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.
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
31:00 Colombia stopover and finally landing in Los Angeles with almost nothing
35:10 Driving Uber in the U.S. and wild passenger stories
39:00 Moving to Nashville, discovering Broadway, and first gigs at Mellow Mushroom
43:30 Breaking into the scene, networking, and always showing up at clinics
47:30 Arthrogryposis: Carlos’s condition and how he adapted his technique
51:00 Ergonomics hacks: extra hi-hat, jam block, and left-foot workarounds
54:10 Yamaha EAD-10 vs EAD-50 and why every drummer should consider one
57:00 Immigrant mindset, AI/apps, and Jam Juice shaking up Broadway bookings
1:01:30 Carlos’s goals: more tours, family balance, and motivational speaking
1:04:30 Venezuelan arepas, keeping traditions alive, and where to find Carlos online
1:06:40 Closing gratitude and episode wrap