"The Change Up" with C. Shaw

As we walk the basepaths of life, the steps we take with our friends and mentors remain imprinted in the dirt behind us. On my latest podcast, I was joined by John Vodenlich, the lauded UW Whitewater Warhawks Baseball team coach, who's rounding the bases to the National Coaches Hall of Fame. Our conversation, rich with nostalgia from our Racine roots, delved into John's extraordinary career, his embrace of humility in the...

Embark on an emotional ride with Adrian Winston, my nephew and co-founder of the Live Above Clothing Company and Winston Automotive. Our conversation takes you behind the scenes of his entrepreneurial quest, where dreams and family legacy intertwine, creating an empire that spans from detail shops in Wisconsin to the bustling dealership lots in Georgia. Adrian recounts how the dreams and determination of my late brother-in-law, Bob...

When my niece Shavonne Winston decided to leap from the structured world of criminal justice into the swirling colors of interior design, little did she realize how her passion for eco-conscious living would reshape not just spaces, but lives. This episode is a tapestry woven from Shavonne tales, recounting her transformative journey and the birth of ReStyle Living, where she marries sustainability with style. Her insights into rep...

When the camaraderie of military service meets the acumen of financial mastery, you find individuals like Manathis Rich, an Hawaiian native and financial entrepreneur, who transformed his disciplined background into a beacon of fiscal guidance. We were first introduced by chance in Dallas, and in this episode, he unveils the narrative arc from his father's Vietnam War service to his own Air Force journey through Europe, and ho...

Embark on a heartfelt exploration of friendship and service as I, Charlie Shaw, reconnect with Ron Tatum, the man whose actions echo the values of the Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award he's just received. We're not just old friends, we're witnesses to each other's lives, and in this episode, we unravel the threads of Ron's commitment to bettering our world. From his humble beginnings influenced by his m...

Unlock the synergy of creativity and entrepreneurship with Roberto Blake, the creative powerhouse and YouTube wizard, in our latest conversation from POD Fest in Orlando. Roberto shares a treasure trove of wisdom on thriving in business with a lean approach to content production, punctuated by tales of his travels and the influence of Atlanta on his career trajectory. His candid revelations about overcoming pandemic-induced struggl...

Imagine the impact one person can have when they combine their love for a sport with a drive to champion the talents of young athletes. That's the story of my old high school friend, Felix Rogers, who joins me, Charlie Shaw, on Lil Mel Unfiltered Podcast to share his journey from a dedicated father to the founder of 'In the Gym Hoops.' Felix's tale is one of true dedication, starting with a $50 pawnshop camera t...

As the creaky floors of the Brooklyn Collector's Building echo with the stories of bygone eras, Fela Davis of One of One Productions and I, Charlie Shaw, sit amidst a place alive with the pulse of Charlotte's Black history and future promise. Our conversation meanders through Fela's post-grad days at Full Sail University, her ascent in the realm of sound, and the building's transformation into a sanctuary for mi...

Ever wondered how a five-year-old can set the stage for a lifetime of success? Discover the remarkable journey of John Bezera, a national champion wrestler and BMX racer turned personal trainer, actor, and entrepreneur. John’s narrative is not only a testament to the power of hard work but also a blueprint for turning sheer grit into glory. His personal stories of early entrepreneurial ventures, coupled with heartwarming lessons fr...

Unlock the secrets of your mind with Dr. Paul Nussbaum, clinical psychologist and brain health aficionado, who brings his expertise front and center to educate us on nurturing our cognitive functions. Whether you're in a high-stakes profession or simply aiming for personal excellence, Dr. Nussbaum's insights on focus, decision-making, and problem-solving reveal how a deeper understanding of your brain can propel you to ne...

Step onto the field with us as we explore the life and lessons of Laz Diaz, a seasoned umpire with 25 years calling the shots in Major League Baseball. Diaz’s tapestry of experiences weaves together a narrative of his Cuban American heritage, his disciplined years in the Marine Corps, and the unwavering influence of his father. Join us for a heartwarming recollection of his professional milestones, from World Series stints to All-S...