Recent Post

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

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.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email