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...

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...

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 racis...

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.  Thi...

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 di...

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 musi...

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. Fro...

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 tren...

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 conversatio...

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 co...

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 comedi...

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 expe...

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 br...

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 ser...

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 talent...

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-d...

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...

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 On...

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 s...

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...

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. T...

Carson Clough grew up a sports guy. He competed in all areas of his life, all the way up to collegiate lacrosse at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Tragedy struck when a boating accident severed one of his legs and mangled the other. A talented surgical team and a bit of luck saved one of his legs but amputated the other below the knee. Almost simultaneously, Carson accepted this extr...

Jamie Brown, renown Charlotte restauranteur, suffered from anxiety and severe panic attacks resulting in depression and often suicidal thoughts. She tried everything. One day, as a last ditch effort, she began to consider that her "mental" symptoms could be some sort of autoimmune response. She took this further and started to test her response to foods. Six years later, she hasn't had a panic att...

Robbie was welcomed into the home of Kim and Penn Holderness to record an inevitably fun, hilarious, and inspirational conversation. The overnight rise to fame from a digital Christmas card, a co-authored best selling book titled  ADHD is Awesome ,  and a vulnerable share around the not-so-obvious battle of anxiety are just a few of the topics covered in this episode. Kim and Penn are two of the m...

BJ Barham got sober 9 years ago. About that time his songwriting got better, his performances got better, and his band began to see more success. In this episode, BJ shares lot of what made him who he is today including growing up seven generations deep in a small tobacco town, a hard-working father, a beautifully loving mother, and a journey to sobriety. Fast-forward to current day and BJ is the...