Buckle Up Podcast Universe with Brandon Rush & Mama Rush

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Episode Description:

On today’s episode of the Buckle Up Podcast, we’re joined live from London by Daniella — or as we like to call her, Dora the Explorer.  She’s down-to-earth, adventurous, and full of stories from her travels. Daniella also opens up about her love of working with children, the advice that guides her, and where she sees herself in the next five years.

It’s a positive, inspiring conversation that shows the heart behind the journey — and why “Dora Explorer” fits her perfectly. 

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Dr. Chaimae – Medicine, Music, and the Mind

On this episode of the Buckle Up Podcast Universe, we sit down with the brilliant and multi-talented Dr. Chaimae. Born in Morocco, Chai's journey has taken her across continents—studying medicine in Morocco and France, before moving to Montreal to continue her training, pursue research, and explore her growing passion for psychiatry.

Her story is not only about medicine—it’s about resilience, creativity, and balance. In addition to her work as a doctor and researcher, Chai is also...

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On this episode of the Buckle Up Podcast Universe, we sit down with the brilliant and multi-talented Dr. Shai. Born in Morocco, Shai’s journey has taken her across continents—studying medicine in Morocco and France, before moving to Montreal to continue her training, pursue research, and explore her growing passion for psychiatry.

Her story is not only about medicine—it’s about resilience, creativity, and balance. In addition to her work as a doctor and researcher, Shai is also a DJ who performs under the name Red Monkey...

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Guest Spotlight: Alyssa Gaiser

Today we were joined by the incredible Alyssa Geyser, a brilliant mind and longtime friend of mine from her days at UCLA. Alyssa holds a B.S. in Chemistry with a Minor in Mathematics from UCLA, earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry at Florida State University, and went on to a postdoctoral fellowship in Radiochemistry at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. She is now an Assistant Professor in Radiochemistry at Michigan State University, where she continues to push the field forward.

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Episode Write-Up: Bobby Chacon

On today’s episode of the Buckle Up Podcast Universe, we sit down with Bobby Chacón, a retired FBI agent with a remarkable story.

Bobby takes us through his early career as an attorney, his transition into the FBI, and how he went on to create a legacy inside the Bureau. He developed the FBI’s underwater forensics program in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Washington D.C.—and at the time, his New York unit was the only FBI dive team in existen...

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On today’s episode of the Buckle Up Podcast Universe with Brandon Rush and Mama Rush, we welcome James, an RN and BSN, who shares his incredible journey from growing up on the West Coast in Oregon to serving in the Navy and ultimately finding his calling in nursing.

James talks about following in his father’s footsteps by joining the Navy right after high school, the valuable lessons he learned during his service, and how those experiences shaped his decision to become a nurse.

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On today’s episode of the Buckle Up Podcast Universe, we welcomed the incredible Alma Graham. Growing up in Memphis, Alma was selected at age 14 for the A Better Chance (ABC) Scholar Program, starting with a three-week prep experience in Minnesota before attending St. Paul’s School, a preparatory school in New Hampshire. With her mother’s guidance to pursue either law or medicine, she went on to Boston University and later earned her law degree from UCLA, and now practices health law. Her story of determination, education, and persev...

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 Giovanni Guido on College, Swimming, Service, and Chasing Dreams

Today we had the pleasure of welcoming Giovanni Guido, affectionately known as “The Nephew,” to the Buckle Up Podcast Universe. Originally from South Carolina and now a collegiate swimmer at St. Vincent, Giovanni opened up about navigating his first year of college, balancing the demands of competitive swimming with a challenging pre-medical program.

He also shared powerful insights about his volunteer work overseas, giving back to communities in need, and the perspective he gained from...

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Nurse Tiffany Returns: Blu Mermaid Facials, Skincare Routines & More

We were thrilled to welcome back Nurse Tiffany for her second episode on the Buckle Up Podcast Universe! This time, she treated us to a live Blu Mermaid facial right from her office—an incredible experience to watch in real time. She also introduced us to a new patient and walked us through her updated product lineup and personalized skincare techniques.

From custom routines to in-office treatments, Nurse Tiffany broke down everything she’s doin...

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Today we had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Blaze Barnes, a rising football star out of South Carolina and the stepson of Lieutenant Colonel Josh Greb, who you may remember from a recent episode.

Blaze is an incredible young man—grounded in faith, driven by discipline, and full of heart. In this episode, he opens up about:

 His love for the game

 How he handles adversity

 The mindset he carries into every challenge

 His goals going into junior year<...

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Grow and Glow Productsgrowandglowproducts.com

Episode Title: Tressa from Grow and Glow – Breaking Down Beauty & Wellness

We were thrilled to welcome back Tressa from Grow and Glow on today’s episode — and as always, she was absolutely wonderful.

Tressa took us deeper into her product line, including the samples she recently shared with us. Her passion and knowledge shine through in every detail. She broke down the key components of each product, explained how they work, and shared insight into the full range of services she offers client...

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Episode Title: Lieutenant Colonel Josh Greb – Brotherhood, Flight, and Legacy

On this special episode, we were honored to welcome Lieutenant Colonel Josh Greb, a United States Marine and one of my best friends since day one of college. Josh isn’t just a friend — he’s like a brother to me. From working side-by-side in Five Points during our college years to watching him rise through the ranks of the military, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing his incredible journey firsthand.

Josh told me on...

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Buckle Up Podcast Universe – Special Guest: Roscoe Wilson 

Today, we had the incredible honor of welcoming Roscoe Wilson, father of WNBA superstar A’ja Wilson, to the Buckle Up Podcast Universe with Brandon Rush and Mama Rush. This episode was more than just a conversation—it was a journey through legacy, perseverance, and the foundation of greatness.

Roscoe opened up about his upbringing in South Carolina, reflecting on the powerful influence of his mother and father, and how their values helped shape the man he is today...

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 New Episode: Behind the Casting Table with Rachel Rose Oginsky: Casting Associate of 'The Bold and The Beautiful'

In this inspiring episode, today we had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Casting Director Rachel Rose Oginsky, whose story is as inspiring as it is informative. With over a decade in the industry, Rachel walks us through her incredible journey—from growing up in Michigan and following her faith, to taking a leap of faith and moving to California to pursue her dreams.

Rachel shares how she...

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We had Tyrell on the show today, and he was excellent. Tyrell shared his journey as Director of Bands —how his love for music started, how it shaped his life growing up, and how he now uses that passion to inspire and guide the next generation.

He also opened up about his career pursuing professional wrestling, from training and working the independent circuits to trying out for WWE and working with them.

Tyrell is incredibly knowledgeable, inspiring, and just a genuinely great guy. I’ve known him since college, and...

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Oggi nel Buckle Up Podcast Universe

Siamo onorati di dare nuovamente il benvenuto a Roberta Sparta—ma questa volta ha portato con sé qualcuno di davvero speciale: suo padre, Giovanni Sparta, in collegamento in diretta dall’Italia 🇮🇹

In questo episodio pieno di cuore, Giovanni ci racconta il suo incredibile percorso di vita—dall’infanzia in Sicilia, al servizio militare, fino alla costruzione di un’azienda di abbigliamento insieme a sua moglie. Tra risate, saggezza e racconti profondi, ci trasmette le lezioni di vita che lo hanno reso l’uomo che è oggi.

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 Episode Title: Keeping Up with Lana on Location (Part 2)

Guest: Lana Harris

We were thrilled to welcome back Lana Harris for her second appearance on the Buckle Up Podcast Universe. This episode dives into her latest venture: “Lana on Location”—a powerful new series where Lana travels across the United States, reporting live and sharing raw, inspiring stories from the road.

Lana opens up about what it’s been like stepping far outside her comfort zone, choosing the road less traveled to pursue...

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 New Episode – Buckle Up with Virgil

On this episode of the Buckle Up Podcast Universe, we welcome Virgil to the show for the very first time—and this one’s family.

Virgil takes us on a journey through his life, from playing college basketball to hooping overseas in Australia, Brazil, and Europe. He shares what it was like living that athlete grind across continents—and then how his path pivoted into the world of computers and tech.

It’s a story of discipli...

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  Live from Cannes: Roberta Sparter Returns 

In this special episode, Roberta Sparter joins us live from the iconic Cannes Film Festival, offering an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the real work that goes into getting a film on the international stage. From navigating the submission process to securing global distribution, Roberta breaks down the business behind the buzz.

She opens up about the challenges, surprises, and triumphs that filmmakers face—not just on the red carpet, but in the boardrooms and backchannels of Cannes. If y...

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Kody — Strength, Soul, and the People Who Shaped Him

On this episode, we sit down with Kody, a truly great guy and a wise soul beyond his years. Kody manages a gym facility where he helps others pursue their fitness goals, but his story runs much deeper than just weights and workouts.

Kody opens up about his upbringing and the incredible influence his grandparents had on molding the man he is today. He reflects on how his neighbors, his community, and the sports he...

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 In this powerful episode, Brandon Rush joins the Just Acting Up Show to share his incredible journey as an actor and the dedication that fueled his success.

Brandon takes us deep into his career story:

 How he got started in the acting industry

 What it was like working with icons like Jennifer Lopez and Betty White

 His roles on major shows like Power Book II: Ghost, Blue Bloods, and many more

 The grind of flying across the U.S. — New York, A...

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 We are thrilled to welcome Roberta Sparta to the Buckle Up Podcast Universe! Roberta, who portrayed Celly Organa in the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, joins us to share her incredible journey into the Star Wars universe.

In this episode, Roberta opens up about:

 How she was cast in the role of Celly Organa

 What it felt like to get the call and officially join the Star Wars family

 Her experiences working on set and bringing this character to life

 The magic of being part of su...

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We were thrilled to welcome back Nurse Gabby for her second appearance on the Buckle Up Podcast! A fan favorite, Gabby always brings heart, honesty, and valuable insight.

In this episode, she dives deeper into the world of nursing — sharing advice on working at union vs. non-union hospitals, navigating workplace challenges, and supporting fellow nurses.

Beyond nursing, Gabby opens up about relationships, offering thoughtful guidance on dating and maintaining healthy connections. She also educates us on peptides — explaining what they are, how they work...

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1. Real Crime Profile Podcast 2. Best Case Worst Case Podcast

Jim Clemente is a dear friend of mine—someone I’ve known for over a decade since we first met while I was working as Agent Rush on Criminal Minds. Jim is a retired FBI agent who served as a behavioral analyst, and during his time with the Bureau, he worked on some of the most high-profile cases in recent history.

In this episode, Jim shares incredible stories from his career, including his work on the D.C. S...

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 Randy “KEL1ST” Rodriguez: A True Pioneer of Hip-Hop and Street Art Cultureiiiuuu

On this episode of the Buckle Up Podcast Universe, we had the honor of sitting down with Randy “KEL1ST” Rodriguez, a living legend and cultural icon in the world of graffiti and street art. Born and raised in New York City, Randy quickly rose to prominence during the graffiti revolution of the 1970s, becoming a master of “Wild Style” lettering and a key figure in the birth of Hip-Hop culture.

Randy shared his incredibl...

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Jessie Imundi @jessieconfidential @stormridermovie 

Today on the Buckle Up Podcast Universe, we were honored to sit down with the amazing Jessie Imundi, executive producer and visionary behind the upcoming film Stormrider: Legends of Hammerhead.

Jessie shared the inspiring story behind the film—how it came to life, its recent premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, and the excitement leading up to its Christmas Day theatrical release. But beyond the movie, it was Jessie’s faith-filled journey that truly moved us.

She spoke about being raise...

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 Nikky Bourbon – Walking Her Own Path

Today we had the pleasure of speaking with the incredibly grounded and inspiring Nikky Bourbon. From a young age, teachers recognized her gift for poetry and singing, and their early support helped spark a lifelong journey into music and self-expression.

Nikky opened up about the importance of inner work, staying aligned with your purpose, and the grit it takes to pursue your dreams—especially in the entertainment industry. She also shared powerful insights about mentorship, particularly how she now gives back...

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Today on the Buckle Up Podcast Universe, we were joined by the incredible Alysha Lee — and wow, what a beautiful soul.

Alysha brought light, wisdom, and authenticity to every moment. She spoke openly about her faith, her drive to inspire others, and how she’s committed to living life to the fullest while giving back every step of the way.

From her work in trading and finance, to her talents as an actress, swimmer, and dancer, Alysha has truly walked many paths — and been s...

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 New Episode: Roberta Sparta — From Milan to the Stars

Today, we had a wonderful and inspiring conversation with the incredible Roberta Sparta, a multi-talented actress, model, producer, and director originally from Italy.

Roberta shared her remarkable journey — from being discovered while shopping in Italy to modeling in Milan, doing international commercials, and ultimately pursuing her dream of acting. Backed by supportive parents who ran their own fashion business, she took a bold leap and auditioned in London for a prestigious acting school… which led her...

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 Adrienne Lau Returns to the Buckle Up Podcast Universe! 

We were thrilled to welcome back the multi-talented Adrienne Lau for her second episode on the Buckle Up Podcast Universe with Brandon Rush and Mama Rush! Live from Hong Kong , Adrienne gave us the inside scoop on her global travels and all things Crazy Celeb Social—including what’s in store for Season 2!

In this episode, we dive into:

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 Dominic Nardelli Returns: Military Recruitment, Real Talk, and Retirement

We got him back! Dominic Nardelli returns for Round Two on the Buckle Up Podcast Universe—and this time, he dives deep into everything military.

In this episode, Dominic opens up about his experience as a National Guard recruiter, offering detailed advice for anyone considering joining the military—especially young people trying to figure out their path. He shares powerful stories from his time in recruitment, the people he helped guide, and the lessons learn...

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Today’s Guest: Austin Scott 

It was an honor having Austin Scott on the Buckle Up Podcast Universe today. This one was extra special — our families go way back. When I was in college, Austin was just a kid growing up, and now he’s a proud graduate of the University of South Carolina — just like me. Gamecocks for life!

Austin earned his degree in Business with a minor in Social Media Marketing, and he’s already building something amazing with his photography company. We had a meaningfu...

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“We didn’t know it all— we learned with love, led with kindness, and earned our way to the top.”

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Blueprint for the Dreamers, Breaking Barriers, Amy Aldana: UCLA Educated, Harvard Empowered, Unstoppable From Community College to Harvard: A Blueprint for the Dreamers

We were incredibly lucky—and truly blessed—to have Amy Aldana (spelled A-L-D-A-N-A) join us on the Buckle Up Podcast Universe with Brandon Rush and Mama Rush.

Brandon has known Amy for over a decade, and her journey is nothing short of phenomenal. She joined us to talk about overcoming every obstacle, and how determination, vision, and purpose can carry you...

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A Father’s Day Tribute to My Godfather – Ralph Gaeta

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When you’re blessed enough to have a godfather like Ralph Gaeta, you never take it for granted. From the earliest days of my childhood, Ralph has always been there—steady, loyal, and full of heart. Whether it was us driving up to D.C. to see him, or him making the trip down to Virginia, Ralph has always shown up.

Born and raised in Queens, New York...

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Father’s Day Tribute – For My Dad, My Hero

Today, on Father’s Day, I want to honor the man who shaped me, guided me, and continues to inspire me every single day—my father, David Nathaniel Smith.

My dad wasn’t just a provider—he was a presence. Strong, steady, wise. He loved his family with a quiet, unshakable strength, and he carried his values into every moment, every lesson, every example he set.

Everything I’ve built—Buckle U...

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Kayla Parker returns for her second episode on the Buckle Up Podcast—and this time, it’s our special Father’s Day edition.

We dive deep into family, legacy, and strength as Kayla opens up about her relationship with her dad—and then pays a beautiful tribute to her incredible mother.

Kayla’s mom, Miss Parker, is a true force: not only did she run a daycare while raising her family, but she’s also a trained martial artist, a fierce softball player, and a passio...

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A Voice Meant to Be Heard – Featuring Sophia

In this special Father’s Day , we were graced with the beautiful voice of Sophia—a voice that truly moved us all.

Without even planning it, Sophia followed what was on her heart and sang a song that felt perfectly placed in the moment. On a day where we honor fathers around the world, her performance touched something deeper. It was soulful, heartfelt, and filled with emotion—reminding us how powerful music can be in healing, connecting, and expressing love.

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 Stepping Beyond the Comfort Zone – with Sydney Fox

On this powerful episode of the Buckle Up Podcast, we sit down with the incredible Sydney Fox—a woman of wisdom, courage, and spirit. Sydney brought a deep and thought-provoking energy to our conversation, leaving us inspired and uplifted.

From growing up in Texas and building strength through sports, to journeying across the world—including her time in Australia—Sydney has never been afraid to step outside her comfort zone. She shares how those bold moves...

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“The Day I Met Halle Berry”

You never know how fast life can flip on you.

One day, you’re reeling from a breakup—heart cracked, confidence shot—and the next, you’re face-to-face with Halle Berry.

That’s exactly what happened to me.

I had just gone through a breakup, and the very next day, I met one of the most iconic, beautiful, and powerful women in Hollywood.

She was magnetic. The kind of presence that reminds you who you are.

And in that...