FEATURED EPISODE

From the chair at King’s Club Barbers to changing lives across Mexico, Matt Schnitzer has built Barbers for Baja into a movement of purpose, community, and connection. What started as a small toy drive has grown into a nonprofit funding college scholarships, hosting medical and dental clinics, and giving entire towns access to care.

Mortgage pro Christian Hernandez joins Shady Characters to unpack “leverage” the right way—tech, finance, and relationships—plus why small, nimble teams win, how buyers can navigate today’s rates, and why serving people (not pipelines) is the only durable strategy. We also get into his family’s roots, mentoring the next gen, and a rad ocean-conservation project.

Skout’s Honor CEO Pete Stirling joins Shady Characters to share how a surfer-turned-startup founder built the pet-wellness brand from the ground up. Discover how spotting a niche, disrupting trade-show norms (yes, a keg in the booth), and treating pets as companions—not chores—led to millions of meals donated and a brand that stands out.

Husband-and-wife duo Danny and Brenda Castillo, owners of Heritage Barbecue in San Juan Capistrano, share their incredible rise from backyard pop-ups to James Beard and Michelin recognition. In this heartfelt conversation, they open up about hard work, faith, family, and building a legacy rooted in community. From sleeping in vans during openings to celebrating fine-dining accolades, the Castillos prove that barbecue isn’t just about smoke and meat. It’s about grit, gratitude, and giving back.

He’s going to prison in just days… Illegal bookmaker, jiu-jitsu dad, and unapologetic high-rolling gambler, Matt Bowyer pulls back the curtain on million-dollar Mondays, counting cards, and the FBI raid that upended his life. He talks losses, trolls, restitution, and why he’s turning chaos into purpose with his new book Recalibrate, a documentary, and motivational speaking. All while preparing for his prison sentence and focusing on family, mindset, and a legal comeback.

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.

Tim DeBrincat and Evan Burgher of Thatch Creative join Tom Dioro to share their evolution from a small production shop to a full-service agency. They discuss storytelling, the creation of Shady Characters, and how family life inspires their creativity while keeping a personal touch in their work.

Megz and Katie, the duo behind Intertwined Inc., share their journey from startup to a leading hospitality company. Known for projects like RAD Camp, they highlight their commitment to people with special needs while intertwining inclusivity for women in their business, blending humor, heart, and community impact in their work.