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For months, our record crates have leaned heavily into the smooth, sophisticated sounds of jazz, but this week, Dave and I decided it was time to officially beef up our hip-hop collection. What started as a casual debate over who holds the ultimate crown in rap history quickly turned into an exciting mission to curate our definitive hip-hop shelf.

In this episode of Groovin' Together, we take you through our real-life crate-digging adventures, the hilarious roller coaster of a delivery mix-up that tested our patience, and the legendary records we’ve already locked down—including Tupac’s monumental All Eyez on Me and The Notorious B.I.G.’s masterwork Ready to Die. We break down our essential artist-by-artist checklist, debate the must-own albums that every true vinyl collection needs, and explore how these golden-era classics and modern masterpieces sound when you drop the needle.

Whether you grew up with these tracks heavy in your CD rotation or you’re building your own physical music library from scratch, grab a seat and join us as we bridge the gap from jazz standards to hip-hop royalty!

Here is the playlist for Episode 8 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMjN6sdG11CM&si=km818x4GecQku03D

Here is the playlist for Episode 6 Part 2 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWEnRJJkxJWQ&si=MT969BFgu_c_yiJr

We have pulled the songs for you and created a playlist of all the songs mentioned. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAtDhNqC3U7M

Here is the playlist to Episode 6 part 1 : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRd6IkZERie8&si=IRL4_Sq3N6EsOz2x

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Episode 6, Part 2 of Groovin’ Together is a deeply personal reflection on caregiving, art, grief, and healing — told through the experiences that shaped my final years with my mother. This chapter continues the emotional arc of Part 1, but shifts the lens toward the live arts, the rituals we created together, and the moments that carried me through some of the hardest days of my life.

Two years before her passing, my mother shared that she had always loved ballet and opera but had never seen either live. That simple confession opened a new door for us. I bought season tickets to the Charlotte Ballet and Charlotte Opera, creating a shared ritual that brought her joy, beauty, and a sense of belonging in a world she had admired from afar. Those performances became our language — a way to connect beyond caregiving, beyond illness, beyond time.

As her health declined, art became my refuge. Dave supported me through the most difficult months, offering space to breathe and surprising me with tickets to Porgy and Bess. Soon after, Alvin Ailey’s Revelations reminded me of resilience and spiritual grounding. These experiences became emotional anchors as I navigated the reality of losing her.

When she passed in March 2023, she left me with one final wish: take her to Alaska. That journey became a spiritual pilgrimage, filled with unexpected signs of her presence — especially through the music she loved. The year came full circle when the Charlotte Symphony performed The Wizard of Oz on her birthday, offering a moment of closure I didn’t know I needed.

This episode honors the art that held us, the music that carried me, and the love that continues to guide my steps.

Here is the playlist for Episode 8 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMjN6sdG11CM&si=km818x4GecQku03D

Here is the playlist for Episode 6 Part 2 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWEnRJJkxJWQ&si=MT969BFgu_c_yiJr

We have pulled the songs for you and created a playlist of all the songs mentioned. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAtDhNqC3U7M

Here is the playlist to Episode 6 part 1 : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRd6IkZERie8&si=IRL4_Sq3N6EsOz2x

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After losing her mother, Shauntavia found herself navigating the quiet ache that follows caregiving. With love and intention, David helped her rediscover joy through concerts, cruises, and countless miles of healing in motion. This episode is a soulful journey through grief, rhythm, and the road back to life — proof that sometimes the long way home is the most beautiful route.

Here is the playlist for Episode 8 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMjN6sdG11CM&si=km818x4GecQku03D

Here is the playlist for Episode 6 Part 2 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWEnRJJkxJWQ&si=MT969BFgu_c_yiJr

We have pulled the songs for you and created a playlist of all the songs mentioned. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAtDhNqC3U7M

Here is the playlist to Episode 6 part 1 : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRd6IkZERie8&si=IRL4_Sq3N6EsOz2x

Send us Fan Mail

After years of raising kids, building careers, and juggling life’s endless rhythm, we realized something powerful — we hadn’t truly traveled together in a long time. Episode 5 is our love letter to rediscovery, adventure, and the magic that happens when you step away from routine and remember who you are as partners.

In this episode, we share how travel became our reset button. From the Outer Banks to Charleston, Alaska, Paris, Barcelona, and Italy, each destination taught us something new about connection, laughter, and love. The Outer Banks reminded us to slow down and breathe in the salt air. Charleston brought back our playful side with its pastel streets and soulful food. Alaska showed us awe — the kind that makes you hold hands tighter. Paris reignited romance under the glow of the Eiffel Tower, while Barcelona and Italy reminded us that joy lives in color, music, and shared moments over coffee or gelato.

We talk about the challenges too — the logistics of traveling after kids, the guilt of leaving them behind, and the delicate balance between family and self. But we also dive into the beauty of rediscovering each other outside of “mom” and “dad.” Traveling together became less about the destination and more about the rhythm we found again — the laughter, the inside jokes, the quiet moments that felt like home no matter where we were.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt stuck in the routine of life and wondered what it would feel like to dance to a new beat again. It’s about collecting moments, not things. It’s about finding your groove — together.

So grab your passport, your playlist, and your partner. Join us as we unpack the laughter, lessons, and love that come from exploring the world hand in hand. Because when you travel together after kids, you don’t just see new places — you rediscover the person who’s been beside you all along.

Here is the playlist for Episode 8 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMjN6sdG11CM&si=km818x4GecQku03D

Here is the playlist for Episode 6 Part 2 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWEnRJJkxJWQ&si=MT969BFgu_c_yiJr

We have pulled the songs for you and created a playlist of all the songs mentioned. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAtDhNqC3U7M

Here is the playlist to Episode 6 part 1 : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRd6IkZERie8&si=IRL4_Sq3N6EsOz2x

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Episode 4 of Groovin’ Together dives into one of the most entertaining corners of music culture: the art of the remake. Some songs are timeless, some are overdue for a refresh, and some… well, some should probably be left exactly where they are. In this episode, Shauntavia and her spouse explore all three categories with humor, creativity, and the kind of chemistry that makes listeners feel like they’re right there in the living room with them.

The conversation kicks off with a playful cold open that sets the tone immediately. One of them tries out a dramatic, over‑the‑top remake of a classic track, and the other jumps in with a quick critique that sparks laughter and sets the stage for the episode’s theme. From there, the duo welcomes listeners back, grounding the episode in the show’s signature blend of music, memories, and partnership. They recap the previous episode to keep the season flowing, then introduce the idea behind today’s discussion: imagining how iconic songs would sound if they were remade today.

The first major segment focuses on classics they’d love to flip. They choose a handful of well‑known songs and break down what makes each one special, then reimagine them with fresh energy. Maybe a pop anthem becomes a slow‑burn neo‑soul groove. Maybe a jazz standard gets a modern R&B twist. They talk tempo, instrumentation, vocal style, and even who they’d feature on the remake. Their ideas are bold, funny, and surprisingly thoughtful, giving listeners a new way to think about familiar music.

Next, they shift into a lively debate about songs that should never be remade. Each host picks one “untouchable” track and explains why any attempt to redo it would be a musical crime. The conversation is full of jokes, exaggerated scenarios, and playful disagreements—like imagining a beloved ballad turned into an EDM festival track or a soulful classic remixed with a trap beat. It’s one of the most entertaining parts of the episode, and listeners will find themselves laughing along.

The heart of Episode 4 comes in the segment where they choose a song that means something to their relationship and imagine what a 2026 remake would sound like. They talk about why the song matters, how it shaped a moment in their journey, and how life today would influence a new version. This part brings warmth and depth to the episode, reminding listeners that music isn’t just entertainment—it’s a soundtrack to real life.

Here is the playlist for Episode 8 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMjN6sdG11CM&si=km818x4GecQku03D

Here is the playlist for Episode 6 Part 2 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWEnRJJkxJWQ&si=MT969BFgu_c_yiJr

We have pulled the songs for you and created a playlist of all the songs mentioned. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAtDhNqC3U7M

Here is the playlist to Episode 6 part 1 : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRd6IkZERie8&si=IRL4_Sq3N6EsOz2x

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Episode 4: Who Did It Best? Originals vs. Remakes

Some songs are sacred. The moment the opening notes hit, you are instantly transported back to a specific year, a specific room, or a specific chapter of your life. The original recording holds an untouchable, almost holy status in your mind. But what happens when another artist steps into the studio, takes that very same blueprint, and flips it completely upside down? Can a cover ever truly steal the crown, or is messing with a masterpiece an absolute musical sin?

Welcome back to Groovin' Together, where we drop the needle on the stories, the soundtracks, and the endless debates that shape our lives. In Episode 4, we are diving headfirst into the ultimate musical showdown: Originals versus Remakes.

The Great R&B and Soul Showdown

Every music lover has a strong opinion on this, and the debate usually gets heated pretty quickly in our household—especially with the kids still keeping us on our toes and chiming in from the other room! For this episode, we are putting some of the greatest R&B and soul tracks of our generation under the microscope. We are breaking down a curated Top 10 countdown comparing legendary foundational cuts against the ambitious, boundary-pushing covers that dared to challenge them.

We look at how sample culture and reinvention have shaped the landscape of modern music. Is it possible for a remake to capture a deeper emotional resonance than the original recording? Or does the raw, unfiltered nostalgia of the first version always win out in the end? We explore the historical context behind these timeless tracks, looking at how different artists interpreted the same lyrical themes through entirely different eras of sound production, vocal styling, and cultural influence.

Why Remakes Matter

Beyond just picking a winner and a loser, this episode explores why the evolution of a song matters. Music is never static. It breathes, it transforms, and it gets passed down through generations. A great remake doesn't just copy a melody; it acts as a bridge between the past and the present, introducing younger listeners to foundational roots while giving seasoned collectors a fresh lens to appreciate a familiar groove.

Join the Conversation

Are you a purist who believes nobody should ever touch a classic, or are you open to hearing a fresh perspective on an old standard? Grab your favorite beverage, drop the needle with us, and get ready to weigh in on the ultimate music debate.

Tune in to Episode 4 of Groovin' Together on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite listening platform. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and let us know your personal picks for the greatest remakes of all time!

Here is the playlist for Episode 8 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMjN6sdG11CM&si=km818x4GecQku03D

Here is the playlist for Episode 6 Part 2 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWEnRJJkxJWQ&si=MT969BFgu_c_yiJr

We have pulled the songs for you and created a playlist of all the songs mentioned. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAtDhNqC3U7M

Here is the playlist to Episode 6 part 1 : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRd6IkZERie8&si=IRL4_Sq3N6EsOz2x

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome back to another incredible episode of Groovin’ Together! It is Episode 3, and your hosts Shaun and Dave are back with a brand-new adventure that takes us straight into the heart of the North Carolina antique and thrift circuit. If you absolutely love a good treasure hunt, you are going to want to turn the volume all the way up for this one. We are stepping out of the studio and bringing you along on our latest weekend road trip, and spoiler alert: the weekend finds were absolutely legendary.

This week, we are diving deep into the ultimate weekend showdown: The Great Habitat ReStore Rumble! We hit the road and visited not one, but two amazing locations—the Caldwell County Habitat ReStore and the Wendover ReStore over in the Habitat Charlotte Region. You know we are always on the hunt to grow our vinyl collection and reach that massive 1,000-record goal, and we can safely say that these spots did not disappoint!

In this episode, we are breaking down everything you need to know about our latest haul and systematically comparing the two locations. Which store had the absolute best hidden gems waiting in their record bins? We talk all about the joy of digging through the crates and the sheer thrill of scoring the perfect jazz, R&B, hip hop, and classical albums to add to our home library. But it was not just about the music on this trip! We are giving you the full, unfiltered rundown on how Caldwell and Wendover truly stack up against each other when it comes to their furniture selection, electronics, and, of course, the pricing. Whether you are a hardcore antiquing pro or just someone who loves finding a unique weekend bargain, we have all the insider tips on where you should spend your time and money.

Join us as we laugh about the unexpected things we found in the aisles, debate which location truly took the crown for the best overall thrifting experience, and share our personal strategies for navigating these massive stores like total pros. Dave and I had an absolute blast wandering around, and we are so excited to bring that same upbeat, treasure-hunting energy right to your speakers. We also chat a bit about how these weekend excursions keep us inspired and keep the grooves fresh back at home.

So, grab your favorite drink, get comfortable, and get ready to talk thrifting strategy. We want to hear from you, too! Do you have a favorite local spot on the circuit? What is your best thrift store find of all time?

Don't forget to hit subscribe so you never miss an adventure, and if you are loving the show, please leave us a five-star review! It helps our Groovin' Together family grow. Until next week, keep the music loud, keep searching for those hidden gems, and most importantly, keep groovin' together!

Here is the playlist for Episode 8 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMjN6sdG11CM&si=km818x4GecQku03D

Here is the playlist for Episode 6 Part 2 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWEnRJJkxJWQ&si=MT969BFgu_c_yiJr

We have pulled the songs for you and created a playlist of all the songs mentioned. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAtDhNqC3U7M

Here is the playlist to Episode 6 part 1 : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRd6IkZERie8&si=IRL4_Sq3N6EsOz2x

Send us Fan Mail

Here is the playlist for Episode 8 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMjN6sdG11CM&si=km818x4GecQku03D

Here is the playlist for Episode 6 Part 2 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWEnRJJkxJWQ&si=MT969BFgu_c_yiJr

We have pulled the songs for you and created a playlist of all the songs mentioned. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAtDhNqC3U7M

Here is the playlist to Episode 6 part 1 : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRd6IkZERie8&si=IRL4_Sq3N6EsOz2x