The Inspiring Journey of Rachel Rodriguez | Just Keep Talking podcast - Just Keep Talking

Episode Transcript
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Speaker 2 (00:00):
Telling our stories is the connective tissue of the
collective human experience.
The Just Keep Talking podcast delvesinto the lives and stories of artists.
What is the impact ofmental health on creativity?
What does it mean to bea creative individual?
Someone who feels deeply, experiencesjoy and pain, intensely and
navigates the challenges of lifethrough the creative process.

(00:21):
With each story shared, we explorethe authentic experience of our
basic need to be seen, to be heard
and to belong.
We are really not so differentfrom one another, nor are we alone.
Together we can inspire, encourage, andenlighten each other to find the true joy
and fulfillment that is within ourselves.
When we Just Keep Talking, we createthe space for gratitude, self-acceptance

(00:46):
and grace in everyday life.
In a world filled with divisiveness,
fostering inclusivity and connection isa powerful way to make a positive impact.
The Just Keep Talking podcast with me,Brother Love, because Your Story Matters.

Larry (01:30):
Hello and welcome to the Just Keep Talking podcast.
My name is Brother Love yourhost, I'm having a great time
here with Rachel Rodriguez.
Singer and songwriter Rachel Rodriguezcommands the stage with the same fearless
spirit that defines her music, which isa fusion of her Latino heritage, Rock
and Roll attitude and soulful vocals.
Raised in Michigan, belting Mariachiand Country in her father's band.

(01:54):
Rachel carried her musicalvision to Nashville.
She has since established herselfas an electrifying front woman.
Her upcoming album, Mi VidaChronicles, the bold journey
of a woman claiming her power.
The songs encourage everyone tofollow their passions unapologetically
at every stage of life.
Her artistry pays homage to her musicalroots and draws inspiration from the

(02:17):
power and authenticity of artists likeLinda Ronstadt, Los Lobos, and Tina
Turner, whether performing on stage orchampioning arts education, Rachel strives
to uplift others by fostering expression,creativity, and cultural connection.
With every endeavor,
she uses her platform to inspire, educate

(02:38):
and bring people together.
Rachel Rodriguez knowsthat every voice matters.
Every story counts, and it's nevertoo late to amplify your truth.
I got so choked up by your truth.
Hello.
I am thrilled to beback here at your house.
We did an interview for, my show a coupleof years ago that a never saw the light of

(03:02):
day because I repackaged this whole thing.
It used to be called theBrother Love Hour, and now it
is called, Just Keep Talking.
That original interviewwas in August, of 2023.
And

Rachel Rodriguez (03:14):
Time goes by so fast.
It

Larry (03:15):
does.
And that interview was fantastic.
So how I'm gonna edit this together isgoing to be smooth as silk because we
really got a flavor of your backgroundand how you got to Nashville and all that.
Let's go back in time and get toknow Rachel Rodriguez's origin story.
You, to me, are like theStevie Nicks with an auto harp.
What?

I can't believe you just said that.
Because I love Stevieand I love my auto harp.
Oh

Larry (03:38):
Stevie Nicks with an auto harp.
I adore you.
You're one of those people that, Iknew of before I knew personally

Well.
that's How I know you

Larry (03:47):
is.
Isn't that funny?
So I moved to Nashville,what, 12 years ago.
And, in addition to Playing drumsin a country rock band starting
Them Vibes, I was looking for workand I'd always sang Sinatra tunes.
You know, I used to work at aJewish steakhouse in New York City.
Oh.
I was a singing waiter in a Jewish Yeah.
Oh

That's awesome.
Yeah.

Larry (04:06):
And it would be like, Larry, you want to join us in a song?
And I'd say, okay, I'm gonna join us.
My boss, my boss was like, Mr.
T, the Jewish Mr.
T.
Like he wore all this gold.
it was disgusting.
You know what I mean?
It because he wasn't Mr.
T, but it was amazingly hilarious.
I mean, the guy had an elephantring on his index finger, like the
size of his whole index finger,

I love it.
I could see it.
I totally see

Larry (04:30):
So I would get up, we would serve steak and vodka, and it was just a scene.
And we'd do, you know, therewould always be a piano player.
It was like a Bar Mitzvah every night.
It really was.
And we would do the Hora.
New York City, very, Jewish Central andSomebody would sing, uh, show tunes.
I always did Sinatra.
And it was
fantastic.

hear this.
I've known you and I have not heard this,

Larry (04:49):
So, you know, I'm in Nashville and I'm like, there's a place called Sambuca.
And Sambuca.
I said, you know what, letme do the Sinatra thing.
Let me see if they'll have me.
So I booked shows and the calendarwould come out, you know, I
mean, you're jockeying for shows.
I had never done this before.
you know, I'm in Nashville, Tennessee,I booked a show and said, my gosh, I
need a band, or I need players, I need.
Piano player, I guessmaybe a guitar player.

(05:11):
Like I'm used to being inbands, rock and roll bands.
Drums, bass, guitar, maybekeys second guitar, you know,
all the rock and roll stuff.
I said, well, this is jazz standards.
The American song, theGreat American Songbook.
So that's how I startedmeeting like an upright bass
player, a guy named Dave Webb.

I love Dave.
I miss Dave, he did he usedto play with me all the time
too.
Yeah,

Larry (05:33):
I met such giving and caring musicians that were like, well, hey,
I know a piano I know a guitar player.
And you know, I'm used to rehearsing.
You can't go out, you can't showyour face unless it's perfect.
I mean, I grew up in a band wherewe rehearsed every single night.

Wow.

Larry (05:49):
Wow.
Right.
I'm the drummer in the band.
So we rehearsed at my house, and ofcourse, you know, as the drummer,
you say, I have the drum set.
We rehearse here, andthen you collect gear.
there's a friend has a PA system.
I keep it in my on the drummer.
So, and then guitar amps, everything.
Guitar players would come over and belike, yo, LA, I'm in Queens, New York,
yo, La What happened to my guitar?
Man?
My strings are broken.

(06:10):
Think about this guitar player.
Imagine leaving your guitarjust at your drummer's house.
Oh my God, I'm just gonnaleave my stuff here.
Right?
I won't play till the next time.
Right.
Yo La, How come my E string's broken?
I was like, I don't know.
Maybe, maybe it was mysister or my, my brother.
I don't know.
It was me.
Of course it was me

my God.

Larry (06:26):
and couldn't tune.
But we rehearsed every day in the eveningafter school and after work, right as
my mom was taking the first bite ofdinner with my brother and my sister.
It was like dinner, like fork mouth.
Hey, Mrs.
Floorman, how you doing?
And five knuckleheads long hair wouldwalk in and, and my sister, my brother,
I mean, now, in the realist sense of,bless your heart, bless their hearts

(06:47):
for dealing with that for years.
So, perfection.
We rehearse, rehearse.
I come to Nashville, everybody'sgreat, everybody's incredible.
I this bass player upright, thispiano player, this guitar player,
and it was just so much fun.
And I adored singing.
I brought my New York charm.
But you were like the goddess of Sambuca.
You were on schedule.
And I remember being,who the fuck is this?

(07:08):
Who all these great dates they gave?
Okay.
They gave me like Sunday night.
I remember they gave meSunday night sh shift.
And I remember it because it was theonly night that the New York Jets.
Ever beat the New EnglandPatriots in a playoff game.
working, but there wasTVs there, so I stopped.
Oh yeah, fuck that.
my horrible New York Jets.
We beat Tom Brady, Rex Ryan.

(07:29):
Oh yeah.
And I remember being at, at Sambucaand they're like, you gotta go back on.
I'm like, I'll lose my job for this.
This doesn't happen.
The Jets don't beat anybody we certainlydon't beat the New England Patriots
with Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.
Okay.
So I just got a shift, like one or twoa month if that, and I was thrilled.
I made a little bit ofmoney, I made some tip money.
But you, Rachel Rodriguez, scheduleThursdays with Rachel Rodriguez.

(07:53):
Saturday afternoons with Rachel Rodriguez,

my God, you're

Larry (07:55):
Rachel Rodriguez, Rachel Rodriguez, Rachel.
I was like, man, who is this?
Rachel Rodriguez has allthe gigs, all the good Oh

you're cracking me up.

Larry (08:02):
I don't even know when I actually finally met you.

Well I knew of you for a while 'cause I've been a
big Them Vibes fan for, I was like,oh my gosh, who are those people?
He's the best front man.
Look at that Shekeré.
Oh my god.
You know, so, but it might'vebeen through Sarah from doing the
Drummers Jams and the Loud Jamsand a lot of the Drummer Jam stuff.
It would just be Sarah and I wouldbe the only girls on the whole gig.

(08:25):
And so we kind of stuck togetherand supported each other.
And then, I realized that you all weremarried and then, so I think it might've
been through that or, Thee Residency.
We had a lot of friends in common.

Larry (08:37):
Right.
She's got all the Sambuca gigs nowshe's doing all the rock stuff.
No, you're right, thatwas the, through line.
And also as a singer andas a musician in Nashville.
We don't just do one thing.
know what I mean?
I mean, a lot of people do, andthey, you know, God bless 'em.
Right.
Maybe those are the onesthat are really successful.
Right.
So

they're so focused and driven and I don't know where
they're getting their money from.
but,

Larry (08:58):
Right.
Oh, please.
You people bought careers.
I, you know what?
I stopped being angry.
I know.
Your consistency as being a singer,I know you do many different things.

Yes.

Larry (09:07):
So
how would you describe yourself on a

on a given, week, right?
on

Larry (09:12):
week?
What would do during a busy week?
Tell the listeners

my weeks look like.
I have a bilingual children's programcalled Songs for My Little Amigos.
So during the day, I'll go toschools or I'll go to the library.
I do things with the Country MusicHall of Fame and the Cheekwood
or whatever it might be doing,children's programming for them.
I might be in the session doing somebackground vocals or some jingles
and go into the studio and do that.

(09:35):
I might be singing background vocals forThem Vibes, and then I might be doing
something by myself with my own band.
And like yesterday I went to anassisted living center in Madison
and sang for an hour for folksat the assisted living Center.
So it just, it varies.
And it could be rock, it could be Spanish,it could be Country, it could be BG vs.

(09:57):
It could be with a Salsa band.
And it keeps it very diverse.
And I'm never bored.
And wherever I am, I'm there.
I'm focused I'm present.

Larry (10:06):
You really are present and you really are, very giving individual.
I really appreciate that about you.
And that is how I know you, you are avery maternal, motherly giving person.
And so you are able to juggle all ofthese things and to be able to switch
gears and be present in all of them
is

try.
I mean, I, it's, you know, Ithink it's a work in progress.
I think.
on any given day, I'm better at onething than another and I'm always
working on being patient and givingmyself grace and learning to say no.
Which is really hard.
Really hard because you wannado all the things, but we
can't do all the things well.
And so that's where you have to limit.

(10:43):
And then, yes, I'm a mom, so being therefor my children is really important too.
So if I'm killing it and doing greatand doing all the gigs and, you know,
bringing in the money, well guess what?

Larry (10:53):
You miss your

birthday.
I'm yeah, exactly.
Or I'm just not home tucking them in andI'm not there to do all the extra things.
Now if I'm at home all the timewith them and I'm making dinner and
everybody's got their clothes, youknow, nice and folded and lunches
made, then I'm not bringing in themoney 'cause I'm not out there gigging.
So it just, you know,being okay with that.
And figuring out the right balanceand the right formula is always

(11:17):
a work, you know, in progress.
It's trying to figure out that

Larry (11:20):
Do you
ever just sort of, have a breakdown whereyou say, you know what, like an overload.
Yeah.
System

Yeah.

Larry (11:25):
I need to be here, there and everywhere.
I have the kids.
this just happened.
That just happened.
I can still do this.
I can, and it all just sortof crashes into itself.

Yeah.
I'm getting better at feeling nowbecause you internalize it too.
And so I think as I've gotten older,I'm getting older and hopefully
wiser knowing what that feels like.
And so when I start feelingreally like paranoid or nervous
I'm like, oh, we're overworking.
We're getting too much stuff Becauseit has happened to me before.

(11:55):
I'm just like, ah, you know.

Larry (11:56):
do
you take it out on?

Probably my husband.

Larry (11:59):
I was say, you've been

the ones that you love the most, right?
because they'll forgive you.
Hopefully, you know,
I wouldn't be able to do allthe things that I do if I didn't
have that support at home.
I mean, he's just great.
He's a complete partner in what wedo with the kids, with the school,
with the laundry and the cooking,and thank God he loves to cook.
I can cook.
I don't like to cook.
I don't enjoy it.
He enjoys it.

(12:20):
So I'm like, great.
He loves food.
He does all the grocery shopping.
I hate going to Kroger.
and I hate going to the groceryAnd he's very routine oriented.
We are the most polar opposite people.
It's amazing that we've heldit together all these years.

Larry (12:35):
Is he in the creative

industry?
No, not at all.
We are so opposite on so many

Larry (12:40):
Nine
to five.

Nine to five.
I

Larry (12:42):
I just met him for

Yes, you did.

Larry (12:44):
The phantom

Yes.
The phantom husband.
Like, are you really married or do youjust say this So people won't hit on you?
September will be 25 years.
we've been married?

Larry (12:51):
Would you consider yourself a hustler?

I am a hustler.
for sure.
I am.
And I think that just comes frommy upbringing, like hard work
and, like you said, you come toNashville, everybody's really good.
I mean, everybody's great.
So how do you stand out you know,nobody's gonna come and knock on my
door if they don't know I even exist.
So I have to be out there and be hustling.

(13:14):
Hustling to work.
I mean, if we don'twork, we don't get paid.
I don't have PTO and sick time and.
And all of that.
So I gotta drum up the business,

Larry (13:22):
man.
We gotta get you some sick time,So there's something that's
been on my mind a lot lately.
I've been reading, likeBrené Brown my life.
Eckhart,
the the power now, right.
you know, a lot of these things,these, ideas have been bubbling up
because I've just been in a placeof trying to be a better person.
Right.
And one of the things that I was thinkingabout in the hustle culture of our

life mm-hmm.

Larry (13:47):
is the distinction between fitting in.
And belonging.
You know, so when I askedyou, are you a hustler?
I know you're a hustler, but there'sonly so much fitting in you can
do because you are brown, you not?

yeah, you're right.
You're right.
And
I just got back from the beach.
We had a beach day with the neighborsand so I'm really brown brown today.
I

Larry (14:09):
you looked at me, I'm like, you are
No, but where I'm going with this?
If I'm, if I'm correct in the momenthere, which is, we do things to fit in.
I have hopped and skipped and sangand jumped and made you laugh and
made you cry and done all of thetap dancing in order to fit in And I
spent a lifetime moving my own needle

Mm-hmm.

Larry (14:29):
because I just felt like if I fit in this way, you're love me.
Brother Love so great, isn't it?
He ' What am I, I'm just, anamalgamation of a million things,
which we are, we are a gumbo ifwe're doing it right, I am worthy.
I'm perfect the way I am now.
Right?
Because I'm not fitting in, I belong

here.
Yeah.

Larry (14:47):
You get called because you are Rachel Rodriguez.
there's only one of you.
And I feel like you have figured outthat your hustle is just by being you.
You just bring the authentic you thestage and obviously to your life.
And I really appreciatethat and I noticed that.
You came to Nashville wantingto be a country singer?

I sure did.
I sure did.
Yeah.

Larry (15:09):
You were looking for your voice, Rachel Rodriguez, how did
you find your No, but I'm serious.
How did you your voice?
You came to Nashville like so many

Mm-hmm.

Larry (15:17):
Wanting to be a country music singer.
Maybe a country music star.
I don't know.
So if you wouldn't mind a littlebit of background of where you
come from and how got here.
And, um, go, I'm just kidding.

And go.
yes, I grew up singing with my dad.
in, uh, In Michigan.
A little tiny little town inthe middle of nowhere, Michigan,
mid-Michigan, little farming community.
Corn, cows, you know, everything.
Um, my folks are from South Texas and
my heritage is Mexican.
My grandparentsgreat-grandparents are from

Larry (15:48):
I love when you say Mexican, your hand

goes,

Larry (15:50):
you, your hand.
Gesture is so welcoming.
It's like, we are from Mexican.
Her hand just did a,what would you call this?
It's pose.
It's like, ah, welcome to my world.
Oh, go on.
I'm sorry

funny.
I love you Larry.
And so he grew up, he's a musician, playsbass, plays guitar, fantastic singer.
Everything I've learned aboutmusic has been from my dad
and he has no training at all.
Just a beautiful heart andan amazing natural gift.
So he grew up singing Mariachimusic, Tejano music, being
from south of San Antonio.

(16:22):
And then when he moved to Michigan,he was like, well, if we take out the
accordion from the Tex-Mex music and addin a lead guitar, now we have a country
band.
So Since I was a little girl.
Just like that.
Just like that.
but he would always mix in some taTejano music and some Cumbia and
things like that while singing GeorgeStrait Merle Haggard, all the other

(16:43):
country stuff that we would do.
A little bit of Eagles.
Um, 'cause my uncle also was inthe band, played accordion, played
the saxophone, played rhythmguitar, and was a great singer too.
So they had beautiful family harmonies.
So, talk about rehearsing at your house.
There was always everybodyrehearsing at my mom and dad's house.
My dad had the pa, thebass rig, all the stuff.

(17:04):
So that was what alwayswas happening at my house.
So I was always around it playing withmy toys, or my dad would give me a
brush and I'd pretend like I'm singingwhile they're having the rehearsals.
So.
And I started singing PatsyCline and Tammy Wynette and
the Judds and Hank William Sr.
And Loretta Lynn, all those things.
And a little bit of Selena anda little bit of Ramón Ayala.

(17:25):
And so the same thing, theTex-Mex music and Country.
Um, Linda Ronstadt, mynumber one girl man.

Larry (17:32):
Who, by the way, is from, what's her heritage?

She's Mexican
American's.
Mexican American.
Mm-hmm.
Yes.
Ran

Larry (17:37):
that Linda Rod, that really fool us all, didn't She

did Once she made it big, she came out
with a, Canciones de mi Padre.
Which is a Mariachi album.
Beautiful.

Larry (17:47):
And I remember being a kid, Jewish kid from Queens, Linda
Ronstadt, love Linda Ronstadt.
Then she, came out with this differentshit, you know, it's like, you know, like,

she, got a lot of pushback.
too from her people, they're like, you'regonna kill your career if you do that

Larry (17:58):
Yeah, the little Jewish kid from Queens, why would he buy this record?
You know, he doesn't know from this.
She's like, no, thisis, a part of who I am.
The reason why you love me isbecause of all of who I am.

She's my number one.
My number one vocalist for sure.
Because she does all the things and shedoes them well, I'm not saying I, All
the things well, but she does Motown.
She does R and B, she doesCountry, she does Jazz.
She does Spanish.
And executes it well.
I'm not saying I execute everything well,but I have the same taste that she does.

(18:32):
I love Latin music.
I love Country music.
I love Rock and Roll.
I love doing the Soul Vibes, doing theLoud Jams, doing the Drummer Jams, doing
Rare Hair, singing Iron Maiden, andthen going and singing some Patsy Cline.
I love all of it 'causeit's beautiful music.
It doesn't matter what genre,a good song is a good song.
It doesn't matter what genre it is.

(18:52):
And so if I latch onto it, it'sbecause it just touches my soul.
And for me, when you talk aboutfinding my voice, how do I thread that
together so it doesn't seem so jumbled?
Yeah, And over time, Ithink I've developed that.
So if you go see a show at Sambuca orsee any of my shows, there might be some
Zeppelin, there might be some ArethaFranklin, there might be some Freddie

(19:14):
Fender, there might be some Celia Cruz.
It's all gonna be there.
I don't know how it threads through,but because it's me, I suppose, and
I have a percussionist and it all hasa little bit of a Latin Flavor to it.

Larry (19:27):
Because it's me.
Just that right alone, if I heard thisinterview the only thing that I took
from it was just that, Because It's Me.
I think I would cry for six daysand say, you mean that's enough?
You know, It

took me a long time get there, and I still have
twinges of wanting to fit in.
I don't think that ever goes away.
What helped me, there was apoint I'll never forget it.
I was doing, I was working alot at Bourbon Street downtown.

Larry (19:50):
So you came to Nashville to sing Country

Music?
I did.
Okay.
Yeah.
So

Larry (19:53):
So you're working at

Bourbon but now I'm at Bourbon Street doing Rock and Soul.
And all this, because I couldn'tfind my place In Country music.
I tried for years and years andyears I couldn't crack the code.
I couldn't get in.
I couldn't.

Larry (20:05):
What did that look like?
When did you move to Nashville?
You're how old?

Uh, I was
27, 28,
maybe

Larry (20:12):
like six months ago

Yeah.
I love you Yeah.
It was
different though.
Definitely different than what it is now.
I think.
I might have more of a chance.

Larry (20:21):
You should be based on the merit of who you of your talent.
You know, we can go into thata hundred times over town, but
it's different now for sure.

Yeah.
It's different now.
Now if you come in and, like you said,you're brown or black and do country and
have some soul and have some variety,now, that's what everyone's looking for.
But now to me it doesn't feel authentic.
Now.
It's 'cause they got called out, they gotcalled out and now it's not authentic.
Had they been doing this all along,Yeah, you'd see a lot more variety

(20:50):
and it would've naturally happened.
But there came a point where Ijust, I couldn't find my place.

Larry (20:55):
Were you singing Country music?
Were you on Broadway?
Were, did you
have shows?
Was it you and a, was ityou and acoustic guitar?
And did you have an accent?
what did it look likefor Rachel Rodriguez?
I mean, were you RachelSmith all of a sudden?
I mean, what it like?

So when I came into town.
I mean, I frequented all the writer'snights and all the open mic nights.
And so

Larry (21:15):
So in Nashville we have this.
There are opportunities for singersongwriters to come and play your songs.
And, it's a networking.
You write, this is a songwriter's townin Nashville, and you'll write songs
and you can go every night of the week,

probably.
You totally can.
And

Larry (21:30):
sing
your songs, sing somebody else's songs.
So there is a platform toperform, um, to please and to
prove yourself.

That's what, right.
I love that.

Larry (21:39):
Welcome to Nashville.
like you

and like you said, I had to go because I didn't have a band,
You know, I had to find a guitar player,a drummer, a bass player, and do it.
And the only way to do it is to go out.
Prove yourself, you know?
and see, you know, hustle and hustle.
And so I would go to theopen night, contest.
And I'm terrible to this day.
I am still terrible at contests.
But

Larry (21:59):
We swore we'd never do a contest, you, because we've always come so close.
And then the last contestwe said, we're not doing it.
We actually won.
Ah, It was cruise ship.
It was, uh, I digress Them Vibes.
Right.
You know how many contests we've,you know, oh, second place.
Oh, you should have won.
Ah, go, go to hell.
Right.
do I myself in And then literally,we did a festival in, Maryland or

something,

Larry (22:20):
and this guy and his wife that said, you know, you should really
be on this cruise that we go on.
It's The band Train.
Yeah.
They have a cruise every year.
and, it's Sail Across theSea or Sail Across the Sun.
It's a lyric from Train.
It's Sail Across the Sun.
I'm gonna enter you, there's one moreband on this cruise, and it's a contest.
If you win, you're on.
And I'm like, do what you want.
Alex and I were like, youhave our blessing and we won.

(22:41):
So, oh.
yeah, it was sort of like,give it up, turn it loose.

do.
Sometimes you just have to surrender too.
And not give a shit.
And when you don't give ashit, that's when things
happen.
Of seems like, You know what I mean?
It's So I used to go every Thursdayat the original Nashville Palace.

Larry (22:55):
Ah,
we played there.

That's over here, Opryland area, on McGavick.
and, but it was the original one.
Now it's like the Caney Fork restaurants.
But the original National Palacewas right there on that corner.

Larry (23:07):
That used to be kind of like, you know how there's old, just for anybody
listening, there's like old Las Vegas?

Yes.

Larry (23:13):
That's like old Nashville.

Yeah, Totally That like Randy Travis got
discovered used to wash dishes.
There is the
story.
and every Thursday they would have atalent contest and so you would sign
up it was a Country talent contest.
And so, I would go.
I would go.
And of course I never won.
And then one week I did win.
One week I did win.

Larry (23:33):
many people were you up against?

I mean, on any given night, it would be
anywhere from probably 10 to 20.

Larry (23:38):
And you get up and sing one song, two

one
song, one song, one song usually.
So I would just, whether it be aPatsy Cline or a Laurie Morgan.
Freddie Fender, Presley.
do you know, I don't remember.
'cause I've done it so many.
I did it so many there andat The Broken Spoke I would
frequent a few different nights.

Larry (23:57):
kind of like the, the old story of like, you give your demo tape
to a record exec and it sits on thedesk and they say, no, this sucks.

Thanks.

Larry (24:04):
And then six months later, we love it.
We love We love You, we love this page.
Like, well, what do youmean it's the same tape?
oh, you sang the same Patsy Cline songlast week and you lost and you came
in, you sang the same one this week.
And they go, oh,

we love

Larry (24:16):
love you.
We love you.
So anyway, so so I

won that night, which was great.
It was fun.
And then a couple ofweeks later, I get a call.
Steve Hill played bass andhe was the band leader there.
And Willie Cantu was the drummerwho was original Buckaroo.
So that was really cool.

Larry (24:31):
Original

Original Buckaroo.
Buckaroo.
from Buck Owens.
Buck Owens in the Buckaroo.
So he was, he played drums for Buck Owens.
So he called and he said, would you beinterested in being a featured artist?
Every Thursday, and we'll call youout each set and you'll do like,
you know, four or five songs each.
And I was like, what?
So it was kind of like my first band gigin Nashville and they were the only ones

(24:52):
that gave me a shot to do Country music.
I'll never forget that.
So I did that for maybe a year.

Larry (24:57):
I know.
'cause I was the young countrykid coming up like this Rachel
Rodriguez, every Thursday.

It's the only

Larry (25:02):
night I have off.
Nope.

So
funny.
so that was really great and I loved that.
And so I thought, okay, maybethis is, maybe this is it.
This is gonna be great.
People will know me.
I'm a Country singer.
But once I took it to Broadway, nope, Youknow, it just didn't take, didn't take.
So I had a hard time.

Larry (25:19):
What did So were you gigging on Broadway or you couldn't get

gig?
I couldn't get a gig.
I couldn't get a gig.
And even at that point, there weren't awhole lot of women singing on Broadway,
And definitely there were not a wholelot doing the ones that were there.
You would rarely see them on the primespots, like six to 10 or 10 to two.
it was all country music at that point.
you know?
Not, not like the madness that it is now.
And I
just couldn't, I would just go up anddown and try to sit in the, I could sit

(25:45):
sometimes, depending on who was playing.
If they knew me, they'dme up and let me sing.
But Other than that, just tryingto break in and, and get a gig.
Just, it didn't happen.
And then from a friend of a friendwho needed a lead singer for his band,
and we connect, and to this day, Imean, he's my compadre, he's my son's
godfather and, He calls me, and he'slike, I got your name from so and so,

(26:06):
Rachel, and can you sing or can you sing?
He
remember that
conversation, can yousing or can you sing?
I

Larry (26:13):
great.
I'm gonna write

down.
Rachel,

Larry (26:15):
this is the name of the show.
Can you sing or can you sing?

And I go, uh, I don't know, I just sing.
I

Larry (26:22):
didn't know to answer

that.
So he said, uh, come down, we'replaying it's over in Cumming stations.
he's like, come and listen to us play.
And I go, okay.
And there's one thing.
So I'm so thankful for everything my dadtaught me for no schooling, no nothing.
He was like, always have likeFive songs in your back pocket.
Really Just be ready.
Be ready.
Because if they call youout, you don't wanna get up.

(26:45):
You only have one.
And that was the thing about, he's like,when you go to Nashville, it's no more
practicing because everybody's good.

Larry (26:51):
Your dad said

Mm-hmm.
He's like, you don't go thereto practice and not be prepared.
You go there when they call you out, yougot one chance to make a first impression.
You know, show up to rehearsal,prepared, show up, you know, to an
open mic night what are they playing?
If it's a blues jam, don't go upthere and sing Martina McBride, ask
him, do you know Martina McBride?
You're at a blues jam.

(27:11):
Yeah.
You know, if you get asked to playon, like if I would go to Roberts, And
ask to sit, do you think, at the, he'slike, look at, they're all over 50.
They're men up there.
Do you think they're gonna knowthe latest Shania Twain song?
They don't have a femalevocalist in the band.
Your best bet is to doa three chord song of.
Johnny Cash or Merle Haggard in your key,of course, figure out what your key is.

(27:36):
Um, they're gonna sound good.
You're gonna sound good.
Doesn't matter if it'syour favorite song or not.
The whole point is when youwalk in a room, you want
them to ask you to come back.
hey, Rach, you wanna sue that song again?
You know?
And he was right.
So I went it was my buddy, Eddie,Eddie Gore, I was supposed
to just check out the band.
What happens?
this
space?
No, no.
no, no, no.
This was at a performance, Andhe says, Rach, you wanna get up?

(27:59):
And, s and I had never met him in person.
Like we'd only talked on the phone,

Larry (28:03):
of mouth.
he heard, you can sing,but can you sing more?
Can you

Can Do can you sing?
Or can you sing?
Yeah.
he's like, come and check us out.
So you know what we do?
It was like top 40.
It was like rock, soul, likea mixture of everything.
And he's like, just come and checkus out so you can hear what we do.
Great.
So I kind of waved and he was like,oh, hey, hey, He waves to me, and then
45 minutes you wanna come and sing.
I'm like, oh my gosh,I'm not a Rock and Roll.

(28:27):
Like they're playing allRock and Soul and all.
I'm like, I am not a Rock and Roll singer.
I just, you know, I could sing Country allday long, but I had a few, I had like, of
course La Bamba, the whole world knows LaBamba, Tush, another three chord Wonder
in G, you know, Old Time Rock and Roll.
Like whatever I could that my dad wouldpull off in his little Country Rock band.
And I knew those.

(28:48):
So I went up there and I don'tknow what I started off with.
And it might have been Dreams,Fleetwood Mac, you It's a
little, everybody knows that.
So

Larry (28:56):
you say it, so, oh, everybody knows No, by the way, no, everybody doesn't.
Okay.

I mean, it's only two chords for most part.
it's F and G, F and g and you do alittle bridge, but it's, you know,

Larry (29:05):
know.
Yeah.
We hope, we hope the people that comeup know it, but a lot of 'em don't.

So he calls me and the funny thing is, their guitar player at
the time, he's like, what do you wanna do?
And I'm like, let's doTush and the Key of G.
So I mean, me like,
so I finished singingband's still playing guitar.
Player goes, what do you got next?
Like, the music is still going.
didn't stop He's, He's just testing me.
Right.
You know?

Larry (29:31):
You

And so I'm thinking, I was like.
La Bamba
he goes, and then, so we doLa Bamba, and then he's like,
alright, what you got next?
And I was like, Dreams in F
And then that was it.
I pulled out the lesson.
Thank God they, theywere like, okay, great.
Thank you so much for joining us.
I'm like, great.
because I ran outtasomething and that was it.

(29:52):
they're like, Hey, you wannacome and join us for a drink or
go the Red Door over in Midtown?
And so we go to the reddoor, have some cocktails and
Eddie's like, you want the gig?
The gig's yours.
And I'm like, really?
And then the guitar player's like,just to be honest, I'm not a fan
of Chick Singer, so I was reallyputting you through the ringer to
see if you knew what you were doing.
And I'm like, I could tell.
And he is like, but you're cool.

(30:13):
You want the gig.
So

Larry (30:14):
it?
That's something.
So you got the

So I got the gig and then I, we were on the
phone, I was like, I have a conf.
I said, that was it.
Those are all the rock songs I know.
and again, like we said, you meet peoplelike Dave Webb and, John Prestia, my end
all be all mentor second dad, um, takeyou under the They see something in you.
And they have a givingheart and they help you.
And so my buddy Eddie is like, no worries.

(30:38):
I'm gonna send you like two songsa week and we're gonna build your
repertoire and just learn 'em.
And that's it.
He's like, you have the range to do theZeppelin, the Chaka, the all the stuff.
And he's like, it's in your voice,you know, he's like, you can do it.
So I'm like, okay.
And and once I got into theflow, I knew all the songs
Because I love Rock and Roll.
I just never applied my vocals to it.

(31:01):
So then once I started singing someZeppelin and all the, you know,
Etta James and I thought, oh wellthis is like singing Mariachi.
It's this big emotional belt andrawness, it's just in English.
Okay, I could
do that.

Larry (31:15):
You make it sound so

know, Mariachi is that big belting.
Oh, you can feel thepain the in their voice.
It's raw, it's emotional.
That's what Mariachi music thebest Mariachi singers, they
just, Ugh, break your heart.
And I thought, oh, I can do that.
And so then it just felt good.
I felt like putting onan old sweater, you know?

(31:36):
it Just, I was like, okay.
And so I'm so thankful thatthey gave me that opportunity.
And then, um, and it justgrew and grew and grew.
And then we had a residency over at.
Dan McGinnis.
we played every weekendfor I don't couple years.

Larry (31:49):
in Nashville.
Yeah.

so we would play there every Friday and
Saturday for quite a few years.
And so that's where I gotlike my Rock and Roll chops.

Larry (31:56):
So did you feel like, okay, I'm not a Country singer anymore, or
at the same time were you pursuingit because, you know, a gig is a gig.
A gig job, right?
You could do your job Friday and Saturdaynights and then you can pursue art.
Was there country musicstill in your vision?

Not so much because now I was trying to fit in.
Right.
And they would not, I couldn'tfit into the Country, you know,
like my mom would come and visit.
She's like,
what happened to Patsy Clineand, and the Country music.
And I go, I love country music.
It doesn't love me.
Right now, you know?
but I didn't come to fail.
You know, one of the best things Iever learned in college from a, dance

(32:33):
professor, Miss Mitzi, she wouldalways say, okay, you have to have
your toolbox for dancers, um, when Iwas doing dance in college, and she's
like, you have to have your toolbox.
and you have to be multifaceted, right?
Because if you're gonna go to a showaudition, and you're only a ballerina,
yes, it's great to be focused,but then you don't, make the call.
You know, or you get cut, you're done.

(32:54):
Well, guess what?
If you're a tap dancer, put those tapdance shoes on and go back in there.
And now maybe they need you to bein the ensemble, or can you sing?
Take those tap shoes off.
Get your song go in.
The point is to get your foot in thedoor, And then once you build your
reputation, as you know, Being apart of the team, you know, you're
prepared, you're on time, you're kind.

(33:15):
Then they may open the door.
Okay.
Audition for the, the ballet part again.
But she's like, you have to getyour foot in the door somehow.
that's always stuck with mebut you have to do it well.
Right.
You have to still be able toperform be able to do what's
called on upon you to do.
and execute it.
That always stuck with me as far as,you kind of have to have your hands in

(33:36):
different things and see what sticks.
And, but it does have to be something thatyou're passionate about and that you love.
And I did wanna do Country music,but I also studied business.
So I thought, well, maybe I justwanted to be in the music business.
And I wasn't sure what that looked like.
And maybe it was.
A downfall.
Maybe if I was more focused, maybe I couldhave reached, oh, I'm not done yet though.
But maybe it's still possible, but

Larry (33:58):
in the music business.
I mean,

I am in music business

Larry (34:00):
what does your week look like?
And they were all music things.
They are, yes, they were.
Every single one of them were music.
Were music.
so you are also a background singer.

I love singing background

Larry (34:13):
Right.
So I love it too.
going from the front to not the front.
I'm the front person of Them Vibes,but I love playing percussion
and singing background vocals foranybody if you ask me to play with
you, my job is to find my space.
Find my which is so hard whenyou love all of the space.

(34:35):
Right.
I'm a very ebullient human being.

You know,

Larry (34:39):
I take up a lot of space.
I, I know that

I, I, I,

Larry (34:42):
you know, when my wife

I'm the same way,

Larry (34:44):
My wife says, try this shirt on.
I go, it's too loud.
She goes, what do you mean it's great?
I said, I got enough here.
Meaning I point to my head, I point to myface and my head, I'm like, I got enough.
It's too much.
I'm blinding myself.
But the point is, is that Ithink the opportunity to find
your spots, and do them well.
I love singing and people say up front.

(35:04):
Why would you wanna be back there?
I'm like, don't feellike I'm being demoted.

Exactly.
Because that is a skill.

Larry (35:10):
You.
Darn right.
It's a skill and you are phenomenal at it.

Oh, thank you Larry.

Larry (35:14):
How do you warm up?
The artists right?
Me, me, me, me, me, me, me.
My, my, my, my, my, my.
I'm like, enough is enough.

love it.

Larry (35:22):
Me, me, me, me, me.
Yes.
You, you, you, you, you though

my god.
us background singers.

Larry (35:27):
ha ha ha ha ha, Not my, my, my, my, my, my, my.

God.
That's So funny.

Larry (35:31):
That's, code for the bg

bgb background singers, You,

Larry (35:34):
me mes in my my's.
You, you can be up front.
Take all the spotlight.
We'll be in the back here.
laying down the bed.
But isn't much fun?

It is so much fun.
When I was at the little assisted livingcenter yesterday, and it was me and my
Auto Harp and some seniors and they wereso eng you know, music is about community.
Music is about happinessand joy or emotions.
I mean, 'cause Even when you'resinging a sad song, you're
still connecting with people.

(36:01):
about an emotion or whateverthe idea of the song might be.
and that's how I feelabout being in a band.
You know, it's a communal thing.
Um, when I'm singing background vocals,whether it be by myself or with the
band, or with two other girls, it'slike you're a part of something and
you're creating something so thatthe audience can be a part of it too.
So I don't think about as being the frontperson or this, I'm making music and I'm

(36:24):
a part of something that's bigger than me.
And I love singing with y'all.
It just is.
Mm, so fun.

Larry (36:29):
That is so much fun.
So I was reading this quote,from, the book Daring Greatly
by Brené Brown, page 2 61.
And it was a quote by Brother DavidSteindl-Rast, this made me think of you.
It is not joy that makes us grateful.
It is gratitude that makes us joyful.

Mm.

Larry (36:47):
And I read that and I wrote it down with my Sharpie in terrible handwriting.
I wrote Rachel next
And I just feel like.
You have such grace and you arejoyful and you juggle so much in
life and you have so much going on.
There's so many ways to feelbadly about our own selves.
so many ways to just like not be motivatedto just get up and continue on every day.

(37:11):
I don't know if you get sad ifyou get depressed if you get down.

Oh, yeah.

Larry (37:15):
yeah.
Yeah, we

do.
and I think you have to feel that, Imean, even with my daughter, as we're
going through, uh, she's 13 I've got a.
Angsty teenagers sometimes, and I'mlike, go through, feel your feelings,
and then you have to get out ofthe funk because you can't spew
that on the whole world around you.
You know, we all live in this space.
I'm sorry you're having a bad day.

(37:36):
We all have bad days.
find your space, go in your room,listen to your music, whatever it is,
and then come out because you can'tbe this negative cloud on all of us
because it it does, it affects everybody.
And the one thing you don'twant when you're walking down
the street and everyone's like,oh God, here comes Sophia.
Oh, here comes Rachel.
And she's gonna talk abouthow negative, you know?
Yeah.
We have those feeling We're, we're human.

(37:57):
We're supposed to have those feelings.
Nothing's perfect.
When I work with the kids andI'm like, if you're sad, be sad.
If you're happy, be happy If you'refrustrated, those are real emotions.
We have to feel them butdon't be stuck in them.
And that's where the work comes in, right?
Like, how do we.
you know, I'll give you a day.
I'll give you a day to bedisappointed or sad or mad.
And then let's shake it offbecause tomorrow's a new day.

Larry (38:20):
Really?
Because I thought you push it down and youshave your head and get a lot of tattoos
and you come out and you say, I'm 15.
No, I'm

kidding.

Larry (38:28):
kidding

Yeah.
No, Right?
I was a teenage girl you know, we'realways trying to fit in and like,
and I can sometimes feel it too,even still, I think it's, we always
are battling, For me it's like, amI too old to be doing this still?
You know, am I too ethnic?
Am I too fat?
Am I too, you know, all the things thatwe just self, Sabotage almost sometimes.
And, and I'm thankful for my kids andI think, what has helped me is when

(38:53):
you do things for other people orwith other people outside of yourself,
you don't have so much time to justworry about me, me, me, me, me, me.
I think that's it.
when you do things for others.
get outside of yourself.
Because so easy to just be my life andmy problems and my this and my that.
And, and then you just go inthis d and, and I've been there.

(39:13):
And I'm not gonna say it'snot gonna happen again.
It could, you know.
But I've got too many things going onand too many people to take care of.
to do that.
Well,

Larry (39:20):
you do take care of everybody.

Oh, thank you I'm, I'm so thankful for,
I,
you know, never studied music.
Never.
It was, I call it the RayRodriguez Homeschool of Music.
That's he Taught me just the, the basics.
And it I'm still here in Nashville.
And It's just be prepared and be nice.
in it's town like this whereeverybody is so talented.
How are you gonna, I don'twanna say like stand out, but

Larry (39:43):
make 'em cry.
You make cry, you put'em down, make 'em cry.
You're terrible, you suck.
No you don't.

I,

Larry (39:50):
I'm trying, I'm figuring it All right.
It is now October of 2025.
You and I have shared the stage many, many

Oh yes.
I love

Larry (39:59):
Hello.
And How are you these days?

I'm great.
Yeah, I am.
Working hard.
I am all over the place with my children,but pushing forward with projects.
I feel very grateful.
I'm in this, time of, of gratitudeand abundance and, and sharing.
And connecting.

Larry (40:18):
When we spoke a few years ago, you had just started on your record.
Mi Vida.
Yes.
And since then, your recordis, close to completion.

Yes, it is very, very close.

Larry (40:30):
So the through line of the episode has been about your
upbringing, your family, where youcome from, how you got to Nashville.
And you know, cominghere just like so many of

us.
Mm-hmm.

Larry (40:41):
As, an aspiring country artist.
I came here in a band thatactually might, by the time this
is out, have, uh, reformed forone song, at Santa's Pub Santa

Yes.

Larry (40:54):
The great Denzel, Yes.
of Santa's Pub yes.
and I worked at Santa's Pub.

did?
I didn't know that.

Larry (41:00):
I ran karaoke and I worked the bar.
Of course you

you did.
Wow.

Larry (41:03):
When the band that I moved to Nashville for, speaking
of reason why we came here.
To be Country artist wascalled Her and Kings County.
And one of the first places thatwe hung out in was Santa's Pub.
And Santa's Pub wasbrand new at that point.
And we became friends with Santaand it was the very first music
video that was shot, at Santa'sPub was Her and Kings County.

Wow.
Yep.
That's history.

Larry (41:25):
is history.
and then after the band broke upand then Them Vibes formed and
you know, that whole dance of

Mm-hmm.

Larry (41:31):
Santa gave me a job.
He took me in.
He was very kind.
Santa was so wonderful to me.
and he gave me a job and he gave mea sense of like, family in Nashville.
He and Angelina, his partner,um, were always wonderful to me.
The gang, the crew.
At Santa's Pub.
Amazing.
I met so many songwriters.
I met so many wonderful people.

(41:52):
I got, uh, drunk with a lot of fun people.
There was no booze at Santa's Pub.
Okay?
So it was beer only.
But Santa used to, and I'll tell you this,that Santa used to, uh, bring Fireball

in Oh,

Larry (42:05):
for he and I to enjoy.
And Angelina, his partner,would used to drive her nuts.
She's like, no booze in my bar.
And Santa would come inand he'd say, Brother Love,
go into my car.
I got a little something.
and I'm doing a horrible impersonation.
But he, would say, Larry, go to the car.
There's something in there you need to,get out of my car and bring into the bar.
And it was always a sleeve, notjust like 1, 2, 3, 4 bottles,

(42:26):
a sleeve of airplane bottles.

Oh my gosh,

Larry (42:30):
A fireball.

I love it.

Larry (42:32):
I love it.
And he would come to me at the anytime.
portion of the evening, ofa work shift at Santa's.
And he'd say, Brother Love, take a break.
You need, you need a break.
I'd be like, I don't need a break.
I'm Oh, okay.
I get

get it.
I know what kind of break you're talking

Larry (42:46):
So I'd go in the back and like down a little bottle of Fireball.

How funny.

Larry (42:50):
And you know, obviously he was a very gracious and wonderful man.
And so there is a benefit show, becausethey're reopening and so we were
asked the band Her and Kings County.
To perform one of our songs.
So I think that's gonna happen.

Oh my God, I have to be there.
Yeah.

Larry (43:04):
It'll, it's gonna be a lot of fun.
But you know, the history of why we'rehere to be in the Country music world,
and then things just go the way they go.
They

the way they go.

Larry (43:13):
Right.
I mean, so we're talking aboutyou and your record, Mi Vid
How is your record going andwhat is going on with it?

it's been amazing.
I love being in the studio andyou've been in the studio because
Them Vibes are on a couple oftracks, which I'm so excited about.
Um, me too.
it's been great to put something outthat's yours like, in my bio, unapologetic
about, the things I'm talking aboutand the genres cause I'm all over the

(43:45):
place, but yet it's all a part of me.
So it's ending with atraditional Mariachi song.
I grew up singing with mydad's actually playing on it.
Yeah.
Um, playing guitar, just anaccordion and my vocals just raw,
just the way we would do it at mygrandma's house or on a campfire.
Then I've got some Latin funk on there.
Then I have, uh, Waylon JenningsVintage Country sounding song on there.

(44:08):
So, and then I've got somestorytelling songs that are bilingual.
So there's Spanish, there's rock, there'ssoul, there's funk, there's Latin rhythms.
Um, country, all the things that I love,all the things that are a part of me.
And I think the greatest thing was whenwe were in the studio, um, tracking
some of the songs and I'm like,okay guys, I know we're completely

(44:31):
changing modes from Latin Funk.
Now I want you to sound Vintage Country.
And Wes Little wasplaying on these tracks.

Larry (44:37):
a drummer.
That is amazing.
He is a studio musician.
He's a touring musician.
He is great.
I've seen a lot of him this yearbecause I host, uh, Nashville
Sunday Night at Third and Lindsley.
And he's been on so many shows.
He plays with so many artists andI've seen him do just like you said,
Country music, Funk music, Latinmusic I've seen and heard and watched

(45:00):
and enjoy him play every style with

Yes.

Larry (45:04):
Yes.
And love and style.
So go

Yes.
No, I love him.
He, he's fantastic.
And just to be able to have that caliber,those caliber of musicians on my phone.
And I call them and they're like,yeah, Rach, what do you need?
And everybody shows up.
I feel so blessed, um, to have thembe a part of this, but as we were
in the studio, I'm like, okay, nowwe're gonna go from here to there.
And he's like, that's not strange at all.
Rach, that's you.
I've been playing music withyou for so long that it's not

(45:29):
you trying to be somebody.
Yes.
Just you embracing and being you.
I've done enough shows to know that ifyou come to a Rachel Rodriguez shows Yeah.
You're gonna.
Here's Zeppelin, and you're gonna hearJohnny Cash, you're gonna hear Aretha
Franklin, you're gonna hear Celia Cruz.
So whatever I'm feeling thatday is what you're gonna get.

Larry (45:47):
Yeah.
so what does it feel like for youto do your own thing, to ask other
people to come in and interpret yourvisions and your heartfelt songs?

It is so, validating and also because working
with, the co-producer on it with?
Eddie Gore.
Eddie Gore.
He gave me the first band gig in town.
that.
Yeah.
After I got shut down by everycountry venue and couldn't find a
country gig, he didn't even know me.
And he's like, can yousing or can you sing?

(46:17):
And then we started making music andbuilt this friendship and have been
friends for over 20, 25 years probably.
So

Larry (46:22):
so the answer, Eddie, is oh, she
Sing!

Sing

Larry (46:27):
Because he invited you.
Let's just, bask in this glorious,reality of the fact that you
were recording your record.
At RCA studios in Nashville,

Yeah.
It's really special to walkin there and the history Yes.
And the magic that's been made in there.
Yeah.
And the people that you run intosometimes walk in, in the halls or
Steve Cropper's in there or He justshowed me, uh, 'cause they're working
on a new album in the studio for Steve.
Really?
Um, he's like, Rach, guesswho just left the studio?
Eric Clapton when he was justhere a couple of weeks ago.

(46:58):
Wow.
Yeah.
In the same studio, in thesame chair that I've been.
going
in there and laying downvocals and tracking and mixing.
Yeah.
There's Eric Clapton in that same studio.
I'm like, what?

Larry (47:10):
I just get excited when I'm at the urinal because the pictures
are, there's so they're wonderful.

they're wonderful.
They're, they're wonderful.
I know there's a great picture and thereof Loretta Lynn in the, in the girls'
bathroom in there, so it's fantastic.
Everywhere you go down the hallwayand Dolly Parton and Charlie Pride and
all these great pictures and just thehistoric, Legends that are, have walked
through those hallways and been in thosestudios, it's magic to go in there.
So that in itself is exciting andfeels great to walk in that space.

(47:39):
And then as listening to tracks ordirecting while I'm in there with the
musicians and different things, andbecause some of them might have not
have played some Tex-Mex, the latestsingle that I just released is very,
Mr.
Moon.
Mr.

Larry (47:52):
Moon.
That's right.

Tex-Mex Conjunto style of music that
I grew up singing with my dad.
So as we started playing, it kind ofstarted taking on a Cajun cadence and
I was like, Hey guys, it's not Cajun.
It's Conjunto.
It's Tejano, and I know it's,it's similar, but it's not

Larry (48:10):
Conjunto with

it's Texas style music.

Larry (48:14):
Conjunto.
Can you spell that for me becauseI'm gonna need it for this.

C-O-N-J-U-N-T-O.
Conjunto.
thank you very much.
Mm-hmm.
Yeah.
And that, along with the Tejano music.
Mm-hmm.
very much South Texas.
Yeah.
Border town music.
And that's what I grew uplistening to in my home.
That's the kind of band my fatherfirst had before he turned into a
country band, was having a Tejano band.
So when I wrote Mr.

(48:41):
Moon, just those melodies andthat, rhythm came to mind.
And knowing what I want to hear,being able to direct musicians and
because everyone's so professional.
Everyone's like, yeah, like, tellme what I need to do, Rach, and,
and everyone trusts my, visionand my thoughts and my direction.
And then even, after the performance,and Eddie and I are in the studio

(49:03):
mixing, He'll send me a track.
I'll listen to it and I'll comeback and tell him, you know what?
Let's, let's drop this.
Let's do this.
What if I did this?
I'll go in and online and he'll be like,I don't know Rach, but let's try it.
And he's like, you were right.
It sounds so much better this way.
And so to have like, I knowwhat the hell I'm talking about.
From the years of experience of liveperformance and doing background

(49:26):
vocals in the studio and Bgv is forother people and other projects,
I feel very validated to hear.
From producers and seasonedsession players, they're like,
yep, that sounds way better, Rach.
I like that idea better.
And so I'm like, okay.
You know, in an industry where a lotof times I have been, I have dealt
with, you're just a chick singer, youdon't know what you're talking about.

(49:47):
And so that kind of sticks in your mind.
And when you want to speakup about something that.
If it's not sounding right and you'reafraid that people are gonna just be like,
Hmm, you dunno what you're talking about.
But it also speaks to the professionalismof the people that I do work with that
are like, no, these are your songs.
I've worked with you for years and years.
You know what you're talkingabout and I trust you.

(50:08):
Yeah.
So let's do it, Rach.

Larry (50:09):
That's so beautiful and gracious, and it was such a joy to be
in the studio with you, Alex and I.
Them Vibes.

Yes, Them Vibes.
It was amazing.
And Eddie's in love with Sarah.
He's like, oh my gosh.
I listen to those drum tracks,Rach, and they're fire.
And I'm like, yeah, they are.
She's,

Larry (50:23):
she's the same kind of deal, which is like, oh, you're just a chick drummer.
Oh yeah.
You look good.
And you can hold the beat down.
No, she's one of the best drummers.
You know, being a musician inNashville, um, is not an easy thing
to do as far as just, you know,being successful and to keep going.
But being a studio musician becauseproducers have their people.

(50:43):
Yeah, I was just explaining aboutthis band, Her and Kings County
that we moved to Nashville.
The song that we're gonnaplay at Santa's Pub.
I didn't record.
I mean, I played the songwhen the song was written.
There's like parts, and I hateto say I wrote the drum parts
'cause I think that's just silly.
I don't know.
I, I don't.
Consider myself like writing drum

parts.

Larry (51:00):
I dunno, I dunno.
For drummers, they alwayssay, I wrote the drum part.
I'm like, okay, great.
And I guess I'm not taking anythingaway from them or myself because
the parts that I played wererecreated by the studio musician.
So like I remembered my first,recording, uh, experience in
Nashville being basically told Youcan stay home because you are not
recording I was not on the record.
I was not on the recordings.

(51:21):
I finally made my way onto some ofthe Her and Kings County recordings.
But, the producers have their people
and they
bring them in.
They say, Rachel, great.
You're gonna come in here andI'm gonna have the band for you.
Or a lot of times even the band comesin and a portion of the band will play
on the record and the rest can sit down.
The fact that you were able tohave players that you wanna have

(51:42):
on the record, thank you for that.
Sarah Tomek has worked so hard to be inthe studio, to be invited by producers,
to be on the record, not just on the tour.
And to hear a major producer,Eddie Gore, gush over Sarah.
We all say, yep, no kidding.
We've known it all along, but I'lltell you, it's a long, hard fought

(52:03):
battle that is still being fought.
You know, every time Sarah'sin the studio, I'm always
like, yep, she has got it.
Because her timing is amazing.
Her pocket is a mile wide and 10 milesdeep, and it's because she worked on it.
She was on a click track since shewas like 10 years old with, her dad.
Mm-hmm.
So you were so gracious.
You had Them Vibes in the studio.

(52:24):
And you would look to us and say,well, what do you guys think?
And we're looking at you like.
What do you think it's your song,which is a bit of a role reversal.
'cause we work together.
Yeah.
And you're singing with us.
Yeah.
And whenever you have something to say,it's always heard and you know, and yeah.
Nine Outta 10, it's always correct.
Also, when we're singingtogether and having that blast.
But you were so gracious in the studioand we didn't write the songs, so it

(52:46):
was like, okay, where do we fit in here?
Right.
You were clear and you weregracious, and you were like,
well, just let's interpret it.
How would Them Vibes do this?
Yeah.
And we did it together.

my gosh.
I'm so excited.
Yeah, it sounds great.
And because there were certain songsas I was listening down to rough demos
of, early beginnings of the songs.
And I'm like, oh man, this has justgot like rock soul vibes on it.
I, I would love to hear Them Vibes,interpretation of it because it has
that feeling of this like retro bohemianrock and roll with groove and I'm

(53:21):
like, that's what this song needs.
And I know the perfect crewthat will make it happen.
And boy, you sure did.
Thank you

Larry (53:28):
Oh, thank you so much.
That's so great.
So where are you at?
You have a few singles out

I do.
I have a Whole Lot ofWoman, was the first single.
Mm-hmm.
The second single, is Mr.
Moon.
Right.
And then.
I'm hoping to maybe release onemore before the end of the year.
Right.

Larry (53:42):
it's almost the end of

year and it almost is the end of the year, so we'll see.
Yeah.
And then hopefully release early 2026.
Right.
You know,

Larry (53:49):
now comes the hard part.
Well, the hard part is writingand getting the record together.
Actually, that's the easy part.
Well, I know I'm being sort of funny,you know, the hard part is like, oh, how
do I get into RCA in Nashville with amajor producer and have like some of the
best players in town, like on my record?
Oh, no, no.
That's the easy part.
Now the part comes, moving forward.

(54:10):
To get the momentum to put it out.
You're doing, this isan independent release.

Yeah.

Larry (54:15):
Yeah.
But I'll tell you, since last we spoke,your stocks have gone way, way up.
Rachel Rodriguez

Well, thank you.

Larry (54:21):
you.
Do you feel that way?

Um, I think I'm too busy.
I'm too busy working and connectingand doing the thing to really take
inventory and so I'm thankful for you.
Who will pull me aside and be like,girl, I'm keeping up with you.
And do you know?
You know, I know.
And when you tell me that, you know,I go home, I think, or driving home
and I'm like, is it, maybe he's right.

(54:43):
Well, I have done this and that.
I don't, I just keep going on tothe next thing and don't take in all
the things that are are happening.
And so I appreciate you taking thetime to make me stop and think.
Because sometimes, and you know, wefeel like we're spinning our wheels.
Yeah.
We're not making an impact.
Are we on the right path?
Are we doing the right thing?
Are we in alignment with our path andour creator and what we were meant to do?

(55:06):
And it's all, you know, gooddays and bad days, and so.
That question is always in the back ofmy mind as it is with so many creators.
Or are we just wasting time orare we doing the right thing?
Yeah.
You know,

Larry (55:18):
what's the answer right now,

You know, I, I'm doing the right thing.
I just got back from Florida.
Um, I spent four days therewith, a performing arts center
in, West Palm Beach, Florida.
They invited me to come anddo a three day residency.
I went to different schoolsthere in West Palm Beach.
I took my Songs For My LittleAmigos program there, and of course

(55:41):
everybody knows Señora Rachel herein Nashville, from the libraries and
Cheekwood and the museums and schoolsand all the different things I do.
But I'm going to a brand new city,brand new students, brand new teachers
who have no idea who Señora Rachelis, and so went there, performed.
One day I was with 205 students.
Another was 350 students.

(56:03):
Another was 250 students.
All singing Mariachi with me.
Learning to dance a Cumbia all engaged.
Teachers, taking my little Amigos CDhome, emailing me, asking me for questions
about the songs that I used to dance to sothat they can use them in the classroom.
And I just felt like.
You know, I have, something uniqueand I have something to share with the

(56:25):
community that's great for the students.
Um, it's great for the educatorsand I'm sharing my culture
and I just came back feeling.
I'm doing the right thing.
I'm doing the thing that Godput me on this earth to do.

Larry (56:39):
That's amazing.
And it didn't necessarilylook the way you thought it

was Not at all
getting

Larry (56:43):
back to coming to Nashville and, going over to the, Opryland
area where there were all those,venues and, you know, playing on
Broadway, the, no, no, no, thank you.
You know, all of this stuff.
And then the growing and the building andthe working, and then there you are in
West Palm Beach, you got hired to be you.

Yeah.
Share to be me and to share you.
Yeah.
I went alone, I mean alone.
And I had a lot of free time 'causeI was done by like 11 o'clock in
the morning and I had the whole dayto, to see the city and figure out
what I was gonna do the next day.
To just think about that.
And think, you know, I didn'thave to do anything but be myself.
and that felt really good.

(57:21):
I guess I'm in this, uh, seasonvalidation and confirmation
of I'm supposed to do withthe gifts that I was given.
That's

Larry (57:28):
That's amazing.
So you're very busy.
one thing that's a through line for

you

Larry (57:32):
is you're, is you're always very, very busy.
What does your week look like?
Like now, I came into your housetoday and you were scheduling the
next few weeks with about shows.
So just give, give me an example of,'cause when we spoke a few years ago.
I asked you the same questionand you were busy, busy, busy.
What does a week look likenow for Rachel Rodriguez?
Because I get the emails

folks.
You get

Larry (57:51):
Rachel sends out a monthly newsletter.
I do.
And for those of you who go, I wish Iwas doing as much as Rachel Rodriguez.
I do too.
Okay.
I wish I was doing asmuch as Rachel Rodriguez.
And I love your, emailsand your, blast out.
All the things you're doing.
And it's phenomenal because thattakes time in and of itself.
what does your life look like?
Like right now?

Right now?
Well, the good thing is my childrenare on fall break, so I don't have
to carpool and I don't have to pickup anybody from school or take them
to their aftercare programs and
theater programs and all of that.
So I have a little break from that, but,tonight I'm going to a mixer, a music
industry mixer with La Cara Productions,um, that my manager Rick Rodriguez does.

(58:33):
So I'll be there tonight.
I'm also, I'm so excited.
I am part of Leadership Music.
I'm the new class of 2026.

Larry (58:41):
Wow.

And I've applied three times.
And it does, it takes manytimes to apply to get in.
'cause it's a very prestigious,like the people from all over the
country in the music business come,there's a whole application process.

Larry (58:55):
What does that look like?
What does that mean?
What is leadership

Leadership music is bringing in leaders in
the music industry whether it'sCalifornia, Atlanta, New York.
Nashville, in different realms ofthe music industry, songwriting,
performance, A & R booking, engineering,like bringing all the minds together.
To collaborate, to grow,to learn from each other.
So they're doing the welcoming, us,all the alumni members, which my

(59:21):
mentor, Pat Algers, an alumni member.
There's a lot of prestigious songwritersand executives that are alumni of this.
Wow.
Music Leadership.
So.
that's tomorrow.
And then we go on a retreat,a Leadership Music retreat.
So I will be gone.
Um,

Larry (59:36):
and how long?

I'll be back on Saturday night.

Larry (59:39):
So it's a few days a retreat.

days.
It's just bringing people together.
Um,

Larry (59:43):
many people on this retreat?

Oh gosh, I don't know

Larry (59:46):
What's the sleeping arrangements?
Everybody has their, is itlike a camp, like you guys
are in like a bunk situation?
There's like 12 people in the bunk.

Yeah.
12 people in a bunk.

Larry (59:55):
Hazing each other

That's it.
Like, just like band camp.

Larry (59:58):
Yeah.
Like right.
Exactly.

Rachel Rodriguez (01:00:00):
Band, camp.
Oh, I loved band camp.
Those are fun days.
So again, another validationof how the community sees me.
And I am so excited.
I'm going to connect and learn frommany different people, in different
realms of the music industry.
Um, going to make new connections.
Yeah.
And expand my community.

Larry (01:00:20):
And you have a, and you have a record on the way that's really cool.
I mean, it's all sort of working in,

tandem.
There's, yeah, timeline

Larry (01:00:27):
is just perfect.
We touched upon it a few minutes ago, yourstock is rising, You know what I mean?
You have a manager, now I believeyou're getting more love now,
finally, I wanna say, from the Latinocommunity in Nashville, I think
everybody knows who Señora Rachelis now, there's crossover here.
Yeah.
And there's a lot of that.
And you're able to stand in both realms,you know, in the Latino and then the,

(01:00:50):
what would you call it, the non-Latino.

The non-Latino.
The Anglo.
The Anglo American.
Yeah.

Larry (01:00:56):
It's not like claiming like she's ours.
She's ours.
But you're standing very firmly asRachel Rodriguez and able to do a lot of
things now that you weren't able to do.
You were knocking on the door not too long

ago.
Yeah.

Larry (01:01:08):
And so what does that feel like for you to have that validation?
I know we've beentalking about validation,

yeah.

Larry (01:01:13):
as a producer and writer in the studio, but now here
you are in the community.
You just came back from Florida,and you're working your magic.
It's,

it's

Larry (01:01:22):
music, it's education, it's community.

Yeah.
Community means so much to me.
My mom community, my, myMommas in music community.
Yeah.
I really feed women inmusic, education, literacy.
All of those things mean so much to me.
Yeah.
Sometimes
I put a lot of that ahead of my stuff, butI don't know how to do it any other way.
That's just the way I was raised.

(01:01:44):
And

Larry (01:01:45):
Well, why now?
why is this all coming together now?
Because it feels likeit's coming together.

I don't know.
I mean, I'm very spiritual and Ihave a lot of faith, and so every
day I am thankful to be aliveand hope that I am doing what I'm
supposed to be doing with the giftsI was given and surrender to that.
Because there are some thingsyou have no control of.
Yeah.
And, time-wise too, I think for me,the other important thing, the other

(01:02:11):
passion I have is to help change thenarrative of what a woman is in the
entertainment business, age, size,motherhood, race, all of those things.
And, maybe that is my purpose.
Maybe it is just to be a cheerleaderand Tia, and maybe it's not for me.
Maybe it's for Sophia.

(01:02:32):
Right.
Or the next generation, um, to say, youknow what, it's okay to take a break.
Not to take a break, butsometimes, I mean, you, you can't
be a mom fully with a newborn.

Larry (01:02:43):
Yeah.

And be, you know, unless you have nannies and have this
and all that, which some people do,and that's fantastic and good on them.
Yeah.
But.
For the rest of us independent artists.
Yeah.
for sure.
You know, that was a choiceI made and, celebrating that.
Yeah.
Celebrating that journey.
And with, my first.
Child I did feel left behind.
Everybody's doing their things.
Of course, we have social mediagoing on the road, doing the studio,

(01:03:06):
doing all this cool stuff, and I'msitting there with a baby on the
boob, my toddler, the other one isrunning around and my house is a mess.
I'm like, oh my God, I'm nevergonna get back to that life.
Now I'm busier than ever.
It's crazy, and they are my inspiration.
The Songs For My Little Amigoscame from being a mom and wanting
my children to learn Spanish.
And so your voice.

(01:03:28):
Doesn't go away, but thetime with your kids will.
So if you don't surrender and justbe present in where you are and,
stop wishing the day so that shecould go back to singing or whatever,
um, you can't get that time back.
You can't get it.
It goes so fast.
Now I've got, so she's on her on fallbreak with her friend in Florida.
Now she doesn't wanna be withme going to the pumpkin patch.

(01:03:52):
Um.

Larry (01:03:52):
Does
that break your

heart?
Yeah, it's happy, sad times becauseher and I do get to do cool things.
We get to go to concerts and dothings together, spend the day up and
down Gallatin Road, going to vintageshopping and thrift shopping and
having coffee together, and I love thattime, but I would go back in a minute.
Go back to being theirfull-time mama, you know.

Larry (01:04:15):
Aw.
Well, let's dive in a little bit.
Sophia has a career of her

own now.

Larry (01:04:19):
now
let's Talk about it.

Sophia?
Well, she's 15.
She's 15 years.

Larry (01:04:24):
Mm-hmm.
She has.

goodness,

Larry (01:04:26):
Got so much going

She does.
She
She sure did.
And we're vamping up to try to raise thefunds to do it again this next summer.
Yeah.

Larry (01:04:35):
So tell us about Sophia's musical career.

Well, Sophia, is a beautiful singer.
She's an actress, she's a songwriter.
She plays ukulele, plays the violin.
And keeps me busy.
So in fact, she just got castin a new Christmas production.
So we'll be starting rehearsals with thatnext week, which will have us on the run.
Um,

Larry (01:04:56):
is the perform

I think the performance for the holiday
concert is going to be at OZ Arts.
A art.
Uhhuh hum.
I remember that.
Yep.
Through the Theater Bug.
So I, sit on the boardfor the theater bug.

Larry (01:05:07):
But you sit on the board for The Theater Bug.
Yes.
So is that like I'm onthe board, so my kid

is,

Larry (01:05:12):
the lead.
Does Sophia get the lead because of that?
I won't tell anybody.
Nobody's gonna hear

she already was, had done multiple,
multiple, multiple performances.

Larry (01:05:20):
Sophia, your mom's on the board.
Fine.
My mom made cookies and.
Yeah.
So what?
And I'm a tree fine.
Sophia, you could be the star.
ow.
I just got downgraded to bush.
Oh man.
Just for opening my mouth.
I was a tree.

They do all original material except for the holiday show.
The holiday show, they just dothis wonderful, take on classic
songs and pop songs and rock songs.
What these children.
Put out and performs.
Yeah.
It's incredible.
You forget you're watching children.
They're so amazing.
And you've got, Sophia was what, eightyears old and doing three part harmony

(01:05:58):
and I'm like, what is happening here?
So to see how she's grown because ofbeing involved in something like that.
Yeah.
And the same thing with GirlsWrite Nashville taking her
songwriting to the next level.
Yeah.
It's so important.
And so I'm a teaching artist andmentor for Girls Write Nashville.
Like those organizations speak to me.
Um, I see the impact not only my ownchild, but all the other children

(01:06:23):
that I come into contact with, and Iwant to support these women who are
in charge of these organizations.
Yes.
You know, because that is also,as I said, is a passion of mine to
support other women in the arts.

Larry (01:06:34):
Yeah.
Well, you're doing such a fantastic job.
Congratulations.
Wow.
Okay, so you have a new record comingout in the beginning of the year.
Yep.
We need to support that.
You have, Music City Museums.
Tell us a little bit about that.
That's coming out as well.
That's

coming out as well.
That book, is coming out.
Oh,

Larry (01:06:50):
No, no big deal.
I just wrote a book.
I wrote a beautiful book by theway we talked about Music City
Museums on, Community Corner.
with Kayley
I

love Kayley.
That's right.

Larry (01:07:00):
She co-wrote the book with you.
Yes.
And, Kayley Nell Walker.
Art and Illustration by Britt McDermott.
Yes.
And this was something we spokeabout on Community Corner, which is
a segment that I host on Lightning100 here in Nashville, Tennessee.
It's celebrating Nashville's music,art, culture, and creative community.
Tell us a little bitabout Music City Museums.

I have the opportunities and the blessing of working with so many
arts institutions here in Nashville.
So the Country Music Hall ofFame, Cheekwood, The Frist.
So many of the museums that arementioned I have had collaborations
and partnerships with for many years.
And Initially it was just gonna beone museum that we were focusing on,

(01:07:41):
and then we thought about it a littlebit more and I said, you know what?
Nashville is more than just that.
Nashville is so many differentthings and I am blessed to work in
all of those different circles andall of those different communities.
Why don't we showcasethe beauty of Nashville?
I think Nashville sometimes getsthe reputation of just being

(01:08:01):
Country music or Christian music,and we're so much more than that.
So let's put something togetherthat captures that, all of that.

Larry (01:08:10):
Wow.
And so that book will be released soon

soon?
Yeah.
I, I mean, there's music
song.
There's a song that accompanies it.
So you's already out.
Yeah, it's already out.
So you can listen to MusicCity Museums and that

Larry (01:08:21):
yeah, with your Kids.
It's a beautiful song.
I didn't mean to cut you off, but Ineed to gush over you I don't need you
speaking over me while I'm gushing on you.

Gush Gush on Gush on

Larry (01:08:32):
What you do is so digestible for
kids and for adults alike,which I think is just amazing.
You're like the Simpsons, but better.
Really!
You are.
Every woman, Rachel Rodriguez.
Oh my goodness.
You have so you brother,

Brother Love.

Larry (01:08:45):
so very, very welcome.
I got a few questions for you.
What fascinates you RaRa Rachel Rodriguez?

Oh my gosh.
You're gonna give me these just quick,

Larry (01:08:54):
you know, what fascinates you at top of your

top of your head?
I would say kids.
Kids and how they find joy and they justlet go run around and scream and you know,
I'm still trying to learn howto, let go and last month I
went and rode roller coasters.
I sent you a picture.
mouth is like wide open.
I was like, so this is what it'slike to be a kid again, and just
not run in the yard screamingyour head off and letting it out.

(01:09:17):
I'm fascinated at howthey can just do that.

Larry (01:09:20):
I would never do that.
I hold the bags in the shoesthe, at the amusement park.
I

Well, I tried to.
I got shamed into.
I was like, you know what?
I might be the oldest one here.
And guess what?
Some of the younger girls had to,
Get

Larry (01:09:33):
shame.
There's no shame in my absolutefear of rollercoasters.
No, no shame in that.
There

is not.

Larry (01:09:38):
I hold the bags, I hold purses and I hold the shoes I love no shame in that.
the picture by the way is amazing.

every one of her is like, it's so funny.

Larry (01:09:48):
What, um, what angers you?

Um, Insensitivity and disrespect

Larry (01:09:54):
Well, what brings you pure joy?
Just joy.

Oh my gosh.
Creating, creating, um, being people.
Being with people.
I love like music, singing, you know,I, I'm blessed that it's my, yes,
it's my income, but it's also my.
release.
You know, it's also, I, I hateconfrontation and I'm not a yeller.
I'm not a fighter.
I'm not a, I will try to avoidconflict as much as I can.

(01:10:17):
So I think, like when I'm singingsome Zeppelin and I'm just going
for those notes and singingsome, Janice, that's my yelling.
That is my, like,
blah.
So I don't have to yell at mykids and yell at my husband.
I just leave it there and then I cancome home and be happy Mom again.

Larry (01:10:32):
So next time I see you next time we're singing something like really loud.
I'm like, she's yellingat her kids right now.
I know.
I'm gonna go, Hey man.
She's yelling at her husband there.
she's singing Led Zep.
I'm like, I know what she's doing.

Yeah.
I'm just releasing itall, so I'm like yelling.

Larry (01:10:45):
yeah, her husband didn't clean the kitchen.
How do you know?
Listen to what she's singing right now.
So, uh, if you could change anything,like, if you could fix change, if
you could change anything with awand, a magic Rachel Rodriguez wand.
Auto Harp.
I fixed this or changed it.
What would it

Um.
I would
Just want people to let people be people.
Let people have their thoughts,let people have their opinions.
We don't have to judge everybody.
Yeah.
That's, you know, that's the thingthat's killing me right now is just my
husband and I are completely different.
We have completely different opinions.
And sometimes we justhave to agree to disagree.
I love

Larry (01:11:20):
Yeah.

I love you.
I love my neighbor.
I love my friend.
We don't have to agree on everything.
that's what makes you, you.
Yeah.
what makes me me and

Larry (01:11:29):
Belong.
We're I'm belong here with you.

Yeah.
I could change I'd bejust let people be people.
And not criticize andjudge and be so negative.
And we're not supposed to be alike.
We'd be so, life would be so boringif we all thought the same and we
all did the same and we all believedthe there can't be any creation or
invention if we're all the same.

Larry (01:11:49):
Wow.
That's amazing.
All right, now this is The question.

The Oh Lord.
Okay.

Larry (01:11:53):
Toilet paper.
Over or under?

Over?

Larry (01:11:56):
Yes.
ding, ding, ding, Where can we find you?
Rachel Rodriguez,

Oh my goodness.
Rachel rodriguez.com.
Rachel Rodriguez.
7 7, 7 on Instagram Songsfor My Little Amigos.
Um, or Señora Rachel on Instagramfor my children's program.

Larry (01:12:13):
That is phenomenal.
Thank you so much Rachel I love you too.
Thank you so much.
Thank you for tuning into the JustKeep Talking podcast with me, Brother
Love, because Your Story Matters.
Until next time, so long.

bye.

Larry (01:12:26):
You know what?
I gotta go back real quick.
One last thing I gotta say.
So a couple of weeks ago, Sarah, mywife and I were at the farmer's market
and there was a Latin band playing.

Oh, yes, yes, yes.

Larry (01:12:37):
I love salsa, Latin music, all the whole thing.
I love it.
I love it.
I love it.
I love it.
And I was enamored by thepercussion, the drummer, it

was
Manuel Manotas.
it
like that, so

Larry (01:12:47):
so I won't, that cool cat Was playing and he, his drums had
skins that looked different thananything that, you know, I play.
I love playing thismusic, so I'm enamored.
And I kind of sneak to the side ofthe stage and they stop playing.
I know not to do this 'cause people doit to me when I'm on stage, but an idiot.
You know?
I'm like, Hey, those drum so great.
what's that?
And so, the lead singer, band,she's introducing everybody.

(01:13:08):
And I didn't realize that she wasintroducing the band and the bass player.
Gio Giovanni.

Rodriguez,

Larry (01:13:15):
Like she was introducing the band.
cause you said, oh, I know those Isaid, Hey, you know Rachel Rodriguez?
And I put my hand on my heart, like hegoes, he's like, oh yeah, same last name.
We all love each other.
Of course we know each other.
And I

I go,

Larry (01:13:28):
and he said it on the mic.
And I was like, what the hellis this guy talking about?
and then all of a sudden it dawns on me.
I turned around, I'm like, No, no, no, no.
Like my wife is like, she'slike, did you just say something
to this guy to upset him?
I'm like, I don't think so.
She goes, he said on the mic.
Oh yeah.
We're all Rodriguez.
We all know each other.
I'm like, no, that's not what I mean.
I'm like, I know Rachel Rodriguez.
I'm sorry, I didn't knowyour last name was Rodriguez.

(01:13:51):
Hey, so to, Mr i'm sorry.
we love you Gio.

So funny.

Speaker (01:13:58):
You can personally support this show simply by clicking
the tip link in the show notes.
The Just Keep Talking podcast is nowavailable on all podcast platforms.
Please like, share, and subscribe.

Visit our website: www.justkeeptalking.com, (01:14:09):
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our YouTube channel,@justkeeptalkingpodcast and
Instagram @thejustkeeptalkingpodcast.
We all just want to be seen,to be heard and to belong.
Thank you so much for supportingmy mission and the Just Keep
Talking podcast with me, BrotherLove, because Your Story Matters.

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