Coffee & Conversations

Building a Lasting Brand From Scratch | Jana Angel with Melinda Morris Zanoni

In this episode of Coffee & Conversations, host Jana Angel sits down with Melinda Morris Zanoni, Esq., founder of Apollo Sports & Entertainment Law Group (Chambers-ranked; GGI Global Alliance), to talk about building a firm from scratch and leading at the intersection of sports, entertainment, and media. Melinda shares insights from representing professional athletes, sports teams, media companies, and celebrities; advising on high-profile transactions totaling more than $21 billion; and navigating emerging issues like NIL rights, broadcast deals, and intellectual property protection. Key takeaway: real success is sustainable—and it requires intentionally protecting your priorities, your people, and the life that keeps you fulfilled.

Charlotte Crown's Secret to Building a Great Team | Jana Angel with Coach Trisha Stafford-Odom

UpShot League Coach Trisha Stafford-Odom (Coach Trish) sits down with host Jana Angel for Coffee & Conversations to discuss adaptive coaching, leadership standards, and why women’s basketball is building something entirely its own—bold, fast, and intentionally modern. Coach Trish shares how she tailors her approach to each athlete to unlock performance and build culture, and we spotlight the new UpShot League and the Charlotte Crown, returning women’s pro basketball to Charlotte at Bojangles Coliseum.  Learn more at crownupshot.com Host: Jana Angel

Stepping Away From Addiction & Into Purpose

If you’ve ever wondered what real healing can look like, or how to be a better friend, family member, partner, coworker or community member to someone navigating a hard chapter in their life - this conversation is for you. In the Season 2 finale of Coffee & Conversations, I sat down with Lisa Colson, a beloved part of the team at Community Matters Cafe, and a familiar face to the QC Life crew. What starts as a warm, coffee-table chat becomes a powerful story of transformation, as Lisa describes her shift from survival mode to stability, purpose, and hope. Often we look at addiction through a singular lens, as if it’s a choice that someone makes. But like many people, Lisa’s journey started with a different battle: fighting cancer.  Lisa shares how her life looks completely different today, because she chose recovery – and then kept choosing it, one step at a time. With the help of faith, consistent support, and a community that believed in her, Lisa found the structure and encouragement she needed to rebuild her life.  Now, she’s not only thriving, but she’s also becoming the kind of person who helps others believe change is possible.  What surprised me most in this conversation was her answer to my question, “What was your first joyful memory of sobriety?” I can’t wait for you to hear her response, because it is something we’ve certainly taken for granted in our own lives.  The episode also offers practical, compassionate takeaways for anyone involved in or witnessing recovery.  Lisa and I talk about how to support someone who’s interested in a sober life, from being mindful of triggers to simply asking what support looks like. We also address the reality of loving someone who isn’t ready to get sober yet, emphasizing patience, compassion, and staying connected without judgment.  Lisa’s message is simple: Lead with love, be curious and not condemning, and connect with someone when you are ready for help.  Watch the full episode for an inspiring, honest discussion about second chances, the strength it takes to change, and the impact a supportive community can make.

Astronaut Winston Scott on Spacewalks & Flying the F-14

This week on Coffee & Conversations, hosts Jana Angel and Angel sit down with former NASA astronaut and Navy pilot Winston Scott. Scott shares the story of his path from Naval Aviation Officer Candidate School to flying the F-14 Tomcat, logging more than 7,000 flight hours, and eventually being selected by NASA. During his time with NASA, Scott flew on two Space Shuttle missions and completed three spacewalks, helping retrieve satellites and test tools that later supported the construction of the International Space Station. After retiring from NASA and the U.S. Navy, Scott moved into leadership and education. He served at Florida State University, the Florida Space Authority, and the Florida Institute of Technology, where he held several senior roles. In this conversation, Scott reflects on discipline, curiosity, and the mindset it takes to pursue something bigger than yourself.

Turning Pain Into Purpose: Greg Olsen on Community & Impact

Have you ever wondered how nonprofits build a legacy rooted in purpose, or how national brands choose the right partners to serve their communities? In this special on-location episode, host Jana Angel explores what creates meaningful partnerships and lasting impact when mission-driven organizations come together. This week, Coffee & Conversations spotlights two Carolina staples: The Greg Olsen Foundation and Bojangles, and their shared commitment to heart health through The HEARTest Yard. Jana sits down with Jose Armario, Executive Director of the Bojangles Foundation and CEO of Bojangles, to discuss what it really takes to turn collaboration into action—from corporate social responsibility to community impact and pediatric heart care advocacy.