Episode 9: Ralph Fatello - A True Renaissance Man

Today’s guest, Ralph Fatello, is a true renaissance man. He’s a Marine and Vietnam war veteran. A singer and songwriter that’s performed in front of crowds as large as 25,000 and opened for bands such as The Police and Emerson, Lake, and Palmer. A writer, who’s blog called Ralph’s pic of the week, has around 300,000 readers every week from around the world. An avid surfer, filmmaker, and consummate volunteer. And of course, a husband and father. One of my favorite interviews so far, Ralph shares some crazy life stories, including an absolutely wild run in with Colombian drug lord, Pablo Escobar, when his band was touring in South America. Ralph's someone who I would say, has lived life to the fullest.

Timestamps

00:02:27 Growing up with music and art

00:06:39 "We were going to be stuntmen in Hollywood"

00:08:35 The Beatles' influence on him

00:13:15 Starting out in rock bands

00:16:47 Opening for Emerson, Lake, and Palmer at the Meadowlands

00:21:15 "The stage becomes your dog crate"

00:23:42 Opening for The Police

00:27:57 What's kept him driven to keep writing and performing music

00:30:25 Run in with Pablo Escobar

00:37:35 Surfing as an addiction

00:44:37 Love of documenting surfing

00:55:30 Ralph's Pic of the Week Blog

01:00:30 Carbon Monoxide Scare

01:02:51 "Surfing heals all wounds"

01:05:45 Service and volunteer work around surfing

01:11:35 Enlisting in the Marine Corps during Vietnam

01:14:15 Starting out in Paris Island

01:22:40 "If you shoot Expert Jimmy, this meatball sub is yours"

01:27:15 The Marine Corps brotherhood

01:31:45 Finding purpose after Vietnam

01:36:53 Being a husband, father, and grandfather comes most naturally

01:39:11 An avid outdoorsman