Mental health and wellness professional Robbie Shaw, alongside co-hosts Patrick Balsley and Charlotte Cameron come together to explore mental health, well-being, performance, longevity, sober curiosity and healing. Each episode features a balanced mix of the hosts’ personal experiences, expert opinions, and a diverse array of featured guests to share education, inspiration, and guidance.
…
continue reading
A soulful exploration of the hospitality industry through the eyes of celebrated restaurateur and author Steve Palmer. Combining the richness of grace—a pre-meal tradition in the South, a gift freely given, and a timeless virtue—with the transformative journey of hospitality, this podcast dives deep into the stories behind the industry. With heartfelt conversations, Palmer uncovers personal journeys of resilience, mental health breakthroughs, and sources of inspiration, showcasing how lives ...
…
continue reading
At Regency on the Lake, we believe that real estate is more than just transactions—it’s about people, relationships, and shared experiences. Our stories and the stories of our clients are at the heart of everything we do. From the first meeting to the moment keys are handed over, every step of the journey holds meaning. We’re passionate about listening, understanding, and building partnerships that last long after the deal is done. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor ...
…
continue reading
Ellen Yin is the founder and co-owner of High Street Hospitality Group, a powerhouse in the dining scene with restaurants in Philadelphia, New York, and Washington, D.C. Her portfolio includes acclaimed establishments like Fork, High Street Restaurant & Bakery, a.kitchen+bar, and The Wonton Project. Beyond her restaurants, Yin is committed to commu…
…
continue reading

1
EP 15: A Conversation with Randy Garutti
1:01:21
1:01:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:21Randy Garutti is a legendary figure in the restaurant industry, best known for his role as the CEO who transformed Shake Shack from a single hot dog cart in Madison Square Park into a globally recognized fast-casual brand. Under his leadership, the company expanded to more than 500 locations across the world, went public in 2015, and became known n…
…
continue reading

1
EP 14: A Conversation with Martha Hoover of Won't Stop Hospitality
1:08:34
1:08:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:08:34Martha Hoover is a pioneering American restaurateur and social entrepreneur, best known for founding Won't Stop Hospitality, a collection of acclaimed restaurant concepts in Indianapolis focused on sustainable, community-driven dining. In 1989, after a career as a sex crimes prosecutor and with no formal culinary training, Martha opened Café Patach…
…
continue reading

1
EP 13: A Conversation with Stephanie Wu, Editor-In-Chief of Eater
1:01:03
1:01:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:03Stephanie is the editor-in-chief of Eater, a role she’s held since 2022. She leads editorial strategy across more than 20 cities, overseeing writers, editors, and creators. In 2024, she added Punch and Thrillist to her portfolio. Under her leadership, the Eater network has earned 12 James Beard Awards, three National Magazine Awards, and five New Y…
…
continue reading

1
EP 12: A Conversation with Smith Hanes of Smith Hanes Studio
1:00:14
1:00:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:14Smith Hanes is the founder and creative director of Smith Hanes Studio, an interior design firm he founded in 2004. Based in Atlanta with a second studio in New York, the firm is best known for its work in designing restaurants, boutique hotels, and hospitality spaces with a strong sense of mood and place. Hanes has created some of the South’s most…
…
continue reading

1
EP 11: A Conversation with Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel and Arjav Ezekiel of Birdie’s
1:12:39
1:12:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:12:39Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel and Arjav Ezekiel are the husband-and-wife team behind Birdie’s, the nationally acclaimed East Austin restaurant known for its fine-dining-caliber food, counter-service format, and values-driven approach. Tracy is a James Beard finalist with a résumé that includes Blue Hill and Gramercy Tavern, known for her deeply seasonal, …
…
continue reading

1
EP 10: A Conversation with Neal Bodenheimer of Cure Co. and Tales of the Cocktail
1:03:37
1:03:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:37Neal Bodenheimer is the Managing Partner of CureCo., the group behind New Orleans’ acclaimed bars Cure, Cane & Table, and VALS, and is a partner in Washington D.C.’s legendary restaurant, Dauphine’s. He also oversees beverage operations at Peychaud’s and serves as Co-Chair of the Board of Directors for Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. A New Orlean…
…
continue reading

1
Coach Cy Unfiltered: Systemic Barriers, Legacy, and the Price of Leadership
1:29:52
1:29:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:29:52In 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…
…
continue reading

1
Grit, Grace, and Game: Cy Alexander’s HBCU Legacy
1:33:57
1:33:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:33:57In 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 ope…
…
continue reading

1
EP 9: A Conversation with Danny Meyer of Union Square Hospitality Group
41:23
41:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:23Danny Meyer is one of the most influential voices in modern hospitality. As the founder of Union Square Hospitality Group, he’s built some of New York’s most iconic restaurants—including Union Square Cafe and Gramercy Tavern—and turned Shake Shack from a hot dog cart into a $3 billion global phenomenon. A leader who pioneered the philosophy of “Enl…
…
continue reading

1
Blind Momentum: A Sister’s Legacy and the Strength to Carry On
1:01:40
1:01:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:40In 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 res…
…
continue reading

1
Love, Loss & Legacy: Laura’s Journey Through Grief and Grit
41:30
41:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:30In 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 Batte…
…
continue reading

1
Meet the Regency on the Lake Team | Passionate Experts in Luxury Real Estate
59:16
59:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:16Welcome to Regency on the Lake, where our mission is to match clients with their ideal elevated lifestyle across Lake Norman and the Blue Ridge Mountains. With over 65 years of combined real estate experience, our dedicated team specializes in luxury waterfront and mountain properties, offering personalized services built around your unique goals. …
…
continue reading

1
EP 8: A Conversation with Chris Shepherd and Lindsey Brown of Southern Smoke Foundation
1:09:04
1:09:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:09:04Based in Houston, Texas, Chris Shepherd and Lindsey Brown are the Co-Founders and husband-and-wife team behind Southern Smoke Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides emergency relief funding, mental health services, and other resources for food and beverage industry workers in need of support. Before taking on a full-time role with Sout…
…
continue reading

1
EP 7: A Conversation with Lawrence Weeks of North of Bourbon and Ensō
47:22
47:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:22Chef and restaurateur Lawrence Weeks channels Southern tradition, global influence, and personal heritage into his Louisville-based restaurants, North of Bourbon and Ensō. A Louisville native, Weeks was drawn to the kitchen at an early age, inspired by his parents’ international travels and his family’s Creole and Cajun roots. In 2021, he opened No…
…
continue reading

1
EP 6: A Conversation with André Natera of Chef’s PSA
1:07:46
1:07:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:07:46Based in Austin, TX, André Natera is a best-selling author, public speaker, and host of Chef’s PSA, one of the top-ranked chef podcasts globally. With 27 years of experience as a professional chef, André now dedicates his work to mentoring the next generation of culinary leaders and sharing unfiltered insights through his books, online courses, and…
…
continue reading

1
“Notes of Clarity” w/ Music Journalist Grayson Currin
59:42
59:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:42In 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 shi…
…
continue reading
Celebrated chef, cookbook author, television personality, and restaurateur Vivian Howard’s culinary expertise stretches across multiple mediums while remaining deeply rooted in her Southern upbringing. An author of two cookbooks, her first, Deep Run Roots: Stories & Recipes from My Corner of the South, is a New York Times-bestseller and was named “…
…
continue reading

1
Healing Through Raw Food: WiBi Ashley’s Journey to Wellness
37:01
37:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:01In 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 t…
…
continue reading

1
EP 4: A Conversation with Kevin Boehm of Boka Restaurant Group
42:11
42:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:11Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Chicago-based Boka Restaurant Group Kevin Boehm has established himself as one of the world’s foremost hospitality visionaries. Alongside partner Rob Katz, Kevin has opened 40 restaurants over the last 30 years and built a restaurant group based on great chefs, inspired design, and enlightened hospitality. Under his leader…
…
continue reading

1
"From Food & Bev to Tech Startup” w/ Ben Ellsworth, Founder of Gigpro
30:24
30:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:24In 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 t…
…
continue reading

1
EP 3: A Conversation on Hospitality With Longtime Indigo Road Hospitality Group Teammates
1:05:16
1:05:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:16Longtime teammates of the Indigo Road Hospitality Group (IRHG) Jeremiah Bacon, Kimball Brienza, Jennifer Dailey, and Vonda Freeman have played a big part IRHG’s growth within their 15 years of working under IRHG. From leading the beverage program and culinary directions, to growing one concept to multiple locations, to looking after the financial h…
…
continue reading

1
“Beyond the Glass: How Food & Wine Magazine Advocates For Mental Health” w/ Hunter Lewis
14:27
14:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:27Robbie 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 compromi…
…
continue reading

1
EP 2: A Conversation with Mickey Bakst of Ben’s Friends
58:34
58:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:34Maître D, foodie, fundraiser, philanthropist, career restaurateur, mentor, and Charleston ambassador – these are just a few titles bestowed upon Mickey Bakst. After nearly 50 years of working in the hospitality industry, Mickey co-founded Ben’s Friends, a support group for members of the food and beverage industry battling substance abuse and addic…
…
continue reading

1
“Be a Rebel, Quit Drinking” w/ Creative Sobriety Founder, Kristen Bear
58:17
58:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:17Whether 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 fill…
…
continue reading

1
EP 1: A Conversation with Mike Lata of FIG Charleston
1:00:20
1:00:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:20Mike Lata, chef and co-owner of Charleston’s FIG and The Ordinary in Charleston, SC, is a James Beard Award-winning chef celebrated for his dedication to local flavors and culinary practices that pay respect to the efforts and traditions of his family of purveyors and the Lowcountry. Mike’s food, philosophy, and contributions to the Charleston comm…
…
continue reading

1
“Caviar and Straight Jackets” w/ Comedian and Actress Courtney Michelle
1:07:19
1:07:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:07:19Courtney 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 t…
…
continue reading

1
“Break on Through to the Other Side" w/ Endurance and Adventure Athlete, Matt Dawson
54:22
54:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:22Matt 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 completi…
…
continue reading

1
"Robbie in the Hot Seat" A Holiday Special Interview w/ Journalist, Joe Bruno
52:12
52:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:12Joe 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…
…
continue reading

1
"Expanding & Enhancing NA Culture" w/ Sipland Owner Molly Fienning
39:43
39:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:43Molly 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 revolu…
…
continue reading

1
“Leading a Horse to Water” w/ Human Performance Specialist, PJ Nestler
1:04:59
1:04:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:04:59PJ 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 pa…
…
continue reading

1
"The Power Within” w/ female empowerment entrepreneur, speaker, and Jiu-Jitzu instructor, Cesalina Gracie
1:03:15
1:03:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:15Cesalina 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 …
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading

1
"Restored Rear View" w/ Hootie and the Blowfish drummer Jim Sonefeld
58:50
58:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:50Robbie 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, "Sw…
…
continue reading

1
“An American in Paris” w/ Silver Medal Winner, Carson Clough
48:29
48:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:29Carson 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 wo…
…
continue reading

1
“Journey to the 4th Quarter” w/ Coach Matt Doherty
1:11:23
1:11:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:11:23Matt 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 ha…
…
continue reading
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 h…
…
continue reading

1
“Tragedy to Triumph” w/ Paralympian, Carson Clough
56:04
56:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:04Carson 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…
…
continue reading

1
"Mind/Gut Connection: Are You What You Eat?" w/ Jamie Brown, Dr. Carlos Jorge, and Dr. Nicole Fodel
1:13:43
1:13:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:13:43Jamie 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 …
…
continue reading

1
“Hanging with The Holderness Family” w/ Kim and Penn Holderness
59:39
59:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:39Robbie 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…
…
continue reading

1
“Songwriting With Soul” w/ BJ Barham, American Aquarium frontman
1:03:22
1:03:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:22BJ 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 so…
…
continue reading

1
"Calling All Men!" w/ Brian Strahine, founder of Men's Sacred Liberation
1:03:51
1:03:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:51Brian Strahine is a men's counselor, men's coach, men's retreat leader, a certified teacher/trainer in yoga, mindfulness, breathwork, and sound therapy, and has a masters in school counseling and a doctorate in education. Brian is a force to be reckoned with in many ways, but most importantly in men's work. Through his self-curated retreat, Men's S…
…
continue reading

1
“Alternative Drinking” w/ Emily Heintz, founder of Séchey, Charleston’s popular no/low beverage shop
45:45
45:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:45Emily Heintz launched Sèchey in 2021 as a retail concept leveraging her extensive experience in e-commerce and retail technology. Initially founded to drive the awareness and convenience of non-alcoholic beverages, Sèchey has evolved into a destination for alternative celebration with alcohol free spirits, wine & beer, but also low dose THC product…
…
continue reading

1
“A Guiding Light” w/ Brittany Harris, Executive Director of Cirque Lodge
1:00:24
1:00:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:24Brittany Harris, Executive Director of Cirque Lodge Treatment Center, sits down with Robbie and Patrick to discuss what sparked her passion and led her into this demanding field, and into this esteemed position. Brittany began working at Cirque Lodge in 1999 and by 2008 was working as a member of the management team, overseeing different aspects of…
…
continue reading

1
"Humor and Healing" w/ John Ross Bowie
1:10:35
1:10:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:35Robbie traveled to LA to sit down with actor and comedian, John Ross Bowie. Bowie has over 100 credits in TV and film, including: “The Big Bang Theory,” (11 seasons as Barry Kripke) “Speechless,” (3 seasons as Jimmy Dimeo) “Fresh off the Boat,” “Episodes,” “Brooklyn 99,” “House of Lies,” “Heroes," multiple "CSIs," Jumanji: The Next Level, He’s Just…
…
continue reading

1
“A Pivot to Purpose” with former NBA basketball player Mike Gminski
59:29
59:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:29Mike Gminski, a former American professional basketball player, is renowned for his impressive career in the NBA and now, his contributions to advocacy around addiction recovery. Making a name for himself at Duke University, Gminski was a standout center, earning multiple accolades including All-ACC and All-American honors. His college success pave…
…
continue reading

1
"Marching into Hell for a Heavenly Cause" with Aaron Lazar
48:07
48:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:07Initiated by the Joe Martin ALS Foundation, Robbie Shaw traveled to LA to sit down with Aaron Lazar about his experience before, during and after his ALS diagnosis. Aaron is an actor, singer, and entrepreneur known for his work on Broadway, television, film and concerts and has made it his personal mission to educate and inspire people around the w…
…
continue reading

1
"From Boardroom to Breakdown and Back" w/ Michael Stutts
1:02:36
1:02:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:36Joining Robbie Shaw and Patrick Balsley on the Champagne Problems Podcast is Michael Stutts, a native Charlottean with a unique and inspiring story. Once a high-flying executive, Michael chose a drastic shift from the corner office to a psych ward, prioritizing mental health over his remarkable career in investment banking and management consulting…
…
continue reading

1
"Quiet Healing to Recovery Advocate" w/ Hilary Phelps
1:03:18
1:03:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:18Robbie and Patrick sit down with Hilary Phelps, recovery advocate, former swimmer, and older sister of Olympic swimmer, Michael Phelps. Hilary discusses her relationship with alcohol and drugs throughout adolescence and early adulthood and shares the experiences that led to her decision to get sober and build a life, and subsequent career, filled w…
…
continue reading

1
"Reality and Growth" w/ Shep Rose of Southern Charm
1:03:01
1:03:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:01Robbie Shaw and Shep Rose of Bravo’s Southern Charm reality TV show, have an entertaining, energetic and often deep discussion around life in the public eye, fame, expectations, and growth. Shep opens up about some of his struggles and subsequent changes he’s looking to make as he focuses more on his general well-being. Thank you to our sponsor: Bo…
…
continue reading