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S2 E40 | Black Clover The Fight Within: Balancing Trucking and MMA Dreams

In the realm of combat sports, few stories embody raw determination quite like that of Forrest “The Black Clover.” From the humble beginnings of Dade City, Florida, where growing up with seven brothers meant daily wrestling matches were simply part of life, Forrest has carved a unique path to becoming a 6-1 professional MMA fighter while maintaining a full-time career as a truck driver.

This conversation peels back the layers of what makes a fighter persist despite overwhelming odds. Forrest reveals how he manages the seemingly impossible—driving trucks across state lines, sometimes to Texas and back, while maintaining the discipline to train, cut weight, and dominate in the cage. “If you want it bad enough, you’re going to find a way to do it,” he shares, describing how he performs pull-ups in his truck and jumps rope in the back of trailers just to stay conditioned while working.

What truly separates this fighter is his authentic approach to both victory and defeat. After amassing an impressive 8-0 amateur record, Forrest transitioned to pro fighting with refreshing honesty about his motivations: “What made me stop at eight was I wanted to get paid.” His lone professional loss became not a setback but a catalyst, especially after seeing the look on his young son’s face following the fight: “No more losing in front of you, this ain’t happening,” he vowed. True to his word, his comeback fight ended with a devastating first-round TKO.

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S2 E39 | The Art of Melodizing: Young Hub’s Musical Journey

Dive into the world where sports and music collide as Tampa artist Young Hub joins the Happy Hour Holidays crew to discuss his latest project “Melodizing 3.” This candid conversation reveals the unique blend of rapping and singing that defines Young Hub’s sound, reminiscent of early Drake but with his own Tampa flavor.

The episode quickly transforms into a passionate debate about football loyalties when Young Hub reveals his surprising allegiance to the Philadelphia Eagles despite his Tampa roots. The hosts trade statistics, championship histories, and playful jabs while comparing the Bucs and Eagles franchises. The football talk extends to a heated discussion about which states produce the best athletes, with Florida and Texas emerging as the primary contenders.

Things take an unexpected turn when guest host Max shares his professional journey in arena football, offering rare insights into the world of professional sports beyond the mainstream leagues. His stories about trash-talking fans mid-play, contract negotiations, and eventually hanging up his cleats for family reasons provide a refreshingly honest look at an athlete’s journey.

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S2 E38 | Behind the Lens: Trop’s Journey into Video Production

Step behind the camera with Trop, the 24-year-old founder of Cinewave Films who’s rapidly making his mark on Tampa’s creative scene. What began with a basic Canon camera at age 17 has evolved into a thriving videography business specializing in music videos and performance content that stands out through distinctive lighting and creative direction.

Trop walks us through his fascinating creative evolution—from his early “Wet Snap” Instagram photography days and stint as DJ Tropical to the moment he recognized his Sony A6400 could become more than just a personal creative outlet. His entrepreneurial journey contains valuable lessons about charging what you’re worth (after learning firsthand that “cheap customers are the worst”), developing a signature style, and the power of filling knowledge gaps through self-education.

The conversation takes entertaining detours through Tampa’s evolving nightlife scene, with Trop sharing his recommendations from Urban 1701 to McDitton’s, while reminiscing about how Ybor City has changed over the years. Music lovers will appreciate his breakdown of favorite artists—from Rich Homie Quan and Young Thug to Future, Chance the Rapper, and Kendrick Lamar—sparking a wider discussion about hip-hop’s evolution from NWA to today’s stars.

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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!

E13 | Valor and Ventures: Brian Gordon’s Path from Marine to Maverick

Defending Dreams: A Deep Dive into Brian Gordon’s Lifelong Mission

As we turn the pages of human stories, some stand out with colors so vivid, they paint an indelible mark on our minds. In Episode 13 of the acclaimed *Happy Hour Holidaze* podcast, we were graced with such a tale – the life journey of Brian Gordon.

From Bradenton’s Streets to Football Feats

Brian’s story begins in the small suburb of Bradenton. Picture a young boy facing more challenges than most of us could fathom. Amidst the chaos of a turbulent childhood, Brian became the shield for his family and friends. This protective instinct, deeply ingrained from a young age, found an outlet on the football field. As he excelled in positions of OLB and DE in high school, Brian displayed agility, strategy, and leadership, heralding the champion he was destined to become.

A Marine’s Calling

Brian’s journey took a transformative turn when he enlisted in the U.S. Marines. Here, the values of honor, courage, and commitment were sculpted into his very being. His experiences, combined with his innate protective nature, led him to a profound realization: in our ever-changing world, defense is not just about warfare but also about personal and societal protection.

The Birth of Tactical Society

This realization materialized into Brian’s venture, Tactical Society. Delving into its core, we find a veteran-owned business specializing in security services, firearm instruction, and top-tier tactical supplies. Tactical Society stands as a beacon for those who seek the knowledge and tools to protect themselves and their loved ones.

The Interplay of Guns & Gars

But there’s another dimension to Brian – a confluence of passion for firearms with a love for cigars. His enterprise, Guns & Gars, embodies this unique combination. The highlight? The 2nd Amendment Cigar Collection. Each cigar in this line serves as a fragrant ode to freedom, becoming an aromatic symbol of liberty.

A Personal Crusade

Yet, behind the businesses and success lies a personal tragedy. The loss of Brian’s brother, Vernon Gordon, served as a haunting reminder of the world’s unpredictability. It fueled Brian’s mission, making him an advocate for responsible firearm ownership. His perspective? Equip individuals with knowledge, ensuring they never face a situation unprepared.

A Heart That Gives

Even with a bustling entrepreneurial life, Brian’s altruism shines bright. His foundations, G.E.R.M. and OTS4VETS, are embodiments of his commitment to give back. The former assists underprivileged kids in their academic pursuits, while the latter aids veterans in seamlessly transitioning back to civilian life.

In Conclusion

Brian Gordon’s life, as showcased in *Happy Hour Holidaze*, is a symphony of struggles, triumphs, and unwavering dedication. His journey serves as a poignant reminder that from adversity can arise a mission that not only uplifts one’s life but also leaves an indelible impact on the community.

For those who missed this riveting episode, it’s time to plug in those headphones. Dive deep into a narrative that promises to be both enlightening and deeply moving. Brian Gordon’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to defend, to create, and most importantly, to give back. 🌟🎧🥂

Event: https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Tampa/TheVeteransRun

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