All Walks of Faith: A Conversation with Mount Pleasant's Faith Leaders
Release Date: 12/19/2024
The Living Legacy of a Mount Pleasant Gem: Boone Hall Plantation
Mount Pleasant Podcast
Step through the iconic Avenue of Oaks with host Brian Cleary and Jim Westerhold, General Manager of Boone Hall Plantation, as they reveal the heart of this local treasure. This episode highlights how Boone Hall remains a vibrant part of our community, blending a 738-acre working farm—where produce is still hand-picked—with a deep commitment to preserving Gullah and enslaved history. Get the inside scoop on the newly reopened Gin House and a growing calendar of community favorites like the Black History Month Celebration, Gullah Christmas, and the Christmas Tree Festival. Jim also shares...
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Hoofprints in the Sand: Equine Therapy for Veterans & First Responders
Mount Pleasant Podcast
Join us for a deeply moving conversation with Sarah Lustig, Founder and Nurse Director of Hoofprints in the Sand, as she introduces the powerful new HITS Club. This naturalistic, experiential equine facility is offering a unique path to healing for our veterans, first responders, and their families right here in the Lowcountry. Located on a serene 18-acre property within the expansive Francis Marion Park, HITS Club offers a safe haven from the interruptions of daily life. The facility is much more than a clinical setting; it's a therapeutic retreat featuring walking, biking, and hiking trails,...
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How ECCO’s New One-Stop Shop Helps Neighbors East of the Cooper
Mount Pleasant Podcast
ECCO's One-Stop Shop: The Future of Community Outreach in East Cooper In this important conversation, host Brian Cleary sits down with Stephanie Kelley, Executive Director of East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO), to discuss ECCO's mission and the incredible expansion of their main facility in Mount Pleasant, SC. ECCO is a vital human services organization serving everyone who lives or works East of the Cooper River, a mission that started 36 years ago after Hurricane Hugo. Today, they continue to help the community navigate the "storms blowing through their lives every day." The New One-Stop...
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❤️ Give the Gift of Life: An Inspiring Chat with the American Red Cross
Mount Pleasant Podcast
Join host Brian Cleary for a crucial conversation with Meaghan Silsby, Executive Director of the Lowcountry SC American Red Cross. They dive into the profound importance of giving blood and offering a lifeline of hope to those in critical need. Did you know that every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood? Donating your blood truly IS the gift of life! Tune in to be inspired and learn how you can make a tangible difference. 🩸 Make an Impact: The Quick and Easy Donation Process The Red Cross makes it fast and easy to donate! Here’s what you need to know: Find a Location: Visit ...
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VOTE SMARTER: Mount Pleasant Town Council Candidate Perry Rourk on Growth, Traffic, and Protecting Our Town
Mount Pleasant Podcast
Tune in as Host Zach Giroux sits down with Mount Pleasant Town Council candidate and lifelong resident, Perry Rourk. The 2025 General Election is approaching, and your vote will shape the future of Mount Pleasant—get the facts you need to make the best decision for you and your community. Why is Perry running? After a lifetime in Mount Pleasant, Perry felt a calling to give back, leading him to immerse himself in Town Council and committee meetings to understand how local government truly works for its citizens. As a seasoned business operator, Perry brings a proven leadership style focused...
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Mount Pleasant Town Council Re-Election: Mike Tinkey's 42+ Years of Public Service | Interview
Mount Pleasant Podcast
In this special edition of the Mount Pleasant Podcast, publisher Bill Macchio sits down with Mike Tinkey, who is running for re-election to Mount Pleasant Town Council. With nearly 43 years of public service in Mount Pleasant and Wild Dunes, Mike shares the experiences and lessons learned since he first moved here. Get to know the man who wants to keep Mount Pleasant greener, the water cleaner, and the town's history preserved for our children's children. Hear directly about Mike's involvement and advocacy in key town initiatives, including: The Fire and Police Departments Improving the Old...
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Nearly 30 Years of Service: Councilman Gary Santos on Re-Election, Growth, and the Future of Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant Podcast
What drives a public servant to dedicate nearly 30 years to their community? Host Zach Giroux welcomes Councilman Gary Santos to discuss his re-election bid for the Mount Pleasant Town Council. With a record stretching back decades, Councilman Santos offers a rare glimpse into the career highlights and pivotal experiences that have shaped his tenure and his dedication to the town. The conversation covers his unique perspective on what's needed for Mount Pleasant's next phase, including: How his long record makes him the ideal candidate to tackle current challenges. The vital discussion on...
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Spread Some Love to Local Businesses with the 2026 Best of Mount Pleasant Voting
Mount Pleasant Podcast
VOTE IN THE BEST OF MOUNT PLEASANT 2026 🥇⭐ Publisher/Founder Bill Macchio joins host Brian Cleary to talk about the history and impact of the Best of Mount Pleasant contest. Hear the story of this community staple—from its roots in 1990 (when all voting was on paper!) to today's essential guide for residents and newcomers alike. Plus, get the scoop on the upcoming Best of Mount Pleasant Party! Find out how to vote and secure your tickets for the annual celebration on Wednesday, October 8th at the newly remodeled Alhambra Hall! Enjoy an Oyster Roast, Lowcountry Cuisine & Cocktails, a...
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LOWVELO: The Ride for Cancer Research with Director Chris Winn
Mount Pleasant Podcast
Ever wonder what goes into a major charity cycling event? In this conversation, Chris Winn, Director of LOWVELO, joins host Brian Cleary to peel back the layers on this impactful, non-competitive Lowcountry ride. They'll share the story behind the name, the different routes for every skill level, how you can help by volunteering or donating, and hear about the various riders who make this event special. Every pedal stroke helps fund life-saving cancer research at the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. Ready to join the mission? Get all the details on dates, routes, and the research you'll be...
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A Lifeline for Local Kids: Helping Children with Birth Defects and Childhood Diseases with Sonya Beale
Mount Pleasant Podcast
Join us as host Brian Cleary chats with Sonya Beale, the Executive Director of the Carolina Children's Charity. This incredible local non-profit is dedicated to making a real difference for children in our community who are facing health challenges. Sonya shares how the charity helps local families in Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, and Dorchester counties with the costs of medication, equipment, and therapy for children under 19 with diagnosed birth defects or childhood diseases. They work with each family to find the best way to fill the gaps left by insurance and provide the support they...
info_outlineFour of Mount Pleasant's spiritual leaders, Rev. Dr. Nicole Abdnour, Father Gregory West, Pastor Josh Surratt, and Rabbi Yossi Refson, sit down for a chat with host Brian Cleary.
Opening up the episode, Rev. Dr. Nicole Abdnour, the Senior Pastor of Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church, talks about being part of the All Walks of Faith cover photoshoot for the November/December issue of Mount Pleasant Magazine with fellow religious leaders. She discusses what inspired her to begin her journey of faith, how celebrations of Christmas differ in how they are observed at different houses of worship, and more. Learn more about Rev. Dr. Nicole Abdnour and Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church at MPPC.net.
Up next, Father Gregory West, the founder of Saint Claire of Assisi Catholic Church, talks about being part of the All Walks of Faith cover photoshoot and how the idea of building the Saint Claire of Assisi Catholic Church came about. He shares his thoughts on what he finds special about Daniel Island where the church is located, his experience with attendance and interest of the younger generation in church, what he believes is the reason for Saint Claire of Assisi Catholic Church's growth, and more. Learn more about Father Gregory West and Saint Claire of Assisi Catholic Church www.Clare.church.
Moving on to Co-Lead Pastor Josh Surratt of Seacoast, he also talks about being part of the All Walks of Faith cover photoshoot and how the group in that photoshoot got along with one another. He discusses getting together with leaders of other faiths in Mount Pleasant, how Seacoast is different from other houses of worship in the Mount Pleasant area, what drew Josh to begin his walk of faith, worship times, and more. Learn more about Pastor Josh Surratt and Seacoast Church at Seacoast.org.
And last but not least, Rabbi Yossi Refson of the Center for Jewish Life also adds his perspective of being part of the All Walks of Faith cover photoshoot. Rabbi Refson shares his involvement with leaders of other faiths, what got him started on his walk of faith, the history and ideals of the celebration of Hanukkah, what he feels is rewarding about being a Rabbi, and more. Learn more about Rabbi Yossi Refson and the Center for Jewish Life at JewishCHS.org.