Paradise Valley City Lifestyle owner Nadine Bubeck sat down with Shane and Kara Bieber for an exclusive interview, diving into their journey as a couple navigating life in the spotlight. Calling Paradise Valley home, the Biebers open up about Shane’s career as a star pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians, Kara’s inspiring entrepreneurial ventures, and their excitement as they prepare to welcome their first child.
This heartwarming and candid conversation will make you a Bieber Believer!
Q: Shane, as a star pitcher for the Guardians, you're locked in on your 2025 comeback. Kara, as an entrepreneur and soon-to-be mom, you're preparing for your biggest adventure—parenthood. How are you both feeling about this new chapter?
Kara: We’re so excited. I feel so lucky to have had such an easy pregnancy. I know that’s not always the case for everyone, but I’ve really enjoyed it.
Shane: Yeah, Kara’s sitting here about to pop, but you wouldn’t know it. She looks like she just found out she was pregnant yesterday.
Nadine: It’s because it’s a boy—only girls would do that to their mom.
Kara: laughing That’s what a lot of people say!
Q: Kara, you grew up in Humboldt in Northern California; pretty rural compared to your life now. Tell me about that.
Kara: I didn’t realize my childhood was unique until college—riding my horse for milk shocked others, but growing up among redwoods meant freedom, nature, and a slower pace.
Shane: At first, I couldn't grasp Kara's Humboldt stories—it was a world away from my Orange County upbringing. But the more I learned, the more I appreciated it.
Q: Shane, growing up in Southern California, did you always dream of playing pro baseball?
Shane: Yeah, baseball was always a huge part of my life. I played multiple sports growing up, thanks to my parents who encouraged me to try everything, but baseball just stuck. Even as a kid, I was super competitive. I remember always trying to push myself and get better.
Nadine: Did you always pitch, or did that come later?
Shane: I tried different positions, but by 12, pitching was my path. I kept progressing and jumped at the chance to play in college.
Q: You ended up at UCSB. Was that your dream school?
Shane: Definitely. I didn’t have a ton of offers coming out of high school. Luckily, they gave me a shot to play, and it all worked out.
Q: UCSB is known for its social scene in Isla Vista (IV). Did you meet at a party?
Kara: Yes! It was alumni weekend, and Shane was back in town. We had mutual friends who introduced us and instantly hit it off. He showed up in jeans and sandals, and I remember thinking, “Wow, this guy needs a wardrobe update.”
Shane: laughing Hey, it worked, didn’t it?
Q: Shane, after UCSB, you were drafted. What was that like?
Shane: I was drafted in 2016, grinded in the minors, and got called up fast. My 2018 debut—on my birthday—was nerve-wracking, but seeing Kara and my family calmed me.
Kara: I remember getting the call and flying out to see his debut. It was surreal!
Q: How did you guys handle the long-distance things while Shane was traveling so much?
Kara: It wasn’t easy, but we made it work. I ended up moving to Cleveland, and that’s when things started to fall into place for us.
Shane: Kara moved across the country for me, and I’ll always be grateful for that.
Q: Shane, you've had a strong career with the Guardians, but this year’s injury was tough. What has rehab been like?
Shane: I’m at the Guardians’ spring training facility in Goodyear almost every day. We go through a lot of mobility work, strength training, and specific drills to build back my arm strength. It’s not as exciting as taking the mound, but every little step is progress.
In-season is all about fine-tuning and routines, but now it’s about patience and small wins—better range of motion, less pain, more strength. Visualization has been key, keeping me mentally sharp and fueling my competitive fire. While tough, I’m making great progress.
Q: When do you expect to be back on the mound?
Shane: The target is mid-season, around the All-Star break, if all goes well. I’m focused on coming back 100%—no rushing or risking re-injury. I’ve been refining my mechanics, improving velocity, and sharpening pitch sequencing. Injuries are part of the game, but how you handle them defines your career.
Q: What's the biggest lesson you've learned?
Shane: Patience. Baseball moves fast, but this injury forced me to slow down and listen to my body. It’s also given me a deeper sense of gratitude for doing what I love and reminded me how vital a strong support system is—Kara has been incredible.
Q: Kara, how has this experience been for you?
Kara: It’s been tough but rewarding. I’ve always cheered him on, but this was about guiding him through uncertainty. I saw his true strength.
It was also a blessing—we had rare time together, settling in, preparing for our baby, and enjoying the little things.
Q: Speaking of your baby, how excited are you to introduce him to the world of baseball?
Shane: I can’t wait. I mean, I’m not going to be the dad who pushes him into baseball if he’s not into it, but let’s be real—he’s going to grow up around it, so I have a feeling he’s going to love it. I’m excited to take him to his first game, having him in the stands with Kara watching me pitch, and just sharing that experience as a family.
Q: Let’s talk about the nursery!
Kara: We went for a neutral, cozy look with a subtle cowboy vibe—dark wood tones and simple, calming decor. Nothing over-the-top. We’re also big fans of biophilic design, incorporating natural elements throughout the house, with pieces from The Viridian Scottsdale in nearly every room.
Q: Kara, tell us about your entrepreneurial ventures.
Kara: I have a brand called Kinlike, which started as a way to bring women together. I host events where women can connect and shop my clothing line. It’s all about creating community and empowering women. I also own Telt Skincare with my sister; it’s all-natural, made from tallow. I love having things of my own outside of Shane’s career.
Q: Kara, how do you see yourself balancing motherhood with your businesses?
Kara: Balance will be a work in progress. Thankfully, Shane and I are great at supporting each other’s goals, so we’ll figure it out.
Q: Any final thoughts as you embark on parenthood (due this month!)?
Shane: Being a dad is number one. And professionally, I’m excited to get back on the mound, healthy and ready to compete.
IG @karamaxinebieber & IG @shanebieber
"Surgery felt like a gut punch—I’m used to competing, not sitting out. Shifting from that intensity to rehab was a mental battle. The early weeks were rough, but Kara and my family kept me grounded. I reframed it as an opportunity, focusing on what I could control—nutrition, mindset, and rehab—to come back stronger." -Shane Bieber, MLB Pitcher
"Being a mom comes first, but my brands mean so much to me. I love having something of my own beyond Shane’s career." -Kara Bieber