What happens when you return to the memories you buried for more than half a century?

In this moving episode of Don't Be Caged By Your Age, I chat with Mario Cartaya, acclaimed architect, Cuban exile, and debut author for a deeply human conversation about memory, identity, resilience, and reinvention.

Born in Havana in 1951, Mario left Cuba at the age of eight when his family immigrated to the United States in search of freedom. Decades later, after building a celebrated architectural career and having his life’s work entered into the U.S. Congressional Record, Mario found himself drawn back to the memories of his childhood and ultimately back to Cuba itself.

His memoir, Journey Back Into the Vault: In Search of My Faded Cuban Childhood Footprints, explores that emotional journey of rediscovery.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How childhood memories quietly shape our identity
• Leaving Cuba and adapting to life in America
• The moment Mario realized architecture was his calling
• Building spaces that serve humanity and community
• Becoming an author later in life
• Why it’s never too late to reconnect with your story

Learn more about Mario and purchase a copy of his book via his website here.

If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode.

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Ande ♥

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