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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, Ralph carries the kind of old-school warmth and loyalty that never fades. My dad used to say it for years, and right up until the end:

“You can always count on Ralph, man. Just call Ralph.”

And he was right.

When my dad passed, Ralph stood strong. Alongside Billie, his amazing partner, and their two daughters—L.R. and A.G.—they surrounded me with love, warmth, and laughter. Whether I’m in New York for work or just looking for family, the Gaeta household is my second home.

We sit around the kitchen table, just like my family used to. We drink coffee, crack jokes, and Ralph hits me with those classic stories from his days in the city or around the world. Sometimes he’s dishing out dating advice I didn’t ask for—but always seem to need. Other times, he’s just reminding me of what it means to feel rooted, loved, and seen.

Billie brings her own light to the table—always with something clever, entertaining, or heartfelt to say. She’s got that rare presence that just puts you at ease. She makes me laugh, teaches me something new, or reminds me to be present. Together, Ralph and Billie have built something beautiful—a family I’m proud to be part of.

Spending time with them brings me back to what matters most: family, loyalty, and love around the dinner table. It’s more than nostalgia. It’s healing. It’s home.

To Ralph: thank you for being the godfather I never had to question. The one my dad trusted with his whole heart. The one I’m honored to call family.

With love and deep respect,

Your God Son, Brandon

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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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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 Up Podcast, the universe we’re creating, the stories we’re telling—is rooted in the foundation he laid for me. This entire journey, from the very first episode to the millions of people listening around the world, started with a simple question I asked my nephew:

“Would you help me do this? For Dad?”

And he said yes.

This show, this movement, this voice—it’s all dedicated to my father. He may not be here physically, but his fingerprints are on every mic check, every laugh, every breakthrough moment we share on this platform.

The comeback has been real personal. And it’s because I’m walking in the shadow of a giant.

Happy Father’s Day, Dad.

This one—and all of them—is for you.

With love,

Brandon Rush

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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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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 passionate sideline supporter who never missed a game. Whether she was cheering the loudest behind the dugout or teaching discipline at home, she did it all—and she did it with love.

This episode is a celebration of all parents who step up, show up, and give their all—especially the moms who’ve worn both hats with power and grace. Buckle up for a heartfelt ride.

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