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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.