Buckle Up Podcast Universe with Brandon Rush & Mama Rush

Brandon Rush

Buckle Up Podcast Universe with Brandon Rush & Mama Rush Welcome to the Buckle Up Podcast Universe with Brandon Rush & Mama Rush, where everyone has a seat at the table. Hosted by actor Brandon Rush — who has appeared in over 77 TV shows and films (and counting) — alongside his beloved co-host, his mother Carolyn, better known as Mama Rush, this is a place where real stories and real people shine. From celebrity interviews to medical doctors, news anchors to veterans, teachers to everyday heroes — we bring together voices from all walks of life. At Buckle Up, we believe that what makes people truly unique is how much we can all relate to one another across different experiences. Here, everyone’s welcome. Every story matters. Every journey counts. Whether you’re a household name or a hometown hero, you’re part of the family. Buckle up — because real conversations, real heart, and real connection are what drive us. This is the Buckle Up Podcast Universe. “From the bottom to Blue Bloods.” This is what legacy sounds like. Available now on Spotify and all major platforms. #BuckleUpPodcast #BlueBloods #FamilyFirst #MamaRushDebut #KindnessWins #ClearEyesFullHeartsCantLose

  1. Stephenie Rodriguez l Founder of WanderSafe l Cerebral Malaria Survivor- Given 2%: Why I Chose to Live On With Purpose

    1D AGO

    Stephenie Rodriguez l Founder of WanderSafe l Cerebral Malaria Survivor- Given 2%: Why I Chose to Live On With Purpose

    Send us a text website   wandersafe.com Stephenie Rodriguez, Founder of WanderSafe and a Interfere Malaria Survivor, shares her story of resilience, survival, and purpose after being given 2% chance to live. Stephenie Rodriguez (@DigitalGodess) joins the Buckle Up Podcast Universe with an extraordinary story of resilience, purpose, and global impact. Originally Puerto Rican and now living in Sydney, Stephenie opens up about a near-death experience and a brutal medical journey that included multiple hip dislocations, a fracture, and a 6.5-hour emergency surgery—followed by the hard road back to health, strength, and training. Today, she’s not only back on her feet—she’s competing as a Parafencing athlete for Team USA, building as a tech founder with WanderSafe (Wandersafe.com), and serving as a Changemaker/Ambassador for The Global Fund, where her work helped raise $11.34 billion USD last year to fight HIV, TB, and Malaria at the G20. This conversation is about grit, service, second chances, and the decision to live—and leave—the world better than you found it. Support the show “We didn’t know it all— we learned with love, led with kindness, and earned our way to the top.”

    1h 16m
  2. Building What You Believe In: Mark R. Warren of Vai Dai Coffee

    JAN 28

    Building What You Believe In: Mark R. Warren of Vai Dai Coffee

    Send us a text We absolutely loved having Mark R. Warren, CEO and co-founder of Vai Dai Coffee, on the show today. Instagram: @VaiDaiCoffee   www.vaidaicoffee.com Originally from Massachusetts, Mark shared his non-traditional journey into entrepreneurship — from a background rooted in discipline and martial arts, to carving out a career in tech, then co-founding a successful wine company with his partner Tom, and ultimately branching into the world of coffee. What made Mark’s story so compelling wasn’t just the success — it was the process. He spoke honestly about the steps, the learning curves, and the realities of building something from the ground up. His path is a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship isn’t linear, it isn’t easy — but it is possible with vision, discipline, and integrity. At the heart of Vai Dai Coffee is something we truly respect: Mark’s commitment to putting a product into the world that he feels good standing behind — one rooted in quality, intention, and responsibility. That integrity shows in both the brand and the person. Mark’s story is one of hope, grit, and smart risk-taking, and it’s exactly the kind of journey that inspires people who are thinking about building something of their own. We proudly support Vai Dai Coffee 1,000% and are grateful to have Mark as part of the Buckle Up family. Support the show “We didn’t know it all— we learned with love, led with kindness, and earned our way to the top.”

    1h 13m
  3. The Business of Trust with Kevin Blackburn | Doing Staffing Differently with Kevin Blackburn at 360X Staffing

    JAN 26

    The Business of Trust with Kevin Blackburn | Doing Staffing Differently with Kevin Blackburn at 360X Staffing

    Send us a text Today on the Buckle Up Podcast Universe, we sat down with Kevin Blackburn, co-founder of 360X Staffing, for a powerful conversation on leadership, relationships, and building a people-first company in the staffing and construction space. Kevin shared his journey from starting in the staffing industry in Arizona to co-founding 360X Staffing in 2013 alongside his business partner, Eric Ganz. Drawing from experience at both large nationwide firms and mid-sized organizations, Kevin broke down how trust, transparency, and strong relationships are the real drivers of long-term success. He spoke candidly about why clients prefer to work with people they know, like, and trust—and how staffing done right allows construction companies to focus on what they do best while manpower needs are handled seamlessly. Raised in Columbus, Ohio, and shaped by a strong Midwest work ethic, Kevin also touched on how discipline, accountability, and continuous improvement guide both his leadership style and the culture at 360X Staffing. As a proud Ohio State University alumnus, his drive to constantly elevate the client and employee experience was evident throughout the conversation. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, staffing, construction, leadership, and building businesses rooted in relationships—not just transactions.  Available now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. Support the show “We didn’t know it all— we learned with love, led with kindness, and earned our way to the top.”

    1h 10m
  4. Loyalty Over Everything : Catching Up with Kayla Parker

    JAN 24

    Loyalty Over Everything : Catching Up with Kayla Parker

    Send us a text We had Kayla Parker back on the show today for her third episode, and as always, she delivered. It’s always great catching up with Kayla—we talk football, life updates, what’s been going on down in Miami, and everything in between. We also get into real conversations about loyalty, growth, and navigating life as things change. Always a great time having her on. Support the show “We didn’t know it all— we learned with love, led with kindness, and earned our way to the top.”

    55 min
  5. From Law to London Stages: Stephanie Okoye's Leap of Faith

    JAN 23

    From Law to London Stages: Stephanie Okoye's Leap of Faith

    Send us a text Spotlight Guest: Stephanie Okoye  We were honored to welcome Stephanie Okoye to the Buckle Up Podcast Universe, joining us live from London—and what a conversation it was. I had the pleasure of meeting Stephanie while performing at acting showcases in London, where she was truly outstanding. In fact, her command of accents and performance was so strong that I initially thought she was American—only to learn she’s British. That’s how exceptional her work is. On the show, Stephanie opened up about her journey into acting, sharing how she’s always had a natural gift for accents and storytelling. She walked us through her path from starting out in law to making the bold decision to shift focus and follow her passion for acting—an inspiring reminder that it’s okay in life to pivot and chase what truly calls you. She also spoke about her studies abroad, including time in Barcelona and France, and how those experiences shaped her worldview, her voice, and her artistry. The conversation was thoughtful, inspiring, and full of heart—and we absolutely loved every moment of it. Stephanie Okoye is a powerful example of talent meeting courage, and we’re grateful she shared her story with the Buckle Up community. Support the show “We didn’t know it all— we learned with love, led with kindness, and earned our way to the top.”

    1h 8m
  6. An International Road to Medicine: Dr. Smitha's Story

    JAN 15

    An International Road to Medicine: Dr. Smitha's Story

    Send us a text Today we had Dr. Smitha on the show, and she was absolutely incredible. She’s a family practice physician with experience across pediatrics, geriatrics, and sports medicine, and she took us through her entire journey—from start to finish. Dr. Smitha shared her international journey, beginning with her roots in India and moving to Connecticut at a young age. She spoke powerfully about her parents’ work ethic and how watching them work tirelessly inspired her and her siblings to pursue excellence themselves. That drive led her to University of Connecticut, where she studied biology, and from there she explored a wide range of academic paths before deciding to pursue medicine. She applied to medical schools across the world and ultimately attended medical school in the Caribbean, an experience that became a defining part of her story. From there, Dr. Smitha’s career took her across multiple cities and systems—training and working in Miami, New York, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, including time at Drexel University. Each stop added another layer to her growth as both a physician and a person. It was an incredibly powerful conversation, and hearing her resilience, adaptability, and commitment to medicine made for a truly inspiring episode. Support the show “We didn’t know it all— we learned with love, led with kindness, and earned our way to the top.”

    1h 9m
  7. Let Your Money Work for You: Real Financial Wisdom with Vice President Brian Garbe

    JAN 14

    Let Your Money Work for You: Real Financial Wisdom with Vice President Brian Garbe

    Send us a text  Instagram: @brandonrushh | @buckleuppodcast IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3614628 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/buckle-up-podcast-universe-with-brandon-rush-mama-rush/id1807999562 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08EDn7c64jyM93xzXHixsg Man, we had an absolute blast talking with Brian Garbe. Brian is a Vice President in the Commercial Finance world.  who came on the Buckle Up Podcast Universe and didn’t just talk numbers — he talked life. From financial literacy to character, Brian dropped real, usable wisdom for people at every stage of life. He broke down how to be smarter with money, how to invest (even when things aren’t perfect), and how to let your money work for you instead of constantly chasing it. What really stood out was how real he kept it — acknowledging that life has ups and downs, ebbs and flows, and that nobody gets it right all the time. Brian spoke honestly about character, integrity, and leading with heart. Not in a flashy way — but in a grounded, practical way that actually sticks. He made it clear that you’re never too far gone to reset, refocus, and move forward — even if your credit isn’t great or you’ve made mistakes in the past. This episode wasn’t just for adults, and it wasn’t just for kids — it was for anyone trying to do better, live smarter, and build something sustainable over time. A lot of sound advice. A lot of wisdom. And a reminder that progress is always possible if you’re willing to learn and stay intentional.  Don’t miss this one. Support the show “We didn’t know it all— we learned with love, led with kindness, and earned our way to the top.”

    1h 9m
  8. More Than a Nurse: Gabby on Passion, Purpose, and the Future of Healthcare

    JAN 9

    More Than a Nurse: Gabby on Passion, Purpose, and the Future of Healthcare

    Send us a text  Nurse Gabby Returns to the Buckle Up Podcast Universe  Instagram: @brandonrushh | @buckleuppodcast IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3614628 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/buckle-up-podcast-universe-with-brandon-rush-mama-rush/id1807999562 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08EDn7c64jyM93xzXHixsg We welcomed Nurse Gabby back for an honest, uplifting conversation that went far beyond scrubs and shifts. From her love of dancing and staying grounded outside the hospital, to real talk about the current healthcare system, Gabby shares what it actually means to care for people in today’s world. She also offers powerful advice for anyone considering a career in nursing—the realities, the rewards, and what she wishes more people understood before stepping into the field. This episode is equal parts inspiring, informative, and real. Whether you’re in healthcare, thinking about it, or just love hearing from people who lead with heart—this one’s for you. Support the show “We didn’t know it all— we learned with love, led with kindness, and earned our way to the top.”

    48 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Buckle Up Podcast Universe with Brandon Rush & Mama Rush Welcome to the Buckle Up Podcast Universe with Brandon Rush & Mama Rush, where everyone has a seat at the table. Hosted by actor Brandon Rush — who has appeared in over 77 TV shows and films (and counting) — alongside his beloved co-host, his mother Carolyn, better known as Mama Rush, this is a place where real stories and real people shine. From celebrity interviews to medical doctors, news anchors to veterans, teachers to everyday heroes — we bring together voices from all walks of life. At Buckle Up, we believe that what makes people truly unique is how much we can all relate to one another across different experiences. Here, everyone’s welcome. Every story matters. Every journey counts. Whether you’re a household name or a hometown hero, you’re part of the family. Buckle up — because real conversations, real heart, and real connection are what drive us. This is the Buckle Up Podcast Universe. “From the bottom to Blue Bloods.” This is what legacy sounds like. Available now on Spotify and all major platforms. #BuckleUpPodcast #BlueBloods #FamilyFirst #MamaRushDebut #KindnessWins #ClearEyesFullHeartsCantLose

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