Along the Way Life's Journey

Ignacio Berroa: The Path I Chose – A Grammy-Winning Drummer's Path to Freedom

In this episode, Carl interviews legendary Cuban-born jazz drummer Ignacio Berroa who spent over a decade alongside the great Dizzy Gillespie and has performed with icons like McCoy Tyner, Chick Corea, Clark Terry, and Jaco Pastorius. Born into a distinguished Cuban musical family, Ignacio fell in love with jazz at age 11 after his father brought home a Glenn Miller Orchestra record, and he never let go of the dream, even when the regime he lived under made loving American music a punishable offense. Ignacio opens up about what life was really like inside Castro's Cuba: the state surveillance, the religious suppression, the secret nights spent tuning his radio toward Key West to catch Willis Conover and the Voice of America Jazz Hour. He shares the heartbreak of tasting freedom on tours through Spain and knowing he had to return to a country that felt like a prison, and the impossible loyalty that kept him from defecting because two people he loved would have paid the price. When the Port of Mariel finally opened in 1980, his cousin flew from New York and waited in the harbor for a month to bring him home. The conversation moves from the personal to the prophetic as Carl and Ignacio discuss the truth about Marxist regimes that today's young Americans never learned in school, the lessons of the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie, the four and a half years Ignacio's wife and son were held in Cuba as hostages while he tried to make it in New York, and why he believes the Cuban people deserve nothing less than full freedom. With his memoir The Path I Chose: My Story [https://www.amazon.com/Path-Chose-My-Story/dp/B0GTYS1SWR/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.jKRMO1SKQY3zmKn4QAQ77ZKSu_jNneVzehSaWmAwtqgTt-z8g4sZj8vPLLNGUaOTzOL-iS_hsL4EtBMgzXXO7avbTQpYKgh_xlH3Ddo1N7lS9cJhY7NzGV4LgwZr3v-5NJ8Ld5R4dnfJiMj5Gkq7ck0cOMGapI0HaGvkjPIOCVO1Bg9MoTqPLEypJt21BdBKbomRkmEgUSDT067ujTXHXh3d4pBfqSzVy-8UTUkXHTk.Dor0E7BOZIh5vM0m43H0VAcX0Wt1-c5uWMnYGJ8ytew&dib_tag=se&keywords=Ignacio+Berroa&qid=1778378488&sr=8-1] now available on Amazon, Ignacio offers a powerful testimony of resilience, faith, and the unstoppable pursuit of a dream. 🎙️ In this episode: ➡️ Tasting Freedom and Going Back to Prison ➡️ The Mariel Boatlift and the Angel Who Brought Him Home ➡️ Becoming Dizzy Gillespie's Drummer and What Freedom Really Means Connect with Ignacio: Book [https://www.amazon.com/Path-Chose-My-Story/dp/B0GTYS1SWR/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.jKRMO1SKQY3zmKn4QAQ77ZKSu_jNneVzehSaWmAwtqgTt-z8g4sZj8vPLLNGUaOTzOL-iS_hsL4EtBMgzXXO7avbTQpYKgh_xlH3Ddo1N7lS9cJhY7NzGV4LgwZr3v-5NJ8Ld5R4dnfJiMj5Gkq7ck0cOMGapI0HaGvkjPIOCVO1Bg9MoTqPLEypJt21BdBKbomRkmEgUSDT067ujTXHXh3d4pBfqSzVy-8UTUkXHTk.Dor0E7BOZIh5vM0m43H0VAcX0Wt1-c5uWMnYGJ8ytew&dib_tag=se&keywords=Ignacio+Berroa&qid=1778378488&sr=8-1] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/Ignacioberroa1] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ignacioberroa] Connect with Carl: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/carlbuccellatoofficial/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CarlBuccellatoAuthor] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-buccellato-60234139] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVB3YH1iQxK4IL4ya5j4-Jg] Produced by: Social Chameleon [https://socialchameleon.us/]

Pastor Rob Pacienza: Faith, Family, and the Soul of America

In this episode, Carl interviews Pastor Rob Pacienza [https://www.coralridge.org/], Senior Pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church and a leading voice for faith and cultural renewal in America. From a lost teenager who walked into Coral Ridge through a neighbor's invitation, to becoming the third senior pastor in the historic pulpit once held by his mentor Dr. D. James Kennedy, Pastor Rob's story is one of grace, calling, and conviction. Pastor Rob opens up about the moment that reshaped his ministry forever: the loss of his three-year-old daughter Lily to an immune disorder seven years ago. He shares how grief either pushes you into despair or propels you to make every moment count, and how God used that valley to transform his preaching, deepen his empathy, and ignite a fire in the belly to lead boldly in this cultural moment. The conversation moves from the personal to the prophetic as Carl and Pastor Rob discuss the Great Awakening of the 1730s, the Black Robe Regiment, the urgent need for Christians to vote and engage, and the three myths about America's founding that have eroded our national soul. With the 250th anniversary of the United States approaching, Pastor Rob unveils the Celebrate America initiative, his role as co-chair of the National Day of Prayer on May 7th, and a vision to reclaim what made America great in the first place. 🎙️ In this episode: ➡️ From Lost Teenager to Senior Pastor of Coral Ridge ➡️ Losing Lily: Grief, Grace, and a Father's Faith ➡️ The Black Robe Regiment, Then and Now ➡️ Three Myths About America's Christian Founding ➡️ Why the Church Must Lead in This Cultural Moment ➡️ Celebrate America and the 250th Anniversary Connect with Pastor: Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church [https://www.coralridge.org/] CRM TV / City of God Podcast [https://www.coralridge.org/] https://celebrateamerica.org/ Celebrate America [https://celebrateamerica.org/] Connect with Carl: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/carlbuccellatoofficial/] https://www.facebook.com/CarlBuccellatoAuthor Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CarlBuccellatoAuthor] https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-buccellato-60234139 LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-buccellato-60234139] https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVB3YH1iQxK4IL4ya5j4-Jg YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVB3YH1iQxK4IL4ya5j4-Jg] https://toeverypageaturning.com/ Website [https://toeverypageaturning.com/] Produced by: Social Chameleon [https://socialchameleon.us/]

"No Kings" Protests: What They Reveal About America's Moral Foundation

What happens when a nation loses its moral foundation? In this episode, I reflect on the first day of spring and Palm Sunday, when millions gathered to celebrate Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, ironically, while "No Kings" protests unfolded across the United States and the United Kingdom. I share my perspective on the messaging behind these demonstrations and what I believe they reveal about growing division, political tension, voter ID debates, and legislation like the Save America Act. I shine a light on media bias, social turmoil, and institutions many feel are failing, and why I believe these challenges point to a deeper loss of faith, values, and spiritual grounding. I also highlight the importance of strong churches, courageous leadership, and guiding the next generation with purpose. This episode is a call to seek truth, stay informed, strengthen your community, vote wisely, and lead with faith and love. 🎙️ In this episode: ➡️ Palm Sunday and the contrast with "No Kings" protests ➡️ Media bias, political division, and concerns about voter ID and legislation ➡️ Why moral foundations, strong communities, and faith matter for the future Connect with Carl: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/carlbuccellatoofficial/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CarlBuccellatoAuthor] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-buccellato-60234139] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVB3YH1iQxK4IL4ya5j4-Jg] Website [https://toeverypageaturning.com] Produced by: Social Chameleon [https://socialchameleon.us]

Rick Langnas: A Story of Strength, Faith, and the Fight of His Life

One life. One leap of faith. One battle that changed everything. In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Carl sits down with entrepreneur, musician, and fighter Rick Langnas, a man who built a thriving company from the ground up, lived the American dream, and now faces the fight of his life with stage four cancer. From a childhood marked by instability, attending 13 schools in 12 years, Rick learned early how to adapt, fight, and persevere. Those lessons carried him into a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry, where he eventually took a leap of faith, left a secure position, and built United Medco into a company employing over 250 people before selling it to a major firm. And just as life seemed to open into a new chapter of freedom…everything changed. Diagnosed with stage four renal cancer, Rick was forced into a battle he never saw coming. What followed was not surrender, but strength in motion. With unwavering resolve, he chose to focus not on what he couldn't control, but on how he would respond. Through treatments, setbacks, and uncertainty, Rick continues to live with intention, leaning on faith, discipline, music, and mindset to carry him forward. This episode is a raw and inspiring look at resilience, perspective, and what it truly means to live a good life. It is a reminder that even in life's darkest moments, you can still choose courage, purpose, and joy. 🎙️ In this episode: ➡️ From 13 Schools to Building a 250+ Employee Company ➡️ The Leap of Faith That Changed Everything ➡️ Life After Selling a Successful Business ➡️ Facing Stage 4 Cancer Head-On ➡️ Strength, Mindset, and the Power of Small Steps ➡️ Music, Boxing, and Finding Therapy in the Fight ➡️ Choosing to Live Fully in the Face of Uncertainty Connect with Rick: Email: fightforward43@gmail.com KrushBand [https://www.facebook.com/KRUSHBand] Connect with Carl: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/carlbuccellatoofficial/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CarlBuccellatoAuthor] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-buccellato-60234139] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVB3YH1iQxK4IL4ya5j4-Jg] Website [https://toeverypageaturning.com] Produced by: Social Chameleon [https://socialchameleon.us]

Starting a Business the Right Way: Why Every Entrepreneur Needs a Plan

How to start a successful business is something people ask me about all the time. Bottom line: you must have a solid plan. After more than 65 years as an entrepreneur, I've learned that success rarely comes without preparation, discipline, and a clear understanding of the market. In this episode, I share why I believe the opportunity to build a successful company in America is greater today than it has ever been. While technology and industries have changed dramatically since I first started, one principle has never changed: people want to do business with people they know, like, and trust. In this episode, I explain that the first step in starting a business is not filing paperwork or building a website, but clearly defining your idea and understanding the problem you are trying to solve. Before investing significant time or money, I encourage entrepreneurs to identify their customers, test their idea with real people, and determine whether their solution truly meets a need. Too many startups fail because they rush ahead without validating their concept or thinking through the risks and realities of running a business. I also share the story behind one of my early companies and how recognizing a simple problem in the real estate industry led to the creation of a new service model. My experience has taught me that successful businesses grow from solving REAL problems for REAL people. With thoughtful planning, financial discipline, and the willingness to work hard through challenges, entrepreneurship can become one of the most fulfilling journeys a person can take. 🎙️ In this episode: ➡️ Why America Still Offers Incredible Opportunities for Entrepreneurs ➡️ The One Rule of Business That Never Changes ➡️ Why Most Startups Fail in Their First Year ➡️ The Real First Step Before You Start Any Business ➡️ How Solving One Problem Created an Entire New Business Resources Mentioned in This Episode: The E-Myth by Michael Gerber [https://a.co/d/04pflTDz] SCORE Mentorship Program [https://www.score.org/] National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) [https://www.nfib.com/] Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [https://www.irs.gov/] Amazon For Small Businesses [https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/small-business/meet-the-new-amazon-small-business-academy-an-expanded-suite-of-free-resources-for-entrepreneurs] Microsoft Tools for Small Businesses [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/business] Connect with Carl: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/carlbuccellatoofficial/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CarlBuccellatoAuthor] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-buccellato-60234139] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVB3YH1iQxK4IL4ya5j4-Jg] Website [https://toeverypageaturning.com] Produced by: Social Chameleon [https://socialchameleon.us]