In this captivating episode of Keep the Hotel Empty, we welcome the dynamic Ashley Ljesvic, host of The Endurance Diaries podcast. Ashley brings her unique perspective as a lifelong athlete to the conversation, exploring how the spirit of competition extends beyond the sports arena into everyday life. She shares her personal journey of striving for excellence both within and outside of formal competition, offering listeners valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs encountered along the way. This episode of KTHE delves into the intricate dance between external challenges and internal battles, examining how our personal growth is often intertwined with the obstacles we face. Ashley’s infectious enthusiasm and dedication to helping others thrive shine through as she discusses the importance of honest self-reflection. Listeners will learn practical ways to embrace vulnerability and authenticity on their path to personal development. Through engaging stories and shared experiences, Ashley inspires us to push our boundaries and transform our perceived limitations into opportunities for growth. Tune in to discover how to harness the power of competition in all aspects of life and emerge stronger, more resilient, and ready to tackle whatever comes next.

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In episode 62 of "Keep the Hotel Empty," we sit down with Justin Banister, the passionate owner and operator of O&A Coffee and Supply. Justin's love affair with coffee began in his childhood, sharing steaming cups with his grandfather. While his early concoctions were laden with milk and sugar, his grandfather's preference for "black and boiling" set a powerful precedent. Over the years, Justin's palate and knowledge have expanded exponentially, yet the ritualistic enjoyment of coffee remains unchanged. For Justin, these moments represent the times he feels "truly alive," a testament to the profound impact of a simple cup of coffee. Justin's varied background, which includes journalism and private piloting, has informed his entrepreneurial journey with O&A. He envisioned a mobile coffee bar that would evolve into something much greater—a vision now realized with two storefronts, one on Main Street in Sarasota and another in the growing community of Lakewood Ranch. Additionally, Justin has established a roastery, which offers unique opportunities to source exceptional coffee from skilled producers worldwide. Specializing in small-batch craft coffee, O&A's offerings are a far cry from your average diner brew, though Justin acknowledges there’s a place for that too—specifically, in a Waffle House. Join us as we delve into Justin's journey and the coffee culture he continues to cultivate.

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In the latest episode of "Keep the Hotel Empty," we delve into the intricate world of expansive prog-rock with our special guests, the dynamic band Cruel Curses. Known for their hallmark long songs that can span nearly 40 minutes, Cruel Curses have carved out a unique niche in the music landscape with their innovative approach. At the heart of the band is Ryen, a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist whose journey began as a drummer idolizing legends like Dave Grohl. Ryen is the visionary force behind the band’s material, crafting complex compositions that defy conventional song structures. Joining Ryen, Jeff on bass brings these compositions to life with precision, executing bass parts that resonate in live performances. Meanwhile, Nick rounds out the core lineup with his guitar prowess, nurturing Ryen’s initial ideas into fully realized compositions and electrifying audiences on stage. The band’s creative process is as unique as their music, with each member playing a vital role in developing the signature style. Their pieces, described humorously as "Oops All Bridges," are a testament to their commitment to innovation, where no part ever repeats, creating a continuous musical journey for listeners. Despite their progressive nature, Cruel Curses maintain a great rock sensibility and familiarity that resonates with audiences. They offer a wide range of songs.The band truly thrives in live settings, believing that their music is best experienced in the raw, unfiltered energy of a performance. Tune in as we explore the minds and melodies of Cruel Curses, and discover the passion and precision that drive this extraordinary band.

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In this captivating episode of "Keep the Hotel Empty," listeners are invited into the enchanting world of Immortal Girlfriend, the dynamic synthwave duo hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Siblings Kevin and Will Bush share their unique artistic journeys, with Will originally pursuing visual arts while Kevin immersed himself in music. Together, they discuss the serendipitous convergence of their passions that gave birth to Immortal Girlfriend, a project that blends their individual talents into a harmonious whole. Through candid conversation, they reveal the strategic importance of securing sync rights and diversifying income streams to sustain their creative endeavors and thrive as modern artists. The duo also delves into the evolution of their live performances, enhanced by the addition of drummer Brian Dendy, which has added a new layer of dynamic energy to their shows. With an eye on the future, Kevin and Will express excitement about upcoming gigs and new recordings, promising fans an abundance of musical offerings. They reflect on how their sibling bond fortifies their creative process, allowing them to weather the storms of life together. A poignant moment arises as Will discusses his health scare, a life-altering experience that profoundly reshaped his outlook and artistic vision. Through resilience and familial support, Immortal Girlfriend continues to push boundaries, creating evocative soundscapes that resonate with audiences far and wide.

In this captivating episode of Keep the Hotel Empty, we welcome the dynamic members of Shy Blossom, a band that's capturing hearts with their vibrant energy and heartfelt music. Fronted by the exceptionally talented singer-songwriter Adriana McDonald, Shy Blossom is making waves in the music scene. Adriana shares her inspiring journey from performing solo to forming the band, recounting how she ambitiously learned up to 30 songs in a week to prepare for her early gigs. Her dedication and passion for music shine through as she discusses the evolution of her craft and the exciting new directions the band is taking. Listeners will also hear from guitarist Abel and drummer Julie, who bring their unique backgrounds and experiences to the conversation. Abel talks about his musical roots in Mexico and how they have influenced his style, while Julie reflects on her formative years at the School of Rock and how it shaped her approach to drumming. With one album under their belt, primarily a collaboration between Adriana and her producer, Shy Blossom is now solidifying as a full band. They are eagerly writing and preparing for their next recordings and performances, infusing their music with a fresh and invigorating rock spirit. This episode offers a glimpse into the band's creative process and the vibrant camaraderie that fuels their artistic journey.

In this exciting new episode of "Keep the Hotel Empty," we sit down with Danny and Elizabeth from the dynamic band House of I. Hailing from the vibrant, but limiting, Miami and now in the Tampa scene House of I has made a name for themselves with their unique blend of punk and pop rock influences. Danny, the guitarist and vocalist, and Elizabeth, the dynamic drummer, share their journey of shaping their distinct sound through countless live shows and evolving musical styles. Despite numerous lineup changes over the years, Danny and Elizabeth have remained the steadfast core of the band, demonstrating remarkable resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. Tune in as they delve into what it takes to stay flexible during tough times and how to go with the flow to keep moving forward. Danny and Elizabeth also discuss the creative freedom that comes with recording their own music, allowing them to fully embody the DIY rock 'n' roll spirit. Their story is a testament to their unyielding passion and commitment to their music, making this episode a must-listen for fans of authentic, independent artists. Don't miss this inspiring conversation with the heart and soul of House of I.

⁠In this exciting new episode of "Keep the Hotel Empty," we welcome back dear friend of the show, artist and drummer Brandon Thrift, for his highly anticipated second appearance. Brandon, the visionary behind the Spread Love movement, shares insights into how his art has evolved over the past year. He delves into the intricacies of branching out creatively, emphasizing the importance of growth and embracing the challenges that come with commissioned work. His journey is a testament to the power of persistence and the beauty of continually pushing one's boundaries.⁠ ⁠ But that's not all! Brandon also opens up about his dynamic drumming career, recounting his exhilarating experiences on stage with both Fiends and Cold Steel. He discusses his upcoming studio recording sessions with Cold Steel, shedding light on the creative process behind the scenes. Throughout the episode, Brandon's infectious energy and calm demeanor shine through, embodying his free-spirited approach to life. His remarkable strides in both the art and music worlds over the past year are truly inspirational, making this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking a dose of creativity and positivity.⁠

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In this riveting episode of "Keep the Hotel Empty," we welcome the dynamic Brock Grady to share his exceptional journey from the world of athletics to the sphere of business. Having excelled in football and baseball during his early years as well as Brock's dedication to fitness and self-discipline laid a solid foundation for his endeavors. After graduating from a liberal arts college with an accounting background, he seamlessly transitioned from sports to business, leveraging his diverse skill set to make a significant impact. Brock's college experience involved launching clubs and securing funding, experiences that broadened his understanding and application of his knowledge in real-world scenarios and offered him amazing chances to meet influential business people. His commitment to leaving the world a better place shines through his numerous initiatives designed to help others achieve their best. Brock's conversation with us delves into the burgeoning cannabis industry in Florida and beyond, offering listeners a unique glimpse into how these businesses are built from the ground up and what their future may hold. His insights are not just limited to the operational aspects but also extend to the broader implications and potential growth of the industry. Brock's infectious spirit and positive attitude are evident throughout the episode, making it clear that his journey of growth and contribution is far from over. Whether you're interested in fitness, business, or the future of cannabis, Brock Grady's story is sure to inspire and inform.

In this electrifying episode of "Keep the Hotel Empty," we have the pleasure of hosting Bianca and J from the vibrant Pop-Rock/Reggae band, Seranation. J, the lead vocalist, and Bianca, the bass player, delve into the band's nearly decade-long journey, sharing their experiences of starting out with a trial-by-fire approach. They recount how they jumped straight into performing live shows and the lessons learned from those early gigs. The duo provides an in-depth look at how Seranation meticulously crafts their live performances and the collaborative process behind their songwriting. They highlight the importance of their dynamic and powerful friendship and mutual respect, which serve as the backbone of their creative endeavors. Listeners will find invaluable insight as Bianca and J discuss the role of producers in shaping their sound and the benefits of welcoming outside contributions for fresh perspectives. They also give us an exclusive sneak peek into their upcoming LP, set to release on September 27, 2024. Whether you're an upstart musician looking for advice or a fan eager for new music, this episode is a treasure trove of inspiration and knowledge. Don't miss the chance to catch Seranation live and let their "good life" vibes elevate your day!

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In this riveting episode of "Keep the Hotel Empty," our guest is the phenomenal Sky, a vocal talent and stage performer whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. Sky opens up about her early years immersed in youth opera programs, which laid the foundation for her musical career. She delves into her experiences with her first band and her enriching time at Berklee College of Music. However, Sky's path has not been without its challenges. She candidly discusses her struggles with physical health, specifically dealing with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and the profound effects of burnout. Despite these hurdles, Sky's relentless hard work and indomitable spirit shine through, making her a beacon of resilience and determination. Sky's dynamic personality and introspective nature are evident not only in her music but also in her other artistic endeavors, such as drawing. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion, offering listeners a deeply moving and motivational narrative. Whether she's hitting high notes or creating art, Sky's depth and authenticity resonate profoundly, making this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration in the face of adversity. Join us as Sky takes us through the highs and lows of her journey, sharing valuable insights and lessons learned along the way.

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