A podcast from Dubz BBQ · Hosted by George Dubbaneh
Hustle & Heat
Conversations with Southwest Florida entrepreneurs, restaurant owners, city leaders and nonprofit founders about how they built what they do, what was hard, and what they learned along the way.
Latest episode
Episode 40 ·
Barber Rich | Behind Bars to Behind the Chair
From Behind Bars to Behind the Chair! In Episode 40 of the Hustle & Heat Podcast, we sit down with Barber Rich for a powerful conversation about second…
About the show
What it's about
Each episode is a sit-down conversation with someone building something in Southwest Florida: local business owners, chefs and restaurateurs, real estate and trades pros, North Port city leaders and candidates, and the people behind community nonprofits.
Guests talk about how they got started, the highs and lows of running a business, and what they're working on in the community.
Your host
George Dubbaneh owns Dubz BBQ in North Port. He opened the restaurant in June 2020, and the first Hustle & Heat episodes came out in December 2025.
“Over the five years that I’ve been in business, you’ve seen where I started, how I’ve grown, and how this place has grown. Now it’s time to share other people’s successes and stories.”George, Episode 1
Why listen
You'll hear first-hand how local owners started and grew their businesses, and what city leaders and community groups are working on in North Port and nearby.
Each episode page has the full video, and most include a written transcript, so you can watch, listen or read.
All episodes
40 episodes on this site · newest first
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Episode 40
Barber Rich | Behind Bars to Behind the Chair
From Behind Bars to Behind the Chair! In Episode 40 of the Hustle & Heat Podcast, we sit down with Barber Rich for a powerful conversation about second…
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Episode 39
Piesano’s Pizza Cucina | Bringing New York Pizza to North Port, FL
New York flavor has made its way to North Port! On Episode 39 of the Hustle & Heat Podcast, we sit down with the team behind Piesano's Pizza Cucina to…
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Episode 38
Elaine Allen-Emrich – North Port City Commissioner Candidate District 4
In Episode 38 of the Hustle & Heat Podcast, we sit down with Elaine Allen-Emrich, candidate for North Port City Commission District 4.
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Episode 37
G Boys Cheesesteaks
Hustle & Heat Podcast Ep. 37 | G Boys Cheesesteaks On Episode 37 of the Hustle & Heat Podcast, we sit down with the crew behind G Boys Cheesesteaks to…
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Episode 36
NFL Running Back Steve Avery
In Episode 36 of the Hustle & Heat Podcast, we sit down with former NFL running back Steve Avery for a conversation about football, life, and the…
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Episode 35
Florida International Air Show
The Florida International Air Show is one of Southwest Florida’s most exciting annual events, bringing incredible aircraft, aviation professionals and…
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Episode 34
Meet Oleg Lisitsyn | North Port District 5 Commissioner Candidate
Welcome to the Hustle & Heat Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Oleg M. Lisitsyn, who is running for North Port Commissioner, District 5.
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Episode 33
Boyd Brothers Service Inc.
What does it take to keep Southwest Florida comfortable year-round? On Episode 33 of the Hustle & Heat Podcast, we sit down with the team behind Boyd…
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Episode 32
Daniel Hughes of BayPort Lending | The Next Frontier of Real Estate
In Episode 32 of the Hustle & Heat Podcast, we sit down with Daniel Hughes of BayPort Lending to discuss The Next Frontier of Real Estate.
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Episode 31
Kevin and Max Doyle of the Celtic Ray (Irish Pub)
In Episode 31 of the Hustle & Heat Podcast, we sit down with Kevin and Max Doyle, the family behind the legendary Celtic Ray Irish Pub.
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Episode 30
Mike Morales of Quality TV | Talking Business, Tech, Security and AI
On Episode 30 of the Hustle & Heat Podcast, we're joined by Mike Morales of Quality TV for a conversation that goes far beyond television systems.We dive…
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Episode 29
Hurricane Preparedness in North Port: What Every Resident Needs to Know
Emergency preparedness tips for hurricane season, including evacuation plans, storm surge, flooding, and keeping your family safe.
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Episode 28
Dollars For Mammograms
Rita Bertler shares how Dollars for Mammograms provides free breast cancer screening, financial assistance, and hope to local families.
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Episode 27
Phoenix On Site Repair
Episode 27 features Phoenix Onsite Repair and Dubs discussing business growth, customer service, leadership, and overcoming challenges.
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Episode 26
Jerome Fletcher, North Port City Manager
North Port City Manager Jerome Fletcher discusses growth, jobs, Wellen Park, infrastructure, public safety, and the city's future.
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Episode 25
Quan, Owner of 20 Fifth Ink | Talking Tattoos, Business, and Growth
George sits down with Quan of 20 Fifth Ink to talk tattoos, business growth, leadership, family, and entrepreneurship in North Port.
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Episode 24
Bert Parsley of The Twisted Fork
George from Dubz BBQ sits down with Bert Parsley to talk Twisted Fork, restaurants, concerts, business growth, and Southwest Florida life.
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Episode 23
Lee Richardson of Leroy’s Southern Kitchen & Bar
Lee Richardson shares the journey behind Leroy’s Southern Kitchen, restaurant ownership, hospitality, and the launch of Leroy’s Fish Shack.
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Episode 22
Mazda of Port Charlotte & the Difference Across the Northern Border
Mazda of Port Charlotte owners Andy Bernard and Phil Evans discuss Mazda, customer service, car culture, and the future of the auto industry.
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Episode 21
She Turned Bones into a Business | Michele Moore of Bone Boutique
Hustle & Heat Podcast welcomes Michele Moore to talk Bone Boutique, local art, PTSD support, North Port community, and creative entrepreneurship.
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Episode 20
Leadership North Port and Youth Musical Arts Academy of North Port
Episode 20 of Hustle & Heat Podcast highlights Leadership North Port and the Youth Musical Arts Academy, supporting local students through music education and community impact.
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Episode 19
Alignment Creates Success | Missy Tanguay on Spirituality & Business
Missy Tanguay joins Hustle and Heat Podcast Episode 19 to talk business, mindset, community, relationships, and personal growth.
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Episode 18
Inside the Grind of a Top SWFL Realtor, Carla Nix
Carla Nix joins Hustle & Heat Podcast Episode 18 to discuss real estate, networking, faith, leadership, and helping Southwest Florida buyers succeed.
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Episode 17
Decker Plumbing: How A Local Plumbing Company Delivers Consistently
In Hustle and Heat Podcast Episode 17, George talks with Brian Decker of Decker’s Plumbing and Drains about family business, septic services, and North Port.
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Episode 16
Inside Savor 100×35: Restaurant Owner Antonio Pereira Breaks It Down
George sits down with Antonio of Saver 100x35 to talk food trucks, family, Puerto Rican cuisine, and building a restaurant brand in North Port.
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Episode 15
Faith and Business with Guest Tom Parker
Episode 15 of Hustle and Heat features Tom Parker discussing FCA, faith, coaching, community impact, and The Back Nine in Southwest Florida.
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Episode 14
Leadership, Growth and Giving Back with Former Commissioner Jill Luke
Former North Port Commissioner Jill Luke shares her journey of community leadership, nonprofit work, and receiving the Key to the City on Hustle & Heat.
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Episode 13
Kim Amontree on School Board Leadership & County Commissioner Race
Kim Amontree discusses education, school safety, workforce programs, and the future of Charlotte County on Hustle & Heat Podcast Episode 13.
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Episode 12
Bill Truex on Growth, Leadership & Construction
Bill Truex joins Hustle & Heat Ep. 12 to discuss construction, community growth, leadership, and building a stronger Charlotte County.
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Episode 11
Brian Faro on Community Growth & Local Development in SWFL
George from Dubz BBQ sits down with Brian Faro of Paradise Executive Real Estate to discuss SWFL growth, real estate insights, leadership, and why being curious—not judgmental—matters.
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Episode 10
Nick Worden of Crews Bank & Trust
Episode 10 of Hustle & Heat features Nicholas Warden of Crews Bank sharing insights on business, growth, and Southwest Florida.
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Episode 9
City of North Port Police Chief Todd Garrison
North Port Police Chief Todd Garrison joins Hustle & Heat to discuss leadership, policing, technology, community growth, and the future of North Port.
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Episode 8
North Port City Commissioner Phil Stokes on the Future of North Port
Phil Stokes joins the Hustle & Heat Podcast to talk public service, community involvement, and the future growth of North Port.
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Episode 7
Manny Cabrera on Creativity, Discipline, Innovation & Building a Brand
Manny Cabrera joins Hustle & Heat to talk vision, consistency, AI, mindset, and building a “moat” while staying present for family and life.
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Episode 6
From the Chair to the Brand: Colton Howard of Studio 51 Barbershop
Colton Howard shares his journey as a barber, father, coach, and community leader, discussing family, business, barber culture, and life in North Port.
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Episode 5
The Chamber, The City & The Cost of Running a Restaurant
George of Dubz BBQ sits down with the North Port Area Chamber to talk business growth, rising costs, community support, and what’s next for Dubz.
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Episode 4
Turning Adrenaline Into a Business | Dave from Gator Raiderz
A Florida gator hunting guide with over 30 years of experience shares wild stories, near-death survival, business lessons, and a renewed perspective on life.
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Episode 3
Money, Life, and Food with Jeff Tamas of Ideal Retirement Solutions
Episode 3 of the Hustle & Heat Podcast features a candid conversation on entrepreneurship, faith, financial planning, food culture, and leadership. From building a $200M firm to running a community-driven barbecue brand, this episode explores mindset, discipline, and what it truly takes to build something that lasts.
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Episode 2
Faith, Leadership, and Community Impact with Pastor Mark Williams
George sits down with Mark Williams, executive pastor at New Day Christian Church and a former assistant fire chief, to talk faith, leadership and community impact.
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Episode 1
Interview With a World Pizza Champion
George talks with Vitangelo “Veto” Recchia, award-winning pizza chef and owner of Bella Napoli Pizzeria in Port Charlotte, about how he got started in pizza.
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Brought to you by Dubz BBQ
Hustle & Heat is produced by Dubz BBQ, named Best BBQ Joint in Florida in the 2026 Best of Florida Awards. See the menu, catch the game at happy hour, or book catering.