Duty Beyond Duty

Manny Guzman

From the streets of Chicago to the sands of foreign lands, one man has stood at the crossroads of service and sacrifice. Army Veteran, Police Sergeant, Father, Husband, Brother and Leader. Behind the badge and beyond the uniform, Manny Guzman carries a story shaped by loss, defined by purpose and fueled by a mission to uplift those who have served. He created this podcast not for fame, but for healing. For every first responder who has fought a silent war. For every veteran who has carried a hidden wound. For every family that has felt the weight of sacrifice.

  1. 7H AGO

    Ep. 13 From Desert Storm to Summit: The Leadership Journey of Chief Mel Ortiz

    In this episode of Duty Beyond Duty, host Manny Guzman sits down with Chief Melchor “Mel” Ortiz, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Chief of Police for the Village of Summit, Illinois. From serving in Operation Desert Storm (1988–1992) to leading a modern police department, Chief Ortiz shares his story of resilience, discipline, and service. Hear how his military roots continue to shape his leadership, his connection to the community, and his vision for the next generation of officers. 🎧 Duty. Honor. Brotherhood. This is Duty Beyond Duty.

    37 min

  2. APR 13

    Ep. 12 “Sgt. Glenn Topping – From SWAT to Storyteller”

    etired Sgt. Glenn Topping — U.S. Army Military Police veteran, 25-year member of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, and former SWAT Hostage Negotiator — joins Sgt. Manny Guzman on Duty Beyond Duty. In this episode, Glenn shares his incredible journey from the front lines of crisis to the quiet strength of storytelling. From negotiating with armed suspects to writing novels that inspire, his story proves that healing doesn’t end when the badge comes off — it begins there. 🎙️ “From SWAT to Storyteller — the voice that once saved lives now helps others find theirs.” 📚 Featured Books: The Call Out, Operation 1600, The Siege🎧 Listen. Reflect. Heal.

    24 min

  3. APR 6

    Ep. 11 Honky Tonk Duty: The Country Soul of Lt. Ed Earl

    U.S. Navy Reserve Lieutenant Ed Earl brings the grit of service and the soul of classic country to every song he sings. In this episode of Duty Beyond Duty, host Manny Guzman dives deep into Ed’s journey — from military life to the music stage — exploring how discipline, sacrifice, and small-town pride shape his storytelling and sound. Featuring his new single “Honky Tonk Degree.”

    33 min

  4. MAR 30

    Ep. 10 Anthony Dyer – Moon Child: From Combat Missions to the Battle Within

    In this powerful episode of Duty Beyond Duty, we sit down with Air Force veteran Anthony Dyer—a combat special missions aviator who spent over a decade flying into the world’s most dangerous war zones. Born in the rugged Appalachian town of Sylva, North Carolina, Anthony’s journey took him from a life of resilience and adventure to the elite ranks of Special Operations Aviation. His career was defined by precision, courage, and sacrifice—including his role in the 2018 Jolly Green Rescue Mission of the Year, where split-second decisions meant the difference between life and death. But what happens when the mission ends? Anthony opens up about the unseen battles that followed him home—the struggles with trauma, addiction, and the search for purpose beyond the uniform. He also shares the meaning behind his nickname “Tito” within the rescue community, a symbol of brotherhood and identity forged in combat. Through his memoir Moon Child, Anthony delivers a raw and unfiltered look at war, healing, and redemption. This episode is more than a story—it’s a conversation about survival, vulnerability, and finding purpose after service. 🎙️ Whether you’re a veteran, first responder, or someone fighting unseen battles… this one is for you.

    27 min

  5. MAR 23

    Ep. 9 Flaco Navaja – Poet, Singer, Actor, Nuyorican Sonero

    In this episode of Duty Beyond Duty, we sit down with Bronx-born poet, singer, and actor Flaco Navaja. Known for his fiery performances at the Nuyorican Poets Café, his role on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam, and his theatrical work Evolution of a Sonero, Flaco embodies the soul of salsa and the spirit of Puerto Rican storytelling. We talk about his early life, the legacy of Rubén Blades, the power of spoken word, and his mission to keep Nuyorican culture alive. Tune in for a powerful conversation filled with rhythm, resilience, and roots.

    34 min

  6. MAR 16

    Ep. 8 Ken Tworek: Rebuilding Purpose Through Mental Wellness

    In this powerful episode of Duty Beyond Duty, Manny Guzman sits down with Ken Tworek, former Oak Park Police Officer, founder of Three Block Solutions, and a mental wellness speaker whose story is rooted in courage, survival, and purpose. Ken opens up about his journey in law enforcement, the realities of serving the community, and the life-changing moment when he was shot in the line of duty. From the physical recovery to the mental battle that followed, Ken shares what it truly means to rebuild your life after trauma. Now, through Three Block Solutions and his work as a mental wellness advocate, Ken is on a mission to help others—especially first responders—understand that healing is strength, and that asking for help is part of the fight. This is an episode about resilience, brotherhood, recovery, and living with purpose… beyond the badge. 🎧 Available now on Duty Beyond Duty.

    52 min

  7. MAR 9

    Ep. 7 Battle of the Badges Chicago – Captain Alfonso Ortiz: The Fight Behind the Fight

    In this episode of Duty Beyond Duty, Manny Guzman sits down with Chicago Fire Department Captain Alfonso Ortiz, President of Battle of the Badges Chicago, to talk about the powerful charity boxing tradition that unites CPD and CFD. Ortiz shares the story behind the event, what it takes to train first responders for the ring, and how the mission supports the families of Chicago’s heroes. This episode is about sacrifice, brotherhood, and purpose—inside and outside the uniform.

    52 min

  8. MAR 2

    Ep. 6 Level Up: Clarissa Flores Builds a Home for Women’s Sports

    In this powerful episode of Duty Beyond Duty, host Manny Guzman sits down with Clarissa Flores — a Chicago-born hospitality executive, former professional basketball player, and community builder who is changing the game both on and off the court. A proud alum of Whitney Young High School and a former Northwestern University Division I basketball standout, Clarissa went on to compete professionally overseas and represent the Puerto Rican National Team. After her playing career, she transitioned into Chicago’s high-energy hospitality industry, rising to become Director of Operations at TAO Chicago, while previously leading major venues across the city with Lodge Management Group and managing the iconic V Live entertainment venue in Logan Square. Now, Clarissa is stepping into her most personal mission yet — launching Level Sporting Club, a women-owned sports bar opening in Wrigleyville designed to make women’s sports the default, not the afterthought. This episode dives into leadership, resilience, entrepreneurship, representation, and what it truly means to build spaces where people feel seen, celebrated, and connected. 🔥 From basketball to business… from culture to community… Clarissa Flores is redefining what legacy looks like in Chicago. 🎙️ This is Duty Beyond Duty.

    21 min
See All (44)

4.8
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

From the streets of Chicago to the sands of foreign lands, one man has stood at the crossroads of service and sacrifice. Army Veteran, Police Sergeant, Father, Husband, Brother and Leader. Behind the badge and beyond the uniform, Manny Guzman carries a story shaped by loss, defined by purpose and fueled by a mission to uplift those who have served. He created this podcast not for fame, but for healing. For every first responder who has fought a silent war. For every veteran who has carried a hidden wound. For every family that has felt the weight of sacrifice.

Information

  • Creator
    Manny Guzman
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Manny Guzman
  • Show Website
    Duty Beyond Duty

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