Best Interviews by Alissa Podcasts (2025)

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S2 E42 | Ride with Alissa Hale: From Alabama to Florida, Alissa Hale's Country Music Journey 1:10:40

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5d ago1:10:40

1:10:40

Send us a text 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 produce…

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Crafting Generational Memories - Derek De Salvia - Defining Hospitality - Episode #207 48:01

5d ago48:01

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“ It's a core tenant of who we are, and it's called put people first. We take care of our people.” Derek De Salvia, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer at Hilton Grand Vacations, joins Dan today to dive into the world of vacation ownership. The discussion covers the personal and professional aspects of hospitality, the evolution and…

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All Things BMX Show With Josh & Alissa from Rum River BMX 1:31:22

6d ago1:31:22

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We are BACK!!!—and tonight we have another blockbuster couple of guests you do not want to miss… The ATB Krew coming to you live from "The Ethan Clark" studios that are brought to you by the good people at Motor City Harley-Davidson in Farmington Hills Michigan. Chris and I are at the Get-O Wear News Desk. For the coolest lifestyle apparel out ther…

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S2 E41 | Hard Money, Hard Lessons with Caleb Delgado 1:10:35

12d ago1:10:35

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Send us a text 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…

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Sparking Change: Driving Hilton's Growth - Alissa Klees - Defining Hospitality - Episode #206 58:07

13d ago58:07

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“We are a hospitality company first and foremost.” Joining Dan this week is Alissa Klees, the Brand Leader of Spark by Hilton, the trailblazing brand that earned Hilton recognition as one of Fast Company's 2024 Most Innovative Companies. Alissa delves into what hospitality means to her, encompassing both personal and professional interactions. She …

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S2 E40 | Black Clover The Fight Within: Balancing Trucking and MMA Dreams 1:14:54

19d ago1:14:54

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Send us a text 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 w…

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All Things BMX Show With Piper and Lamar of Cult Race Crew 1:25:55

20d ago1:25:55

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We are BACK!!!—and tonight we have another blockbuster couple of guests you do not want to miss… We’re coming in HOT with two absolute legends from Cult BMX – Larmar Davis and Fernando Piper! Get ready for an epic episode packed with behind-the-scenes stories, racing vibes, and all the CULTure you can handle. Whether you’re deep in the BMX game or …

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Sailing into Success - Chris Lenz - Defining Hospitality - Episode #205 1:09:39

20d ago1:09:39

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It takes determination to dive into hospitality and come out with a boutique hotel that is successful, and that is what Chris Lenz, Founder and CEO of La Compania Hotels and Resorts. Chris shares his journey from opening 37 restaurants to creating extraordinary hotels in Panama. They explore his passion for hospitality, his uncompromising vision, a…

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S2 E39 | The Art of Melodizing: Young Hub's Musical Journey 48:18

26d ago48:18

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Send us a text 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 qu…

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All Things BMX Show With Crow River 1:29:10

27d ago1:29:10

1:29:10

We are BACK!!!—and tonight we have another blockbuster couple of guests you do not want to miss… Track Operators Dan Isaacs AKA Danimal & Jason Kempel AKA Dirt Jesus from Crow River BMX out of St. Michael MN! We will be discussing all things bmx and more tonight so make sure you share the show and tag your friends in the comments sections so they d…

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Beyond the Bell Curve: Luxury and Hospitality - Eric Brey - Defining Hospitality - Episode #204 56:26

27d ago56:26

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How can embracing the Japanese concept of omotenashi create better connections? Dr. Eric Brey, a Professor of Hospitality in the School of Management at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, joins Dan on the show today. Eric brings a wealth of experience from his time in the US Army to earning a PhD in hospitality administration and management. They d…

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S2 E38 | Behind the Lens: Trop's Journey into Video Production 1:12:08

1M ago1:12:08

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Send us a text 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 crea…

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All Things BMX Show With Nicholas Michael 1:45:07

1M ago1:45:07

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The All Things BMX Show is BACK—and we’ve got a guest you do not want to miss… This week we’re catching up with BMX legend Nicholas Michael This week’s guest: Nicholas Michael (AKA Peter Jean Hernandez, AKA Nick Michael) He’s a BMX powerhouse: Team Manager of the J&R Bicycles National BMX Team Owner of The Power FX BMX Team. Track Operator at Cape …

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Charting New Courses - Carmen Vlasceanu - Defining Hospitality - Episode #203 44:05

1M ago44:05

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How do you truly make people feel cared for? Dan welcomes Dr. Carmen Vlasceanu, an industry veteran with over 25 years of experience in the hotel, aviation, catering, and cruise industries. They discuss the essence of hospitality, Dr. Carmen's career journey from Romania to Carnival Cruises, and her current roles, including Founder and CEO of Globa…

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S2 E37 | Beyond Beauty: How Marandan Renea Built Her Empire 47:46

1M ago47:46

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Send us a text 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, …

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Creating Impact: Sustainability in Hospitality - Andrea Foster - Defining Hospitality - Episode #202 1:10:11

1M ago1:10:11

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What is the balance between hospitality’s business efforts and sustainability efforts? That’s what Andrea Foster, EVP of Hospitality Development at MindClick, is here to talk about on the podcast. The conversation covers how sustainability initiatives can improve guest experiences and align with corporate values. Andrea discusses the importance of …

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S2 E36 | Colin Biedenkapp with the Versatile Mind: Software, Music and Entrepreneurship 1:06:59

2M ago1:06:59

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Send us a text 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…

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Revolutionizing Hospitality Education - Nicolas Graf - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 201 1:09:44

2M ago1:09:44

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How is hospitality education evolving? Nicolas Graf, chaired professor and Associate Dean at New York University’s Jonathan M Tisch Center of Hospitality, joins Dan today to discuss the realm of hospitality education. Their discussion spans Nicolas's unique career path that started from being a high school dropout and chef apprentice in Switzerland…

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S2 E35 | Real Estate Realities: Navigating Today's Market with Manny Manna 1:07:57

2M ago1:07:57

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Send us a text 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 so…

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Building The Dream: Dubai’s Hospitality Scene - Jensen Moonien - Defining Hospitality - Episode #200 43:46

2M ago43:46

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There’s a lot that goes on pre-opening in hospitality, whether it be a hotel, a club, or a restaurant. That’s where Jensen Moonien comes in. He is the Founder and Managing Director of La Rencontre, a consulting firm specializing in the F&B space of hospitality. Jensen discusses the importance of hospitality, sharing enduring memories without expect…

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S2 E34 | Artishi Unleashed with Shi: From Songwriting at Five to Finding Her Voice 1:30:32

2M ago1:30:32

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Send us a text 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 t…

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Investing in Hospitality - Nate Edgerly and Tom Donaldson - Defining Hospitality - Episode #199 1:15:00

2M ago1:15:00

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Today’s episode pivots into restaurant investing. Joining Dan is two experts of hospitality financing and investments, Nate Edgerly and Tom Donaldson, the CEO and Chairman of Enzo Group Inc. The discussion goes into the motivations behind investing in hospitality, the critical role of strong management teams, and the unique challenges and opportuni…

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S2 E33 | Alex Delgado Beyond the Uniform: A Marine's Journey Through Entrepreneurship 1:10:57

2M ago1:10:57

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Send us a text 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: Se…

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Behind the Smoke: Media in Hospitality - Shawn Walchef - Defining Hospitality - Episode #198 1:02:46

2M ago1:02:46

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What role does media play in hospitality? This episode welcomes media expert and Owner of Cali BBQ, Shawn Walchef. Shawn discusses his journey from creating award-winning barbecue restaurants in San Diego to building a successful media platform. He shares insights on the importance of hospitality, storytelling, and the role of time in perfecting on…

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S2 E32 | The Mental Game of Boxing: Stevie Morgan's Path to Championship 1:10:24

3M ago1:10:24

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Send us a text The path to boxing greatness requires a level of sacrifice most people can't comprehend. Lightweight fighter Stevie Morgan (15-2, 13 KOs) pulls no punches discussing what it really takes to succeed in professional boxing's unforgiving world. Born and raised in Tampa, Morgan's athletic journey began with track and basketball before tr…

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A Lifetime in Hospitality - Xavier Lividini - Defining Hospitality - Episode #197 48:57

3M ago48:57

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Sometimes you find yourself born into a business. That’s exactly what landed Xavier Lividini, Managing Partner at Hospitality Advance International, in the hospitality industry as he comes from a family of hoteliers! Xavier shares insights from his extensive career in operations, marketing strategy, and hospitality management and development. The e…

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S2 E31 | Rob Goetz's Torpedo Bats and Tush Pushes: Sports Talk with a Florida Business Owner 1:16:47

3M ago1:16:47

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Send us a text From battling addiction to five different substances to building a thriving flooring business with nearly 200 five-star Google reviews, Rob Goetz's journey embodies resilience, faith, and entrepreneurial spirit. As the owner of Paradise Flooring in Palm Harbor, Florida, Rob shares how hitting rock bottom became the foundation for bot…

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Beyond the Green: Hospitality & High-Performance - Scott Young - Defining Hospitality - Episode #196 54:51

3M ago54:51

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“ Our hospitality starts with education, but it's also having a welcoming point of view.” Scott Young, Founder of SSWING, an innovative indoor golf training facility in New York City, and an expert golfer joins the podcast today to hash out the meaning of hospitality and dive into his business. They discuss the broader meaning of hospitality in var…

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[S5E1] Alissa Sammarco: Poetry of Unsettled Domesticity 52:32

3M ago52:32

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Learn more about Alissa and her work at https://alissasammarco.com/

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S2 E30 | Healing Meets Momentum: Crystian Martinez's Journey 1:30:44

3M ago1:30:44

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Send us a text What happens when life suddenly changes your entire trajectory? Crystian Martinez knows this reality intimately. On his birthday episode, Crystian shares the harrowing story of fracturing his back in three places in 2020, resulting in partial paralysis of his right foot and ending his cherished firefighting career. Rather than surren…

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Cultivating Joy and Awe - Nathan St. Cyr- Defining Hospitality - Episode # 195 59:54

3M ago59:54

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What does it take to be the number one small hostile in North America? Today we welcome Nathan St. Cyr, Co-Founder of Malama Capital and Owner of Howzit Hostels, to tell us just that. Dan and Nathan dive into Nathan's journey within the hospitality industry, including his foundational experiences in sales, his profound motivation rooted in personal…

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S2 E29 | PrincessFrenxh Inside the Algorithm: A Social Media Mastermind Reveals All 1:43:25

3M ago1:43:25

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Send us a text Ever wondered how social media influencers crack the code to massive growth? PrincessFrenxh pulls back the curtain on her remarkable journey from bartender to social media powerhouse with over 677,000 followers and 100 million content views. The secret? "Dating the Algorithm." PrincessFrenxh explains how treating social media platfor…

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All Things BMX Show With Bryan Dorsey 1:40:46

3M ago1:40:46

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This week, we’re catching up with the legendary Bryan Dorsey. If you've ever tuned in to a BMX or Motocross event, you’ve likely heard the legendary voice of Bryan Dorsey! His passion, energy, and deep knowledge of the sport make him the ultimate announcer who truly brings the action to life! From heart-pounding races to unforgettable moments, Brya…

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Weaving the Future of Design - Mark Page - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 194 1:03:06

3M ago1:03:06

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Mentorship is important in encouraging students to enter artistic and creative career paths. Mark Page, Vice President of Design at Mohawk Industries, touches on the importance of fostering connections with colleges and universities to inspire the youth of today to continue their creative paths. Mark also shares insights on the challenges and innov…

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S2 E28 | Conspiracy, Cover-ups, and the CIA: Unraveling the JFK Assassination with Steve Fantetti 1:05:29

3M ago1:05:29

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Send us a text The assassination of President John F. Kennedy stands as one of America's most pivotal and mysterious moments. In this riveting episode, attorney and author Steve Fantetti takes us deep into the recently released JFK files, exploring how various power centers – from the CIA to the mafia – had compelling reasons to want Kennedy elimin…

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All Things BMX Show With Karim Rasool 1:27:35

3M ago1:27:35

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This week, we’re catching up with the legendary Karim Rasool! A true NORCAL BMX icon and the powerhouse behind Skyscraper Nutrition, Karim has been making waves in the BMX scene for years. From jaw-dropping racing to building a brand that fuels the grind, his story is nothing short of inspiring. The ATB Krew coming to you live from "The Ethan Clark…

Interviews By Alissa Podcasts