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 talk

3:30 Stewart Copeland stories and guys’ night at the Ryman

7:20 Meet Carlos Guevara: from Caracas to Nashville via Anaheim

11:00 Falling in love with country music and surviving Broadway

15:10 Family, teenagers, and fútbol culture (football is life)

20:00 Learning English from records, Drum Magazine, and method books

23:40 El Sistema explained: Venezuela’s free orchestral training

27:10 Life under Chavez and the decision to leave Venezuela