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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!

E42 | Corey Van Valin's Spellbinding Journey: Casino Capers, Comedy Magic Mastery, and the Art of Turning Tricks into Treasure

Diving Deep into the Spellbinding World of Cory Van Valin on Happy Hour Holidaze

In an enthralling episode of “Happy Hour Holidaze,” hosts Sean and Manny Febre invite us into the captivating world of Cory Van Valin, a master magician whose journey intertwines the mystical with the entrepreneurial, painting a vivid picture of passion in pursuit.

A Journey Through the Eyes of a Magician

Cory Van Valin, with a career that spans the enchanted corners of the Ritchie Suncoast Theater to the vibrant energy of the Electric Forest Festival, opens up about the life of a magician. This episode is not just a conversation; it’s a voyage into the essence of magic, revealing the laughter, struggles, and the magic itself that fuels Cory’s journey.

Tales of Magic, Mastery, and Mirth

Listeners are treated to a mosaic of stories from Cory’s life, each narrative brimming with insights on adapting to audiences, handling the unexpected, and creating moments of pure wonder. Cory’s ability to transform potential challenges into opportunities for engagement highlights the symbiotic relationship between the magician and his audience, turning skeptics into believers and disruptions into delight.

Behind the Curtain: The Psychology and Business of Magic

Cory doesn’t stop at storytelling. He dives into the mechanics of magic, sharing the strategic use of neurolinguistic programming (NLP) and subliminal messaging to captivate and amaze. This peek into a magician’s strategic toolkit offers a fascinating glance at how magic plays with our perceptions, creating shared experiences of awe.

The conversation takes a turn towards the entrepreneurial, as Cory sheds light on the business acumen required to turn a passion for magic into a sustainable career. From branding and marketing to pricing and gig booking, Cory’s approach is a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs in any field, demonstrating the importance of passion, creativity, and adaptability in building a successful venture.

The Magic of Pursuing Passion

Cory’s journey from performing small gigs to becoming a nationwide sensation is a powerful narrative of dedication, creativity, and risk-taking. His insights serve as a beacon for anyone aspiring to make a career out of their passion. The episode serves as a reminder that pursuing one’s dreams, despite the odds, is perhaps the most magical journey of all.

Conclusion: Finding Magic in Every Moment

The episode concludes on a note of inspiration, with Cory Van Valin embodying the enchantment that comes with following one’s dreams. His stories, insights, and advice not only entertain but also inspire listeners to seek out the magic in their own pursuits.

For those enchanted by the realm of magic or anyone navigating the path of turning their passion into a profession, this episode of “Happy Hour Holidaze” with Cory Van Valin offers laughter, learning, and a light to guide the way. Join us in celebrating the moments of magic that life offers, reminding us to pursue our passions with all our hearts.

Explore the Episode

Immerse yourself in this captivating episode and let Cory Van Valin remind you of the magic that exists in the pursuit of dreams. It’s a journey of discovery, enchantment, and laughter—a testament to the magic that happens when passion meets perseverance.

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