Ep 196: Pasteles & Veterans – Surviving Holidays After Service ft Daniel, Daquane, Marcos, & Rodney

Note: This episode includes discussion of suicide and drug use. If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harm urges, please reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, available 24/7.Fresh off Benito's (Bad Bunny) epic Super Bowl win, I'm thrilled to share a special interview from a Pasteles Party taking us to Puerto Rico. For those new here, Pasteles is an event I've mentioned before, and the stars finally aligned for me to attend (again) last year. With some old friends I hadn't seen in ages, it was the perfect chance to whip out the microphone and capture our conversations amidst meal prep, kids running around, drinks, and hugs.So, what happens when you gather five military vets in a chilly New Jersey garage during a Pasteles Party? After some coquito, you get raw stories, laughter, and pure emotion, plus a surprise cameo. It was an impromptu chat—guided by platano and coquito. Enjoy the conversation! Funny enough, we thought it was cold that day, but 2026 has proved to be even chillier.There shall be Pasteles episodes in 2026!We’d love to hear your feedback, whether written or audio, at www.whitelabelamerican.com.