Creative Minds.

Unfiltered Stories.

Unexpected Truths.

In this series, we step out of the spotlight and into the shade - to have conversations and uncover real stories behind topics like brand-building, creative thinking, entrepreneurialism, music and entertainment, and the interesting characters who shape them.

FEATURED EPISODE

EP 005 - Brian Takumi

Oakley’s VP of Soul & Creative Brian Takumi joins Shady Characters to trace 28 years shaping the brand—from BMX roots to the iconic Square O, from wild Foothill Ranch culture to leading creative in a 200k-person matrix. He unpacks storytelling, “physics elevated to an art form,” and why AI is a tool—not the soul—of design.

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  • EP 002 - James & Marie Kelly

    EP 002 - James & Marie Kelly

    James and Marie Kelly share their journey from a nomadic childhood and lifelong love of dance to forming Bootleggers, a music and line dance group. From opening for Clint Black to supporting veterans, they’ve built careers rooted in passion, family, and giving back.