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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!

E14 | Navigating through Ethereal Creations and Visual Stories in the World of Cloud Kent’s Art

Introduction

Art isn’t just about colors, shapes, or patterns. At its core, it embodies human experiences, crescendos of emotions, and the troughs of personal battles. Today, let’s immerse ourselves in the life and art of Cloud Kent.

From NYC Streets to Colorful Canvases

Life in bustling New York City shaped Cloud Kent. Influenced by art from his father in jail and life lessons from his steadfast single mother, each brushstroke, and color palette carried a fragment of his intricate life tales.

Facing the Unexpected: Life’s Cruel Twists

However, art wasn’t the only thing that characterized Cloud’s life. At just 25, he faced life-threatening health challenges. Blood pressure spikes, daunting respiratory issues, and an entourage of medical professionals marked this period. But it was more than a survival story. It was a tale of rebirth.

Art as a Savior: Transformation & Catharsis

Post his life-saving procedure, Cloud’s art evolved. His heart illustrations, already a symbol of vulnerability, took on an even deeper meaning. For Cloud, art was a beacon during the darkest times, an anchor. And when he relocated from New York to Fort Myers, Florida, it symbolized a fresh chapter.

In an intimate chat with Sean and Manny Febre on the Happy Hour Holidaze podcast, Cloud delved into these transformative experiences. Remarkably, he even painted during a phase post-surgery when he was temporarily visually impaired. This phase, a testament to an artist’s indomitable spirit, was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Skyfall: More than an Art Event

“Skyfall,” Cloud’s solo art venture, is a celebration of his journey. With acrylic and spray paints bursting with emotion and freedom, it was a raw, unfiltered portrayal of Cloud’s heart and soul.

Conclusion

For Cloud Kent, art isn’t just an expression. It’s a refuge, a voice, a healing balm. His narrative stands as a testament to the transformative power of art, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, creativity can thrive.

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