Recent Post

S2 E29 | PrincessFrenxh Inside the Algorithm: A Social Media Mastermind Reveals All

Ever wondered how social media influencers crack the code to massive growth? PrincessFrenxh pulls back the curtain on her remarkable journey from bartender to social media powerhouse with over 677,000 followers and 100 million content views.

The secret? “Dating the Algorithm.” PrincessFrenxh explains how treating social media platforms like romantic partners—giving them consistent attention throughout the day—yields exponential results. Her “breakfast, lunch, and dinner” posting strategy ensures maximum visibility across different audience segments. While most creators worry about posting too frequently, she boldly publishes 45 pieces of content daily across 15 platforms, strategically repurposing her work to maximize impact.

Another game-changer is her “Rule of Six” principle: the six people you surround yourself with determine your life trajectory within six months. When PrincessFrenxh wanted to transition fully into social media, she strategically connected with established creators, learned their methods, and integrated their practices. This transformative approach helped her go from charging $50 for promotional posts to building multiple income streams generating up to $40,000 monthly.

Read More »

S2 E28 | Conspiracy, Cover-ups, and the CIA: Unraveling the JFK Assassination with Steve Fantetti

The assassination of President John F. Kennedy stands as one of America’s most pivotal and mysterious moments. In this riveting episode, attorney and author Steve Fantetti takes us deep into the recently released JFK files, exploring how various power centers – from the CIA to the mafia – had compelling reasons to want Kennedy eliminated.

Kennedy posed an existential threat to entrenched interests. He wanted to dismantle the CIA “into a thousand pieces,” withdraw troops from Vietnam, and end American imperialism abroad. Meanwhile, his brother Bobby was aggressively prosecuting mob figures despite alleged deals made during the 1960 election. Within 24 hours of Kennedy’s death, LBJ reversed course on Vietnam, setting America on a path that would benefit defense contractors and reshape global politics.

Read More »

S2 E27 | DJ Qeys Beyond the Beat: A Conversation with Tampa’s Luxury DJ

From turntables at age four to festival stages across the country, DJ Keys brings us behind the curtain of his remarkable journey in music. Growing up as the son of DJ Smooth (who learned from Curtis Blow’s DJ), Keys was destined for a life in sound—but it was his own unique path that transformed him from a curious kid to one of Tampa’s most respected turntablists.

The documentary “Scratch” changed everything for Keys, shifting his focus from party rocking to the technical artistry of turntablism. He takes us through his evolution—from DMC battles against DJ Slurp to forming the band Samurai Shotgun and touring globally with alternative hip-hop sounds. His memories of Old Dirty Sundays at Crowbar capture a golden era in Tampa’s music scene, where true DJ skills were not just appreciated but celebrated.

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 E22 | Amanda Brown's Captivating Journey: From Theatre Roots and Balancing Creative Passions to Navigating Post-COVID Auditions, AI in Storytelling, and the Future of Acting and Representation

From Munchkin to Main Stage: Amanda Brown’s Journey and the Future of Acting

Welcome back to Happy Hour Holidaze, the podcast where entrepreneurship, entertainment, and personal journeys collide in one celebratory space. In this Season 2, Episode 22, your spirited hosts, Manny Febre (“Manny Fresh”) and Sean Febre (“The Résumé”), sit down with rising actress Amanda Brown. From her first steps on a theater stage as an eight-year-old Munchkin in The Wizard of Oz to her dreams of landing a Marvel role, Amanda shares every twist, triumph, and trial along her path in the ever-shifting entertainment industry. If you’re aiming to break into acting, want a glimpse behind the curtain, or simply crave industry insights with a dash of humor, this episode delivers.

Early Spark: Theater Beginnings

Amanda’s acting passion ignited when she was cast as a Munchkin in a local production of The Wizard of Oz. Though just eight years old, she discovered the thrill of performing—singing, dancing, and collaborating. That early creative rush paved the way for her to seek out every drama elective available through middle and high school. Despite her innate introversion, she learned how stepping on stage helped boost her self-confidence and let her explore her identity in a supportive environment.

Balancing Practicality and Passion

Like many artists, Amanda faced familial pressure. Her mother envisioned a more “traditional” path in healthcare, leading Amanda to earn a bachelor’s degree in the field. Yet the magnetic pull of acting never waned. Determined to stay connected to her creative roots, she juggled academics with electives in theater and dance team activities. Post-college, she took a leap of faith, enrolling in acting classes with coach Eugenie Bondurant. There, she embraced the hard truth: acting demands both artistry and business acumen.

The Business of Acting

Amanda’s pivot to on-screen acting unveiled the “hidden” business side of entertainment. Beyond raw talent, actors must treat their craft like a startup—investing in classes, headshots, and reels. She discovered that networking is paramount, particularly in Florida’s relatively small commercial market. Actors must build relationships with casting directors, producers, and other creatives, and often gather experience by performing in student and independent films—even if those gigs are unpaid. These stepping stones supply much-needed on-set experience and valuable footage to include in reels.

Her resourcefulness paid off when she signed with Level Talent Group, gaining three dedicated agents who each specialize in different aspects—commercial, theatrical, and more. Agencies, she explains, prefer to submit clients for roles they can genuinely land, ensuring mutual success. This synergy between agent and actor clarifies a crucial truth: an agency only profits when its talent books a job.

Navigating Modern Auditions

COVID reshaped audition processes worldwide, and Amanda offers a front-row seat to the changes. Gone are the days when every audition was in-person. Now, many are self-taped or conducted via Zoom. While convenient—no need to commute or take off hours at work—this digital shift comes with unique hurdles. Actors must play director and camera operator, perfecting lighting, sound, and framing. For callbacks on Zoom, technical glitches and lag can disrupt spontaneity, and it’s much tougher to establish personal chemistry with casting directors.

Still, Amanda embraces the shift. She appreciates the freedom to retake scenes without the hyper-pressured environment of a traditional casting room. It’s a balance between adaptability and authenticity—two qualities every actor needs to cultivate in this era of remote auditions.

Tackling Typecasting and Chasing the Dream

Often seen as a youthful student, Amanda admits typecasting can both help and hinder. Being cast as a high school or college student feels natural, yet pivoting into more mature roles can be challenging. Still, she’s clear about her ambition: landing a series regular on a TV show or working with major studios like Marvel. Beyond the bigger paychecks, she loves the idea of exploring a character’s evolution over multiple episodes or films, all while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

AI, Streaming, and the Entertainment Landscape

No industry conversation is complete without addressing AI and streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu. Amanda, Manny, and Sean explore whether the rise of AI could replace actors. While AI-driven tools may affect writers and even replicate facial expressions, Amanda is confident audiences still crave authentic human emotions. She believes real actors bring an unpredictability that AI can’t fully replicate.

Streaming platforms, meanwhile, provide expanded opportunities for content—ranging from big-budget series (The Rings of Power) to quirky indie films. Yet they also disrupt traditional financial models: residuals have changed, theaters draw smaller crowds, and “franchise fatigue” is real. Still, Amanda remains optimistic that viewers ultimately want original stories and genuine human performances.

Favorite Actors, Movies, and Pop Culture Banter

During the episode, the hosts delve into top actors—Leonardo DiCaprio, Margot Robbie, Bradley Cooper, Zendaya, among others—and dissect the often-comedic phenomenon of typecasting (e.g., Ryan Reynolds as the perennial wisecracker). They reminisce about classic shows like Seinfeld, The Office, and Gilmore Girls, while also shouting out modern hits like Game of Thrones and Euphoria.

Parting Words and “Happy Hour” Insights

Amanda wraps up her visit with a message of encouragement for aspiring creatives:

  1. Confidence and Positivity: Believe in your unique voice.
  2. Persistent Delusion: Keep that unwavering focus, even if the industry says “No.”
  3. Stay Prepared: Whether it’s an improv class or mastering a new stunt skill, always be ready.

Manny and Sean wholeheartedly agree: success in entertainment, like in business, often hinges on resilience, relationship-building, and a zest for continuous learning.

Conclusion

Happy Hour Holidaze once again proves that behind every refreshing laugh and laid-back conversation lies invaluable wisdom. Whether you’re charting a path in Hollywood, exploring new avenues in entrepreneurship, or just craving a good story, Amanda Brown’s journey offers inspiration in spades. As she says, “Have fun, keep learning, and be ready for that big opportunity.” Cheers to dreaming big—and making every hour a happy one!

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email