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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!

E19 | From Pageant Queen to Psychology Guru: Gina Pena's Insightful Expedition into Mental Health and Social Media Impact

Embracing Resilience and Authenticity: Key Takeaways from a Dynamic Conversation with Dr. Gina and Reggie “Regulator” Pena

In the latest episode of our podcast, we delved into a discussion that was as enlightening as it was invigorating, featuring two individuals who have harnessed the power of the mind and spirit to guide others through life’s multifaceted challenges. Dr. Gina Pena, with her background in psychology, and Reggie Pena, a seasoned MMA instructor, shared their insights on mental well-being, physical health, and the intricate dance between the two.

Mindfulness: A Modern Antidote to Distraction

Dr. Gina, or Dr. Love, as she’s affectionately called, spoke passionately about the importance of mindfulness in a world inundated with digital distractions and superficial engagements. Her advice was clear and potent: life is fleeting, and it is paramount to savor the present moment. By encouraging us to filter out the incessant noise of negativity, she advocates for a life led with intentionality, punctuated by moments of positive reflection at both the start and end of each day. This strategy, according to Dr. Gina, is akin to setting up ‘bookends’ that hold together the story of our lives with positivity and purpose.

The Journey to Mental Fortitude

A particularly striking moment in the podcast came from Reggie Pena. Known as “Regulator” in the fighting community, Reggie transcended the stereotypes often associated with combat sports to offer a vulnerable perspective on masculinity and mental health. His candid admission that men often grapple with seeking help, hindered by ego and societal expectations, underscored a broader societal issue. His encouragement for individuals, especially men, to seek help when needed was a powerful reminder that strength truly comes from facing our inner battles with honesty and courage.

A Unified Message of Empowerment

Both Gina and Reggie shared more than just their last names; they shared a common thread in their life philosophies—empowerment through self-care and community support. Whether it’s through Dr. Gina’s psychological services or Reggie’s physical training, they emphasized the value in taking the step to improve oneself. They both provided accessible avenues for listeners to reach out, whether for mental health support or physical training, via their respective online platforms.

The Takeaway: Life’s Bookends of Positivity

The episode transcended a typical interview format, evolving into a heartfelt exchange of personal philosophies and life experiences. Listeners were treated to an almost tangibly warm atmosphere where wisdom was imparted through personal anecdotes and professional expertise. Sean and Manny Febre facilitated this exchange with a deft touch, allowing the guests’ narratives to resonate powerfully with the audience.

In crafting this blog post, it was important to capture the essence of the conversation, which was not just about advocating for mental health awareness or physical fitness. It was a larger call to action for all individuals to recognize their inner strength, to face life’s adversities with resilience, and to understand that seeking assistance is not a defeat but a strategic move towards victory in life’s complex battles.

This podcast episode serves as a beacon for those seeking to find balance and purpose. It’s a compelling reminder that life, in all its unpredictability, can be navigated with grace when we are anchored by a strong sense of self and community.

For those who missed the live broadcast, the invitation stands to listen to the full episode, to connect with the profound messages shared, and to carry forward the spirit of resilience and authenticity championed by our esteemed guests.

And so, as we conclude, we extend the mantra of our hosts: “Remember, you can do anything you put your mind to.” In this spirit, we encourage our readers to not just consume content passively but to actively engage with it, reflect upon it, and let it fuel their journey towards a happier, healthier life.

Engage with us further by liking, commenting, and subscribing to our podcast, Happy Hour Holidays. Stay tuned for more enriching content that strives to explore the vast landscape of human potential and the art of living meaningfully.

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