Introduction

Welcome back to Happy Hour Holidaze, the podcast that bridges the gap between business insights, creative entrepreneurship, and a good dose of genuine fun. In Season 2, Episode 34, host Sean Febre is joined by guest host Max Paul, a former football athlete and frequent podcast contributor. Taking the spotlight this time is the multidimensional artist known as Shi—short for Artishi—who brings her authentic energy as a singer, rapper, songwriter, and host of the podcast She Speaks.

With co-host Manny Febre away this episode, Max Paul steps in and brings his easygoing energy to the mic. The conversation spans Shi’s journey from a church-performing child to a versatile creator balancing rap, R&B, podcasting, and more. If you’ve been looking for inspiration, an entertaining dose of nostalgia, or just a reason to smile, you’ve landed on the right page. Read on to delve into the many facets of this vibrant episode.

Segment 1: Setting the Stage

• Sean Welcomes Max: Since Manny is absent, Sean proudly introduces Max Paul as guest host—an upgrade from his frequent role as a returning guest. Max’s dynamic presence immediately sets a fun, energetic tone.

• Meet Shi (Artishi): Shi, whose artistry spans rapping, singing, and podcasting, takes the mic to share how she started writing at the age of five. Raised in a church environment that nurtured the performing arts, she harnessed her innate creativity early on.

• From Childhood Writer to Multi-Talent: Shi credits her early church upbringing for exposing her to performance excellence. She participated in dance routines, practiced choral techniques, and soaked up every ounce of musical knowledge—everything from classical ballet to hip-hop. This unique fusion shaped her current-day artistry.

Notable Quote

“I’ve been writing since I was five. I loved having a tape recorder and recording songs, then writing down the lyrics to train my voice.”
— Shi

Segment 2: “She Speaks” and the Power of “Goal Friends”

• Shi Speaks Origin: Sean asks Shi about her own podcast, She Speaks, and the concept of “Goal Friends.” She details how she came up with the idea based on her natural inclination to offer advice and support. With a knack for words and emotional insight, Shi saw an opportunity to create “safe spaces” for people to grow together.

• Goal Friends Explained: Rather than fostering competitive energy, Shi believes in supportive, uplifting circles of friends—“goal friends”—who celebrate one another’s wins and personal evolution.

• A Safe Space to Fix Your Face: One of Shi’s signature phrases, this motto underscores the judgment-free environment she strives to build. Whether it’s launching a business or processing life’s emotional rollercoasters, her podcast offers a place where people can openly confront challenges without fear.

Notable Quote

“Safe space to fix your face—when you can feel vulnerable, face yourself honestly, and still be supported.”
— Shi

Segment 3: The Musical Journey—Performances and Insights

• Showcasing “Soon” and “We Swinging”: Shi gives listeners a taste of her sultry R&B track “Soon,” then shifts gears by introducing her uplifting single “We Swinging.” She passionately breaks down the nostalgic vibes, which she describes as “90s meets today’s energy.”

• The Story Behind “We Swinging”: The catchy, upbeat track comes with a motivating message: “As long as you’re up to bat, they can’t count you out.” Shi recounts how the song’s genesis was rooted in wanting to bring fun, barbecue-style nostalgia back into modern music—a “feel-good” quality she feels is missing in today’s industry.

• Diving into Rap & R&B: Shi seamlessly navigates hip-hop’s lyrical grind while embracing classic R&B’s warm melodies. She reveals that her creative influences run the gamut from Lauryn Hill and Tupac to Michael Jackson and Beyoncé, reflecting her desire to blend heartfelt messages with contemporary flair.

Notable Moment

Shi’s live rendition of “Soon,” featuring smooth harmonies and charismatic stage presence, leaves the entire room in awe.

Segment 4: Navigating Industry Challenges—Consistency & Delegation

• Overcoming Perfectionism: Shi admits that her biggest hurdle is trying to do it all herself. Between writing, editing podcasts, crafting marketing materials, and performing, she sometimes struggles with burnout and time management.

• Letting Go & Delegating: Sean shares how his entrepreneurial path taught him the importance of handing off tasks. Allowing collaborators to contribute—even if the final product isn’t “perfect” by her personal standards—often yields surprisingly positive results.

• Max’s Content Advice: Max dives in with tangible tips about identifying your audience “niche,” consistently posting teaser clips, and utilizing collaboration features on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. He encourages Shi to experiment with raw, unfiltered content, which can sometimes resonate even more deeply than polished versions.

Tips for Aspiring Creators

1. Embrace the 70% Rule: If your output is 70% perfect to you, there’s a good chance the audience will find it 100% amazing.

2. Schedule Teasers: Keep your existing followers engaged while attracting new ones.

3. Use Simple Tools: AI-based apps like Opus Clips can simplify post-production, clipping, and social media content strategies.

Segment 5: Personal Journeys, Identity, and Vulnerability

• From Preacher’s Kid to Creative Force: Delving deeper, Shi talks about her upbringing in a family that prioritized faith and the arts. Her mother’s unwavering support and the church’s dedication to nurturing children’s passions propelled her creative spirit.

• Discussing Sexual Identity: A candid conversation arises around Shi’s experiences identifying as lesbian, while still acknowledging rare male connections. She clarifies the complexity of labeling and how societal perceptions can sometimes constrain genuine human experiences. Max and Sean listen intently, underscoring the importance of personal authenticity in both relationships and creativity.

• Safe Space to Be Real: One of Shi’s overarching themes is the power of vulnerability—in songwriting, in podcasting, and in day-to-day life. Both men and women, she argues, need spaces where emotional honesty is valued over social stigmas.

Notable Quote

“Men deserve safe spaces to feel, too. Being open doesn’t make you weak; it makes you human.”
— Shi

Segment 6: Collaborative Energy & Future Plans

• Max’s Co-Hosting Style: Throughout the episode, Max balances his jovial side with genuine curiosity about Shi’s artistic process. Known for his background in football and entrepreneurial ventures, he shares that pivoting into the podcasting and content space expanded his horizons.

• The Chemistry in the Room: The interplay between Sean, Max, and Shi produces a relaxed, comedic ambiance peppered with moments of depth. Laughter erupts over stories of Girl Scout cookies, childhood fundraisers, and comedic interviews, demonstrating how creativity and levity can coexist with serious insight.

• What’s Next for Shi: While pushing her single “We Swinging,” Shi is also planning more content for She Speaks. She aims to bring a spectrum of voices—artists, entrepreneurs, everyday go-getters—to talk openly about chasing dreams, maintaining mental health, and cultivating supportive communities.

Episode Highlights & Takeaways

1. Authentic Storytelling: Shi’s background—from her church upbringing to her multi-genre approach to music—shows that authenticity resonates no matter where you start.

2. The Importance of Circles: Both Shi’s concept of “goal friends” and the synergy between Sean, Max, and Manny highlight how success is often a team effort.

3. Self-Care & Boundaries: Understanding when you’re overextending and learning to delegate can save creators from burnout.

4. Vulnerability as Strength: Whether it’s men grappling with societal expectations or women navigating identity labels, being honest and open leads to more meaningful growth.

5. Entertainment & Entrepreneurship Crossover: Happy Hour Holidaze consistently reminds listeners that creativity isn’t limited to one field. Mixing music, podcasting, and business insights makes for fresh and exciting conversations.

Final Words from Shi

Shi signs off with the uplifting message behind “We Swinging”:

“As long as you’re up to bat, they can never count you out. Keep swinging—keep trying—because it’s never too late.”

She invites listeners to join her on She Speaks, to embrace vulnerability, and to find those circles of support that help transform challenges into stepping stones.

Connect with the Hosts & Guest

• Happy Hour Holidaze

  • Instagram: @happyhourholidaze

  • Facebook: @happyhourholidaze

  • TikTok: @happyhourholidaze

  • YouTube Channel: Happy Hour Holidaze

  • For inquiries, email Sean at [email protected]

  • Phone: 813-385-6609

• Max Paul

  • Instagram: @maxpaulfitness

  • Fitness Coaching: Maxperience Fitness

• Shi (Artishi)

  • Instagram: @artist.shi (example handle)

  • Music Streaming: Check out “Soon” and “We Swinging” on Spotify, Apple Music, etc.

  • Podcast: She Speaks (Available on major podcast platforms)

Conclusion

This episode of Happy Hour Holidaze pulses with creativity, authenticity, and inspiring conversation. From Shi’s melodic showcase to the group’s insights on what it takes to be consistent as a content creator, there’s a wealth of lessons for anyone seeking to balance hustle with heart. With her multifaceted talents and unwavering belief in the power of vulnerability, Shi embodies the spirit of turning trials into tribulations worth singing about.

If you’re looking to add a spark to your daily routine—whether through music, motivational insights, or just a good laugh—this episode delivers on all fronts. Raise your glass to a hearty mix of talent, tenacity, and truthful conversation. Cheers to a podcast experience that’s as enriching as it is entertaining!

Thank you for joining us for Season 2, Episode 34. Tune in again for more enlightening interviews and to learn from the pioneers, mavens, and trailblazers shaping tomorrow, one conversation at a time.