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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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S2 E35 | Real Estate Realities: Navigating Today’s Market with Manny Manna

Cutting through the noise of real estate misinformation, Manny Manna—a successful entrepreneur with extensive experience in property development, private equity, and lending—delivers an eye-opening assessment of today’s housing market that both novice buyers and seasoned investors need to hear.

The conversation dives deep into how social media “experts” are spreading dangerous misinformation about real estate for clicks and views, while lacking the credentials and continuing education that would validate their advice. Manny shares his professional insights on why macroeconomic factors beyond interest rates—including tariffs on building materials, logistical challenges, and policy decisions—are shaping housing affordability in ways many commentators miss.

Perhaps most shocking is the revelation that 68% of properties in Hillsborough County are investor-owned, pushing Tampa into the top 10 U.S. cities for homelessness and housing insecurity despite its economic growth. This stark contradiction between prosperity and social challenges raises profound questions about community development priorities.

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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!

E31 | Huddling with a Pro: Stephen Garcia's Playbook on NFL Insights, Sports Betting, and Athletic Realities

Introduction

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Happy Hour Holidays Podcast! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of sports, exploring various facets with our special guest, Stephen Garcia, former college football quarterback and current sports coach. From discussing the evolution of sports to understanding the intricacies of coaching, this episode is a treasure trove for sports enthusiasts!

The Evolution of Football and Athlete Performance

Our conversation kicks off with Stephen Garcia sharing insights from his time as a quarterback and his current role as a coach. The discussion delves into how sports science and training have drastically evolved over the years, influencing athlete performance significantly. Stephen emphasizes the importance of understanding each athlete’s unique needs and strengths, a philosophy he applies in his coaching.

Inside the World of Professional Football

The podcast takes an exciting turn as we discuss the NFL and its ever-changing dynamics. Stephen shares his thoughts on various NFL teams, the strategies that define the modern game, and his predictions for upcoming games. His unique perspective as a former player adds a rich layer of authenticity to the analysis.

Coaching Young Athletes: More Than Just a Game

A significant part of our conversation revolves around Stephen’s experience in coaching young athletes. He stresses the importance of nurturing talent responsibly and not just focusing on winning games. His approach involves encouraging young players to develop a love for the game while also instilling essential life skills.

The Ethics and Controversies in Sports

No sports discussion is complete without touching upon the ethical dilemmas and controversies that often surround it. We discuss incidents like Spygate and the ethical boundaries in sports. Stephen shares his views on how these incidents impact the game and the lessons learned.

The Future of Sports: Predictions and Trends

As we near the end of our engaging discussion, we explore what the future holds for sports. Stephen shares his predictions on emerging trends and how they might shape the world of football and other sports. This segment is particularly intriguing for those interested in the future direction of athletics.

Conclusion

This episode of Happy Hour Holidays with Stephen Garcia is a must-listen for anyone passionate about sports. Whether you’re a football fan, a budding athlete, or simply enjoy insightful discussions on sports, this episode offers something for everyone. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to the Happy Hour Holidays Podcast for more exciting content!

Happy Hour Holidays Podcast is your go-to destination for engaging and informative discussions on sports and beyond. Tune in for our next episode where we continue to explore fascinating topics with unique guests.

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