Advertise on podcast: Mount Pleasant Podcast

What happens when a mother turns personal heartbreak into a nationwide movement for change? On October 30, 2026, Boone Hall Plantation's Cotton Dock will host Arabian Nights, a magical fundraiser presented by Starling Chevrolet to benefit Just Bee and build a more autism-friendly world. In this episode of the Mount Pleasant Podcast, host Brian Cleary sits down with Layla Luna, Founder and CEO of Just Bee, to give a special preview of this extraordinary event. Together, they explore the deeply personal journey behind Just Bee—sparked by her autistic and nonverbal son, Rio—and how it has evolved into a vital support system for neurodivergent individuals and their families. Layla shares how events like Arabian Nights fund their crucial community outreach, including sensory-friendly spaces like the Beehive and the nationwide expansion of "Rio's Law," which establishes autism-aware identifier licenses to protect individuals and first responders. To reserve your tickets for the Arabian Nights gala at The Cotton Dock or to support their mission, visit JustBeeTheChange.org.

Meet Mary Bell, the new Managing Editor overseeing Mount Pleasant Magazine, Charleston Women Magazine, and Island Vibes. An Elizabethtown, Kentucky native and Ole Miss journalism graduate, Mary brings fresh energy and a strong passion for community storytelling to the Lowcountry. From coordinating article concepts and working closely with local writers to managing production workflows, she acts as the air traffic controller for three distinct publications. When she's not shaping upcoming features on local hot spots like Second Sundays on King Street or diving into contemporary social trends, you might catch her enjoying the coastal lifestyle or reflecting on her unique high school stint as a varsity football kicker. Mary is eager to connect with readers and highlight the vibrant people, places, and businesses that make our community unique. Have a story idea or local suggestion for Mary? Reach out directly via email at [email protected] or visit MountPleasantMagazine.com to read the latest issues.

Get ready for one of Mount Pleasant's most cherished fall traditions! The 38th Annual Children's Day Festival returns to the Park West Recreation Complex on Sunday, October 18. Host Brian Cleary catches up with Town of Mount Pleasant team members Nicole Harvey and Tracy Richter to reveal what families can expect at this action-packed, community-wide celebration. From carnival rides, games, and bubble therapy to live stage performances and the hilarious Johnny Peers & Muttville Comix dog show, there is something for every kid (and kid at heart)! Admission, parking, shuttles, and activities are 100% free—just bring your appetite for the region's best local food trucks. Plus, get a sneak peek at Mount Pleasant's full lineup of upcoming holiday markets, parades, and 2027 community milestones. Learn more and plan your family outing at ExperienceMountPleasant.com/event/childrens-day-festival!

When standard care relies on decades-old treatments, taking action becomes a necessity. Host Brian Cleary has an intimate conversation with Jen and Josh McConnell—local real estate professionals and founders of The McConnell Foundation—as they open up about the personal story behind their foundation. When their son Bodhi was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at just five months old, their family's experience transformed into a passionate mission to fund pediatric cancer research. Tune in to hear about their journey, their impact, and how you can support their upcoming 5th Annual Shining Stars Gala on September 19th at Wild Dunes Resort. Jen and Josh shed light on a stark reality: only 4% of national cancer research funding goes toward children's cancer, leaving many young patients to rely on adult treatments developed back in the 1950s. Today, Bodhi is a thriving fourth-grader, and the McConnells are channeling their energy into supporting Dr. Jacqueline Kraveka's research lab at the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital. Take Action & Support the Cause: Support pediatric cancer research and grab tickets for the September 19th Shining Stars Gala at Wild Dunes Resort by visiting The McConnell Foundation. Looking to buy or sell local coastal property while supporting local community leaders? Connect directly with Jen & Josh McConnell in Real Estate.

In this episode of the Mount Pleasant Podcast, host Brian Cleary sits down with local resident Fred Miles to recount his firsthand experience attending the iconic 1969 Woodstock Music & Art Fair. Attending at just 24 years old, Fred reflects on what it was like to be part of half a million people gathering on Max Yasgur's farm in Bethel, New York. Fred shares vivid details from that unforgettable weekend—from watching Jefferson Airplane take the stage at 6 AM and hanging on through Monday morning to witness Jimi Hendrix's legendary performance, to the incredible sense of peace, sharing, and camaraderie among total strangers. Tune in to hear Fred's personal stories, how he eventually made his way from Connecticut to Mount Pleasant, and why he believes a moment like Woodstock could never happen again today.

The 6th Annual Lowcountry 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride is coming to Mount Pleasant. Organized by Founder Gary Goldman and Vice Chair Haley Andringa, this powerful event brings motorcycle riders, patriots, and community members together to honor the lives lost and ensure we never forget. Starting and finishing at the Omar Shrine Temple, the police-escorted ride features classic rock from Better on Wine, food from Special Ops Catering and Blondies Bagels, drinks from Raising Cane's, and interactive displays, featuring KultureCity's mobile sensory trailer, "The Hive.". Proceeds from hats, patches, and auction items directly benefit this year's designated non-profit beneficiary. Whether you plan to ride, volunteer, or support the cause, get involved by texting 911 Ride to (843) 252-0255, or visit the Lowcountry 9/11 Memorial Ride Facebook Event Page (https://facebook.com/share/1LEFznf1uD/) for more details.

MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (July 25) — Host Brian Cleary welcomes Gullah Geechee expert and event pioneer Michael Allen to discuss the upcoming 22nd Annual Sweetgrass Festival at Memorial Waterfront Park. Michael highlights the deep historical significance of sweetgrass baskets—from their representation on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. to their status as the official craft of South Carolina. He shares how his family business, Tastee Treat, preserves Gullah heritage through custom Lowcountry seasonings, jellies, and traditional flavors like red rice. The episode touches on major community preservation efforts, including the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, the International African American Museum, and the historic Long Point African American School in Snowden. Attendees can look forward to a free, family-friendly event packed with live education, sweetgrass basket-making demonstrations, culture-rich seminars, and authentic Gullah cuisine. For information about the festival, the artisans and more visit https://experiencemountpleasant.com/event/sweetgrass-festival/.

On this episode of The Mount Pleasant Podcast, host Brian Cleary is joined by Danielle Zuck, the driving force behind Journey Home Animal Rescue Alliance. Discover how this powerful, volunteer-led animal rescue and transport network operates right here in South Carolina to save dogs from overcrowded rural shelters. Danielle shares her remarkable journey of bringing her background in high-stress VIP logistics for the New York Mets, New York Fashion Week, and major arena events down to the Lowcountry to build a lifesaving operation. Inside this episode: The Turn of a Commute: How losing a four-hour daily commute during COVID-19 led Danielle to her first local shelter shift and sparked a passion for animal welfare. The Midnight Jigsaw Puzzle: A look behind the curtain at the complex coordination required to move at-risk animals out of overcrowded, under-resourced rural shelters. The Relay System: How local volunteers act as vital links in a transport chain, driving short "legs" to move dogs safely to foster care and medical appointments. Small Actions, Big Impact: Why you don't need to completely upend your life to help—and how simple social media advocacy directly saves lives. Connect with our Guest: Help open up paths to safety for animals in need. To find out how you can volunteer as a driver, sign up to foster, or support their mission financially, visit JourneyHomeRescueAlliance.org.

Mark your calendars for August 1st! The 6th Annual Sportsman Banquet, hosted by the Omar Shriners, is returning to the Omar Shrine Center at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant, SC. Host Brian Cleary sits down with Treasurer Kenny Skipper and Recorder Jim Gates to preview an all-inclusive night of premier dining, an open bar, and high-energy fun featuring live and silent auctions, games, and a 50/50 drawing. The prize lineup is staggering—ranging from high-end hunting trips and guided fishing tours to a fully prepared Beaufort Stew dinner for 20, and even a raffle for a live Boykin Spaniel puppy! But this event is about much more than great prizes. Instantly recognizable by their iconic red "fez" hats, the Omar Shriners are bound by a deep commitment to philanthropy. For members like Jim, the mission is intensely personal; his own daughter successfully underwent four eye surgeries starting at a very young age, making his service a profound way to pay his blessings forward. Proceeds from the banquet directly fuel the operational costs that empower the Shriners' legendary, cost-free medical care for children. Locally, this event celebrates their expanding partnership with the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital and the local Children's Burn Center in Charleston—symbolized by the historic "Walking Tall" statue standing proudly at the hospital's entrance. Doors open at 5:30 PM, and individual tickets, corporate tables, and business sponsorships are available now. Tune in to discover how you can enjoy a phenomenal night out while changing children's lives right here in the Lowcountry! For tickets and sponsorships for the 6th Annual Sportsman Banquet check www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/6th-annual-sportsman-banquet

What happens when you combine environmental cleanup, competitive art, and community giving? On this episode of the Mount Pleasant Podcast, host Brian Cleary talks with Jim Haag, President and Director of The Beautification Transformation Project (TBT Project). Drawing on his background from the Savannah College of Art and Design, Jim launched this unique initiative after noticing heavy debris piling up along local corridors like Highway 17 and Rifle Range Road. At its core, TBT is about reimagining our relationship with the environment by turning "waste into wonder". Jim's vision is to create a repeatable model that can be taken to cities nationwide. By proving that roadside blight can be harvested as a raw medium for high-quality sculpture, the project aims to transform the way communities view litter—shifting the narrative from a simple cleanup task to a creative opportunity that supports both the local arts economy and those in need. For this year's inaugural Mount Pleasant competition, the project is focusing on three key areas: Supporting the Arts: Creating a competitive art contest for local high schoolers, college students, and professionals using recycled materials. Helping the Environment: Launching a massive August cleanup to pull 10,000 pounds of litter from Mount Pleasant roadsides. Giving Back: Partnering with local businesses to display the final sculptures, which will be auctioned off to benefit the MUSC Children's Hospital. Get Involved: Want to showcase your creativity or support the cause? Visit TBTProject.org to submit your entry for the inaugural art contest or learn how your business can become an official project sponsor!

What happens when a group of local Charleston women with almost zero collective offshore fishing experience decides to enter South Carolina's premier billfish tournament? You get an unforgettable story of community, laughter, and incredible impact. In this episode, host Brian Cleary untangles the lines to explain a groundbreaking local event with a heart of gold. Joining the conversation are Loyd Weston, Marina General Manager at the beautiful Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, and Kelly Carroll, organizer for a unique local tournament squad named team "Fishing for a Cause." Kelly clears up the confusion behind the event's names: her team is taking to the water from June 4th through June 17th to compete in the Carolina Ladies Billfish Classic—the first-ever all-female tournament of its kind in South Carolina targeting massive offshore species like Blue Marlin, Sailfish, and Tuna. The exciting tournament is a dedicated, charity-driven division of the historic, statewide Carolina Billfish Classic. But the real heart of the story is why they are doing it. Team "Fishing for a Cause" is raising vital tournament funds for Share Our Suzy (SOS)—a beloved local non-profit originally founded as Save Our Suzy to support local photographer Suzy McGrane during her courageous battle with breast cancer. Following her legacy, SOS focuses entirely on the critical, everyday financial gaps that insurance doesn't touch. They step in to pay for a patient's mortgage, utility bills, groceries, car payments, childcare, and gas cards so cancer warriors can focus 100% on healing without facing financial devastation. Tune in to hear how this self-proclaimed group of "newbie" lady anglers is proving you don't need a lifetime of fishing experience to make massive waves of support for women fighting breast cancer in the Lowcountry. To follow their journey, get involved, or offer your support, connect with them on Facebook at the Fishing for a Cause - We Need You! 🎣 page.

Host Brian Cleary sits down for an enlightening conversation with Deniece Guyan, a dedicated Holistic Nutrition Practitioner at Metabolic Medical Center. Deniece brings a wealth of expertise to the table, carrying credentials as a Functional Diagnostic Nutritional Practitioner, Health Coach, and Certified Personal Trainer. Metabolic Medical Center specializes in more than just weight management; they focus on building and "healing" the metabolism. Whether you are looking to improve body composition or address specific health concerns that may fall outside the scope of a general practitioner, Deniece explains how their personalized care model supports teens and adults of all ages. The journey begins with a deep dive into your unique biology through comprehensive consultations and lab tests. From medical weight loss and health coaching to personal training, the goal is to optimize your metabolism for long-term vitality. Tune in to hear Deniece discuss the vital differences between Functional/Holistic Health and traditional medicine, and don't miss the details on their brand-new Medical Makeover—a transformative program designed to help you reach your peak health potential. Take the first step toward a healthier metabolism by finding a Metabolic Medical Center location near you or browsing our full range of services at www.GoingMetabolic.com.

Host Brian Cleary sits down for an inspiring conversation with Sarkis Ohannessian, the Race Director for the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run/Walk, taking place in Mount Pleasant on May 3, 2026. Sarkis shares his personal journey from a career in California law enforcement to spearheading this meaningful event in South Carolina. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was born from the tragic events of September 11, 2001, following the heroic footsteps of FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller. Sarkis explains the foundation's vital mission: to "do good" by supporting the families of our nation's fallen military members and first responders. By promoting 9/11 education and preserving the memory of those lost, the foundation honors our greatest heroes through over 80 annual events nationwide. This year marks a milestone as the event comes to Park West in Mount Pleasant, SC for the first time. Listen in to learn how this 5K offers a unique opportunity for the Lowcountry community to walk or run in solidarity with our heroes and ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten. To register, donate, volunteer or find out more about the run visit RunWalkMountPleasant.t2t.org

Host Brian Cleary sits down with Danna Robinson, Director of Corporate Affairs and Customer Relations at Harris Teeter, and Nicole Harvey, Community Affairs & Marketing Division Chief for the Town of Mount Pleasant, to preview one of the Mount Pleasant, SC's most cherished traditions. Nicole shares why the Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival is her favorite event of the year, tracing its roots back to the Magwood family and the shrimping community. What started as a grassroots gathering organized by shrimpers' wives has evolved into a massive celebration at Waterfront Memorial Park featuring local restaurants, a vibrant beer garden, and the iconic boat parade. This year marks the 39th annual festival, taking place on Sunday, April 26th. The episode dives into the full schedule, from the Mayor's welcome and the ceremonial blessing of the fleet by local ministers to high-energy entertainment like the shrimp-eating contest, Shag-dance competition, and live music from The Smythes. Danna highlights Harris Teeter's deep community roots and their commitment to local seafood through their expert Fisherman's Market and their associates who happily help out with ideas on how to cook your sedlected seafood. Beyond the festivities, learn about the event's heart: the charity partners. Net proceeds from this year's festival will benefit The Lonon Foundation and the East Cooper-Mt. Pleasant Kiwanis Club. Tune in to hear how this event honors the maritime legacy of the Magwood family while supporting the future of the Mount Pleasant community. To learn more about the festival schedule, shuttle information, and how you can get involved, visit the official event website. You can also support this year's charitable partners directly by visiting their websites below. Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival: ExperienceMountPleasant.com The Lonon Foundation: TheLononFoundation.org East Cooper-Mt. Pleasant Kiwanis Club: EastCooperKiwanis.org

Join host Brian Cleary as he sits down with Danielle Motley, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Mount Pleasant, SC. Danielle's journey began as an 18-year-old, she walked into the shop and immediately fell in love. Now operating out of their convenient new location next to Lowe's in Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, Danielle and her team are dedicated to helping local enthusiasts transform their yards into vibrant habitats. In this episode, Danielle shares essential advice on selecting the right bird feeders, tools, and specialized foods tailored to your specific goals. You'll learn about the game-changing No-Mess Bird Seed and professional strategies for keeping unwanted critters away from your feeders. Whether you live in a house, an apartment, or a townhome, Danielle explains the best times and methods to attract a wide variety of species to your space. The conversation also covers modern birding trends, including camera birding and helpful apps to identify your visitors. Plus, don't miss the highly informative discussion on why common habits—like feeding bread to birds and fowl—might be doing more harm than good. Listen in to discover how to make your yard a welcoming retreat for the Lowcountry's beautiful bird population. For more information on a wide variety of birding subjects visit online at WBU.com/mtpleasant or at Facebook.com/WBUMtPleasant/ and Instagram.com/wbumtpleasant/ for social connections.