Champagne Problems

In Part 2 of this riveting Champagne Problems conversation, host Robbie Shaw continues his deep-dive with legendary coach Cy Alexander. This episode goes beyond the basketball court to explore the harsh realities of systemic racism in college athletics, the nuances of identity and code-switching, and how Coach Cy navigated decades of adversity with discipline, faith, and a drive to lead. From his early encounters with racism at Duke’s basketball camp to being excluded in high-profile coaching spaces, Coach Cy shares personal stories of marginalization—and perseverance. He also opens up about profound personal losses, including the deaths of his wife and mother, his own battle with cancer, and his daughter’s breast cancer diagnosis. This is more than a conversation about sports. It’s a masterclass in leadership, survival, and what it means to leave a legacy that transcends wins and losses.

In this unforgettable episode of Champagne Problems, host Robbie Shaw sits down with legendary HBCU basketball coach Cy Alexander for a powerful conversation on perseverance, purpose, and impact. From his early days growing up in Winston-Salem with educator parents, to coaching historic runs at South Carolina State and Tennessee State, Coach Cy opens up about the mentors who shaped him, the racism he endured, and the hard lessons he learned on and off the court. Coach Cy shares never-before-heard stories—from receiving life-changing support from Rev. Jesse Jackson to playing beach volleyball with Michael Jordan—and offers a behind-the-scenes look at his upcoming documentary. With personal reflections on loss, illness, and triumph, this is more than a sports story—it’s a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and faith. Tune in to hear how one man’s love for the game became a legacy of impact far beyond the scoreboard.

In part two of this deeply emotional and inspiring Champagne Problems conversation, host Robbie Shaw reunites with author, advocate, and endurance athlete Laura King Edwards to continue exploring her remarkable story. From battling depression in college to losing her sister Taylor to Batten disease, Laura reflects on the moments that shaped her resilience—and the ones that nearly broke her. This episode dives into the convergence of life and loss as Laura gives birth to her son just days before saying goodbye to her sister. She shares the origin of her book Run to the Light, her bold blindfolded half-marathon challenges (including an attempt at a world record), and how Taylor’s life—and death—taught her to truly live. With powerful insight on grief, purpose, and choosing joy despite pain, Laura offers listeners a vivid reminder: we can all do hard things—and grow stronger in the process.

In this profoundly moving episode of Champagne Problems, host Robbie Shaw sits down with Laura King Edwards—author, rare disease advocate, and endurance athlete—for a deeply personal conversation about resilience, purpose, and the power of love. Laura shares her extraordinary journey of navigating life after her sister Taylor’s diagnosis with Batten disease, a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disorder. From founding a nonprofit and running blindfolded half-marathons to becoming a mother just days before losing her sister, Laura offers a raw, inspiring look at grief, healing, and the unexpected ways purpose can unfold. Tune in for a heartfelt dialogue about family, identity, legacy, and what it truly means to live a meaningful life—even in the face of unimaginable loss.  

In this intimate conversation, Robbie traveled to Boulder to sit down with acclaimed music journalist Grayson Currin for a profound exploration that moves far beyond album reviews and artist interviews. One of America's most respected voices in music, Currin opens up about his personal journey including putting down the drink—revealing how this shift transformed not only his relationship with music but with himself and his lovely wife. Together, they navigate the delicate intersections of artistic passion and personal growth, discussing how the timeline of our lives often mirror our deepest struggles and greatest triumphs. From the vulnerability of getting sober to finding renewed purpose in both writing and listening, this conversation touches on the universal themes that connect us all: love, loss, growth, and the constant search for purpose and meaning. Whether you're a music enthusiast, sober, not sober, or simply a fellow traveler on life's fascinating road, this episode offers honest reflections on what it means to hear the world with fresh ears and face each day with newfound clarity.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​  Thanks Grayson!!

In this episode of Champagne Problems, Robbie Shaw sits down with WiBi Ashley, a plant-based chef and wellness advocate, to explore the power of food as medicine. Weebie shares her transformative healing journey after a life-altering car accident, her experiences working as Woody Harrelson's personal chef, and her mission to reconnect people with the healing properties of whole, natural foods. From overcoming trauma to building community through nutrition, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone on a path to holistic health. Check out her website: https://www.artandremedies.com/meet-wibi.html

In this episode of Champagne Problems, host Robbie Shaw sits down with Ben Ellsworth at the Food & Wine Classic in Charleston to discuss his journey from the depths of addiction in the hospitality industry to a life of sobriety and founder of tech startup Gigpro. Ben shares raw insights about the culture of excess in restaurants, the wake-up call that changed his path, the positive shifting trends in the food and beverage world, and the technology he created to help fill shifts across the hospitality spectrum.  Thank you for all you do, Ben!

Robbie Shaw sits down with Hunter Lewis, Editor in Chief of Food & Wine Magazine, to explore the publication's growing commitment to the alcohol-free beverage movement. Lewis shares how Food & Wine is evolving to better represent the full spectrum of hospitality experiences, including thoughtful coverage of non-alcoholic options that don't compromise on flavor or sophistication.    The conversation delves into the magazine's initiatives to support hospitality professionals battling addiction and other mental health challenges—a particularly pressing issue in an industry historically known for its demanding environment.    Lewis discusses how Food & Wine is using its platform to reduce stigma, highlight resources, and champion a more balanced approach to wellbeing within restaurant culture. 

Whether navigating life's daily challenges or pursuing creative passions, the journey to sobriety can open unexpected doors to personal growth and authentic living.    In this episode, Robbie visits Nashville to sit down with Kristen Bear, founder of Creative Sobriety, who shares her transformative path from a life intertwined with alcohol to one filled with purpose and clarity. Through candid conversation, Kristen opens up about her personal experiences and the profound insights she gained along her journey. She explores how removing alcohol from her life didn't just lead to better health—it unleashed a wellspring of creativity and self-discovery that transformed her approach to both personal and professional challenges.    As the founder of Creative Sobriety, Kristen has built a community that challenges the traditional narratives around drinking culture and offers a fresh perspective on alcohol-free living. Our discussion delves into practical strategies for those considering sobriety, while examining how this lifestyle choice can enhance rather than limit life's possibilities.   Connect with Kristen and explore more about Creative Sobriety through Instagram @CreativeSobriety or visit her website at www.creativesobriety.co to discover resources, community support, and inspiration for your own journey toward an alcohol-free lifestyle.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​  

Courtney Michelle writes, produces, and performs a style of comedy that is not only unavoidably relatable, it is so impeccably timed and executed that it feels like you’re doing a real-life skit with her. Courtney’s many characters are so outrageous that you don’t know anyone like her, but you’re 100% sure they exist somewhere…and you likely hate them. And I mean that in the most positively comedic way possible. Courtney is a delight on and off the camera and was a pleasure to discuss life with. Follow her now because you’ll be seeing her in the spotlight more and more.   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itscourtneymichelle TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itscourtneymichelle YouTube: https://youtube.com/@itscourtneymichelle

Matt Dawson "Dawson" is a highly successful financial professional turned multi-record-holding endurance and adventure athlete, sought-after public speaker, lifestyle and performance coach, and Founder of Dawson's Peak Foundation.  Beginning project Seven for Soldiers (set 7 world records) in May 2021, Dawson set multiple records by rapidly completing a previously unheard-of number of global expeditions (in a single year), including summiting the Seven Summits (highest peaks on each continent), skiing to the South Pole, traversing the Mojave Desert solo without help, and rowing across the Atlantic.  Although he was on track to additionally ski to the North Pole and fly a single-engine plane around the world during this same year, his plans were delayed due to the global pandemic and Russia/Ukraine events.  Dawson is also an avid traveler (35+ countries), a licensed motorcycle racer, a US Navy qualified "Expert" with pistol and rifle, an outdoor enthusiast, and an IFR licensed fixed wing airplane pilot.  Tune in to listen to Robbie and Dawson discuss the journey to this level of self-challenge, mental health, surrender, and perseverance. Dawson's book, Strength in Surrender: What One Man's Expeditions Through the World's Harshest Environments Can Teach You About Facing Your Fears and Living with Purpose, just released and it is a MUST READ.

Joe Bruno is Charlotte, NC's very own beloved journalist. In this episode, Joe rightfully takes the interviewer seat and flips the script on Robbie. Three years ago, the Champagne Problems host told his very honest and very vulnerable story that included addiction, rock bottom, and redemption. Tune in to hear Joe dig in to Robbie's journey over the three years since... including a separation, a breakthrough, a podcast production startup, and an inevitable amount of maturation.  Thank you Joe Bruno for taking this on!

Molly Fienning is a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader who has successfully launched and scaled multiple consumer brands. She is the CEO and co-founder of Sipland, a company expanding the evolution of alcohol-free spirits and culture. Prior to Sipland, she co-founded Babiators, a multi-million dollar children's sunglasses company that revolutionized the kids' eyewear market. She later served as CEO of Red Clay Hot Sauce, where she helped grow the artisanal hot sauce brand into a nationally recognized name. Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Fienning is known for her expertise in building direct-to-consumer brands and creating compelling brand narratives. She is also an investor and advisor to early-stage companies, particularly those led by women and underrepresented founders.

PJ Nestler is a performance specialist, educator, consultant and speaker in the areas of performance breathing, human performance, combat athlete preparation, mindset, and recovery.  PJ has worked with professional athletes from the UFC, NFL, and NHL, US Military Special Ops, and executives around the world.  Join Robbie and PJ as they discuss the path that led him to become one of the most talented, passionate, and meticulous performance system and framework builders in the industry.  PJ states that his ultimate quest is to figure out “how to get people to do what they know is good for them.”  Thank you for all you do, brother PJ.  www.FitLab.com www.XPTLife.com https://youtube.com/@coachpjnestler https://www.instagram.com/coachpjnestler

Cesalina Gracie (link her name to www.cesalonagracie.com) comes from the largest fighting dynasty in the world. Her grandfather, Grand Master Carlos Gracie Sr. was a pioneer in the art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and a pivotal force behind the creation of the UFC.  Cesalina has taken the teachings from her family‘s lineage and applied them to modern-day female empowerment becoming a worldrenown self-defense expert. She trains women and girls to confidently use their voices, adopt a posture of strength, and develop a mindset focused on self-worth and resilience.  Cesalina was the official host of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, summited Mount Everest with six weeks to train, and is a loving, caring, and kind friend to many. This was an honor. https://www.gracieuniversity.com Insta: @cesagracie https://www.linkedin.com/in/cesalina-gracie

Laird Hamilton is a legendary waterman who changed the face of surfing years ago by breaking the barriers to riding bigger and faster waves.  He proves time and time again that he is one of the world’s greatest adventurers, innovators, and inspirations. In this episode, Laird and Robbie discuss pushing limits, mastering discomfort, inevitable growth, willingness to change, and parenting daughters.   www.lairdhamilton.com www.lairdsuperfood.com www.lairdapparel.com www.xptlife.com

Robbie sits down with Jim Sonefeld, the original member and drummer of the infamous band, Hootie and the Blowfish. Jim shares stories from the band's beginnings in Columbia, South Carolina to their fast rise in fame, to the dark times and back around tot he current tour selling out areas across the country (again). Jim also has a memoir titled, "Swimming With the Blowfish - Hootie, Healing, and One Hell of a Ride" where he goes much deeper on many of the stories, insights, and life lessons he tells here. Jim is an author, a musician, a songwriter, a father, a husband, a storyteller, a rock star, and an absolute legend.  www.jimsonefeld.com 

Carson Clough joins Robbie for a follow up conversation after his silver medal performance in Paris 2024. Carson takes us through his training leading up to the Paralympics, through the PTS4 triathlon, and the party that ensued after his victory.  I cannot say enough about this warrior. He’s a true American gentleman and an inspiration to all. He would never say this about himself so allow me to shout it from the rooftops! Much love, Carson Clough. Thank you to our sponsor: https://bonbuz.com/

Matt Doherty is a nationally recognized motivational speaker, best-selling author, and media personality. He guides corporations, C-suite managers, sales executives, and business and sports coaches to develop their leadership skills and team dynamics. Since being part of the 1982 National Championship team with Michael Jordan at UNC, his journey has included Assistant Coach at University of Kansas, Head Coach at Notre Dame, and Head Coach at University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, winning the 2001 ACC Regular Season Championship, AP National Coach of the Year in 2001. In addition, he has also worked with ESPN, the Indiana Pacers, and the Atlantic 10 Conference. Coach Doherty is committed to sharing universal teaching and actionable ideas that will work for anyone. The rest is up to you! Thank you to our sponsor: https://bonbuz.com/

Robbie and Patrick come together for the 99th episode to discuss the journey of Champagne Problems as well as the personal and professional growth that has come with it. We discuss favorite smells, last meals, the inception of Champagne Problems, favorite episodes, good times and hard times, growth, and the future. Thank you, Patrick, for all you have done, currently do, and will continue doing. Thank you to our sponsor: https://bonbuz.com/