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!

S2 E11 | Bone the Mack's Inspiring Journey: From Musical Ambitions and Sports Betting Triumphs to AI's Impact, Basketball Legends, and the Symbiosis of Sports and Music

From Parlays to Playlists: Exploring Bone The Mack’s Unique Journey on Happy Hour Holidaze

In this week’s electrifying episode of Happy Hour Holidaze, host Sean Febre dives deep into a fascinating conversation with rising music artist Bone The Mack. Hailing from Atlanta—not the one you’re thinking of, but Atlanta, Texas—Bone brings a fresh perspective to the intersection of music, sports, and culture. Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan, a hip-hop aficionado, or simply someone curious about the impact of AI on creativity, this episode has something for you.

Let’s break down the key takeaways from this episode and explore why Bone The Mack’s journey is one for the books.

Sports Gambling Gets a Tech Upgrade

Bone The Mack kicks off the conversation with a peek into his world of sports gambling. Armed with intuition and cutting-edge AI technology, Bone shares how his DJ introduced him to a game-changing tool that helps analyze stats and predict outcomes. This isn’t just casual betting—Bone’s approach involves careful observation of players, their mannerisms, and game-day dynamics.

In a standout moment, Bone recounts his recent win: a six-leg parlay that turned a $5 bet into a $242 payout. This isn’t just luck; it’s a testament to how technology can amplify instincts. Bone emphasizes that, for sports lovers already glued to stats and games, AI-powered betting is a “healthy addiction.”

Basketball’s Greatest Debate: MJ, LeBron, or Kobe?

The conversation takes a heated turn as Sean and Bone dive into one of sports’ most polarizing debates: Who is the greatest basketball player of all time? Bone makes a strong case for Kobe Bryant, praising his loyalty to the Lakers, his legendary Mamba Mentality, and his ability to shine even in his final moments on the court.

“Kobe was Kobe all the way,” Bone says, highlighting the late superstar’s unmatched work ethic. Sean adds to the discussion by reflecting on Kobe’s potential impact in sports commentary, imagining a Kobe-led NBA analysis show akin to the ManningCast.

The duo also dives into the evolution of basketball itself, from the days of Jermaine O’Neal and Moses Malone to today’s dynamic NBA culture. They pay homage to sharpshooters like Reggie Miller and Ray Allen while acknowledging Steph Curry’s undeniable dominance as the GOAT of shooting.

Football Insights: Legendary Defenses and Unforgettable Teams

For football fans, this episode is a goldmine. Sean and Bone unpack the intricacies of NFL team dynamics, from Derrick Carr’s loyalty to the Raiders to the legendary 2000 Ravens defense. They also spotlight the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Super Bowl-winning team under Jon Gruden, with Sean expressing admiration for the defensive powerhouses of that era, like Warren Sapp and Derrick Brooks.

Bone delves into the NFL’s evolving gameplay, pointing out how running backs have taken a backseat in today’s passing-heavy strategies. The duo also critiques NFL coaching decisions, with Sean labeling Bill Belichick as “the most overrated coach” and Bone offering a spirited defense of the legendary coach’s track record.

Bone’s Musical Roots: From Fisher-Price to Full-Fledged Artist

Bone takes listeners on a journey back to his small-town roots in Atlanta, Texas. Growing up in a town of just 5,000 people, Bone’s musical aspirations were shaped by his family, especially his great-grandfather, who encouraged him to dream big. He recalls rapping on a Fisher-Price machine as a child and being influenced by hip-hop legends like LL Cool J, Bow Wow, and Pimp C.

Bone shares his admiration for Eminem, who was his favorite rapper for over a decade. He discusses how the hip-hop landscape has shifted from lyrical dominance to melodic fusion, likening modern rap to an evolution of R&B. While Bone appreciates today’s trends, he remains rooted in authentic storytelling and artistry.

AI in Music: A Double-Edged Sword

One of the episode’s most thought-provoking segments explores the role of AI in music production. Bone recounts how his engineer used AI to generate a rap verse, describing it as “decent but lacking authenticity.” Sean adds his perspective, sharing how he’s leveraged AI in writing his sci-fi novel The Galaxian Rift and creating audiobook content.

While Bone acknowledges the utility of AI as a tool, he remains skeptical about its impact on creativity. “We don’t want a computer rapping for us,” he says, emphasizing the importance of human connection in music.

The Intersection of Sports, Music, and Culture

Throughout the episode, Sean and Bone seamlessly weave together discussions of sports, music, and culture. They explore how sports influence Bone’s music, with Bone reflecting on the parallels between athletes’ discipline and the grind of the music industry. From reminiscing about the iconic 2001 Miami Hurricanes football team to debating the best NFL defenses, the conversation is a testament to the symbiotic relationship between these worlds.

Bone also shares his experience working on a documentary about Andre Van, aka Geppetto Jackson, a man who falsely claimed to be Jermaine Jackson’s illegitimate son. The documentary sheds light on the intersection of celebrity culture and deception, adding another layer to Bone’s multifaceted career.

Key Takeaways for Listeners

AI’s Impact Across Industries: From sports gambling to music production, AI is transforming how we approach creativity and strategy. Bone and Sean provide insights into both the benefits and limitations of this technology.

  The Evolution of Hip-Hop: Bone offers a unique perspective on how hip-hop has evolved from gritty lyricism to melodic fusion, emphasizing the importance of adapting while staying true to one’s roots.

The Importance of Hard Work: Whether it’s Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Mentality or Bone’s dedication to his craft, this episode highlights the value of persistence and passion in achieving greatness.

The Power of Storytelling: Bone’s journey from a small town in Texas to the national stage is a reminder that everyone has a story worth sharing.

Why You Should Listen

This episode of Happy Hour Holidaze is more than just a conversation; it’s an experience. With Sean’s sharp questioning and Bone’s candid insights, the episode offers a rich blend of humor, wisdom, and inspiration. Whether you’re tuning in for the sports analysis, the music discussions, or the cultural commentary, you’re sure to walk away with new perspectives and plenty of laughs.

Stream the Episode Now!

Ready to dive into Bone The Mack’s world? Listen to this episode of Happy Hour Holidaze on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review. Share your thoughts on social media using HappyHourHolidaze, and let us know your take on the topics discussed.

Raise your glass to insightful conversations and game-changing discussions—cheers!

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email