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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.