Best Robbie Alexander Podcasts (2025)

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Coach Cy Unfiltered: Systemic Barriers, Legacy, and the Price of Leadership 1:29:52

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4M ago1:29:52

1:29:52

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…

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Grit, Grace, and Game: Cy Alexander’s HBCU Legacy 1:33:57

4M ago1:33:57

1:33:57

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 ope…

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Blind Momentum: A Sister’s Legacy and the Strength to Carry On 1:01:40

5M ago1:01:40

1:01:40

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 res…

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Love, Loss & Legacy: Laura’s Journey Through Grief and Grit 41:30

5M ago41:30

41:30

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 Batte…

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#16 — Activating Our Ancestry: Songs, Land and Ritual with Sam Lee 1:18:00

6M ago1:18:00

1:18:00

Sam Lee's work is a testament to the power of traditional songs and ritual to speak to modern audiences. A Mercury prize nominated singer, composer, folksong interpreter, passionate conservationist, song collector and creator of live events, Sam plays a unique role in the British music scene. During a stint as a burlesque dancer, he stumbled across…

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“Notes of Clarity” w/ Music Journalist Grayson Currin 59:42

6M ago59:42

59:42

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 shi…

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#15 — Psychedelic Philosophy with Dr Peter Sjöstedt-Hughes 1:22:26

6M ago1:22:26

1:22:26

Is the universe aware of itself, or is consciousness just a side effect of brain activity? What do Indigenous shamanism and theories like panpsychism have in common? Why is psychology blind to its huge limitations? And can dieting master plants show us what it's really like to be a bat? Dr Peter Sjöstedt-Hughes is a philosopher, specialising in the…

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Healing Through Raw Food: WiBi Ashley’s Journey to Wellness 37:01

6M ago37:01

37:01

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 t…

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#14 — Tripping Over Prejudice: LGBTQ+ in Psychedelic Science with Dr Matthew X. Lowe 1:01:21

7M ago1:01:21

1:01:21

Psychedelic history has a complex relationship with queerness. In 1966, Timothy Leary declared LSD a "cure for homosexuality”, and the use of psychedelics in so-called 'conversion therapy' reinforced the pathologising of queerness for years. Times have changed, as gay and transgender rights movements intersect heavily with the world of psychedelics…

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"From Food & Bev to Tech Startup” w/ Ben Ellsworth, Founder of Gigpro 30:24

7M ago30:24

30:24

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 t…

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S2 E8 (Part 2) | Incubating Success With The Big League - Eric Perugini, NBALAB 38:59

7M ago38:59

38:59

Send us a text In Episode 8 of Season 2 (Part 2), we continue the conversation with Eric Perugini, Chief Commercial Officer at NBALAB - the research and development incubator facilitating product expansion into the NBA's Global Licensing Group. Eric continues with the journey of NBALAB since it's inception in 2016 and provides insight into the serv…

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S2 E8 (Part 1) | Incubating Success With The Big League - Eric Perugini, NBALAB 32:37

7M ago32:37

32:37

Send us a text In Episode 8 of Season 2 (Part 1), we chat to Eric Perugini, Chief Commercial Officer at NBALAB - the research and development incubator facilitating product expansion into the NBA's Global Licensing Group. Eric take us on the journey of NBALAB since it's inception in 2016 and provides insight into the services they provide to creato…

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#13 — From Crisis to Consciousness: War, Peace and Plant Medicines with Satya 1:29:23

7M ago1:29:23

1:29:23

Navigating the shadows of transformation, this multi-perspectival conversation about psychedelics’ therapeutic applications moves though Satya’s personal story to the division between science and spirituality; also covering the shadow aspects of working with plants, the challenge of collective healing in a time of crisis, war and peace, and the fut…

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“Beyond the Glass: How Food & Wine Magazine Advocates For Mental Health” w/ Hunter Lewis 14:27

7M ago14:27

14:27

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 compromi…

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#12 — Your Story Is Everything with Mareesa Stertz 1:10:54

8M ago1:10:54

1:10:54

Mareesa Stertz is a filmmaker, storyteller, artist, and community organiser dedicated to fostering collective healing and transformation. As a co-steward of the Global Psychedelic Society and co-founder of Lucid News, Mareesa has been building platforms that destigmatise, educate, and build community around psychedelics. Her film work includes prod…

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“Be a Rebel, Quit Drinking” w/ Creative Sobriety Founder, Kristen Bear 58:17

8M ago58:17

58:17

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 fill…

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“Caviar and Straight Jackets” w/ Comedian and Actress Courtney Michelle 1:07:19

8M ago1:07:19

1:07:19

Courtney 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…

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#11 — Ayurvedic Medicine with Dr Vanessa León-Sulca 1:10:09

8M ago1:10:09

1:10:09

Dr Vanessa León-Sulca is a Medical Doctor and Psychotherapist of Quechua lineage, with expertise in combining Ayurvedic traditional medicine and ayahuasca. Having first pursued careers in politics and finance, she was forced into a profound healing journey of her own. Since then, Vanessa has immersed herself in the shamanic traditions and Andean co…

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“Break on Through to the Other Side" w/ Endurance and Adventure Athlete, Matt Dawson 54:22

9M ago54:22

54:22

Matt 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…

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S2 E7 | Physical Retail Isn't Dead! - David Dunn, 442 Design 51:22

9M ago51:22

51:22

Send us a text In Episode 7 of Season 2, we chat to David Dunn, Managing Director at 442 Design - the leading sports retail stadium store design partner in the UK & Europe. David has built an impressive portfolio of stadium venue partners across the years and has become renowned as the go-to partner within UK sport for stadium store design & fit ou…

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#10 — Dreams and the Unconscious with Maria Nazdravan 55:39

9M ago55:39

55:39

We spend a third of our lives asleep, immersed in richly altered states of consciousness that have been valued by traditional societies throughout human history, but dismissed or ignored by mainstream Western culture. Swimming against this tide, Maria Nazdravan is a dreamwork facilitator, writer, and trainee integrative transpersonal and trauma psy…

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"Robbie in the Hot Seat" A Holiday Special Interview w/ Journalist, Joe Bruno 52:12

9M ago52:12

52:12

Joe 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…

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Episode 33: 2024 Festivus Special 49:32

9M ago49:32

49:32

In this annual kick serve of grievances, we lob our frustrations on the state of men's tennis fashion, discuss how tennis is becoming a victim of its own mainstream success, and consider whether adding scarcity to the ATP calendar could save the sport.

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"Expanding & Enhancing NA Culture" w/ Sipland Owner Molly Fienning 39:43

10M ago39:43

39:43

Molly 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…

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#9 — Ayahuasca: An Ancestral Art Form with Carlos Tanner 56:03

10M ago56:03

56:03

Carlos Tanner has been studying the science and art of plant medicine in the Amazon Rainforest for twenty years. He currently works as the director of the Ayahuasca Foundation, a non-profit organisation he founded in 2009 in Iquitos, Peru. They organise healing retreats and educational courses led by Indigenous Shipibo healers, to help people in ne…

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#8 — Plants and Partnership with Dr Bia Labate 1:15:52

10M ago1:15:52

1:15:52

Dr Beatriz Caiuby Labate is a Brazilian anthropologist based in San Francisco. She has a PhD in social anthropology, and is the author, or co-author or co-editor of twenty-eight books and many peer-reviewed articles, focusing on the study of plant medicines, drug policy, shamanism, ritual, religion, and social justice. She is Executive Director of …

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“Leading a Horse to Water” w/ Human Performance Specialist, PJ Nestler 1:04:59

10M ago1:04:59

1:04:59

PJ 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…

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"The Power Within” w/ female empowerment entrepreneur, speaker, and Jiu-Jitzu instructor, Cesalina Gracie 1:03:15

11M ago1:03:15

1:03:15

Cesalina 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 …

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#7 — The Psychedelic Enlightenment? with Alexander Beiner 1:16:59

11M ago1:16:59

1:16:59

With challenges to the so-called psychedelic renaissance, do we now need a ‘psychedelic enlightenment’ that changes not just ourselves, but our culture? Alexander Beiner is an author, journalist and facilitator focused on bringing new ways of seeing and being from the margins of culture into the mainstream. Last year, Ali published a bestselling bo…

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“Life to the Fullest” w/ Laird Hamilton 46:46

11M ago46:46

46:46

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…

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#6 — Buddhism Meets Shamanism with Dr Isa Gucciardi 1:07:55

11M ago1:07:55

1:07:55

“The Earth is a huge field of sentience..." 🌎 Dr Isa Gucciardi holds degrees in cultural and linguistic anthropology, comparative religion, and transpersonal psychology. She has spent 50 years studying spiritual, therapeutic, and meditative techniques, working with master teachers of Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, and Sufism, as well as expert in…

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"Restored Rear View" w/ Hootie and the Blowfish drummer Jim Sonefeld 58:50

12M ago58:50

58:50

Robbie 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…

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#5 — Cultivating the Fire with Julian Vayne 52:49

12M ago52:49

52:49

“Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.” ~ Gustav Mahler. From Simon's misadventures with a not-so-traditional Shipibo treatment for tinnitus, to the connection between spirituality and madness, this episode is a ride through all things weird and wonderful at the fringes of spiritual scholarship with Julian Vayne. Juli…

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“An American in Paris” w/ Silver Medal Winner, Carson Clough 48:29

12M ago48:29

48:29

Carson 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…

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#4 — Intuition and the Psychedelic Body with Dr Esme Dark 29:29

12M ago29:29

29:29

“Knowledge is only a rumour until it's in the bones.” ~ Proverb from the Asaro people of Papua New Guinea. In this episode, Simon talks to Dr Esme Dark about the special interplay between felt intuition, embodied knowledge and psychedelic experience for facilitating healing and transformation. Dr Esme Dark is a psychedelic and somatic therapist wit…

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S2 E6 (Part 2) | Courtside Commerce - Josh Briggs (Stadium Essentials) 43:12

1y ago43:12

43:12

Send us a text In Episode 6 of Season 2, we chat to Josh Briggs, now of Stadium Essentials but formerly Director of Retail at TD Gardens - one of the US's busiest sports venues. Josh has woven a career in professional sports retail, finding his way back home to New England to head up the Retail Operation at the home of the Boston Celtics & Boston B…

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S2 E6 (Part 1) | Courtside Commerce - Josh Briggs (Stadium Essentials) 49:21

1y ago49:21

49:21

Send us a text In Episode 6 of Season 2, we chat to Josh Briggs, now of Stadium Essentials but formerly Director of Retail at TD Gardens - one of the US's busiest sports venues. Josh has woven a career in professional sports retail, finding his way back home to New England to head up the Retail Operation at the home of the Boston Celtics & Boston B…

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#3 — Ayahuasca, Animism and Anthropology with Dr Jeremy Narby 32:57

1y ago32:57

32:57

"These are smart people: bright, hard-working, truth-telling and funny, and they have this whole approach to the living world that's off the charts compared to ours. They have lots of knowledge that we won't even recognise. We're ready to rip it off if we can make remedies with it, but actually taking them seriously, in terms of what they say about…

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#2 — Indigenous Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies (IPAT) 32:38

1y ago32:38

32:38

How can we develop models of psychedelic-assisted therapy that incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing, and acknowledge that we heal together in community - models that have cultural safety at the forefront, that are accessible and of benefit to Indigenous peoples and Westerners alike? Indigenous Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies (IPAT…

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#1 — Ontology and Psychedelic Perspectivism with Dr David Luke 34:47

1y ago34:47

34:47

What is reality, really? Dr David Luke has been teaching the Psychology of Exceptional Human Experience at the University of Greenwich for 15 years. He is also a Lecturer at the Alef Trust as Programme Leader of the Professional Certificate in Psychedelics, Altered States and Transpersonal Psychology, and tutor on the MSc Consciousness, Spiritualit…

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“Journey to the 4th Quarter” w/ Coach Matt Doherty 1:11:23

1y ago1:11:23

1:11:23

Matt 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…

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"Full Circle" w/ Patrick Balsley 57:31

1y ago57:31

57:31

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…

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“Tragedy to Triumph” w/ Paralympian, Carson Clough 56:04

1y ago56:04

56:04

Carson 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…

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S2 E5 | Counterfeit & KitLegit - Alexander Protsenko (KitLegit) 40:50

1y ago40:50

40:50

Send us a text In Episode 5 of Season 2, we chat to Alexander Protsenko - CEO & Founder of KitLegit. KitLegit is a brand new tech solution providing digital authentication for sports apparel, aimed at detecting any potential indicators of counterfeiting and helping the world of sports merchandising to uphold confidence and trust in authenticated pr…

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"Mind/Gut Connection: Are You What You Eat?" w/ Jamie Brown, Dr. Carlos Jorge, and Dr. Nicole Fodel 1:13:43

1y ago1:13:43

1:13:43

Jamie 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 …

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“Hanging with The Holderness Family” w/ Kim and Penn Holderness 59:39

1+ y ago59:39

59:39

Robbie 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…

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“Songwriting With Soul” w/ BJ Barham, American Aquarium frontman 1:03:22

1+ y ago1:03:22

1:03:22

BJ 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…

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"Calling All Men!" w/ Brian Strahine, founder of Men's Sacred Liberation 1:03:51

1+ y ago1:03:51

1:03:51

Brian 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…

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“Alternative Drinking” w/ Emily Heintz, founder of Séchey, Charleston’s popular no/low beverage shop 45:45

1+ y ago45:45

45:45

Emily 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…

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S2 E4 | Intelligent Use Of Data, Testing & Benchmarking - Gauthier Vervaeke & Thomas Rypens (Club Brugge) 1:05:51

1+ y ago1:05:51

1:05:51

Send us a text In Episode 4 of Season 2, we chat to Gauthier Vervaeke & Thomas Rypens of Club Brugge. Club Brugge play their football within the Belgian Pro League and regularly within European competitions. With a rich domestic history, they are one of the most successful teams within Belgium. Within this episode we discuss the club's intelligent …