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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!

E32 | Peering Behind the Pigskin: Brian Holloway's Playbook on NFL Evolution, Pro Bowl Chronicles, and the Quest for Super Bowl Glory

Introduction

In the latest episode of “Happy Hour Holidaze,” hosts Manny and Sean Febre, along with co-host Christian Pena, embark on an enlightening journey into the heart of American football with none other than Brian Holloway. Holloway, an illustrious former offensive tackle for the New England Patriots and a three-time Pro Bowler, shares a treasure trove of experiences that provide a rare glimpse into the NFL’s evolution, strategies, and the personal dedication required at the highest levels of the sport.

The Draft Day Experience: A Turn of Destiny

Holloway’s recollection of his NFL draft day in 1981 is nothing short of cinematic. Selected 19th overall by the New England Patriots, he narrates the tense moments and sudden shifts that are hallmarks of draft day. His story illustrates the unpredictability and high stakes of NFL recruitment, providing listeners with a front-row seat to the emotional rollercoaster that prospective players endure.

The Super Bowl: Beyond the Glitz and Glamour

Brian delves deep into the experience of playing in the Super Bowl, recounting the Patriots’ journey to Super Bowl XX. He doesn’t shy away from the hard truths, discussing the intense preparation, the psychological toll, and the immense pressure that comes with playing on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages. His perspective sheds light on the less glamorous aspects of the game that fans seldom see.

Training, Tactics, and Team Dynamics

One of the most fascinating parts of the episode is Holloway’s insights into the training and tactical nuances of professional football. From adapting training regimes for different climates and altitudes to discussing the strategy behind every play, Brian’s knowledge is a testament to his expertise and the intellectual depth of the sport. His anecdotes about specific games, like the strategic domination over the Miami Dolphins, are particularly intriguing.

The Evolution of NFL and Its Athletes

Brian also touches on how the NFL has evolved over the years, especially in terms of player welfare and the changing rules of the game. His comparison of the past and present NFL paints a vivid picture of how the sport has grown and adapted. Holloway’s reflections on the physical and mental toll of the sport are eye-opening, emphasizing the immense resilience and dedication required from NFL players.

Personal Stories and Reflections

What truly sets this episode apart are Brian’s personal stories. His account of crying uncontrollably after a crucial win because he realized the magnitude of what they had achieved, is both moving and inspiring. It humanizes a sport that is often seen in terms of statistics and scores, reminding us of the deep emotional investment of the players.

The Intersection of Sports, Business, and Technology

Holloway does not shy away from discussing the business side of football. From contract negotiations to the financial incentives that drive decisions within the sport, he provides an insider’s view of the NFL as a business. Additionally, his thoughts on the impact of technology in football, both in terms of player training and game strategy, are forward-thinking and enlightening.

A Concluding Message of Inspiration

Brian concludes with a powerful message about never giving up and the importance of seizing the moment. This resonates not just with aspiring athletes but with anyone striving to achieve their goals. His emphasis on self-belief and persistence is a fitting end to an episode replete with lessons in life and sports.

In conclusion, this episode of “Happy Hour Holidaze” with Brian Holloway is a masterclass in the business and heart of football. It’s a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complexities and beauties of the sport beyond the field. From heart-stopping moments of draft days to the psychological warfare on the Super Bowl field, this episode is a deep dive into the life, challenges, and triumphs of an NFL player.

Be sure to tune in to “Happy Hour Holidaze” for more inspiring stories and candid conversations with trailblazers from various fields. Let’s raise a glass to new learnings and insightful evenings with the legends of our time.

Cheers!

More Info and Socials:
https://brianholloway.com/
https://www.facebook.com/brian.d.holloway
https://www.instagram.com/brianhollowaynfl76/
https://www.youtube.com/@BrianHollowayNFLPA
https://www.tiktok.com/@brianhollowaynfl
https://twitter.com/BrianHolloway
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianholloway76/

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