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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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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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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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A Voice Meant to Be Heard – Featuring Sophia

In this special Father’s Day , we were graced with the beautiful voice of Sophia—a voice that truly moved us all.

Without even planning it, Sophia followed what was on her heart and sang a song that felt perfectly placed in the moment. On a day where we honor fathers around the world, her performance touched something deeper. It was soulful, heartfelt, and filled with emotion—reminding us how powerful music can be in healing, connecting, and expressing love.

Sophia’s voice is something the world needs to hear. Her gift is undeniable, and we’re grateful she chose to share it with us today.

Thank you, Sophia. Your voice lit up the room—and our hearts.

A Voice Meant to Be Heard – Featuring Sophia

Graced with the beautiful voice of Sophia—a voice that truly moved us all.

Without even planning it, Sophia followed what was on her heart and sang a song that felt perfectly placed in the moment. On a day where we honor fathers around the world, her performance touched something deeper. It was soulful, heartfelt, and filled with emotion—reminding us how powerful music can be in healing, connecting, and expressing love.

Sophia’s voice is something the world needs to hear. Her gift is undeniable, and we’re grateful she chose to share it with us today.

Thank you, Sophia. Your voice lit up the room—and our hearts.

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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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Stepping Beyond the Comfort Zone – with Sidney Fox

On this powerful episode of the Buckle Up Podcast, we sit down with the incredible Sidney Fox—a woman of wisdom, courage, and spirit. Sidney brought a deep and thought-provoking energy to our conversation, leaving us inspired and uplifted.

From growing up in Texas and building strength through sports, to journeying across the world—including her time in Australia—Sidney has never been afraid to step outside her comfort zone. She shares how those bold moves, both physical and spiritual, have shaped her into the grounded, self-aware woman she is today.

We talk about everything from being in tune with your body and your emotions, to embracing the unknown and making space for growth. Sidney opens up about the importance of therapy, emotional honesty, and learning to trust your own voice.

Now based in California and launching her new TikTok presence (details coming soon!), Sidney continues to inspire others to live fully, feel deeply, and follow their own paths.

We were honored to have her on—and we can’t wait to have her back.

9.6 Million Views Social media platforms

Instagram: @Brandonrushh @buckleuppodcast , @buckleuppodcastuniverse

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3614628/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

Demo Reel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMkCCem3X7o&t=4s
BLUE BLOODS OFFICER DENOON RECURRING 3 SEASON
https://youtu.be/QhWcwcez-1c
FBI airdate 2/4/2025
https://youtu.be/5qnt0WZqpKo?si=rLHCg-hoxdCOgmTX
https://youtu.be/xyNI1qSl-hg
Power Book II: Ghost
https://youtu.be/ibj55jnjU88?si=KmVzu5LtGLXRdT90
BETTY WHITE STRIPPER BRANDON RUSH
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHx9cwJXOn0
Criminal Minds
https://youtu.be/xfyEMUS-laE?si=ZUlgvGJmJRY0D7be

https://youtu.be/dGkABX2fwcg
Additional Reel 2021
https://youtu.be/e3jm39cjN14

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JPNN23bS6c
https://youtu.be/bOTRP0y2aus

BLUE BLOODS RECUR- REEL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aGiGkvi6Tc&feature=youtu.be

https://youtu.be/NKaUKnnDEEo

Ozark Season 4 Recurring
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_RFvvXGa

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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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“The Day I Met Halle Berry”

You never know how fast life can flip on you.

One day, you’re reeling from a breakup—heart cracked, confidence shot—and the next, you’re face-to-face with Halle Berry.

That’s exactly what happened to me.

I had just gone through a breakup, and the very next day, I met one of the most iconic, beautiful, and powerful women in Hollywood.

She was magnetic. The kind of presence that reminds you who you are.

And in that moment, something shifted.

From pain to power. From down bad to back up.

This 10-minute story is about healing, timing, and divine redirection.

Because sometimes, God gives you a sign—

And sometimes… that sign is Halle Berry.

8.7 Million Views Social media platforms

Instagram: @Brandonrushh @buckleuppodcast , @buckleuppodcastuniverse

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3614628/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

Demo Reel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMkCCem3X7o&t=4s
BLUE BLOODS OFFICER DENOON RECURRING 3 SEASON
https://youtu.be/QhWcwcez-1c
FBI airdate 2/4/2025
https://youtu.be/5qnt0WZqpKo?si=rLHCg-hoxdCOgmTX
https://youtu.be/xyNI1qSl-hg
Power Book II: Ghost
https://youtu.be/ibj55jnjU88?si=KmVzu5LtGLXRdT90
BETTY WHITE STRIPPER BRANDON RUSH
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHx9cwJXOn0
Criminal Minds
https://youtu.be/xfyEMUS-laE?si=ZUlgvGJmJRY0D7be

https://youtu.be/dGkABX2fwcg
Additional Reel 2021
https://youtu.be/e3jm39cjN14

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JPNN23bS6c
https://youtu.be/bOTRP0y2aus

BLUE BLOODS RECUR- REEL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aGiGkvi6Tc&feature=youtu.be

https://youtu.be/NKaUKnnDEEo

Ozark Season 4 Recurring
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_RFvvXGa

Support the show

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

Send us a text

“There comes a point in every artist’s life where they stop being an admirer and they find their signature.”

I found mine through the Buckle Up Podcast Universe with Brandon Rush and Mama Rush.

What started as a heartfelt conversation between mother and son has become a global success. Today, we’re proud to say we’re heard in 18 countries, across 192 cities, with over 8,739,240 views and counting. This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement, a home, and a legacy.

To every guest who’s joined us, thank you. You’ve brought your stories, your light, and your truth to the table. You’ve helped shape this into something far greater than a show—it’s become a shared experience.

To our fans, you are the heartbeat of this universe. You’ve shown up, tuned in, shared, laughed, cried, and supported us every step of the way. We see you. We appreciate you. We love you.

And of course, a big shoutout to our furry family members—the beloved pets of our guests who’ve become stars in their own right. From Curtis, to Blitz, to sweet baby Ween—you’ve added joy, warmth, and personality to this universe.

This is our signature.

This is Buckle Up.

And we’re just getting started.

8.7 Million Views Social media platforms

Instagram: @Brandonrushh (540k FOLLOWING)

Instagram: @buckleuppodcast , @buckleuppodcastuniverse

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3614628/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

Demo Reel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMkCCem3X7o&t=4s
BLUE BLOODS OFFICER DENOON RECURRING 3 SEASON
https://youtu.be/QhWcwcez-1c
FBI airdate 2/4/2025
https://youtu.be/5qnt0WZqpKo?si=rLHCg-hoxdCOgmTX
https://youtu.be/xyNI1qSl-hg
Power Book II: Ghost
https://youtu.be/ibj55jnjU88?si=KmVzu5LtGLXRdT90
BETTY WHITE STRIPPER BRANDON RUSH
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHx9cwJXOn0
Criminal Minds
https://youtu.be/xfyEMUS-laE?si=ZUlgvGJmJRY0D7be



BLUE BLOODS RECURRING SEASON 10 Season 11 Still
https://youtu.be/dGkABX2fwcg
Additional Reel 2021
https://youtu.be/e3jm39cjN14

Recent Criminal Minds recur
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JPNN23bS6c
https://youtu.be/bOTRP0y2aus

BLUE BLOODS RECUR- REEL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aGiGkvi6Tc&feature=youtu.be

https://youtu.be/NKaUKnnDEEo


Ozark Season 4 Recurring
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_RFvvXGaQk
STUNTS

STUNTS

https://youtu.be/en0KH1nBz8M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGdeXnEyQbo

Support the show

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

Send us a text

Support the show

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