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Special Episode

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What happens when a Baltimore podcaster visits Tampa Bay? A raw, hilarious culture clash that reveals surprising truths about American cities, sports fandom, and the entrepreneurial journey.

Chris from the Blase Network brings his Baltimore perspective to our studio, immediately diving into sports talk with passionate takes on the Ravens, Lamar Jackson, and the upcoming NFL season. But as the conversation unfolds, we explore something much deeper—the stark contrast between city experiences across America.

As a documentarian and podcaster born in what he calls "the ass crack of Baltimore," Chris offers an unfiltered look at growing up in a city recently named America's dirtiest for the third consecutive time. His stories about youth crime, political leadership failures, and the practical challenges of urban life paint a vivid picture rarely captured in mainstream media.

The episode reaches its most compelling moments when discussing entrepreneurial paths. Chris reveals how his podcast started as simple Twitch streams before evolving into a platform amplifying Baltimore voices. Meanwhile, our hosts share the brutal realities of building their studio business—working seven days weekly, missing holidays, and facing constant doubt from friends and family.

What makes this conversation special is its authenticity. Despite having just met, Chris and our hosts establish genuine connection through humor, vulnerability, and shared ambitions. Their discussion about personal growth culminates in a powerful motivational moment about making "conscious, deliberate efforts" to change your life circumstances.

Whether you're interested in sports culture, city living, podcasting, or entrepreneurship, this episode delivers honest insights about pursuing passion while navigating life's challenges. It's a reminder that sometimes the most important lessons come from perspectives different from our own.

Follow Chris on social media to discover his documentary work and podcast—a fresh voice representing Baltimore's complex reality.

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Meet Alissa Hale, a rising country star who's redefining what it means to be a modern artist. Born and raised in Alabama with a 12-year background in gymnastics and ballet, Alissa's path to music came through an unexpected intersection of talent, determination, and a mother who believed in her enough to talk her up to a music producer.

During this candid conversation, Alissa gives listeners an exclusive world premiere of her upcoming single "Ride" - a bold, wild anthem for Southern girls who aren't afraid to embrace their freedom and make no apologies for it. The track, releasing June 20th, perfectly captures her authentic country roots while bringing a fresh energy to the genre.

What makes Alissa truly unique is her innovative approach to building her brand. She's created "Dirty Blonde," a groundbreaking zombie video game that integrates her music into gameplay - something never before seen in country music. Players blast "deadheads" while experiencing her songs in an immersive environment, creating an entirely new way for fans to connect with her work. This creativity extends to her entrepreneurial ventures, including a hot sauce line featuring her signature blend and an upcoming ghost pepper version aptly named "Hot as Hell."

Beyond music and business, Alissa shares stories about her acting career, including her role in "Hallowed Be Thy Name" and playing Android 18 in a live-action project that showcased her gymnastics abilities. She lights up when talking about her passion for fishing, particularly the 180-pound tarpon she caught in the Everglades after a 30-minute battle.

Her parting advice resonates with striking clarity: "If you envision it, if you can see it, if you can feel it, you know within you and you have that burning desire, really you're the only one that can hold yourself back." It's this independent spirit that makes Alissa Hale an artist worth watching as she continues to forge her own path in country music and beyond. Follow her journey at AlissaHalecom and don't miss "Ride" dropping June 20th on all streaming platforms.

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What happens when life knocks you down not once, but twice—and you find the strength to build something even better than before? 

Caleb's journey from Queens-born soccer player to mortgage mogul to nearly bankrupt and back again is a masterclass in resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. Growing up in Long Island with immigrant parents, he learned early lessons contrasting wealth and struggle that would prove invaluable later in life.

His soccer skills earned him a D1 college spot playing center midfield, but family financial troubles forced him to leave school and enter the mortgage industry at just 20. The timing couldn't have been more dramatic—the early 2000s "Boiler Room" era of mortgage lending. Within months, Caleb was making hundreds of thousands, driving luxury cars, dropping $10,000 on dinner tabs, and living what seemed like the dream. Until 2008 hit.

"That crash was my saving grace," Caleb reveals, explaining how losing everything forced him to rebuild with better values. With savings his mother had secretly set aside from his earnings, he relocated to Florida. Starting over meant taking jobs beneath his experience level while strategically networking and positioning himself for his next chapter.

The founding of DKC Lending with his partner David marks the culmination of these hard-learned lessons. Their approach to hard money lending focuses on transparency, reliability, and truly serving clients rather than simply collecting interest. Even in today's challenging market, they're finding creative solutions for investors while maintaining their core values.

What makes this conversation so compelling is Caleb's candor about both success and failure. His counterintuitive belief that "business is personal" challenges conventional wisdom, while his insights on entrepreneurship—"stick to what you know and be the best at it"—offer practical guidance for anyone building a career or company.

Want to build something that survives market crashes and personal setbacks? Listen now to learn how your biggest failures might become your greatest teachers.

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In the realm of combat sports, few stories embody raw determination quite like that of Forrest "The Black Clover." From the humble beginnings of Dade City, Florida, where growing up with seven brothers meant daily wrestling matches were simply part of life, Forrest has carved a unique path to becoming a 6-1 professional MMA fighter while maintaining a full-time career as a truck driver.

This conversation peels back the layers of what makes a fighter persist despite overwhelming odds. Forrest reveals how he manages the seemingly impossible—driving trucks across state lines, sometimes to Texas and back, while maintaining the discipline to train, cut weight, and dominate in the cage. "If you want it bad enough, you're going to find a way to do it," he shares, describing how he performs pull-ups in his truck and jumps rope in the back of trailers just to stay conditioned while working.

What truly separates this fighter is his authentic approach to both victory and defeat. After amassing an impressive 8-0 amateur record, Forrest transitioned to pro fighting with refreshing honesty about his motivations: "What made me stop at eight was I wanted to get paid." His lone professional loss became not a setback but a catalyst, especially after seeing the look on his young son's face following the fight: "No more losing in front of you, this ain't happening," he vowed. True to his word, his comeback fight ended with a devastating first-round TKO.

The discussion also explores the science behind weight cutting, the importance of proper nutrition (partnering with Venom Nutrition transformed his recovery), and his unique connection to anime that inspired his fighting moniker. At 31, with only five years in the sport, Forrest sees himself as just beginning his prime—drawing inspiration from fighters like Daniel Cormier who started MMA at 30 and became UFC champions.

Catch Forrest "The Black Clover" in action at Combat Night on June 21st at the Coliseum in St. Petersburg, Florida, as he continues his journey toward UFC glory. Follow him @BlackClover_MMA for updates and use code "BlackClover15" for discounts on supplements that fuel his double life as a trucker-fighter.

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Dive into the world where sports and music collide as Tampa artist Young Hub joins the Happy Hour Holidays crew to discuss his latest project "Melodizing 3." This candid conversation reveals the unique blend of rapping and singing that defines Young Hub's sound, reminiscent of early Drake but with his own Tampa flavor.

The episode quickly transforms into a passionate debate about football loyalties when Young Hub reveals his surprising allegiance to the Philadelphia Eagles despite his Tampa roots. The hosts trade statistics, championship histories, and playful jabs while comparing the Bucs and Eagles franchises. The football talk extends to a heated discussion about which states produce the best athletes, with Florida and Texas emerging as the primary contenders.

Things take an unexpected turn when guest host Max shares his professional journey in arena football, offering rare insights into the world of professional sports beyond the mainstream leagues. His stories about trash-talking fans mid-play, contract negotiations, and eventually hanging up his cleats for family reasons provide a refreshingly honest look at an athlete's journey.

Both Young Hub and the hosts reflect on their high school football experiences, comparing public versus private education, and debating the merits of various athletic programs in the Tampa area. These personal stories highlight how sports shape identity and provide valuable life lessons that translate to other pursuits – including music.

The episode closes with practical advice for aspiring musicians, with the hosts suggesting Young Hub explore opportunities to get his music played during sports events and emphasizing the value of in-person networking with DJs. Young Hub leaves listeners with words of wisdom about staying dedicated to your craft despite distractions, whether you're pursuing sports or music.

Whether you're a music fan, sports enthusiast, or simply enjoy authentic conversations, this episode offers a perfect blend of entertainment, nostalgia, and practical industry insights. Listen now and discover how the disciplines of sports and music creation intersect in unexpected and inspiring ways.

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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.

Trop leaves us with powerful advice that transcends videography: "Whatever you really want to do, don't hesitate... Just whatever you feel like is for you at that moment, in your heart, for real—just go with that." His story demonstrates how technical skill, creative vision, and entrepreneurial thinking can combine to create a unique path forward at any age. If you're pursuing a creative career or simply appreciate seeing local talent flourish, this episode offers both inspiration and practical insights.

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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.

Whether you're an aspiring beauty professional, a business owner looking to scale, or simply fascinated by the behind-the-scenes magic of entertainment, Marandan's blend of creativity, entrepreneurial savvy, and authentic perspective offers something valuable. Because as Marandan reminds us, the most important foundation for success isn't found in any makeup kit – it's ensuring your happiness isn't compromised in pursuit of your dreams.

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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.

Perhaps most valuable is Colin's nuanced perspective on artificial intelligence. While embracing AI's potential to handle tedious tasks, he maintains a firm boundary: "Don't forget how to be human." His company policy prohibits using AI as a substitute for fundamental skills, reflecting a thoughtful middle ground between technological resistance and uncritical adoption. This wisdom extends beyond technology to his closing thoughts on imposter syndrome, where he offers a powerful reframe: "The only difference between a winner and a loser is how many times you're willing to lose."

Whether you're fascinated by aviation, music, entrepreneurship, or the future of AI, Colin's multi-dimensional perspective offers fresh insights and the courage to pursue your diverse interests without compromise. Listen now to discover how embracing your varied passions might just be your greatest strength.

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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.

The episode also unmasks lesser-known industry realities, such as the fact that Florida real estate agents aren't required to carry errors and omissions insurance—only brokers are—highlighting the importance of thorough vetting when selecting representation for life's largest financial transactions. Manny's advice on navigating builder contracts, understanding home inspections, and advocating for transparency provides a masterclass in protecting yourself during real estate transactions.

Whether you're considering buying your first home, investing in rental properties, or simply trying to understand how economic forces are reshaping our communities, this conversation provides essential context that goes well beyond typical market analyses. Tune in for straight talk from someone who's seen every side of the real estate equation and isn't afraid to challenge conventional wisdom.

Ready to make smarter real estate decisions? Listen now and share your thoughts in the comments!