Welcome back to our special series of the Give Us the Dirt podcast, dedicated to Mental Health Awareness Month. In this episode we welcome back Chris Shearer, a remarkable individual who not only embodies resilience but advocates tirelessly for those struggling with mental health challenges.

When our guest, Chris Shearer, isn't climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or Half Dome, he's using his expertise in media and technology as a Partner at Wheelhouse Media, an award-winning video production company based right here in Charlotte, NC. From high-definition video to motion design and animation, they are THE go-to for cutting-edge visual storytelling. Chris's passions also extend beyond the screen. As the Director of Team Wheelhouse, a non-profit organization, he's on a mission to transform lives by leveraging the power of cars as a conduit for mental health support. Born from his love for racing and his own personal battles with mental health, Team Wheelhouse is offering hope in a world often quieted by stigma.

Through Team Wheelhouse's collaboration with HGC, Chris aims to provide training and tools to those in need, a testament to his belief that cars can be more than just vehicles—they can be instruments of healing, companions in hardship, and pathways to hope.

In this episode, Chris explains “the why” behind Team Wheelhouse and explains how they’re able to provide an outlet for people to have conversations around mental health without the formality of counseling. He also reflects on the challenges he faced as a child with a learning disability, and how that lead to bullying, self-doubt and eventually depression.

Chris hopes his story will resonate with others facing something similar so they can know they are not alone. Tune into this heartfelt conversation with Chris Shearer, exploring his journey, his advocacy, and his unwavering commitment to mental health awareness.