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S2 E43 | The Blase Network: Baltimore to Tampa Bay with Chris

What happens when a Baltimore podcaster visits Tampa Bay? A raw, hilarious culture clash that reveals surprising truths about American cities, sports fandom, and the entrepreneurial journey.

Chris from the Blase Network brings his Baltimore perspective to our studio, immediately diving into sports talk with passionate takes on the Ravens, Lamar Jackson, and the upcoming NFL season. But as the conversation unfolds, we explore something much deeper—the stark contrast between city experiences across America.

As a documentarian and podcaster born in what he calls “the ass crack of Baltimore,” Chris offers an unfiltered look at growing up in a city recently named America’s dirtiest for the third consecutive time. His stories about youth crime, political leadership failures, and the practical challenges of urban life paint a vivid picture rarely captured in mainstream media.

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S2 E42 | Ride with Alissa Hale: From Alabama to Florida, Alissa Hale’s Country Music Journey

Meet Alissa Hale, a rising country star who’s redefining what it means to be a modern artist. Born and raised in Alabama with a 12-year background in gymnastics and ballet, Alissa’s path to music came through an unexpected intersection of talent, determination, and a mother who believed in her enough to talk her up to a music producer.

During this candid conversation, Alissa gives listeners an exclusive world premiere of her upcoming single “Ride” – a bold, wild anthem for Southern girls who aren’t afraid to embrace their freedom and make no apologies for it. The track, releasing June 20th, perfectly captures her authentic country roots while bringing a fresh energy to the genre.

What makes Alissa truly unique is her innovative approach to building her brand. She’s created “Dirty Blonde,” a groundbreaking zombie video game that integrates her music into gameplay – something never before seen in country music. Players blast “deadheads” while experiencing her songs in an immersive environment, creating an entirely new way for fans to connect with her work. This creativity extends to her entrepreneurial ventures, including a hot sauce line featuring her signature blend and an upcoming ghost pepper version aptly named “Hot as Hell.”

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S2 E41 | Hard Money, Hard Lessons with Caleb Delgado

What happens when life knocks you down not once, but twice—and you find the strength to build something even better than before?

Caleb’s journey from Queens-born soccer player to mortgage mogul to nearly bankrupt and back again is a masterclass in resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. Growing up in Long Island with immigrant parents, he learned early lessons contrasting wealth and struggle that would prove invaluable later in life.

His soccer skills earned him a D1 college spot playing center midfield, but family financial troubles forced him to leave school and enter the mortgage industry at just 20. The timing couldn’t have been more dramatic—the early 2000s “Boiler Room” era of mortgage lending. Within months, Caleb was making hundreds of thousands, driving luxury cars, dropping $10,000 on dinner tabs, and living what seemed like the dream. Until 2008 hit.

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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 E42 | Ride with Alissa Hale: From Alabama to Florida, Alissa Hale's Country Music Journey

Alissa Hale – Unapologetically Authentic, Creatively Innovative

Welcome back, Happy Hour Holidaze listeners! In Season 2, Episode 42, hosts Manny and Sean Febre sit down for a vibrant, entertaining, and profoundly insightful conversation with the multi-talented country artist, actress, and entrepreneur, Alissa Hale. This episode is a masterclass in how creativity, determination, and authenticity converge to redefine what it means to be a modern artist.

Meet Alissa Hale: A Journey from Gymnastics to Country Stardom

Alissa Hale, born and raised in the heart of Alabama, has lived a life characterized by passion, ambition, and a deep-rooted connection to her Southern heritage. Her initial steps toward entertainment were not directly through music but through gymnastics and ballet, which she pursued diligently for twelve years. However, an unfortunate knee injury shifted her trajectory, steering her toward acting and modeling at age 17.

Alissa shares candidly about the critical role her parents played in her career. Her father submitted her for various acting roles, initiating her transition into entertainment. Notably, it was her mother’s unwavering support that catalyzed her music career. A casual conversation in a waiting room between her mom and a music producer led to an impromptu audition, marking Alissa’s entry into the music industry.

Exclusive Premiere: Alissa’s Upcoming Single, “Ride”

During this special episode, Alissa gives listeners an exclusive world premiere of her new single, “Ride,” officially releasing June 20th. The song serves as an anthem for Southern women who embrace their freedom unapologetically. Alissa describes “Ride” as capturing the dual spirit of independence and connection—celebrating boldness and liberation while highlighting the importance of authentic self-expression. The hosts enthusiastically discuss how country music uniquely tells stories, and Alissa’s track undoubtedly does this with heart and sass.

Innovative Brand Building: “Dirty Blonde” – The Zombie Game

One of the standout moments in this episode is Alissa’s innovative approach to brand-building. She introduces listeners to her groundbreaking video game, “Dirty Blonde,” a zombie-themed immersive experience that creatively integrates her music into gameplay. In this unique game, players combat “deadheads” while listening to Alissa’s tracks, effectively bridging the gap between digital entertainment and music.

Developed in collaboration with the talented creative Don Corleone, this project is noted as unprecedented in country music circles. Alissa shares her excitement about how the game offers a fresh, interactive way for fans to engage deeply with her music and brand.

Entrepreneurship and Heat: “Hell Yeah” Hot Sauce

Alissa’s creativity and entrepreneurial spirit extend beyond entertainment. During the episode, she introduces her “Hell Yeah” hot sauce line. Her first blend focuses on rich flavor profiles, notably smoky lemon pepper designed to cater to a broad palate. However, she teases a second, spicier version called “Hot as Hell,” featuring the intense ghost pepper—indicative of her passion for pushing boundaries in every project she undertakes.

Listeners and hosts alike revel in conversations about spice tolerance, humorous anecdotes about the infamous “one-chip challenge,” and playful debates about hot sauce culture. These discussions highlight Alissa’s authentic personality, blending perfectly with the podcast’s relaxed, humorous vibe.

Acting Ventures: From “Android 18” to “Hallowed Be Thy Name”

Alissa also shares intriguing insights into her acting career. She recounts her memorable role as Android 18 in a live-action adaptation showcasing her gymnastics skills. Although the project didn’t officially air, Alissa emphasizes the invaluable experience and fun of the role. Her humility shines when she discusses her feature film “Hallowed Be Thy Name,” available on streaming platforms like Tubi and Amazon Prime.

Alissa humorously admits to occasionally cringing at her earlier acting work, illustrating her relatable and humble character. This vulnerability resonates deeply with the hosts and listeners, emphasizing her down-to-earth nature despite her rising star status.

A Passion for Fishing: Adventures from Alabama to the Everglades

An avid angler, Alissa enthusiastically recounts her fishing escapades, particularly her intense 30-minute battle with a massive 180-pound tarpon caught in Florida’s Everglades. Her passion for fishing and the outdoors vividly comes through, further showcasing her multifaceted personality and broad range of interests. She emphasizes the joy of fresh catch-and-cook experiences, reinforcing her love for authentic experiences.

Lessons and Inspirational Insights from Alissa Hale

Throughout the conversation, Alissa generously shares advice rooted in personal experience:

“If you envision it, if you can see it, if you can feel it, you know within you and you have that burning desire, really you’re the only one that can hold yourself back.”

These empowering words encapsulate her message about taking charge of your dreams, not depending on external validation, and embracing your unique path. Her authenticity and passion are evident in every aspect of her journey, from her entrepreneurial ventures to her artistic pursuits.

Social Media, Branding, and Personal Connection

Alissa also discusses the role of social media in her career. She affectionately refers to her followers as “hellions,” sharing how deeply she values the connections and support from her online community. Her engaging, authentic online presence exemplifies modern branding and personal connection strategies, allowing her fans to feel like genuine members of her journey.

Behind the Scenes: Creating Immersive Experiences

The hosts express genuine admiration for the quality and creativity behind Alissa’s multimedia projects. From high-quality music videos to the integration of music with gaming, Alissa’s commitment to creating immersive, engaging content stands out clearly. The hosts praise the videographers involved, acknowledging the essential role talented creators play behind the scenes.

Concluding Reflections and Looking Ahead

As the conversation wraps, the episode perfectly encapsulates the essence of Happy Hour Holidaze—combining laughter, candid insights, and deep professional wisdom. Alissa Hale proves herself to be not only an artist to watch but also a thought-provoking entrepreneur who is not afraid to push boundaries.

Listeners are encouraged to follow Alissa Hale’s journey on her website, AlissaHale.com, and stay tuned for her exciting projects, including the highly anticipated single “Ride,” innovative “Dirty Blonde” video game, and flavorful “Hell Yeah” hot sauce line.

In closing, Alissa Hale’s episode on Happy Hour Holidaze is a testament to the power of creativity, authenticity, and bold innovation. Whether you’re a budding artist, entrepreneur, or someone who simply appreciates genuine storytelling, this conversation offers valuable lessons and refreshing entertainment.

Cheers to another unforgettable episode filled with laughter, wisdom, and unforgettable stories! Until next time, keep your dreams big and your glasses full. Happy Hour Holidaze out!

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