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S2 E23 – From Real Estate Association Mergers and Diversity Initiatives to Affordable Housing Challenges, Legal Risks, and HOA Oversight in Vibrant Tampa Markets

Discover how the transformative merger of three Realtor associations has shaped the Greater Tampa Bay Realtors into the sixth largest local association in the nation. With insights from Quan of the Tampa Bay Realtors Association, we unravel the motivations behind this strategic move aimed at reducing redundancy and enhancing efficiency. Explore the significance of distinguishing between Realtors and real estate agents, and the advantages of collaborating under the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

Our candid conversation shifts to pressing issues such as affordable housing and the evolving real estate market. We scrutinize the complexities of international trade, tariff impacts, and the domestic struggles faced by the middle class. Highlighting partnerships with Habitat for Humanity, we also tackle challenges in accessing Section 8 housing and analyze the influence of rising rents, foreclosure rates, and out-of-state buyers in vibrant markets like Tampa.

Celebrating diversity within real estate, we spotlight the Real Estate for All Alliance, a pioneering initiative of Greater Tampa Realtors. This collaboration with five diversity organizations aims to foster equitable homeownership and representation. We emphasize the importance of sticking to core expertise, with realtors advised to defer to specialists in legal, insurance, and mortgage matters. Dive into the ethical and legal intricacies of real estate transactions, the crucial role of inspections, and the need for experienced leadership to navigate the shifting landscape of associations and HOAs.

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S2 E22 | Amanda Brown’s Captivating Journey: From Theatre Roots and Balancing Creative Passions to Navigating Post-COVID Auditions, AI in Storytelling, and the Future of Acting and Representation

From munchkin to main stage, actress Amanda Brown shares her extraordinary journey through the world of acting. Growing up with a love for theater, Amanda opens up about how early performances boosted her self-confidence and helped her navigate her identity during her teenage years. Despite familial pressure to pursue a healthcare degree, she stayed true to her passion for acting, balancing the demands of practical work while feeding her artistic side with acting classes. Amanda dives into the dual nature of pursuing a creative career, where artistic talent must meet business savvy, providing a roadmap for aspiring actors who are looking to break into the industry through student and indie film projects.

As we navigate the shifting landscape of auditions post-COVID, Amanda provides insights into the pros and cons of self-taped auditions versus traditional in-person auditions. Auditions are not the only challenge; aspiring actors must grapple with typecasting and the rising influence of AI in storytelling. Amanda’s own experiences and aspirations, like becoming a series regular while maintaining a healthy work-life balance, serve as a beacon for those looking to carve out a career in the ever-evolving entertainment world. We also explore the intriguing dynamics of working with an agent, emphasizing the strategy behind aligning talent with the right roles to enhance marketability.

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S2 E21 | From Civil War Medical Realities and Surgeon General Hammond’s Reforms to Battlefield Amputations, Opium Tales, and Prosthetic Innovations

Discover the untold stories of Civil War medicine with filmmaker and veteran Steve Hollingshead, as he shatters the romanticized war narratives of yesteryear. Prepare to be transported to the brutal and unsanitary battlefields where disease claimed more lives than bullets, and hometown doctors were suddenly thrust into roles for which they were woefully unprepared. Through Steve’s lens, explore the impact of Surgeon General Hammond’s sanitation reforms and how these changes slowly transformed the grim reality of wartime medical care.

Our journey through history uncovers bizarre and fascinating aspects of the Civil War era: from the bittersweet tales of laudanum, an opium-based painkiller, to the surprising role of brothels in maintaining public health in Washington, D.C. We discuss the brutal realities of battlefield surgeries, often performed without modern anesthesia, and the emergence of prosthetics as a symbol of both suffering and innovation. Steve shares captivating anecdotes, including the gritty details of battlefield amputations and the unexpected assistance of maggots in wound care.

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Send Your Question

Got burning questions about business, entrepreneurship, or anything in between? We want to hear from you! Send us your queries, and hosts Manny and Sean Febre will answer them on an upcoming episode of Happy Hour Holidaze. Don’t miss this opportunity to get expert insights while having a great time. Simply drop us a message with your questions, and let’s dive into the world of business together!

E8 | Ybor City Secrets Mafias, Mysteries, and Lost Tunnels Revealed with Steve Hollingshead

Introduction

Tampa, a bustling metropolis, has always been more than just its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. Nestled within its confines lies Ybor City, a historic neighborhood with tales as rich as its culture. This week on our podcast, Happy Hour Holidaze, we embarked on a journey back in time to unravel the mysteries of Ybor City History and the shadows that shaped Tampa’s foundations.

A Guest Like No Other: Steve Hollingshead

Joining Manny and Sean Febre was Steve Hollingshead, a renowned historian and documentary filmmaker. Steve, with his encyclopedic knowledge of Tampa History, spun captivating stories of Ybor City and the influential figures who once walked its streets. And among those tales, the legendary Ybor City Mafia stood out, painting a vivid picture of power, loyalty, and betrayal.

Ybor City Mafia: More Than Just a Name

The Cigar City Mafia wasn’t merely a group; it was a phenomenon. These puppeteers of Ybor City intricately wove their influence, marking an era of blood and suspense. Through Steve’s words, listeners were transported to an age where snitches met their doom, and competition was silenced before they even began.

Beneath Tampa’s Streets: Lost Tunnels and Secrets

Yet, the stories didn’t end on the cobblestone streets. Steve guided us deeper, quite literally, to the lost tunnels beneath Tampa. These underground pathways whispered tales of smuggling, trafficking, and covert operations. It’s a side of Tampa History that few have explored, making it an exhilarating revelation for both hosts and listeners.

A Documentary Worth Watching: “Ybor City Underworld: A History”

For those itching to dive even deeper, Steve introduced his latest documentary on Amazon Prime, “Ybor City Underworld: A History.” This film promises a visual exploration of Ybor City’s History, complete with dramatic reenactments, expert insights, and a captivating narrative that promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Wrapping Up

Ybor City, with its complex history and vibrant present, remains a testament to Tampa’s resilience and evolution. Through episodes like this, we aim to bring these tales to the forefront, ensuring that history isn’t forgotten but celebrated and explored.

Whether you’re a Tampa native, an enthusiast of Ybor City, or just someone with a keen interest in history, this episode of Happy Hour Holidaze is a treat that shouldn’t be missed. Dive into the mysteries, the legends, and the realities of a time gone by. And as always, cheers to the stories that shape us!

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