Welcome back to another episode of The Defying All Odds Podcast!In this episode, our cohost Rafael Cedeño reunites with a long lost childhood friend - Justin Rodriguez, a current US Peace Corps member who has just returned from Morocco. Born and raised in Washington Heights, NY, Justin shares an incredible journey that embodies the triumph of resilience and self-belief. He opens up about the uncertainty he felt after college, confessing that before the Peace Corps and his study abroad in Paris, he was genuinely lost. His path to clarity wasn't easy: from working at CVS during the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic and dealing with depression, to making the bold decision to leave his comfortable environment. But instead of settling, he ignited a radical personal transformation: a bold study abroad in Paris, followed by an impactful three-year commitment in the Peace Corps in a rural Moroccan town. Here, Justin wasn't just observing; he was integrating, mastering the local dialect of Darija and dedicating himself to youth development. He shares how the burning desire to empower his students—who dreamed of studying engineering in London—became his fuel on the toughest days, a raw testament to the power of purpose. Now, Justin's relentless application and self-belief have culminated in a fully funded acceptance to pursue a Master’s in Global Politics at the world-renowned London School of Economics (LSE)! If you take away anything from this conversation, anyone that is struggling to find their path can prove that when you silence the self-doubt, ignore the statistics, and fully commit to your own potential, you become the author of your own extraordinary story. 🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe for more inspiring stories! 🔔Justin RodriguezEmail: Justinnrodriguez123@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/justin.n.rodriguez/As always, thank you for listening in and be sure to check out The Defying All Odds Podcast On YouTube, Spotify, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, FaceBook, Threads, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music and contact us via email. LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thedefyingalloddspodcast#travel #morocco #college #motivation #religion

Welcome back to a very special episode of The Defying All Odds Podcast!In this next component of our educational series, we met with our very first U.S. Congressman on this podcast - U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat, a Democrat representing District 13. We had the chance to sit down with a man whose life is a living testament to the power of perseverance. From his journey as a nine-year-old formerly undocumented immigrant from the Dominican Republic to becoming the first person with that background to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives, his story defies the very notion of "no" and proves that the human spirit, as he says, "is the most powerful thing on earth." This conversation is a masterclass in turning personal adversity into a force for public good.The interview delves deep into the congressman's unwavering commitment to his community, providing specific insights into the battles he fights every day. He passionately discusses his vocal opposition to the "One Big Beautiful Bill," which he argues would disproportionately harm over 600,000 of his constituents by slashing Medicaid and Medicare benefits. His own experience fuels his fierce advocacy for immigrant rights, as he recounts the chilling effect of being undocumented and praises a local coach as a "national treasure" for defending children from ICE agents in a batting cage. Congressman Espaillat's journey from a young immigrant in the 1960s to a prominent voice for affordable housing and tenants' rights in neighborhoods like Harlem is a powerful reminder that with determination, the underdog can not only succeed but also fight for the success of others. His philosophy of "throwing the first punch" and never taking "no" for an answer is not just will power—it's the very foundation of his life's work.A steadfast champion for working- and middle-class New Yorkers, his impactful career in public service is a testament to this philosophy. As a key member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations, he is directly responsible for advancing and amplifying legislative priorities that improve the lives of families across the nation. During his tenure, he successfully introduced over 50 bills, with the most notable being the successful passage of HR 6852—the Holcombe Rucker Park National Commemorative Site Act—which will permanently enshrine the iconic Harlem basketball court as a federally recognized beacon of community empowerment. Representative Espaillat also secured billions in federal funding to begin the second phase of the Second Avenue Subway, a monumental achievement that will better connect historically transit-barren communities. This dedication to his constituents and the nation is a continuation of his extensive public service, which began with his groundbreaking election as the first Dominican American to a state legislature in 1996 and continued through his work in the New York State Senate, where he was a vocal advocate for tenant protection and economic development.It was an honor to interview our very first U.S. Congressman and we hope you gained some inspiring motivation to make change in your community! Stay tuned for more episodes like this!U.S. Representative Adriano EspaillatWebsite: https://espaillat.house.gov/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/repespaillat/FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/RepEspaillat/X: https://x.com/RepEspaillatBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/repespaillat.bsky.socialThreads: https://www.threads.com/@repespaillat?xmt=AQF0SEDZC7kllAxsrHYpa6WYDimLijpkdqqCtaQ4R2WnNNkYouTube: @RepEspaillat LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/repespaillat?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadw136QWgL59vhOEQFp_lrfLMSz4PBWiuGOejIk9Yp3Sq9gk8v5MAIvDnGj0Q_aem_HWkUNN7l_9zeQSry9Kf5PAAs always, thank you for listening in and be sure to check out The Defying All Odds Podcast On YouTube, Spotify, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and contact us via email. LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thedefyingalloddspodcast