equipment drives for firefighters in Ecuador, supporting orphanages and special-needs schools, and building bridges of compassion across borders. Chalo opens up about leadership, resilience, faith, and what it truly means to live with a “heart for service.”
🎙️ A powerful story of courage, culture, and community.
#DutyBeyondDuty #FirefightersHeartsUnited #USMC #ChicagoFireDepartment #VeteranStories
In this powerful episode of Duty Beyond Duty, host Manny Guzman sits down with Carlos Javier Ortiz, an award-winning Chicago photographer and filmmaker known for capturing the realities of urban life, race, and community with raw honesty and depth.
Carlos shares his journey from growing up in Chicago to documenting stories that challenge perceptions and inspire dialogue across the nation. His work — featured in The New York Times, National Geographic, and The Atlantic — reflects a lifelong commitment to telling the untold stories of struggle, hope, and humanity.
Together, Manny and Carlos explore the intersection of art, activism, and healing — and how the camera becomes not just a tool for storytelling, but for social change.
🎧 Duty Beyond Duty — where service, creativity, and community meet.
#DutyBeyondDuty #CarlosOrtiz #Chicago #Photography #ArtAsActivism #Storytelling #Resilience #Community #VeteranVoices #FirstResponderStories
In this powerful episode of Duty Beyond Duty, host Manny Guzman sits down with Angel “Goyco” — a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, radio personality, and founder of Radio Ritmo Mix.
From the discipline of the Marines to the rhythm of the airwaves, Goyco shares how his voice became a bridge between cultures and generations. He opens up about his military service, his passion for Latin music, and the creation of a platform that celebrates community, identity, and resilience.
🎶 From the uniform to the microphone — this is the story of a Marine who found a new mission through music, faith, and the power of connection.
🇺🇸 “Once a Marine, always a Marine.”
🎧 Duty. Rhythm. Legacy.
In this inspiring episode of Duty Beyond Duty, We sit down with Chicago Police Officer and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Ron Ayala, whose story reflects discipline, resilience, and brotherhood.
Born and raised in Chicago, Ron shares his journey from growing up in the city’s neighborhoods to finding purpose in the United States Marine Corps, where he served with honor through multiple deployments. He opens up about the challenges and pride of military life, the lessons that shaped him, and the emotional transition from active duty to wearing the badge.
Now a dedicated Chicago Police Officer and Board member of the Chicago Police Baseball Club, The Knights, Ron continues to serve his city and community — this time through teamwork, mentorship, and service beyond the uniform.
This conversation dives deep into what it means to balance duty, family, and faith, and how the Marine Corps’ values of honor, courage, and commitment continue to guide his path in law enforcement.
Born and raised in Chicago, David Díaz carved his path from the Chicago Park District gyms to the world stage. A proud product of the city’s boxing culture, David rose through the amateur ranks, representing the United States as a 1996 Olympian before capturing the WBC Lightweight World Championship. Known for his relentless fighting style and heart inside the ring, he squared off against some of boxing’s biggest names, including legendary battles with Manny Pacquiao and Erik Morales.
In this episode, David shares his story of growing up in Chicago, finding his passion for boxing through the city’s parks and gyms, and his journey from local standout to world champion. Though his professional career brought him international recognition, he never forgot his roots—continuing to support the Chicago Park District boxing programs that gave him his start.
A true Chicago fighter, this conversation dives into the making of a champion whose story is forever tied to the city he loves. 🥊
In this episode of Duty Beyond Duty, we sit down with Sergeant Hommy Cruz of the Paterson Police Department, a man whose life has been shaped by both the discipline of public service and the rhythm of music. Known in his community for his dedication as a police officer, Hommy is also the brother of internationally acclaimed salsa singer Charlie Cruz.
Together, we explore his journey from growing up in Puerto Rico to serving on the streets of Paterson, NJ. Sgt. Cruz opens up about the challenges of law enforcement, the importance of cultural pride, and what it means to balance a family legacy rooted in both music and service.
This episode is a powerful reminder that behind the badge there’s a story — one that beats with rhythm, resilience, and responsibility.
In this powerful episode of the Duty Beyond Duty Podcast, host “Manny” Guzman sits down with his brothers—Enrique (Kike) and Daniel Guzman (Danny)—to share their family’s remarkable journey of service, sacrifice, and brotherhood.
From the Army, Marine Corps, to the Chicago Police Department, the Guzman brothers represent a multi-generational legacy of duty, carrying forward the values instilled by their father, Manuel A. Guzman, a Puerto Rican police officer and U.S. Army veteran. Together, they reflect on their upbringing, the challenges and triumphs of military life, and what it means to wear the badge while staying rooted in family, faith, and culture.
Listeners will hear candid stories about growing up in a tight-knit Puerto Rican household, navigating the transition from the military to law enforcement, and supporting one another through both personal losses and professional milestones. This episode is more than a conversation—it’s a celebration of resilience, unity, and the enduring power of family service.
Whether you’re a veteran, a first responder, or someone who values family legacies, this episode will leave you inspired by the courage, humor, and heart of the Guzman brothers.
This is what Duty Beyond Duty is all about....
In this powerful episode of the Duty Beyond Duty podcast, we sit down with Chicago’s own Fres “Fast Fres” Oquendo, a Puerto Rican heavyweight boxing legend who rose from the streets of Humboldt Park to fight on the world’s biggest stages. Fres opens up about his early life, his passion for boxing, and the battles inside and outside the ring that shaped his journey.
We explore his rise through the heavyweight division, the challenges of competing at the elite level, and how his Puerto Rican roots and Chicago upbringing fueled his relentless drive. Beyond boxing, Fres shares his commitment to giving back to the community, inspiring the next generation, and keeping the Puerto Rican fighting spirit alive.
This is Duty Beyond Duty.
In this episode of Duty Beyond Duty, we sit down with (Nick Huminsky), better known as White Knight-a pioneer Chicago's House and Hip House movement. From the legendary chant " Yo Baby Yo!" to fusing the raw power of Hip Hop with the pulse of House Music. White Knight helped shape a sound that defined Chicago's underground and spread across the globe.
We dive into his early life the birth of his stage name, the rise of Hip House in the 80's and 90's and his role as both artists and promoter who gave a voice to a culture. More than music, this is the story of resilience, creativity and legacy that continues to influence generations. From the basements of Chicago to worldwide stages, White Knight's story is a reminder that true legends are built where community and rhythm collide.
This is Duty Beyond Duty.
In this gripping episode of Duty Beyond Duty, we sit down with Terry Martin — a former UFC middleweight fighter, lifelong Chicagoan, and now a dedicated professional in the corrections system. Born and raised on the tough streets of Chicago’s West Side, Terry’s story is one of grit, redemption, and relentless transformation.
From throwing punches in the UFC Octagon to changing lives within prison walls, Terry opens up about the journey that led him from a life of violence to one of purpose. As a fighter, he was known for his knockout power. Today, he’s fighting for something greater — to mentor, guide, and uplift the very communities he once struggled to survive in.
We also want to take a moment to thank Terry Martin for being one of our earliest guests on the show. More than just a powerhouse in the cage, he’s a family friend whose support, loyalty, and realness set the tone for what Duty Beyond Dutyis all about.
This is more than a comeback story — it’s a mission.
This is Duty Beyond Duty......
In this episode of Duty Beyond Duty, we step into the rhythm of Chicago’s underground — where house music wasn’t just sound, it was a movement. Our guest, Pamp, a true son of Logan Square and the unmistakable voice of the legendary Pamp & Da Knox, takes us back to the 1990s when Ghetto House and Chicago House ruled the dance floors.
From hyping up basement parties to rocking clubs across the city, Pamp carved his name into the scene with raw energy, unforgettable tracks like “Butta” and “Shake,” and a voice that became an anthem for dancers everywhere. But behind the beats is the story of a young emcee, shaped by Chicago’s streets, his community, and an unshakable passion for self-expression.
Join us as Pamp reflects on the roots of his journey, the rise of Pamp & Da Knox, and the culture that made Chicago the heartbeat of house music. This episode isn’t just about beats — it’s about legacy, resilience, and how music keeps communities alive.
This is Duty Beyond Duty.
Disclaimer (Refined)
Duty Beyond Duty does not claim ownership of any music by Pamp & Da Knox. All tracks featured in this episode remain the property of the original artist and are used with the direct permission of the artist.
In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Duty Beyond Duty, we revisit a conversation recorded some time ago with now-Sergeant Ivan Lugo of the Riverdale Police Department. A proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran and dedicated law enforcement officer, Sgt. Lugo was raised in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood—a place that shaped his grit, resilience, and street wisdom.
With raw honesty and a warrior’s heart, Sgt. Lugo takes us through his personal journey—from the formative years as a young Marine to his current leadership role behind the badge. He opens up about the challenges he’s faced, the lessons he’s learned, and the unwavering commitment that drives his mission to serve.
This episode explores the themes of discipline, loyalty, brotherhood, and the powerful transformation from soldier to street officer.
This… is Duty Beyond Duty.