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S2 E32 | The Mental Game of Boxing: Stevie Morgan’s Path to Championship

The path to boxing greatness requires a level of sacrifice most people can’t comprehend. Lightweight fighter Stevie Morgan (15-2, 13 KOs) pulls no punches discussing what it really takes to succeed in professional boxing’s unforgiving world.

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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S2 E31 | Rob Goetz’s Torpedo Bats and Tush Pushes: Sports Talk with a Florida Business Owner

From battling addiction to five different substances to building a thriving flooring business with nearly 200 five-star Google reviews, Rob Goetz’s journey embodies resilience, faith, and entrepreneurial spirit.

As the owner of Paradise Flooring in Palm Harbor, Florida, Rob shares how hitting rock bottom became the foundation for both personal and professional transformation. After getting sober nearly twelve years ago, he built a company culture around reliability and quality—his core team of four employees are all sober, creating consistency in an industry often plagued by unreliability.

The conversation delves into Florida’s recovery from recent devastating hurricanes, where seven months later, many coastal residents still live in campers outside their damaged homes. Rob offers a firsthand perspective on the construction challenges and insurance complications affecting homeowners, including the FEMA 50-50 rule that’s forcing difficult rebuilding decisions.

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S2 E30 | Healing Meets Momentum: Crystian Martinez’s Journey

What happens when life suddenly changes your entire trajectory? Crystian Martinez knows this reality intimately. On his birthday episode, Crystian shares the harrowing story of fracturing his back in three places in 2020, resulting in partial paralysis of his right foot and ending his cherished firefighting career.

Rather than surrendering to despair, Crystian transformed this devastating setback into purpose by founding Inertia Medical Center, a holistic rehabilitation clinic specializing in helping accident victims. His philosophy—”where healing meets momentum”—emerged directly from his own struggle to adapt and thrive with physical limitations.

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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!

E34 | Leaping to Livelihood: Jonathan Ruiz's Odyssey from Reality TV Warrior to Tampa Bay Real Estate Guide

Introduction

In the latest episode of “Happy Hour Holidaze,” hosts Sean and Manny Febre invite us into the thrilling world of Jonathan Ruiz, a man whose adventures stretch from the challenging obstacle courses of “American Ninja Warrior” to the wild terrains of Fiji in “Fight to Survive.” This episode is not just a conversation; it’s an expedition through the life of an individual who embodies resilience, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of passion.

From Backyard Challenges to National Television

Jonathan’s journey into the spotlight began with a simple yet profound declaration: “I could do this.” Watching “American Ninja Warrior” sparked not just interest but action, leading him to construct his obstacle course and train relentlessly. His dedication paid off, propelling him onto the show and subsequent others like “Spartan Ultimate Team Challenge” and “Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Challenge.” Jonathan’s recounting of these experiences offers listeners a glimpse into the mindset required to not just participate but excel in these grueling competitions. It’s a testament to the power of determination and the physical and mental stamina needed to stand out among tens of thousands of applicants.

Survival in the Wilds of Fiji

However, Jonathan’s tale takes a turn from the man-made obstacles of television sets to the unpredictable challenges of nature in “Fight to Survive.” Stranded in Fiji, Jonathan faced not just physical but profound psychological battles. His story of survival—of starvation, strategic alliances, and the raw human will to persevere—is riveting. It’s a raw, unfiltered look into what it means to push oneself beyond limits, to confront the very essence of survival and resilience. This segment of the episode is not just storytelling; it’s an inspiring reflection on human strength and vulnerability.

A Love Letter to Tampa Bay

Transitioning from tales of extreme competition and survival, Jonathan shares his love for Tampa Bay, painting a vibrant picture of the city he calls home. His dual expertise as a survivor and a real estate sage offers listeners unique insights into the city’s hidden gems, from kayaking through mangrove tunnels to exploring the urban pulse of the Tampa Riverwalk. Jonathan’s passion for Tampa Bay transcends mere geography; it’s a celebration of community, a guide to the city’s best-kept secrets, and a testament to finding one’s place in the world.

The Essence of “Happy Hour Holidaze”

What sets this episode apart is how seamlessly it integrates the essence of “Happy Hour Holidaze.” Sean and Manny have crafted a platform that turns the traditional podcast experience on its head, blending humor, wisdom, and the art of storytelling into an unforgettable narrative. Jonathan’s journey from an obstacle course aficionado to a real estate expert and city enthusiast encapsulates the show’s mission: to share stories of innovation, struggle, and triumph.

A Toast to Resilience and Adventure

This episode is a reminder of the incredible capacity for resilience and the importance of embracing every chapter of one’s story. Jonathan Ruiz’s journey encourages us to face challenges head-on, whether scaling a warped wall, surviving in the wild, or navigating the complexities of real estate in a bustling city. It’s a celebration of the human spirit, a call to adventure, and a testament to the unpredictable, exhilarating journey of life.

So, raise your glass to “Happy Hour Holidaze” and the extraordinary story of Jonathan Ruiz. Here’s to the adventurers, the dreamers, and everyone in between who dares to leap, to strive, and to live fully. Cheers to new learnings, a ripple of laughter, and insightful evenings with Sean, Manny, and their inspiring guests.

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