This week Anthony kicks things off with a Jane Fonda inspired special TIPSY all about "FINDING YOUR FIT!" which is quite fitting with the very Bollotta-FIDE guest we have this week! Angela Minardi (Founder and Chief Experience Officer) of FIT CITY ADVENTURES. Angela talks about the moments that inspired her to move away from a career in marketing and create a business that works with corporations activations with emphasis on fitness, health, wellness and adventure! We hear about the latest trends like "ZEN DENS", "Moving Meditation" and parasympathetic exercises. Enjoy.Connect with Angela: https://fitcityadventures.com/Submit ASK ANTHONY questions on the form at www.bollotta.com/podcastFollow @bollottaentertainment on Instagram

Please enjoy this mini episode with the wonderful, Laura Schwartz. Last time she was on the Bollotta-philes got so caught up in the convo that we never got to the 5. Now Laura is back to answer the Bollotta-FIDE FIVE. What is Laura's Golden Rule? What is that one daily habit that contributes to her success? What does she tell herself when no one is around? What is one change she wants to see in the world? Finally, what is LAURA SCHWARTZ's WHY? Enjoy this episode and don't forget to connect with Laura at the link below.Connect with Laura https://lauraschwartzlive.com/Submit ASK ANTHONY questions on the form at www.bollotta.com/podcastFollow @bollottaentertainment on Instagram

Laura Schwartz is the fabulous guest on this week's episode, but before the Bollotta-philes chat her up they kick things off with a special TIPSY where Alex introduces a new artist that has earned their way onto the artist roster, JIMMY'S BUFFET. Then we get into the artist that Alex thinks makes a great role model for her daughter, LAURA SCHWARTZ. Laura gives us details about how she came to be the youngest White House Volunteer Intern in history under the Clinton Administration and how after studying Communications and PR that lead to being the White House Director of Events that made her a "CURATION". Stories about working directly with the Clintons. Who is in your "Kitchen-Cabinet"? Going into the bathroom for ideas.The conversation came so easy to this trio they needed even more time, so they brought Laura back in for the Bollotta-FIDE FIVE that will be on the pod in 2 weeks.connect with Laura https://lauraschwartzlive.com/Submit ASK ANTHONY questions on the form at www.bollotta.com/podcastFollow @bollottaentertainment on Instagram

The Bollotta-philes are back! Alex fills Anthony in on her recent experience seeing Mandy Patinkin (her fav) and Anthony has a TIPSY that is almost a RANT-SY about SURPRISES from vendors on site due to low communication. Alex's YaiYai-ism is all about Forgiving but NOT Forgetting!This week TIFFANY ROSE GOODYEAR founder and CEO of SCENTEX. Learn how Tiffany's started from a dessert company (Yours Truly Cupcakes) and pushed her boundaries and did the work to create her event scent experiences and become a leader in the industry in her niche. Tiffany lets us in how how she creates the scent experiences based on timing and space. Tiffany gives us a crash course in everything to get your room filled with a super smell sensory experience.SCENT YOUR EVENT! Connect with Tiffany:https://scent-ex.com/Submit ASK ANTHONY questions on the form at www.bollotta.com/podcastFollow @bollottaentertainment on Instagram

THIS IS AN ENCORE EPISODE, ORIGINALLY RELEASED March 11, 2022.Anthony and Alex are joined by Cali of PhotosbyCali.com. This week we are getting a new perspective on the event world from an artist/photographer. Cali lets us know what she's been seeing from the frontlines at both social and corporate events in a post 2020 world. Hear about the stresses of photographing Presidential Cabinet members and editing in the parking deck to the bliss in finding the perfect ambient light during a corporate cocktail hour to capture candid moments. Learn about what Cali feels makes the perfect photo, what a photographer needs from the client to produce their best work and capturing Kairos Time in her photos. All this and the return of "THIS or THAT?" ENJOY!ASK ANTHONY at www.bollotta.com/podcastFollow @BollottaEntertainment on Instagramwww.photosbycali.com

This is PART 2 of the Bollotta-FIDE Meeting Goal$ episode. They are joined for this set of episodes by Tracy Fuller, InnovativEvents (Founder and CEO) and Megan Mildenberger, MercyOne Des Moines Foundation (Director of Annual Giving and Events). In this second part of this interview Megan and Tracy discuss the growth of their live (and now virtual) fundraising event through engagement, their attention to the fine details, trusting the talent, community partnerships and the "power of friendship". This duo of episodes is a MUST LISTEN for anyone who handles or volunteers nonprofit events, pass this on!ASK ANTHONY at www.bollotta.com/podcastFollow @BollottaEntertainment on InstagramThink about donating to MercyOne.

THIS IS AN ENCORE EPISODE ORIGINALLY RELEASED: JULY 16, 2021. The House of Mercy Game Show Gala 2024 just recently happened so we wanted to drop this back on feed as Anthony and Alex are onsite this week.Anthony and Alex are off to The Special Event Conference in Miami this weekend, but don't fret they are leaving you with a special 2 part Bollotta-FIDE. They are joined for this set of episodes by Tracy Fuller, InnovativEvents (Founder and CEO) and Megan Mildenberger, MercyOne Des Moines Foundation (Director of Annual Giving and Events). Recently Bollotta Entertainment had the opportunity to work with Tracy and Megan on the MercyOne House of Mercy Game Show Gala 2021 and in this episode the group hosts a public post mortem about the financially successful virtual fundraiser's challenges, wins and plans for the future.ASK ANTHONY at www.bollotta.com/podcastFollow @BollottaEntertainment on InstagramThink about donating to MercyOne.

This week musician Bobby Cressey sits down with the Bollotta-philes to discuss his career journey as a musician. He's the stadium organist for the San Diego Padres and San Diego Gulls Hockey teams and now not only a performer but also a part owner of one of the most in demand dance bands, The Might Untouchables and also a composer/producer (google: Dumosa). Anthony and Alex talk with Bobby about his versatility throughout musical genres, pushing through challenges now as a business owner and how exactly did he become the organist with the San Diego Padres. Bobby gives insight on how he's become a professional musician and what it takes to become one of the best in the biz. Enjoy.Book Bobby or the Mighty Untouchables for your next event: info@bollotta.comSubmit ASK ANTHONY questions on the form at www.bollotta.com/podcastFollow @bollottaentertainment on Instagram

Brad Wilson of Brad Wilson Talent is on the pod this week! Anthony kicks things off with a TIPSY about BUILDING AN EFFECTIVE TEAM and Alex has a YaiYai-ism all about INGREDIENTS. Brad is known widely from his performances in the Three Waiters and HypnoTWISTs, but today get to know Brad as an agent (The Three Waiters, Showbots and Randy Andys). Brad's story is one of inspiration as he has found new flourish after major personal and professional loses during the pandemic and how he's made the adjustments to make him a truly effective colleague and event professional. Enjoy.Submit ASK ANTHONY questions on the form at www.bollotta.com/podcastConnect with Brad www.bradwilsontalent.comFollow @bollottaentertainment on Instagram

Bollotta-FIDE is back after a month hiatus with a fantastic return guest, LOREN SMITH! Top of the show banter includes the duos oy's of smoking, a TIPSY about the "Permission to INTERMISSION" during a program and a YAIYAI-ism about intercepting the long winded. Entertainment Businessman, talent agent profession Santa Claus and musician Loren Smith "The Talent Smith" is back to talk to Anthony and Alex about the other sides of business. From beginnings as a musician, forming bands and keeping the opportunities he's been given. Hear about how he joined the JACKSTRAWS and how they rose to the status of San Diego's Unofficial Welcome Wagon. Hear about Loren's time on the competition reality show SANTAS IN THE BARN that has become an annual favorite watch and lead to bigger opportunities as Surfin' Santa. Loren story and outlook on the event entertainment comes from experience, excellence and know how. LIsten and Enjoy.The musical track GOOD TO ME (Smith Hubbard & Associates) from the KGB Homegrown VI is presented by special permission of the artist, LOREN SMITH.BOOK LOREN SMITH info@bollotta.comFollow @bollottaentertainment on InstagramSubmit ASK ANTHONY questions on the form at www.bollotta.com/podcast

Anthony has a TIPSY all about “SAYING, YES!” and Alex has a YaYa-ism about Courage (and how she got here). Today Jo Ann Fahlgren Mauck, Fine Artist and CEO of Fickle Finger Airbrush joins the conversation. Jo Ann’s talents spread from her skills in Plein Air and portraiture on canvas to Airbrushing. In today’s conversation Jo Ann takes us on a journey from her fine art beginnings to her lucrative airbrushing endeavors with Fickle Finger Air Brush on the Fair and social event circuit. This episode is rich with stories of risk, know how and what it takes to make a living from creating art that can be enjoyed on the wall or on a t-shirt. LISTEN IN!This episode was recorded live and in person, we apologize for any ambient noise. Follow @bollottaentertainment on InstagramSubmit ASK ANTHONY questions on the form at www.bollotta.com/podcastconnect with Jo Ann at https://besasandiego.com/member/fickle-finger-airbrush/

This week starts out with a TIPSY all about "FEEDING THE TALENT" and a YAIYAI-ism about Alex wanting food. The Bollotta-FIDE hosts are joined this week by CEO and Chief Inspiration Officer of Skydiving Innovations & Tactical Drone Solutions, RON LEE. Ron's side of the special event industry is not conventional and he answers questions about the inspiration for starting a skydiving entertainment company. The clarity needed when dealing with the risk of putting parachute teams in planes when in the contracting stage of a project. They also get into the new horizon of storytelling and event entertainment using drone light shows. Enjoy.Follow @bollottaentertainment on InstagramSubmit ASK ANTHONY questions on the form at www.bollotta.com/podcastconnect with Ron on IG @skydivinginnovationsFind out more: SKYDIVING INNOVATIONShttps://skydivinginnovations.com/TACTICAL DRONE SOLUTIONShttps://tacticaldronesolutions.com/

Anthony and Alex get down to business from the jump, a TIPSY about Force Majeure Clauses" and a YaiYai-ism about "everyone taking a piece". Longtime personal friend of the pod hosts, Lisa DeFino Director for The Institute of Meetings and Events of the L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at San Diego State University joins the conversation today. The trio get into Lisa and Anthony's shared onsite experience through a rain storm on the USS Midway. They get into the challenges of getting students engaged and socialized after 3 years of a pandemic. She gets into her desire to see more emphasis on financial management, AI's impact on education and they even get into her past experiences as an animal trainer. Get into this episode now!Follow @bollottaentertainment on InstagramSubmit ASK ANTHONY questions on the form at www.bollotta.com/podcast

This episode is off to a smashing start as Anthony fills Alex in on the fate of his Mother's good china. Anthony's TIPSY about "WE ARE WHAT WE CONSUME" (not just food based) and Alex's Yaiyai-ism about the direction of your tooth brush. Today's guest is Chris Vance, Creative Initiatives Manager for Sycuan San Diego Casino Resort , They touch on his creative projects at the resort like the San Diego Padres-themed guest suite, the Tribe's philanthropic Right to Dream Soccer Camp initiative and even the new "Sycuan Pride" Weekend the first week of June. They also touch base on Chris's uber-successful extracurricular nightlife brand "Bear Night San Diego" and he has kept the dance floor full over 16 years through venue challenges, rain and the pandemic. Enjoy.Follow @bollottaentertainment on InstagramSubmit ASK ANTHONY questions on the form at www.bollotta.com/podcast

Anthony kicks things off with a TIPSY about the "Willfully Wandering Welcome" and Alex has a YaiYai-ism about the ownership of Tears and Smiles. They are joined this week by Nikki Arnold (Senior Event Manager, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina). Nikki gives boots on the ground insight on the average day of a Event Manager at one of the most popular hotels in San Diego. She goes over the importance of the first impression, what is "slippage", and the cross section of theater and special events. She also answers the Bollotta-philes questions about what trend she is seeing the most and what question she gets asked the most by clients.Follow @bollottaentertainment on InstagramSubmit ASK ANTHONY questions on the form at www.bollotta.com/podcast

Anthony and Alex are in the pod with Producer (with an emphasis on Environmental and Brand Experiences and Pubic Space Consulting and Activations, Design and Hospitality Management) Brooksie Hughes from BAH Productions. The Bollotta-philes start with a TIPSY with a checklist for adding SOUND to your event and a YaiYai-ism about how her yaiyai would yell at sound guys. Now the main course, Brooksie Hughes is not only a producer but she also is a public space strategist ie. she does festivals and multi-day programs. They get into the basics like what is a Line Producer or PSM and how the vernacular of positions names change per region and industry. They also get deeper with her experiences with surprises onsite (both good and bad). They get into planning in 4 months vs 4 years, how infrastructure can cost the client more, managing public spaces and even how she got her chops touring with legends. There is a reason why today's guest has charted multiple times on a few of BizBash's "Best of" lists. Listen now, there is a lot of good stuff in here.Connect with Brooksie Hughes: http://www.linkedin.com/in/brooksiehughes or http://www.bahproductionsinc.com/ for faster response give her a ring at 917.647.7621Follow @bollottaentertainment on InstagramSubmit ASK ANTHONY questions on the form at www.bollotta.com/podcast

Second Episode of the year and we have the one and only Bernie Gaps (CEO of Absolutely Fabulous Events & Productions INC. and Spandex USA) on the pod. Before they kick off their chat Anthony has a TIPSY about rethinking your approach to "Breakout Sessions" and Alex'i YaiYai-ism all about doing not just watching. In their research the Bollotta-philes learned how Bernie is one of the foremost innovators in the special event industry and Alex and Anthony get into how he has made it happen all starting with his invention of battery operated table top neon to eventually include his own design innovation with spandex linens. Boots on the ground stories designing some of the features for Paris Hilton's wedding celebration on the Santa Monica Pier, Super Bowl Halftime Shows and pushing the envelope.Connect and plan an event with Bernie http://absofab.net/Follow @bollottaentertainment on InstagramSubmit ASK ANTHONY questions on the form at www.bollotta.com/podcast

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Anthony and Alex are back with a very Opa!-licious episode to kick off the year. Anthony has a TIPSY about “baby steps” in the new year and Alex has a YaiYai-ism about even smaller steps. Jackie Loeb (Comic/Emcee/Host) joins us on the line direct from Down Under for our first show of the year. Jackie brings the fun as she answers the Bollotta-philes questions about her first paid gig, her television experiences on Superstore and the animated Netflix series Trash Truck. How she prepares for hosting gigs different than a stand up or acting project. Jackie indulges Anthony’s request for a sample of an American accent, she breaks down the importance of being honest and vulnerable to be funnier on stage, and how there is not a “right” way to do comedy (but there is a correct way). Connect with Jackie http://www.jackieloeb.com/Book Jackie for your event contact info@bollotta.com Follow @bollottaentertainment on InstagramSubmit ASK ANTHONY questions on the form at www.bollotta.com/podcast

Anthony and Alex catch up and discuss their recent holiday musical discoveries and then Anthony has a TIPSY about the importance of your local BBB and Alex has a Yaiyai-ism about parts and wholes. They are joined by Jay Sheehan (Cue One Productions). Listen in as this multi-talented university educator, mentor, production manager and author of “The Production Manager’s Toolkit-Successful Production Management in Theatre and Performing Arts” answers Anthony and Alex’s questions about his trajectory in the performing arts and special event industries. Hear about how Jay’s preparation met the unexpected opportunities because of his curiosity and willingness to take calculated risks. All this and boots on the ground stories working with Olympic Horses, country music stars and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. They also hear about writing a book, handling new opportunities and his teaching style. Listen in! Connect with Jay www.cueoneproductions.comFollow @bollottaentertainment on InstagramSubmit ASK ANTHONY questions on the form at www.bollotta.com/podcast

Bollotta-Fide's Bollottaphiles kick off this week with Anthony's TIPSY about taking a deeper dive into the client to benefit the sale and project, Alex has a Yaiyai-ism about listening to nothing. Bollotta-Fide Musician, Educator and Performer Bill Fleming stops in for a discussion about following the music across the country (literally). Bill talks about his passion for learning his craft, playing at night in the clubs and in the mornings at mass. BIll Fleming has a great story and outlook. Listen and enjoy!BOOK BILL FLEMING NOW! Info@bollotta.com Follow @bollottaentertainment on InstagramSubmit ASK ANTHONY questions on the form at www.bollotta.com/podcast