❤️ Give the Gift of Life: An Inspiring Chat with the American Red Cross
Release Date: 11/05/2025
Honoring 9/11 in the Lowcountry: 6th Annual Memorial Motorcycle Ride
Mount Pleasant Podcast
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,...
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Celebrating Gullah Heritage at the 22nd Annual Sweetgrass Festival
Mount Pleasant Podcast
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...
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Using Pro Sports Logistics to Save Rural Shelter Dogs with Danielle Zuck
Mount Pleasant Podcast
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...
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6th Annual Sportsman Banquet: Having Fun While Funding Free Medical Care
Mount Pleasant Podcast
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...
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10,000 Pounds of Trash to Treasure: The TBT Project's Inaugural Beautification Contest
Mount Pleasant Podcast
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...
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🎣Fishing for a Cause: Tackling the Carolina Ladies Billfish Classic for Share Our Suzy
Mount Pleasant Podcast
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...
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Optimizing Your Health: Deniece Guyan on the Metabolic Medical Center Approach
Mount Pleasant Podcast
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,...
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Walking in Their Footsteps: The Tunnel to Towers 5K Comes to Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant Podcast
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...
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Shrimping Legacy & Community Impact: Inside the 39th Blessing of the Fleet
Mount Pleasant Podcast
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...
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Wild Birds Unlimited: Attracting and Enjoying Your Local Birds
Mount Pleasant Podcast
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...
info_outlineJoin 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:
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Find a Location: Visit https://RedCrossBlood.org and enter your zip code to find a nearby fixed site or mobile blood drive.
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RapidPass App: Download the Red Cross RapidPass app to schedule an appointment and complete your pre-donation health history ahead of time—it speeds up your visit!
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The Visit: The entire process—from greeting to getting back on your way—takes only 30 to 45 minutes.
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Steps: You’ll have a confidential health screening with a phlebotomist, be seated comfortably for the actual donation (about 10-15 minutes), and then enjoy a well-deserved snack and drink before happily leaving!
✨ Fascinating Facts & Local Details
Meaghan and Brian share some eye-opening facts about the critical work the Red Cross does in the Lowcountry and beyond:
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Local Impact: Last year alone, the Mount Pleasant location (Houston Northcutt Blvd near Harris Teeter) collected over 4,000 units of blood—thank you, Mount Pleasant!
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Hospitals Served: The Red Cross supplies blood to 34 local hospitals, including providing over 50,000 units to MUSC last year.
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Lifesaving Potential: Just one pint of blood can help save up to 3 people!
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Donor Frequency: Eligible donors can give as often as every 56 days, up to six times a year.
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MYTH BUSTED: You do not need to know your blood type before donating. If you don't know, you'll find out after you donate!
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Universal Need: While Type O (the universal donor) is most needed, all blood types are valuable.
🗓️ Donate Locally in Mount Pleasant
You can walk-in or pre-register at the Houston Northcutt Blvd location (near Harris Teeter) when you have 30 to 45 minutes:
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Mondays/Tuesdays: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
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Fridays/Saturdays: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
🤝 Get Involved!
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Host a Blood Drive: Local businesses and organizations can volunteer to host a drive! Contact your local Red Cross representative online at https://RedCrossBlood.org.
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Volunteer: Find diverse volunteer opportunities that match your interests by visiting .