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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!

E26 | Juggling Laughter and Leadership: Law Smith’s Multifaceted Journey from Stand-Up Comedy to Fractional CMO

Introduction:

In the latest episode of ‘Happy Hour Holidays’, we had the pleasure of hosting Law Smith, an entrepreneur, stand-up comedian, and tech enthusiast. This episode offers a deep dive into the complexities of business dynamics, personal development, and the power of humor in professional settings. Law Smith brings a unique perspective, combining his business acumen with his experience in stand-up comedy, to discuss various topics ranging from ego and empathy in business partnerships to the role of AI in today’s digital landscape.

Ego-Empathy Dynamics in Business:

Law Smith opened the conversation with an intriguing discussion about an ego-empathy chart, a tool he utilized to better understand business relationships. He shared his insights on how varying levels of ego and empathy can impact business dynamics, particularly in his partnership where the balance of these traits has contributed to their success. This segment is particularly enlightening for entrepreneurs looking to understand interpersonal dynamics in business.

The Intersection of Humor and Business:

As a stand-up comedian, Law Smith skillfully intertwines humor with serious business discussions. He emphasized how humor can be a powerful tool in business, not just as a means of entertainment but as a way to connect with clients and colleagues. Smith’s anecdotes and personal experiences provided valuable lessons on using humor to navigate the often-stressful world of business.

Embracing Technology and AI:

Law Smith delved into the role of technology in business, with a specific focus on the rise of AI. He highlighted how AI is revolutionizing marketing and customer engagement, sharing practical tips for businesses looking to integrate these technologies into their strategies. His expertise in this area provided listeners with a clear understanding of the benefits and challenges of adopting new tech trends.

Personal Development and Life Lessons:

Throughout the episode, Law Smith shared personal stories that underscored the importance of self-awareness and personal growth. He spoke candidly about his journey, including the challenges he faced and the lessons learned along the way. His reflections on personal development, especially his advice to his younger self, resonated deeply, offering listeners valuable insights into the importance of pursuing one’s passions and staying true to oneself.

The Power of Podcasting:

Law Smith and the hosts, Manny & Sean Febre, also explored the world of podcasting. They discussed the impact of podcasting on both hosts and guests, the importance of engaging content, and the growth of this medium as a tool for sharing knowledge and experiences. This segment is especially beneficial for aspiring podcasters or businesses considering podcasting as a medium for reaching their audience.

Conclusion:

This episode with Law Smith was a masterclass in blending humor with serious business and personal development discussions. His insights on ego-empathy dynamics, the use of humor in business, embracing AI and technology, and personal growth provided listeners with a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. ‘Happy Hour Holidays’ continues to bring diverse and engaging content to its audience, and this episode with Law Smith is a testament to that commitment.

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