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S2 E35 | Real Estate Realities: Navigating Today’s Market with Manny Manna

Cutting through the noise of real estate misinformation, Manny Manna—a successful entrepreneur with extensive experience in property development, private equity, and lending—delivers an eye-opening assessment of today’s housing market that both novice buyers and seasoned investors need to hear.

The conversation dives deep into how social media “experts” are spreading dangerous misinformation about real estate for clicks and views, while lacking the credentials and continuing education that would validate their advice. Manny shares his professional insights on why macroeconomic factors beyond interest rates—including tariffs on building materials, logistical challenges, and policy decisions—are shaping housing affordability in ways many commentators miss.

Perhaps most shocking is the revelation that 68% of properties in Hillsborough County are investor-owned, pushing Tampa into the top 10 U.S. cities for homelessness and housing insecurity despite its economic growth. This stark contradiction between prosperity and social challenges raises profound questions about community development priorities.

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S2 E34 | Artistry Unleashed with Shi: From Songwriting at Five to Finding Her Voice

Enter the vibrant world of Artishi – a dynamic force in Tampa Bay’s creative scene who’s redefining what it means to be authentically yourself as an artist. In this captivating conversation, we dive deep into the journey of a multi-talented creator who’s been crafting words and melodies since the tender age of five.

Artishy reveals the fascinating story behind her podcast “Shi Speaks” and her mission to create what she calls “safe spaces to fix your face” – environments where people can be vulnerable, grow, and transform without judgment. Her concept of “goal friends” – supportive circles that celebrate your wins rather than competing with them – provides a refreshing perspective on building meaningful relationships in creative industries.

The conversation takes unexpected turns as Artishi performs snippets of her songs “Soon” and “We Swinging,” demonstrating her versatile musical style that blends nostalgic 90s vibes with contemporary sensibilities. Her track “We Swinging” carries a powerful message beneath its catchy exterior: “As long as you’re up to bat, they can never count you out” – a mantra for perseverance that resonates throughout her work.

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S2 E33 | Alex Delgado Beyond the Uniform: A Marine’s Journey Through Entrepreneurship

What separates those who dream from those who do? Alex Delgado’s remarkable journey from Marine Corps intelligence analyst to serial entrepreneur reveals that success isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about learning from each experience to fuel your next venture.

The serial entrepreneur, Marine veteran, and author of “The Four Fs: Seeking Self-Mastery in Faith, Family, Fitness, and Finances” takes us through his fascinating career trajectory, beginning with a doomed hip-hop clothing store in Miami. Rather than being discouraged when competing with vendors selling stolen merchandise from car trunks, Delgado extracted a valuable insight about advertising from the experience that led to his next business: marine advertising with inflatable billboards towed along Miami’s beaches. This venture flourished, attracting major clients including Miller Coors, Red Bull, and international DJs.

Throughout the conversation, Delgado reveals how military discipline shaped his approach to both business and life. While many might find balancing active Marine duty with entrepreneurship impossible, he simultaneously pursued multiple degrees—eventually earning his MBA—while launching businesses. This commitment to continuous growth reaches far beyond professional pursuits, as evidenced by his dedication to marathon running and community building through the newly-formed Oldsmar Running Club.
Born and raised in Tampa, Morgan’s athletic journey began with track and basketball before transitioning to boxing after wandering into a gym and being inspired by a young female fighter. Despite starting at the relatively late age of 28, her natural competitive fire quickly propelled her through the amateur ranks to become #3 in the country before turning professional.

Coach Moniette, her trainer and manager, doesn’t sugarcoat the brutal realities of boxing. He made Morgan study for a full year before her second amateur fight, ensuring she understood the sport’s dangers—including the approximately 13 fighters who die annually in the ring. This sobering perspective shapes their approach: “You’re not just training to win; you’re training to kill… and be willing to die.”

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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!

E12 | Unlocking the Secrets of the Music World with Strizzo

Introduction

Are you a dedicated follower of the Tampa music scene, or perhaps you’re a budding artist looking for some genuine industry insight? Either way, the latest episode of the Happy Hour Holidaze podcast is a must-listen, as it features none other than the legendary Strizzo. Let’s dive into what makes this episode a treasure trove of information and entertainment.

A Deep Dive into Strizzo’s Multifaceted Career

Strizzo, aka Jamal Lyles, has been a transformative figure in the Tampa music community. He began his career in 1996, breaking records and taking the party scene by storm. But Strizzo didn’t stop at being a DJ; he ventured into production and teamed up with Tampa Bay’s super producer, Lil Kee, to create the brand, Jook City Dj’s.

Strizzo reveals how Jook City Dj’s quickly ascended as a reliable brand in Tampa’s music scene. From dealing with challenging business arrangements to forming a synergistic collaboration with Keezone Productions, Strizzo opens up about the struggles and triumphs of his career trajectory.

Key Takeaways from Strizzo’s Interview

One of the most enlightening moments of the episode comes when Strizzo discusses the need for adaptability and continuous growth in the music industry. He shares insights into how he’s managed to evolve from a DJ into a producer, rapper, and studio mastermind, contributing to hits on Spotify and iTunes.

Strizzo’s Tips for Staying Relevant

What sets Strizzo apart is his ability to adapt and pivot his career to meet the ever-changing demands of the music industry. In the episode, he talks extensively about how he’s leveraged technology to stay ahead of the curve. From the significance of collaborations to the strategic use of social media, Strizzo’s tips offer invaluable advice that extends beyond the realm of music.

DJ Christion: The Perfect Co-Host for Strizzo’s Episode

While the spotlight is on Strizzo, special guest co-host DJ Christion brings his own layers of wisdom and entertainment to the table. His background as a Tampa native and his evolution from DJ to entrepreneur enrich the conversation, offering a comprehensive view of the Tampa music scene.

Why You Can’t Miss This Episode

Hosted by the charismatic duo of Sean and Manny, Happy Hour Holidaze Episode 12 stands out for its engaging blend of humor, business insights, and exceptional storytelling. Not only does it offer an inside look into Strizzo’s life and career, but it also serves up practical business advice that listeners can apply in various settings.

Conclusion: Tune in to Happy Hour Holidaze for the Strizzo Experience

For anyone interested in music, business, or both, this episode is a goldmine of information. So why wait? Grab your favorite drink and get ready to dive deep into the intriguing world of Strizzo, the man who turned Tampa’s local scene into a global movement.

If you loved this episode and want to hear more from industry titans like Strizzo, don’t forget to subscribe to Happy Hour Holidaze. Your one-stop-shop for an exhilarating blend of laughter, knowledge, and top-notch advice!*

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