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 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 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!