Carlos Guevara - A Drummer Built To Overcome :: Ep 253

Freelance Nashville drummer Carlos Guevara joins Rich and Jim to share his incredible journey from growing up in Venezuela under political and economic crisis to rebuilding his life and career in the U.S. Despite being born with arthrogryposis, Carlos became a first-call Broadway drummer, a devoted family man, and a model of resilience and positivity.They dig into his escape from Venezuela, learning English through drum magazines, adapting his technique around physical limitations, grinding for gigs on Lower Broadway, and balancing music, Uber, and fatherhood. The guys also geek out on Stewart Copeland, Journey, Yamaha’s EAD-10, and the culture of world futbol vs. American sports.Perfect for drummers, creatives, and anyone who needs a shot of perspective, gratitude, and hustle.Timed Highlights:0:00 Show open, Drummer Dad idea, and Yamaha EAD talk3:30 Stewart Copeland stories and guys’ night at the Ryman7:20 Meet Carlos Guevara: from Caracas to Nashville via Anaheim11:00 Falling in love with country music and surviving Broadway15:10 Family, teenagers, and fútbol culture (football is life)20:00 Learning English from records, Drum Magazine, and method books23:40 El Sistema explained: Venezuela’s free orchestral training27:10 Life under Chavez and the decision to leave Venezuela31:00 Colombia stopover and finally landing in Los Angeles with almost nothing35:10 Driving Uber in the U.S. and wild passenger stories39:00 Moving to Nashville, discovering Broadway, and first gigs at Mellow Mushroom43:30 Breaking into the scene, networking, and always showing up at clinics47:30 Arthrogryposis: Carlos’s condition and how he adapted his technique51:00 Ergonomics hacks: extra hi-hat, jam block, and left-foot workarounds54:10 Yamaha EAD-10 vs EAD-50 and why every drummer should consider one57:00 Immigrant mindset, AI/apps, and Jam Juice shaking up Broadway bookings1:01:30 Carlos’s goals: more tours, family balance, and motivational speaking1:04:30 Venezuelan arepas, keeping traditions alive, and where to find Carlos online1:06:40 Closing gratitude and episode wrapLinks:Carlos Guevara Instagram: https://instagram.com/carlosdrums86Podcast website: https://therichredmondshow.transistor.fmRich’s DrumTensive: https://drumtensive.com Production studio: https://itsyourshow.coRich Redmond: https://richredmond.com