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Growing Up Bronx

Stories and tales of what it was like Growing Up Bronx during the late 80s and early 90s.

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Growing Up in the Bronx: A Vibrant Mix of Culture, Food, Music, and Community

02/03/2023, 1:39 am Angel Rodriguez 0

Growing up in the Bronx means experiencing a vibrant mix of culture, food, and music. It’s a place where diverse communities come together to celebrate life through street food, lively music, and strong neighborhood bonds that make the borough truly special.

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Taking the Cheese Bus to School: Growing Up on the NYC Yellow School Bus

12/22/2022, 7:07 am Angel Rodriguez 0

When I was younger, my mom tried to get me a full fare bus pass due to my asthma, but instead, the NYC education system put me on a yellow school bus. Leaving early was nice, but riding the cheese bus as a teenager brought its own set of challenges.

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Episode 90 – Retired NYPD Cop to Author with Vic Ferrari

10/18/2022, 7:17 am Angel Rodriguez 0

Meet retired Officer Vic Ferrari. Bronx native Vic Ferrari has taken on a new career as a book author. He is joining us to promote […]

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Episode 83 – My Bronx Journey

08/18/2022, 11:48 pm Angel Rodriguez 0

I believe the year was 1982. At the time I was 5 years old, and my younger sister was 3 or so. The youngest hadn’t […]

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Episode 53: How a 24-Credit Program Helped Me Earn My GED and Graduate College Faster

06/15/2022, 1:16 am Angel Rodriguez 0

I dropped out of high school due to bullying but went on to earn two college degrees. Thanks to a supportive program and Mrs. Thompson’s guidance, I graduated faster than most and built a successful career. There’s always a path forward if you find the right support.

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Episode 74 – Surviving Harsh Winters in the Bronx: Stories of Resilience and Family

05/18/2022, 1:29 am Angel Rodriguez 0

Reflecting on tough times during harsh weather reminds me of my childhood struggles with broken heaters and poor building maintenance. We learned to adapt, boiling water for baths and blocking drafts with bags. I hope those facing similar challenges now find strength and support to get through.

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Hood Royalty: Growing Up Around Block Families and Unwritten Rules

01/18/2022, 9:14 pm Angel Rodriguez 0

Listening to old school freestyle music brought back memories of my childhood block, where two powerful families shaped the neighborhood’s rules. Between family ties and block politics, those summer days felt like living in small kingdoms. I wonder how much has really changed since then.

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My Not-So-Pleasant Encounters with the Police: Stories and Reflections on Respect and Privilege

08/05/2021, 7:45 am Angel Rodriguez 0

I’ve had several uneasy run-ins with the police, from wrongful accusations to being treated unfairly in my own neighborhood. Despite these moments, I stay calm and respectful, knowing how quickly things can escalate. What have your experiences with law enforcement been like?

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NYCTalking Podcast

Just an average guy from New York City and his friends all over the world talking about anything and everything. Commentary on current events, film, food, fitness, social issues and much more!

Inquires and media: arodomus@gmail.com

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Episode 116 – BJJ Safety, Abuse Concerns, and Changing Attitudes in the Jiu Jitsu Community
by@Angelrtalk

Some time ago, I wrote a post saying I wasn’t completely comfortable with my wife training jiu jitsu with men. The reaction from many practitioners was intense. I was called insecure, and some people insisted that abuse simply doesn’t happen in the BJJ community.

Since then, I’ve seen more and more posts and discussions acknowledging that jiu jitsu has had issues with grooming and abuse, and that these problems have existed for years. It’s been interesting to watch that shift. When I first shared my concerns, a lot of higher belts and experienced practitioners dismissed my perspective. Now, many of those same types of voices openly recognize that these problems are real.

That contrast is hard to ignore. I talk about it in more detail in episode 116.

I saw something similar during my time in the military. In environments that are heavily male dominated, with very few women, the risk of misconduct can increase. My concerns were never about insecurity. They were about awareness, caution, and looking out for the people I care about.

Episode 116 – BJJ Safety, Abuse Concerns, and Changing Attitudes in the Jiu Jitsu Community
02/09/2026, 3:56 pm
@Angelrtalk
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