In this powerful episode of Duty Beyond Duty, Chicago Police Commander Joshua Wallace joins host Manny Guzman to talk about leadership, vulnerability, and the humanity behind the badge.After listening to Episode 2 of Wallace’s own podcast, “The Badge Doesn’t Make You Bulletproof,” Manny dives into a candid discussion about wellness, balance, and the reality of policing with purpose.

This conversation reminds us that real strength doesn’t come from the badge — it comes from the heart that beats beneath it.

🎧 Listen. Learn. Lead. Live.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode of Duty Beyond Duty, we sit down with Karen Bartuch, a Chicago-area professional whose career defies a single label.

Karen began her journey in law enforcement, serving nearly a decade as a Chicago Police Officer. From working the streets to advising leadership, her time in public service shaped her discipline, resilience, and commitment to excellence. But her story didn’t stop at the badge.

After law enforcement, Karen transitioned into the corporate world, holding executive leadership roles in technology and consulting, while simultaneously pursuing higher education — ultimately earning her doctorate in business. Along the way, she founded initiatives focused on training, empowerment, and leadership development, particularly for women navigating high-performance environments.

In this powerful conversation, we talk about:

• Growing up in the Chicago area and the values that shaped her

• Life lessons from policing and public service

• The mental and emotional challenges of career transition

• Leadership, creativity, and innovation across industries

• Finding purpose beyond titles — and redefining success on your own terms

This episode is about reinvention, resilience, and what it truly means to serve — even after the uniform comes off.

Whether you’re in law enforcement, the military, corporate leadership, or standing at a crossroads in your own life, Karen’s story is a reminder that your duty doesn’t end with one career — it evolves.

🎙️ Duty Beyond Duty — where service, leadership, and purpose go beyond the badge.