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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

E17 | Beyond the Fairway Brad Brunner’s Untold Story of Pro Golf, Sacrifice, and Triumph

A Professional Golfer’s Life: Exploring Brad Brunners’s Journey Beyond the Golf Course

In the shimmering universe of professional sports, there lies a profound depth of human experience often overshadowed by the relentless spotlight of media and championship trophies. One such story is that of Brad, a professional golfer, whose journey unveils the grit, sacrifice, and soul-stirring decisions made in the quiet corners of life, away from the roaring greens. His narrative, rich with emotion and life lessons, invites us into the seldom-discussed spaces of a golfer’s life, addressing themes that resonate beyond the confines of sports.

Embarking on a Golfing Journey: The Roots of Passion and Perseverance

Brad’s golf story began not with spectacular swings or hole-in-ones, but within the nurturing embrace of family and community. This starting point, crucial yet often undervalued, is the bedrock of many a professional golfer’s career. Here, Brad’s reflection on his early days, marked by the receipt of his first golf clubs and his father’s guiding presence, provides a heartwarming testament to the role of foundational support in shaping a sportsman’s path. It’s a reminder that behind the making of every dedicated athlete lies a backdrop of encouraging loved ones, pivotal moments, and often, a childhood defining decision.

Behind the Glamour: The Challenges Shadowing Professional Golf

Contrary to the popularly televised version of a professional golfer’s life, Brad opens the gates to a realm where victories are hard-fought and the journey is punctuated with obstacles both personal and professional. Financial burdens, the relentless pursuit of sponsorships, and the physical and mental toll of constant competition mark the rugged landscape of professional golf. Brad’s personal account serves as a grounding narrative, showcasing the resilience required to navigate the high-pressure environment of professional sports.

Comrades in Golf: The Unspoken Brotherhood on Tour

In an environment defined by competition, Brad brings to light an unexpected dimension of professional golf—the camaraderie and deep-seated respect among the athletes. His experiences underscore the value of solidarity in an individual’s sport, a poignant reminder that even amidst the battle for personal bests and world rankings, human connection finds its place, offering solace, understanding, and shared joy in each other’s achievements.

The Crossroads: When Family Calls Beyond the Golf Course

Perhaps the most compelling turn in Brad’s journey was his heartfelt confrontation with a question many career-driven individuals grapple with: when does one heed the call of family? The professional golfer candidly shared the emotional tug-of-war between his lifelong dream and the echoing needs of his family, illuminating the personal sacrifices veiled behind public successes. This powerful segment of his story transcends golf, touching upon a universal conflict of balancing family and career.

Evolving Fairways: Recognizing Women in Golf

The conversation took a significant detour to acknowledge the contributions and challenges of female golfers, with Brad reflecting on their impactful journey within the PGA Tour. This discussion, brief yet impactful, highlights the milestones set by pioneering women and the changing face of golf, fostering a more inclusive environment for future generations.

Life Lessons from the Golf Course: Brad’s Parting Wisdom

In concluding, Brad distilled his experiences into pearls of wisdom for aspiring golfers and frankly, anyone striving towards a personal dream. His insights, carved from setbacks and comebacks, emphasized an unwavering commitment to one’s passion, resilience in the face of continuous failure, and the courage to redefine personal success. These reflections, authentic and universal, provide a roadmap for persistence, dedication, and holistic growth.

Conclusion

Brad’s story, woven with vulnerability and insight, offers more than a glimpse into a professional golfer’s life. It is a narrative of human strength, personal compromise, and the intricate balance between chasing an ambition and honoring one’s heart. It underscores that success, often viewed through the lens of societal accolades and professional triumphs, bears deeper significance when mirrored against personal happiness and fulfillment.

We invite you to reflect on Brad’s journey and share your insights or similar experiences in the comments below. How have you navigated your personal and professional crossroads? Join us as we continue exploring real stories from the world of sports, offering not just inspiration, but a heartfelt connection with the trials and triumphs of individuals like

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