Recent Post

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 »

S2 E37 | Beyond Beauty: How Marandan Renea Built Her Empire

When Marandan Renea picked up a brush at age six, little did she know she was taking her first steps toward a dazzling career creating iconic looks for WWE superstars, New York Fashion Week models, and brides across the country. From getting her cosmetology license in high school to establishing a thriving “concierge beauty” empire, Marandan’s journey reveals what it truly takes to succeed in the competitive world of beauty.

On this episode, Marandan pulls back the curtain on her fascinating work with WWE wrestlers like Jade Cargill, where her distinctive makeup designs (including that jaw-dropping symmetrical line down the face) have become part of wrestling history. She shares the adrenaline rush of transforming a performer’s entire look in just nine minutes backstage at Wrestlemania, proving that grace under pressure might be her greatest superpower.

But Marandan’s wisdom extends far beyond technique. She delivers candid insights about the business side of beauty – why bridesmaid drama is more common than bridezilla moments, how collaboration trumps gatekeeping for real success, and why genuine service must remain at the heart of even the most glamorous beauty brand. Her “I Touch Myself” series takes makeup beyond the surface, creating space for women to explore self-love and confidence beyond cosmetics.

Read More »

S2 E36 | Colin Biedenkapp with the Versatile Mind: Software, Music and Entrepreneurship

What happens when you combine technical brilliance with creative passion? Meet Colin Biedenkapp, a software engineering CEO who moonlights as a pianist and DJ while running a successful flight simulation company. This episode takes you on an unexpected journey through seemingly disconnected worlds that Colin navigates with remarkable fluidity.

Colin’s story begins in the isolation of rural upstate New York, where a 12-year-old with too much time and a computer discovered flight simulation. What started as simple file edits to improve existing simulators evolved organically into Invernix, a company now known for creating sophisticated aircraft for Microsoft Flight Simulator and infrastructure for virtual aviation communities. The serendipitous nature of his career path challenges conventional wisdom about planning and specialization.

The conversation shifts between technical discussions of flight physics and heartfelt reflections on musical expression. Colin reveals how he taught himself piano after being inspired by Billy Joel, overcoming performance anxiety to eventually become DJ Catching Lightning. His approach to music—balancing technical proficiency with emotional authenticity—mirrors his philosophy toward software development, where he values human creativity alongside technological advancement.

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!

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.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email