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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!

E42 | Corey Van Valin's Spellbinding Journey: Casino Capers, Comedy Magic Mastery, and the Art of Turning Tricks into Treasure

Diving Deep into the Spellbinding World of Cory Van Valin on Happy Hour Holidaze

In an enthralling episode of “Happy Hour Holidaze,” hosts Sean and Manny Febre invite us into the captivating world of Cory Van Valin, a master magician whose journey intertwines the mystical with the entrepreneurial, painting a vivid picture of passion in pursuit.

A Journey Through the Eyes of a Magician

Cory Van Valin, with a career that spans the enchanted corners of the Ritchie Suncoast Theater to the vibrant energy of the Electric Forest Festival, opens up about the life of a magician. This episode is not just a conversation; it’s a voyage into the essence of magic, revealing the laughter, struggles, and the magic itself that fuels Cory’s journey.

Tales of Magic, Mastery, and Mirth

Listeners are treated to a mosaic of stories from Cory’s life, each narrative brimming with insights on adapting to audiences, handling the unexpected, and creating moments of pure wonder. Cory’s ability to transform potential challenges into opportunities for engagement highlights the symbiotic relationship between the magician and his audience, turning skeptics into believers and disruptions into delight.

Behind the Curtain: The Psychology and Business of Magic

Cory doesn’t stop at storytelling. He dives into the mechanics of magic, sharing the strategic use of neurolinguistic programming (NLP) and subliminal messaging to captivate and amaze. This peek into a magician’s strategic toolkit offers a fascinating glance at how magic plays with our perceptions, creating shared experiences of awe.

The conversation takes a turn towards the entrepreneurial, as Cory sheds light on the business acumen required to turn a passion for magic into a sustainable career. From branding and marketing to pricing and gig booking, Cory’s approach is a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs in any field, demonstrating the importance of passion, creativity, and adaptability in building a successful venture.

The Magic of Pursuing Passion

Cory’s journey from performing small gigs to becoming a nationwide sensation is a powerful narrative of dedication, creativity, and risk-taking. His insights serve as a beacon for anyone aspiring to make a career out of their passion. The episode serves as a reminder that pursuing one’s dreams, despite the odds, is perhaps the most magical journey of all.

Conclusion: Finding Magic in Every Moment

The episode concludes on a note of inspiration, with Cory Van Valin embodying the enchantment that comes with following one’s dreams. His stories, insights, and advice not only entertain but also inspire listeners to seek out the magic in their own pursuits.

For those enchanted by the realm of magic or anyone navigating the path of turning their passion into a profession, this episode of “Happy Hour Holidaze” with Cory Van Valin offers laughter, learning, and a light to guide the way. Join us in celebrating the moments of magic that life offers, reminding us to pursue our passions with all our hearts.

Explore the Episode

Immerse yourself in this captivating episode and let Cory Van Valin remind you of the magic that exists in the pursuit of dreams. It’s a journey of discovery, enchantment, and laughter—a testament to the magic that happens when passion meets perseverance.

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