Ep. 30 “Puerto Rican Chicago: Culture, Flavor & Sound”

Ep. 30 “Puerto Rican Chicago: Culture, Flavor & Sound”

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, and the traditions that continue bringing generations together every summer on Division Street. This episode also highlights modern Puerto Rican Chicago culture through the stories of: 🇵🇷 Dope Drip Cafe & Chef Manch 🇵🇷 Smash Jibarito 🇵🇷 Sandwichera & Mikey Sanchez Jr. 🇵🇷 DJ Cuco Through food, music, entrepreneurship, and community, these stories represent the next generation continuing the Puerto Rican legacy in Chicago. Hosted by Manny Guzman — Chicago Police Sergeant, Army veteran, and proud Puerto Rican. Que viva Puerto Rico. Que viva Chicago. WEPA.

Ep. 29 "Duty on and off the Field" with Officer Scott Flores

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 Police Soccer Club, an organization that uses the game of soccer to build relationships with youth, strengthen community ties, and create positive interactions between first responders and the neighborhoods they serve. The club's mission includes mentoring young people and giving back through outreach events and charitable efforts.  Join host Manny Guzman as they discuss: * Growing up and the influences that shaped Scott's life * His transition from the Cook County Sheriff's Office to CPD * The challenges and rewards of a career in law enforcement * The mission and impact of the Chicago Police Soccer Club * Building trust through sports and community engagement * Brotherhood, leadership, family, and service This episode is about more than soccer and policing—it's about using your platform to make a difference and proving that service extends far beyond the uniform. Listen now and discover what it truly means to live a life of Duty Beyond Duty. #DutyBeyondDuty #ChicagoPolice #ChicagoPoliceSoccerClub #CPDSoccer #CookCountySheriff #CommunityPolicing #LawEnforcement #Chicago #FirstResponders #SoccerForChange #ServiceBeforeSelf

Ep. 28 "From the Corps to Command: Sergeant Nick Cervantes”

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 that shaped him as a leader. He opens up about transitioning from military service to law enforcement, the realities of policing in Chicago, and what it means to lead officers in today's challenging environment. As Memorial Day approaches, the conversation takes a deeper turn as Nick reflects on the true meaning of the holiday, honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation and our communities. Together, Manny and Nick discuss the importance of remembering the fallen, supporting Gold Star families, and preserving the legacy of those who gave everything. The episode also pays tribute to the late William Betancourt, a respected leader, mentor, teammate, and friend whose impact continues to be felt throughout the Chicago Police Department. Through personal stories, leadership lessons, and heartfelt memories, Nick and Manny reflect on the lasting influence Deputy Chief Betancourt had on those fortunate enough to serve alongside him. This episode is about more than uniforms and rank. It's about purpose, leadership, brotherhood, legacy, and the responsibility we all share to remember those who came before us. 🇺🇸 Honor the Fallen. Support the Living. Never Forget. 🎧 Follow Duty Beyond Duty on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Pandora, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

Ep. 27 “Duty Never Retires: The Journey of Jose Hernandez”

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 decision to join the U.S. Army. He walks us through his early years in uniform, the moment he chose to pursue a commission as an officer, and how leadership evolved throughout his career. Jose reflects on his time as an officer, including deployments, command responsibilities, and the weight of leading Soldiers. After retirement, Jose didn’t step away from service. He explains his current role with AAFES, how the mission continues in a new form, and why supporting Soldiers and their families remains personal. The conversation also dives into life beyond the uniform—being a husband and father, balancing duty with family, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. This episode is a testament to leadership that doesn’t end at retirement—and a reminder that duty never truly retires.

Ep. 26 From the Battlefield to the Badge — The Heart Behind the Shield

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.