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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!

S2 E14 | Bone the Mack's Revealing Journey: From Unmasking Fraudulent Predators and Seeking Justice to Community Resilience, Cultural Reflections, and Sports Betting Insights

Unraveling Deception: Insights from Happy Hour Holidaze Podcast Season 2, Episode 14

In this gripping episode of Happy Hour Holidaze, hosts Sean Febre and Manny Febre welcome a multi-talented guest, Bone The Mack, for a deep dive into the chilling realities of scams, the pursuit of justice, and the exhilarating highs of sports betting. Packed with raw emotion, compelling stories, and insightful commentary, this episode offers an eye-opening exploration of human resilience, the power of community, and the pursuit of change.

The Shocking Tale of “Surviving Andre”

The centerpiece of this episode is Bone The Mack’s documentary, Surviving Andre. This poignant film chronicles the harrowing experience of NK Haynes-Williams, a psych nurse practitioner from Richmond, Virginia, who fell victim to a notorious scammer, Andre Van—a man posing as “Geppetto Jackson,” the illegitimate son of Jermaine Jackson. Through deceitful tactics and the exploitation of NK’s trust, Andre defrauded her of an astonishing $400,000.

NK joins the podcast via phone, recounting her story with heartbreaking candor. She describes how Andre manipulated her through a fake relationship with Megan Walsh, daughter of America’s Most Wanted host, John Walsh, and exploited NK’s admiration for the Walsh family. The scam started small, with requests for $10,000 to $20,000, but quickly escalated. Over six months, Andre siphoned off a total of $400,000, leaving a trail of financial and emotional devastation.

Despite Andre’s subsequent arrests, his ability to slip through legal cracks and re-offend underscores a critical flaw in the justice system. NK and Bone The Mack discuss their ongoing efforts to raise awareness, connect with other victims, and ensure that Andre is held accountable.

The Ripple Effects of Fraud: A Community on Edge

This episode dives into the broader implications of scams, particularly in vulnerable communities like Tampa, Florida. Bone and NK emphasize the importance of vigilance and community-driven action to combat fraud. They discuss the disturbing case of a veteran who lost his savings to Andre, became homeless, and tragically passed away. Stories like this highlight the devastating human cost of scams.

The hosts propose innovative solutions, including the creation of an anti-scam foundation. This nonprofit could educate the public about emerging fraud tactics and provide financial relief to victims, helping them rebuild their lives. By combining awareness campaigns with direct support, such an initiative could be a game-changer in the fight against fraudsters.

From Scams to Sports: Exploring the World of Betting

The episode takes a lighter turn as Bone The Mack shares his passion for sports betting. Known for his strategic approach, Bone recounts his journey from casual wagers to mastering platforms like DraftKings and William Hill. His cousin, a seasoned gambler, joins the conversation via phone, offering insider tips on crafting winning parlays.

Highlights from the sports betting segment include:

Bone’s biggest win: A $4,000 payout on an NFL game featuring the Philadelphia Eagles.

The art of parlays: Bone and his cousin break down the risk-reward dynamics of multi-leg bets, with examples ranging from three-leg parlays to ambitious nine-leg combinations.

Soccer betting insights: The group explores the nuances of gambling on international leagues like La Liga and the British Premier League, emphasizing the importance of research and strategy.

Community spirit: The camaraderie between Bone, his cousin, and the hosts showcases the social aspect of sports betting, turning a solitary activity into a shared passion.

Cultural Reflections: Louisiana, Mardi Gras, and More

Bone The Mack’s storytelling takes listeners on a nostalgic journey to Louisiana, where he spent summers immersed in the vibrant culture of Mardi Gras and the resilience of a post-Hurricane Katrina world. He recalls performing under the bridge during Mardi Gras the year the New Orleans Saints won the Super Bowl, a moment of joy and unity for the community.

These reflections add depth to the episode, illustrating how shared experiences—whether cultural celebrations or challenges like natural disasters—shape individuals and bring communities closer together.

A Call to Action: Empowering Change

This episode of Happy Hour Holidaze is more than just a podcast; it’s a call to action. The hosts, guest, and caller discussions converge on the importance of taking proactive steps to address systemic issues. Whether through launching an anti-scam foundation, educating the public about fraud prevention, or supporting underprivileged communities, the episode emphasizes the power of collective action.

Key takeaways for listeners:

Stay vigilant: Scammers prey on trust and goodwill. Be cautious with online interactions, especially on platforms like Facebook Dating.

Support victims: Consider contributing to crowdfunding campaigns or initiatives that provide financial and emotional relief to scam victims.

Get involved: Join community efforts to raise awareness and advocate for stronger legal protections against fraud.

Why This Episode Matters

In a world increasingly shaped by digital interactions, Happy Hour Holidaze Season 2, Episode 14, offers a timely reminder of the need for awareness, empathy, and resilience. Bone The Mack’s multifaceted journey—from exposing scammers to thriving in sports betting—serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of standing up for what’s right.

As you listen to this episode, you’ll not only gain valuable insights into the complexities of fraud and the allure of betting but also feel inspired to contribute to positive change in your community. Whether you’re a fan of true crime stories, a budding sports bettor, or someone seeking to make a difference, this episode is a must-listen.

Listen Now

Don’t miss this riveting episode of Happy Hour Holidaze. Tune in on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation. Together, we can build awareness, foster community, and create a world where justice prevails.

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