Bollotta-FIDE

This week on Bollotta-FIDE, we’re talking all about the Big Beautiful Ballroom. What does it take to bring a grand ballroom event to life? From logistics and operations to design and guest experience, we explore the ins and outs from both the event planning and hospitality perspectives. Hosts Anthony and Alex are joined by an expert panel of industry leaders: Jaclyn Bernstein — President & Owner, Empire Force Events Heidi Brumbach — CEO, Technisch Creative Lenny Talarico — Chief Experiential Architect, Lenny Talarico Events Together, they share their insights, experiences, and behind-the-scenes knowledge on what it takes to create unforgettable ballroom events. Whether you're an event professional, hospitality enthusiast, or simply curious about the magic that happens behind the scenes, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Bollotta.com

Welcome back to BollottaFide. This week, it’s all about saying yes to something you may think you won’t like. Your hosts, Anthony and Alex, also pick their Word of the Week! Then, this week at the Tipsy Cart, your mixologist Alex serves up the drink of Greece: Ouzo. https://www.bollotta.com/

Anthony and Alex are back for another episode of Bollatta-FIDE. This week is an Artiest week. They sit down with Ben Betts! Ben is a multi-instrumentalist performer who blends live steel drum artistry, looping techniques, and DJ-style energy control to create a full entertainment experience from a single stage setup. Raised between the coasts of Florida and Maine, his sound is rooted in modern coastal rhythms with Caribbean influence, offering a sophisticated island aesthetic with a contemporary edge. With a background in Music & Sound Design (BFA, Hampshire College) and over a decade of live music experience, Ben approaches each event as a crafted performance—not just a setlist. Using steel drums, guitar, bass, vocals and live looping, he builds an evolving atmosphere that shifts seamlessly from ambient welcome music to feel-good cocktail vibes to high-energy party sets. With the versatility of a full band contained within a single, elegant setup, Ben adapts in real time to read the room, manage momentum, and elevate the energy of the event. His premium sound system setup can also transition into custom-curated DJ services in a fluid progression with no interruptions—a continuous, curated experience designed to enhance the tone, mood, and memory of your event. https://www.bollotta.com

Welcome back to BollottaFide. On today’s episode, it’s all about giving people what they want. Sometimes, something familiar can bring comfort — and a little fun. Your hosts, Anthony and Alex, also pick their Word of the Week! Then, this week at the Tipsy Cart, your mixologist Alex serves up something comforting and familiar: a classic Manhattan. https://www.bollotta.com/

Welcome back to BollottaFide. On today’s episode, the panel discusses Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) 2026, taking place on May 6. This event highlights how business meetings and events serve as economic engines, talent accelerators, and platforms for innovation. Your hosts, Anthony and Alex, welcome: • Terri Breining, President of The Breining Group and advisor and instructor for the SDSU School of Hospitality & Tourism Management Master’s program • Megan Powers, Senior Program Manager at Oracle and MPI Chapter President • Carl Winston, Founding Director of the Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. https://www.bollotta.com

Today we are are continuing our conversation about the San Diego State University L Robert Payne School or Hospitality Masters Programs in Hospitality and Tourism Management and Meeting and Event Management program with four recent graduates along with Bollotta-fide's own Anthony Bollotta. They are alums from Cohort 5 in the Masters in Event Management program we have Renee Agsten (Ticketing and Operations Manager at DSP Shows) and Holly Gallacher (Meetings and Events Manager at Abbott) along with Cohort 11 in the Hospitality Tourism Management alums Hannah Grossman (Associate Brand Manager with Sonesta International Hotels) and Michael Garvin (Operational Excellence Manager for Marriott International/Ritz Carlton Maui, Kapalua). Find out what motivated them to enroll in the program, what they aspire to and how do they actively benefit now from their experiences. Submit ASK ANTHONY questions on the form at www.bollotta.com/podcast Follow @BollottaEntertainment on Instagram

This week the Bollotta-philes are back with a very special guest, YINKA FREEMAN owner and CEO of TRIPLE POCKET EVENTS. The team gets to know this Sales Manager, Strategist and Event Producer through conversations about her relationship to the LGBTQ+ community and how she has married her passion and expertise in a market that is often looked over. Just because the pandemic is over, doesn't mean the virtual event is dead and Yinka shares her experience in that arena as well. From her work with San Diego Pride and San Diego Black Pride to her time volunteering with organizations such as ILEA and production of Know Other Festival, get to know this powerhouse this week on Bollotta-FIDE! Consult and HIRE Yinka at https://www.triplepocketevents.com/ Submit ASK ANTHONY questions on the form at www.bollotta.com/podcast Follow @BollottaEntertainment on Instagram

This week Anthony and Alex are back behind the mics and they are joined by world renowned musician, CHIARA CAPOBIANCO, Chiara is one of the most talented professional harpist in the industry who's career has included touring Europe, Asia and Middle East solo and with orchestras. The group talk about her journey through life and work and how she has earned her spot playing in residence with some of the most prestigious hotels in Southern California. Listen in as the professional working musician describes how she has found her way via her talent, charm and gusto. Enjoy. Book Chiara: contact info@bollotta.com Submit ASK ANTHONY questions on the form at www.bollotta.com/podcast Follow @BollottaEntertainment on Instagram

Gretchen Yerke is back! Last time GRETCHEN YERKE (Creator of the EPIC CONNECTION and also Managing Partner and Founder of EPIC Meetings & Events) was on the pod she touched on the topics of setting boundaries in her work-life that would honor her physical, mental (and sometimes spiritual) health. This time she is back to offer insight from her perspective as a Sound Practitioner and Expressive Dance Coach and how sound and movement can be used as powerful tools in personal transformation and creativity. The crew get into the differences with the types (frosted, alchemy or chakra) and tones of sound healing bowls, experiences and intent. Don't fret, it's not all "WOO WOO", they also talk about some of the aspects of adding this to a corporate event. (Find her first Bollotta-FIDE appearance on Ep 100: Balance, Boundaries and Wellness. Connect with GRETCHEN https://www.epic-meetings.com/ LEAVE A 5 STAR REVIEW and COMMENT HERE! Submit ASK ANTHONY questions on the form at www.bollotta.com/podcast Follow @BollottaEntertainment on Instagram

The Bollotta-philes are back at it with a new guest on the pod but before that, Alex and Anthony discuss where they were this week when an 5.2 earthquake shook San Diego last week and Alex managed to keep her cool while on a sales call. This week Karen Ronney joins the conversation. Karen is a heavy hitter in the world of racquet sports as award-winning national coach and writer, tennis pro, sports journalist, author (PROUD PARENT’S GUIDE TO RAISING ATHLETIC, BALANCED, AND COORDINATED KIDS), public speaker, mentor and Director of Marketing for the Southern California Tennis Association Foundation. This conversation takes a number of rounds with subjects like Pickleball v Tennis (and now Paddleball), local San Diego tennis club chat, Anthony and Alex also get into Karen's achievement and results of acquiring a Professional Tennis Management from the School or Hospitality and Tourism Management Graduate Program at SDSU, managing your inner dialogue and her own nuggets of inspiration. Enjoy. Submit questions on the form at www.bollotta.com/podcast Follow @BollottaEntertainment on Instagram Connect with Karen: Web: http://www.karenronney.com/ Linked In: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karenronney

Leslie Juvin-Acker the 6x Author, Celebrity-Life Coach, Psychic Medium and Legal Communicator is back at Bollotta-FIDE for a MINI EPISODE. Anthony and Alex throw some quotes from such luminaries as Brene Brown, Mel Robbins, Don Miguel and Raymond M.Kethledge to get Leslie's hot takes and further insight. Enjoy! Ask Anthony: www.bollotta.com/podcast Follow @bollottaentertainment on IG Follow @Lesliejuvinacker on her new IG account. CONNECT with LESLIE at https://www.lesliejuvinacker.com/ Read Her Articles Work with Leslie

This week starts with Anthony Bollotta and Alex Apostolidis waxing poetic about their France and French language classes because it's on theme with the week's guest. Leslie Juvin-Acker the 6x Author, Celebrity-Life Coach, Psychic Medium and Legal Communicator is back at Bollotta-FIDE. A lot has changed in Leslie's life since her last appearance on the pod in 2021 and she fills the gang in on how she recently moved her family from California to Castelnaudary, France. In this episode Leslie, Anthony and Alex discuss: — How to make the most out of your life — How to really tap into your intuition and psychic gifts — How to create impact by being the best version of yourself — How to use affirmations and manifestations to envision financial and emotional success. — And even her near-death experience....and much more. Listen, Enjoy and come back next week for more Leslie with our bonus ep! Ask Anthony: www.bollotta.com/podcast Follow @bollottaentertainment on IG Follow @Lesliejuvinacker on her new IG account. CONNECT with LESLIE at https://www.lesliejuvinacker.com/ Read Her Articles Work with Leslie

Enjoy this bonus episode. Last week Bollotta-FIDE had the honor of a second interview with Mike Lee (MindShift Labs) and after their conversation Mike indulged the Bollotta-philes in an Q&A with some of the statements from their original chat in 2022. (Ep 73. A Shift of Mind(fulness) with MIKE LEE) Now 5 years post-pandemic insights have shifted and some have stayed the same. Enjoy. Submit questions on the form at www.bollotta.com/podcast Follow @BollottaEntertainment on Instagram Connect with Mike Lee at www.mindshiftlabs.com

Anthony and Alex are back at the helm of another Bollotta-FIDE and they had the pleasure of bringing back Speaker, Leadership Coach and Best Selling Author, CEO of MindShift Labs MIKE LEE. On Mike's first appearance we learned about his Keynote Speaking and how emotional challenges lead to the start of his business journey (See episode 73. A Shift of Mind(fulness) with Mike Lee) and now Mike returns as author on his new book, "New Rules for the Future of Leadership". The group get deeper into what his experiences have blossomed into now. Taking the stress of the world and pushing forward and creating success and quieting down all the noise (like from smart phones) and creating a higher level of awareness and leading with intention. Shift in and Listen Up. Submit questions on the form at www.bollotta.com/podcast Follow @BollottaEntertainment on Instagram Connect with Mike Lee at www.mindshiftlabs.com

Bollotta-FIDE is finally back with our first episode of 2025. Anthony and Alex catch up on and talk about a new gig Anthony has taken on this year as the teacher "Live Events in Entertainment" class at San Diego State University for the semester. Joining the conversation today is the Director of Events at the Forward Hospitality Group. FowardHG has 17 venues in 5 major markets where Rick is flexing his experience and passion in special events via sales and event production in the corporate, social and public arenas. They chat about Forward Hospitality Group's themed venues and creative concepts with their impeccable attention to detail, day-to-day up keep, and flair for high-end experiences. They also get into some of Rick's personal history working for industry greats like Andrea Michaels of Extraordinary Events and how the pandemic changed the course of his professional life and his volunteer work with the SEARCH Organization helping those in the event community in need. Listen now. Plan an Event with Rick at and See the Venue Concepts https://www.forwardhg.com/ Learn more about the SEARCH FOUNDATION at searchfoundation.org Submit ASK ANTHONY questions on the form at www.bollotta.com/podcast Follow @bollottaentertainment on Instagram

It's the holiday season and Anthony and Alex kick things off with some chatter about Alex's turn this holiday season at Mrs. Claus. Joining the conversation is the Founder of Cirque Quirk and Allenby Art, NATHANIAL ALLENBY. The Bollotta-philes get to talking to Nathanial about his path from college dropout to Europe that lead to performance and eventually founding his own company. Hear about how Nathanial has become a sovereign person and performer and how he has changed his way of thinking to benefit his relationships, businesses and performances. A perfect and uplifting message before the new year. Enjoy. Book Nathanial and Cirque Quirk: info@bollotta.com Submit ASK ANTHONY questions on the form at www.bollotta.com/podcast Follow @bollottaentertainment on Instagram

Anthony and Alex kick things off this week with some chatter about the holidays (it's was Thanksgiving when they sat down and recorded this. On this epiosde Andrew Johnson from the band Full Strength returns and brings frontman Tyler Hazen along for the fun. Full Strength has been voted San Diego's Best Cover Band for 5 years running not only because of how skillful they play but also because of the heart they put into their performances. Hear about how playing in casinos and corporate gigs has expanded their repertoire (and how rehearsals are still important). They also talk about being diplomatic leaders in a large ensemble full of talent and good ideas, keeping crowds engaged, and the business side of things. Book Full Strength info@bollotta.com Submit ASK ANTHONY questions on the form at www.bollotta.com/podcast Follow @bollottaentertainment on Instagram

Bollotta-FIDE takes an audio-trip to the heartland for the holidays this week and lands in DES MOINES! Tracy White President and CEO of InnovativEvents rejoins the conversation (find her on the MEETING GOAL$ episode). Tracy has created a new tradition in Iowa called the "HOLIDAY HULLABALOO" and indoor family oriented extravaganza with attractions like Mrs Claus's Kitchen, Santa Command Center, Socks Skating Rink (& more) and she gives an overview on the experience and what to expect. The trio also get into Tracy's work on the nonprofit experience called the Bubble Ball benefitting ChildServe- the bubble wrap themed fashion show that keeps crowd entertained while doing good. All this and more industry chat. Listen NOW! Get tickets for the HOLIDAY HULLABALOO https://www.holidayhullabaloo.com/ NOW! Book Tracy for your event: https://innovativevents.com/ Get info about BUBBLE BALL and how to donate or participate: https://www.childserve.org/bubbleball/ Submit ASK ANTHONY questions on the form at www.bollotta.com/podcast Follow @bollottaentertainment on Instagram

This is the SECOND part of our 2 part chat with the one and only, Jaclyn Bernstein(EMPIRE FORCE EVENTS). If you haven't heard part one that is fine this will all make sense (but part one is really good). They talk about the logistics of installing and event in NYC. What the "push" means. EVERY client has a hot button. Negotiations? Budget? Deadlines? Anthony and Alex even get to asking which NYC Landmarks has Empire Force Events produced at. Catch up and catch on! BOOK Jaclyn at www.empireforce.com  (Look back and listen to Jaclyn's first Bollotta-FIDE appearances in episode #14 (part 1 and 2) "Jaclyn Bernstein is an Empire Force!" and her second appearance was on episode #110 Upfront with Special Event Industry Icons (Jaclyn Bernstein, Dorene Collier & Lenny Talarico) Submit ASK ANTHONY questions on the form at www.bollotta.com/podcast Follow @bollottaentertainment on Instagram

Bollotta-FIDE is back with a new season and new interviews with your favs! Jaclyn Bernstein(EMPIRE FORCE EVENTS) is back to talk all things NYC (and Brooklyn and boroughs and...) Anthony and Alex have come up with a quiz with a potpourri of random NYC facts for some fun conversation starters and Jaclyn is the perfect podcast guest. Follow along for the fun and come back next week for part 2 where the trio get a little more (event) professional and into the nitty gritty of event planning in NYC. BOOK Jaclyn at www.empireforce.com  (Look back and listen to Jaclyn's first Bollotta-FIDE appearances in episode #14 (part 1 and 2) "Jaclyn Bernstein is an Empire Force!" and her second appearance was on episode #110 Upfront with Special Event Industry Icons (Jaclyn Bernstein, Dorene Collier & Lenny Talarico) Submit ASK ANTHONY questions on the form at www.bollotta.com/podcast Follow @bollottaentertainment on Instagram