What if just $5 could change a child's entire weekend?

On this episode of Beyond the Shades, Shady Rays Founder and CEO Chris Ratterman sits down with Erin Kerr, CEO of Blessings in a Backpack, for an inspiring conversation about finding your purpose, leading with heart, and making a difference in the lives of children across America.

Growing up in a small Missouri town, Erin learned early that strong communities are built by people willing to step up and serve. Although she originally planned a career in investment banking, a life-changing experience led her down a different path—one dedicated to helping others.

Today, Erin leads an organization working to ensure that children who depend on school meals don't have to worry about where their next meal will come from when the weekend arrives.

With more than 15,000 volunteers and a mission that has helped provide 2.7 million hunger-free weekends, Blessings in a Backpack is demonstrating how small acts of kindness can create extraordinary change.

Chris and Erin explore:

• Erin's journey from aspiring investment banker to nonprofit leader.
• The reality of childhood food insecurity and why hunger exists in every community.
• How just $5 can provide a child with food for the weekend.
• The powerful partnership between Shady Rays and Blessings in a Backpack.
• Why investing in people, infrastructure, and long-term growth matters for nonprofit organizations.
• The emotional stories and dedicated volunteers that keep Erin motivated.
• Finding personal purpose and building a legacy that extends beyond professional success.

One of the episode's most unforgettable moments comes when Erin shares a story about a young girl receiving food from a volunteer—a simple exchange that captures the true meaning of the organization's mission.

Beyond the Shades is about people who push boundaries, pursue their passions, and live with purpose. Erin Kerr reminds us that extraordinary lives aren't always measured by personal accomplishments, but by the lives we help change along the way.

Learn more about Blessings in a Backpack: https://www.blessingsinabackpack.org

What happens when two Kentucky-born brands bring their passion for craftsmanship, heritage, and great products together?

On this episode of Beyond the Shades, Shady Rays Founder & CEO Chris Ratterman sits down with Carrie Van Winkle Greener, co-founder and creative director of Pappy & Co., from inside the Pappy & Co. warehouse and woodshop in Louisville.

Carrie shares the remarkable story behind the Van Winkle family legacy, from her great-grandfather “Pappy” Van Winkle and the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery to her father Julian Van Winkle’s determination to rebuild the family business and help create one of the most recognizable names in bourbon.

She also explains how Carrie and her sisters transformed that heritage into Pappy & Co., building a lifestyle brand rooted in family traditions, craftsmanship, thoughtful partnerships, and products inspired by the world of bourbon.

Chris and Carrie also go behind the scenes of the new Pappy & Co. x Shady Rays collaboration, discussing how bourbon barrels, Kentucky heritage, and the creative teams behind both brands inspired a truly unique collection of sunglasses.

Along the way, they talk entrepreneurship, working alongside siblings, protecting a family legacy for future generations, giving back through charitable initiatives, and why the best brand partnerships start with genuine relationships.

It’s a conversation about bourbon, business, family, Kentucky roots, and creating something built to last.

Beyond the Shades — seeing life through the lens of extraordinary people and the stories that shape them.

In this special episode of Beyond the Shades, we revisit a conversation with the late NASCAR legend Kyle Busch.

Known to millions for his intensity, competitiveness and incredible success behind the wheel, this conversation gives us a chance to see another side of Kyle.

Kyle opens up about what it really takes to compete at NASCAR's highest level, the life of a professional driver away from the track, and one of the roles that meant the most to him — being a dad. He also shares the story behind his signature Shady Rays, including the personality and details he wanted reflected in a pair that was unmistakably his.

Following Kyle's passing, this conversation carries a meaning we never could have anticipated when it was recorded. We're grateful to have had the opportunity to sit down with him, hear his stories, share some laughs, and capture a small piece of the person behind the legendary racing career.

Our thoughts remain with Kyle's family, friends, the NASCAR community and everyone who knew and loved him.

This episode is shared in memory of Kyle Busch.

What happens when you record a podcast from one of the most extreme places on Earth?

In this unforgettable episode of Beyond the Shades, Shady Rays founder Chris Ratterman sits down with adventurer Ben Jones at Mount Everest Base Camp, more than 17,600 feet above sea level. Surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks and the climbers preparing for their summit attempts, Ben shares what drives him to pursue challenges that most people only dream about.

From the physical and mental demands of high-altitude expeditions to the lessons learned through perseverance, preparation, and embracing discomfort, this conversation explores what it truly means to push beyond your limits.

Beyond the Shades is a podcast featuring extraordinary people doing extraordinary things—and this episode embodies that mission in every way.

In this episode:

• Recording a podcast from Mount Everest Base Camp
• The mindset required for extreme adventure
• Preparing for one of the world's toughest environments
• Lessons in resilience, leadership, and overcoming fear
• Why growth happens outside your comfort zone

🎧 Subscribe for more conversations with people redefining what's possible.

What happens when your entire future changes in an instant?

In the debut episode of Beyond the Shades, Shady Rays founder Chris Ratterman sits down with Paralympian, motivational speaker, and Survivor contestant Noelle Lambert-Beirne to discuss one of the most inspiring comeback stories you'll ever hear.

After a devastating moped accident resulted in the loss of her leg while she was a collegiate athlete, Noelle faced a choice: allow tragedy to define her or create a new path forward. She chose the latter. Today, she is a Paralympic track and field athlete, founder of the Born to Run Foundation, accomplished speaker, and fan-favorite competitor from Survivor 43.

Chris and Noelle discuss resilience, overcoming adversity, competing at the highest level, the lessons learned from Survivor, and how maintaining the right mindset can help anyone navigate life's toughest challenges.

This is a conversation about grit, perseverance, and discovering what's possible when you refuse to let obstacles define your future.

#BeyondTheShades #NoelleLambert #Paralympics #Survivor43 #ShadyRays