"From Food & Bev to Tech Startup” w/ Ben Ellsworth, Founder of Gigpro
Release Date: 03/06/2025
Coach Cy Unfiltered: Systemic Barriers, Legacy, and the Price of Leadership
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...
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Coach Cy Unfiltered: Systemic Barriers, Legacy, and the Price of Leadership
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...
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Grit, Grace, and Game: Cy Alexander’s HBCU Legacy
Champagne Problems
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...
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Blind Momentum: A Sister’s Legacy and the Strength to Carry On
Champagne Problems
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...
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Love, Loss & Legacy: Laura’s Journey Through Grief and Grit
Champagne Problems
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...
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“Notes of Clarity” w/ Music Journalist Grayson Currin
Champagne Problems
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...
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Healing Through Raw Food: WiBi Ashley’s Journey to Wellness
Champagne Problems
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:
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"From Food & Bev to Tech Startup” w/ Ben Ellsworth, Founder of Gigpro
Champagne Problems
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 . 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!
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“Beyond the Glass: How Food & Wine Magazine Advocates For Mental Health” w/ Hunter Lewis
Champagne Problems
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...
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“Be a Rebel, Quit Drinking” w/ Creative Sobriety Founder, Kristen Bear
Champagne Problems
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...
info_outlineIn 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!