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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!

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Enter the vibrant world of Artishi – a dynamic force in Tampa Bay's creative scene who's redefining what it means to be authentically yourself as an artist. In this captivating conversation, we dive deep into the journey of a multi-talented creator who's been crafting words and melodies since the tender age of five.

Artishy reveals the fascinating story behind her podcast "Shi Speaks" and her mission to create what she calls "safe spaces to fix your face" – environments where people can be vulnerable, grow, and transform without judgment. Her concept of "goal friends" – supportive circles that celebrate your wins rather than competing with them – provides a refreshing perspective on building meaningful relationships in creative industries.

The conversation takes unexpected turns as Artishi performs snippets of her songs "Soon" and "We Swinging," demonstrating her versatile musical style that blends nostalgic 90s vibes with contemporary sensibilities. Her track "We Swinging" carries a powerful message beneath its catchy exterior: "As long as you're up to bat, they can never count you out" – a mantra for perseverance that resonates throughout her work.

What truly sets this episode apart is Artishi's candid discussion about the struggles of perfectionism as a creative entrepreneur. Her confession about finding it difficult to delegate and her tendency to rework projects until they meet her exacting standards will strike a chord with anyone who's ever struggled to call a creative project "finished." The advice shared – that sometimes 70% perfect is good enough – offers liberation for creators trapped in cycles of endless revision.

Whether you're an aspiring musician, podcast host, or simply someone seeking to live more authentically, Artishi's journey from childhood performer to multi-platform creator offers valuable insights on finding your voice and using it to connect with others. Follow Artishi across all platforms to experience her unique brand of artistry that continues to captivate audiences across Tampa Bay and beyond.

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What separates those who dream from those who do? Alex Delgado's remarkable journey from Marine Corps intelligence analyst to serial entrepreneur reveals that success isn't about avoiding failure—it's about learning from each experience to fuel your next venture.

The serial entrepreneur, Marine veteran, and author of "The Four Fs: Seeking Self-Mastery in Faith, Family, Fitness, and Finances" takes us through his fascinating career trajectory, beginning with a doomed hip-hop clothing store in Miami. Rather than being discouraged when competing with vendors selling stolen merchandise from car trunks, Delgado extracted a valuable insight about advertising from the experience that led to his next business: marine advertising with inflatable billboards towed along Miami's beaches. This venture flourished, attracting major clients including Miller Coors, Red Bull, and international DJs.

Throughout the conversation, Delgado reveals how military discipline shaped his approach to both business and life. While many might find balancing active Marine duty with entrepreneurship impossible, he simultaneously pursued multiple degrees—eventually earning his MBA—while launching businesses. This commitment to continuous growth reaches far beyond professional pursuits, as evidenced by his dedication to marathon running and community building through the newly-formed Oldsmar Running Club.

Perhaps most moving is Delgado's account of divine intervention that led him to Detroit after his military service, allowing him to reconcile with his estranged brother shortly before his brother's unexpected passing. This profound experience reinforced his faith and informed his philosophy on relationships, which he now incorporates into his motivational speaking.

Ready to break free from your comfort zone and pursue your own path to greatness? Delgado offers one piece of advice that trumps all others: seek a coach who can provide a tactical plan tailored to your specific goals. Connect with Alex on Instagram @AlexRDelgado to continue your journey toward self-mastery in faith, family, fitness, and finances.