The VinnyRoc Podcast
The VinnyRoc Podcast

The VinnyRoc Podcast

Vincent 'Rocco' Vargas

Overview
Episodes

Details

VinnyRoc Podcast Introduction: "Hey everyone, welcome to the VinnyRoc Podcast! This isn't just any ordinary podcast; it's a journey into the minds and souls of some of the most captivating people I've met throughout my life. Every episode, we'll delve deep, uncovering the passions, drives, and unique perspectives propelling my guests toward their successes. We've got you covered whether you're here for inspiration, motivation, or good old-fashioned entertainment. Your voice matters, too! We're all about creating a community where everyone feels heard. So, don't hesitate to contact us on social media and share your thoughts, stories, and suggestions. Together, we'll laugh, learn, and perhaps even change our little corner of the world. Let's get started, shall we?"

Recent Episodes

"I can't walk away from these experiences" | My Survival Story w/ Lisa Regina
OCT 17, 2025
"I can't walk away from these experiences" | My Survival Story w/ Lisa Regina

On this episode of the VinnyRoc Podcast, I sit down with actor, writer, and advocate Lisa Regina—founder of A Write To Heal and creator of the veteran-driven TV project Heroic Episodes (EP: Joe Mantegna). Lisa opens up about surviving domestic violence, healing through writing, and how working with veterans reshaped her mission to employ vets on set, mentor at-risk youth, and tell authentic stories about trauma, resilience, and community.

We get into:

  • Lisa's assault in 2005 and the road back through therapy, faith, and the page
  • How a blind Army captain and amputee crushed an acting workshop and sparked A Write To Heal
  • Why Heroic Episodes will hire veterans, bring teens in as apprentices, and spotlight VFWs/Legions and veteran-owned brands
  • Funding realities, distribution hurdles, and a simple ask: "five bucks" from the community to move the series forward
  • Practical pathways for veterans: Part 107 drone training, set work, writing rooms, and authentic consulting

If you've lived through trauma, support veterans and first responders, or care about rebuilding community with real mentorship, this conversation is for you.

Support & Learn More A Write To Heal (nonprofit): https://awritetoheal.com/ Heroic Episodes (series + donate): heroicepisodes.org/donate

About Lisa Regina

  • NYU-trained actor/screenwriter; former faculty at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts
  • Founder of A Write to Heal (writing as a pathway to recovery)
  • Creator of Heroic Episodes, an ensemble drama that employs veterans and mentors at-risk teens

About the Host VinnyRoc Podcast—real conversations with veterans, creators, first responders, and leaders building things that matter.

Timestamps

00:00 — Opening: Lisa's story and speaking publicly about domestic violence 01:18 — How we likely first met (Range 15 era) and the Hollywood dominoes 04:59 — Lisa's path to film: NYU, coaching, and early breaks 07:02 — The veteran connection begins: Capt. Leslie Nicole Smith enters the class 09:50 — Set life with veterans: camaraderie, competence, and healing 12:31 — The assault: April 2, 2005—what happened and what followed 15:47 — Aftermath, shock, the stranger who stayed, and the long week missing 21:28 — PTSD common ground: civilian survivor meets combat vets 24:42 — A Write to Heal: why writing works when nothing else does 30:05 — "Heroic Episodes": premise, Joe Mantegna, and employing veterans 42:17 — The five-dollar campaign, VFWs/Legions, and sustaining the mission

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50 MIN
"Speaking Out on ICE Cost Me Everything" w/ Angel Cortez on Immigration, Gang life and Community
AUG 20, 2025
"Speaking Out on ICE Cost Me Everything" w/ Angel Cortez on Immigration, Gang life and Community

In this episode of the VinnyRoc Podcast, Angel Cortez shares his incredible life story—growing up in gang culture, surviving violence, serving as an Army Ranger in Iraq and Afghanistan, and transitioning into veteran advocacy and entrepreneurship. From getting stabbed on his fifteenth birthday to leading a Special Operations career, Angel opens up about resilience, purpose, and the parallels between gangs, the military, and community brotherhood.

We also dive into his viral comments on ICE, the controversy that followed, and his perspective on immigration, law enforcement, and bridging communities. Angel's journey highlights the struggles of first-generation Americans, the challenges of growing up in low-income neighborhoods, and the transformation that comes with discipline, service, and finding true purpose.

If you want raw honesty about gangs, the military, veteran life, and community activism, this conversation is for you.

- Topics covered in this episode:

- Growing up in gang culture and surviving early violence

- Transitioning from gangs to the U.S. Army Ranger Regiment

- Combat experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan

- Building community through advocacy and entrepreneurship (OG Pumpkin)

- ICE raids, immigration policy, and the viral podcast clip controversy

- The importance of brotherhood, purpose, and finding a positive path Follow Angel Cortes: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelgcortes175/

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73 MIN