Duty Beyond Duty

In this episode of Duty Beyond Duty, host Manny Guzman sits down with an old high school friend and fellow U.S. Army veteran, retired Army Major Richard Elias. Richard shares his incredible journey of more than 30 years of military service, from starting as an enlisted 14J Early Warning Systems Operator to becoming an NCO, instructor, paratrooper, and eventually a commissioned Air Defense Artiller...

Deputy Chief Bruce Mason of the Bloomingdale Police Department shares his journey from starting his career in Bloomingdale, serving with the Chicago Police Department, and returning to lead his original department as Deputy Chief of Operations. He talks about leadership, mentorship, resilience, and the lessons learned across two very different policing worlds. 🎙️  Duty Beyond Duty – Real Stories f...

In this Chicago Rican Edition of the Duty Beyond Duty Podcast, host Manny Guzman sits down with  Joséan Irizarry , founder of Smash Jibarito. Joséan shares his journey from Chicago's Puerto Rican community to creating one of the city's most talked-about food concepts. We discuss family, culture, entrepreneurship, overcoming challenges, and the inspiration behind combining the legendary Chi...

In this episode of  Duty Beyond Duty , host  Manny Guzman  sits down with  Joel Vargas, J.D.  — a 30-year expert in data strategy, intelligence analysis, and public safety innovation. From his leadership at the Austin Police Department to his global advisory work with InterPort Police and the U.S. Intelligence Community, Vargas shares how AI, analytics, and vision can transform public safety and r...

In this inspiring episode of  Duty Beyond Duty , host  Manny Guzman  sits down with  Louis Luna , founder of Blue Line Medical, former Chicago police officer, U.S. Army medic, and Iraq War veteran. Louis shares his remarkable journey from serving on the front lines in the military to protecting the streets of Chicago as a police officer, and ultimately dedicating his life to helping others heal th...

In this episode of  Duty Beyond Duty , host Manny Guzman sits down with Chicago's own  DJ Cuco , a respected veteran of the city's music and nightlife scene and a proud member of the renowned  Henchmen DJ Crew . For decades, DJ Cuco has helped create the soundtrack for countless celebrations, festivals, clubs, community events, and unforgettable nights throughout Chicago. From his early be...

Some businesses are built to make a profit. Others are built to preserve a legacy. In this heartfelt episode of Duty Beyond Duty, we sit down with Chicago entrepreneur Mikey Sanchez Jr., founder of Sandwishera, to discuss the powerful story behind one of Chicago's most unique food concepts. What started as a passion for great food became something much bigger—a way to honor family, celebrate c...

n this episode of  Duty Beyond Duty , host  Manuel "Manny" Guzman  sits down with one of the voices behind  Dope Talk Podcast , Chef David "Mancha" Silva , founder of  Dope Drip Café . From powerful conversations and podcasting to entrepreneurship, culture, and community impact, this episode explores how passion can become purpose. David shares the journey of building a platfor...

What does it take to become one of the most recognizable voices in Chicago media? In this episode of  Duty Beyond Duty , host Manny Guzman sits down with  Gabe Ramirez  to discuss his incredible journey from growing up in Chicago to becoming a familiar voice on  B96 Chicago , television, sports broadcasting, and live event hosting. Gabe shares the behind-the-scenes reality of breaking into radio,...

Puerto Rican Fest Chicago is more than a parade… It’s history. It’s culture. It’s resilience. It’s music. It’s food. And it’s Puerto Rican pride living in the heart of Chicago. In this special Duty Beyond Duty episode, Manny Guzman takes listeners through the story behind Puerto Rican Chicago — from the families who arrived searching for opportunity, to the rise of Humboldt Park and Paseo Boricua,...

From the Cook County Sheriff’s Office to the Chicago Police Department, Officer Scott Flores has dedicated his life to service, leadership, and community engagement. In this episode, Scott shares his journey into law enforcement, the lessons he learned as a Cook County Sheriff, and what ultimately led him to the Chicago Police Department. Beyond the badge, Scott is a leader within the Chicago Poli...

n this special Memorial Day episode of  Duty Beyond Duty , host  Manny Guzman  sits down with  Sergeant Nick Cervantes , a United States Marine Corps veteran and Chicago Police Sergeant, for a powerful conversation about leadership, service, sacrifice, and remembrance. Nick shares his journey from his early years and decision to join the Marine Corps, to the lessons of discipline and brotherhood t...

In this powerful episode of  Duty Beyond Duty , host Manny Guzman sits down with  Jose Hernandez , a  retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel  and senior leader with the  Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) , to explore a lifetime of service, leadership, and family. Jose shares where he was  born and raised , what his  childhood  was like, and the early influences that shaped his values and...

Culver City Police Detective  James Thomas  shares his journey from Army officer to mental health responder — balancing discipline, compassion, and service. Hosted by  Manny Guzman , this episode of  Duty Beyond Duty explores resilience, leadership, and the calling to serve beyond the uniform.

What does a lifetime of service truly look like? In this episode of  Duty Beyond Duty , host Manny Guzman sits down with Jaime Acosta — a former Chicago Police Officer, current Berwyn Police Officer, United States Marine Corps veteran, and Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Jaime shares his journey from military life to law enforcement, the lessons learned through leadership, and the realities of balanc...

On this episode of  Duty Beyond Duty , Manny Guzman sits down with Brian Bardsley — a U.S. Marine veteran, Army combat medic, paramedic, firefighter, and Chicago Police SWAT Team leader. From serving during Desert Storm and Baghdad to leading tactical medical operations in Chicago, Brian shares lessons learned from decades of service in military, EMS, fire, and law enforcement. This episode dives...

In this emotional anniversary episode of  Duty Beyond Duty , host Manny reflects on the journey and evolution of the podcast over the past year — from meaningful conversations with police officers, veterans, firefighters, educators, athletes, and community leaders, to creating a platform centered on healing, resilience, and purpose beyond the uniform. This Memorial Day tribute honors all fallen of...

n this episode of  Duty Beyond Duty , host Manny Guzman sits down with Chicago Police SWAT Sergeant and founder of Sentinel Drone Solutions,  Robert “Bob” Sekera . With over three decades of experience in public safety, Sekera shares his journey from the front lines of high-risk operations to leading with purpose under pressure. From his early beginnings to commanding in critical incidents, this c...

On this episode of  Duty Beyond Duty , host Manny Guzman sits down with Clarence Hubbard — a U.S. Navy veteran who served 8 years on the open seas before dedicating 20 years to the Chicago Police Department. Clarence shares his journey from military life to law enforcement, reflecting on the discipline, brotherhood, and life lessons that shaped him along the way. From his early days in the Navy to...

In this episode of  Duty Beyond Duty , Manny Guzman sits down with Chicago educator and school leader  Erica Muñoz . A proud Puerto Rican woman and accomplished principal, Erica shares her journey from classroom teacher to educational leader, her recognition in the  Beating the Odds  report, and her passion for building strong school communities. She also opens up about founding  Ladies on the Ver...

In this powerful episode of  Duty Beyond Duty , we sit down with Sonia Medina (Gomez)—an educator, mother, and the spouse of a police officer—to explore life behind the badge from a different perspective. Sonia shares the realities of supporting a first responder, balancing family and career, and carrying the emotional weight that often goes unseen. From the classroom to the home, her story is one...

Lysandra Santiago is a dedicated educator with over two decades of service in Chicago Public Schools, where she began her journey in 2002 as a teacher aide and grew into a leader, mentor, and trusted figure within her school community. With a Master’s degree in Social Work from Dominican University, Lysandra has devoted her career to supporting  diverse learners , ensuring every child—no matter th...

Marine Corps veteran Michael Lill served from 1977 to 1983, completing three years of active duty, three years in the inactive reserve, and deploying twice to the Mediterranean. Since 1984, he has continued his mission in a different uniform—as a teacher. In this episode of  Duty Beyond Duty , we explore leadership, mentorship, and what it truly means to dedicate a lifetime to service.

On this episode of  Duty Beyond Duty , we sit down with Yesenia Ayers — a Chicago mother and dedicated educator whose impact reaches far beyond the classroom. From her upbringing in Chicago to her journey into education, Yesenia shares powerful insights on motherhood, mentorship, and the realities students face today. This episode highlights the strength, resilience, and purpose it takes to shape...

In this powerful crossover episode of  Duty Beyond Duty , host Manny Guzman sits down with  Tatiana Torres  — Chicago teacher, dancer, and host of the  Never Too Shy  podcast — for an honest and impactful conversation about  mental wellness in high-stress careers . Together, they dive into the unseen emotional weight carried by teachers, police officers, veterans, creatives, and community leaders....