This is first of many shows of Lil Mel.

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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 spotlight, and the steadfast connections that keep our lives intertwined despite the whirlwind of social media and public acclaim.

John cracked open his playbook on leadership, sharing the secret sauce behind fostering a self-motivated team culture and the vital role of intrinsic motivation. We peeled back the layers of what it takes to steer a team to victory and the nuanced art of empathetic decision-making. The journey is not just about scoring runs; it's about the weight of releasing players and guiding them to their next opportunity, all while maintaining the delicate balance between high standards and compassionate leadership.

Our banter rounded third with reflections on chasing purpose in our careers, the importance of rolling with life's curveballs, and the joy found in the intersections of work, family, and personal passions. John's story is a home run of insights on finding equilibrium amidst the demanding schedules that come with coaching and the warmth of having a supportive family cheering you on, both from the stands and at home. Tune in, warm up your heartstrings, and get ready to be inspired by a man whose life lessons extend far beyond the diamond.

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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, Bobby Winston, sparked our generational passion for automobiles—a legacy carried on with pride and dedication.

In a heartfelt exchange, I delve into the lessons of leadership learned from fraternity life and the ways personal hardships have shaped the mission of his brands. Adrian and I reflect on the honor of Nashville's "Top 30 under 30," and the life-changing decision to move to Atlanta—a testament to the enduring influence of family guidance and the adaptability that's essential in the fast-paced world of business. We open up about the profound moments of seeking wisdom from our loved ones, underscoring the strength we've drawn from our family roots through every challenge and success.

As we round out our discussion, Adrian and I touch on the ethos of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the relentless pursuit of excellence and the balance of empathy in leadership. We inspire others to seize opportunities, take risks, and cherish the supportive relationships that make the entrepreneurial journey all the richer. Through our stories of overcoming adversity and pushing beyond comfort zones, we hope to motivate you to chase your dreams with the same fervor that has propelled our family legacy forward. Join us for a narrative that celebrates not just the milestones of success, but the profound connections that fuel our ambitions and fulfill our lives.

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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 repurposing with purpose offer listeners a treasure trove of practical tips for breathing eco-friendly life into their homes, using everything from Feng Shui to savvy organization.

Picture this: a pandemic hits, and the world is forced indoors, sparking a universal quest for sanctuary in our own spaces. Shavonne shares how this global pause led her from Wisconsin's familiarity to Atlanta's vibrant design scene, embracing freelance opportunities and the art of upcycling. She recounts the unexpected role social media played in expanding her business and influencing sustainable living. Our conversation dances through her innovative solutions for single men's spaces to the charm of thrifted finds, proving design has no one-size-fits-all.

We wrap up with Shavonne Winston from Restyle Living, whose expertise in furniture facelifts brings both laughter and learning to our chat. The garage may be full, and the car might be parked outside, but the ideas for rejuvenating living spaces are limitless. Her tales of revamping armoires and the promise of upcoming collaborations with Shavonne tease at the exciting horizons of restyling. Join us for an episode that celebrates creativity, sustainability, and the joy of turning the place you live into a place you love.

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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 how these experiences have shaped his approach in the civilian world. Tapping into military virtues, Manathis illuminates the path for others seeking to navigate the financial landscape with the same precision and camaraderie that defined his service years.

Embark on a mission through the realms of financial literacy, discovering how the right knowledge can arm you for a prosperous future. We delve into various savings and investment strategies, highlighting a particularly advantageous tool offering tax-free benefits, and dissect the implications of employer-matched contributions in retirement plans. Then, brace yourself as we confront the silent adversary of inflation, understanding how it eats away at our purchasing power and the essential tactics for managing cash flow to keep your finances advancing. In a world where traditional wisdom often goes unchallenged, Manathis joins us to advocate for a tactical reevaluation of your financial strategies, ensuring you're well-equipped to march towards wealth and a fulfilling lifestyle.

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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 mother's wisdom to his role steering Families and Aging Services Incorporated, Ron's journey is a testament to the power of genuine community contribution.

Weaving through the narrative of Ron's book "Kiss My Babies," we uncover the poignant tribute to the unsung heroes of our neighborhoods, those whose impactful efforts often remain in the shadows. Ron's recent initiative, a clothing drive for children echoing his mother's legacy, amplifies the silent strength of quiet activism. The discussion pivots around the importance of purposeful speech in leadership, a nuanced approach to making a difference that Ron himself embodies. This episode is not just a conversation; it's a celebration of the quieter, yet resonant forms of activism that propel our communities forward.

As we touch on our shared experiences and the broader challenges within the African-American community, we shed light on the pivotal role of education, understanding our history, and the necessity for peaceful, informed activism. The dialogue extends into the realm of change and collaboration, emphasizing the value of fresh perspectives in leadership and the importance of maintaining connections as we navigate the complexities of life in our 50s. So join us, as this episode serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility and the enduring power of friendship.

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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 struggles, prioritizing mental health, and the unwavering support of family paint a vivid picture of a man who embodies resilience and the art of balancing life's many facets for ultimate success.

This episode goes beyond the surface, as we explore the life-altering power of mentorship and the importance of leaving a lasting legacy. I open up about the transformative role a support system plays in fostering resilience amidst life's challenges, like bullying, and the critical need for a sanctuary that nurtures confidence, particularly for youth. Roberto and I delve into the immigrant narrative, honoring the sacrifices of our forebears, and the imperative of integrity in our creations. We dissect the necessity of teaching life skills that empower and enable personal and professional flourishing, setting the stage for a journey of impactful growth.

We wrap up with an introspective look into the essence of self-awareness and the mastery of time management when making the leap to self-employment. I share reflections on the authenticity required to navigate one's true path and the strategic wisdom gleaned from Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" in understanding one's strengths and limitations. With the introduction of the TIME acronym as a success compass, this episode equips you with the tools to elevate your life strategy, ensuring you command your time, invest wisely, and harness experience for a competitive edge in whatever you pursue. Join us on this enlightening journey as we traverse identity, empathy, and perception, aiming for a fulfilled life with minimal regrets.

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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 to give his son's basketball skills the spotlight they deserved, and growing into a nation-wide endeavor that's helping high school athletes secure their future in college sports. But that's not all we talk about – Felix also gives us a glimpse into his personal world, from culinary surprises to the joy of grandparenthood, reminding us that behind every professional triumph lies a tapestry of life's simple pleasures.

This week's heartfelt discussion also peels back the curtain on the high-stakes world of athletic scholarships and the pivotal role of sports highlight videos. As a former office supply business owner turned video production VP, I bring to the table my firsthand insights on the complexities of getting athletes noticed by college scouts. We tackle the myth that a good video is a golden ticket, highlighting the necessity of networking and strategic promotion. Plus, we celebrate the success stories that have emerged from our own basketball videography network, which has since expanded into the realm of football. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, an aspiring athlete, or just love a good underdog story, this episode promises to leave you inspired and looking at the sports world through a fresh lens.

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