❤️ Give the Gift of Life: An Inspiring Chat with the American Red Cross
Release Date: 11/05/2025
Decluttering, Early Learning & Senior Advocacy: A 2026 Best Of Special Episode
Mount Pleasant Podcast
In this special episode of the Mount Pleasant Podcast, host Brian Cleary sits down with three standout winners from the 2026 Best of Mount Pleasant. From reclaiming your home & office space to securing the best care for your children or aging loved ones, these local experts share the secrets behind their award-winning services. Rebecca Deans (Shift Into Organized): Discover how to declutter your home and work life and streamline your next move. Rebecca reveals that 75% of items in our homes are not used daily and explains how her Concierge Move Service turns chaos into calm. ...
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Swim, Bike, Run, St. Patrick's Day 5k: Building a Fitness Community at Blue Sky Endurance
Mount Pleasant Podcast
Whether you're tackling a New Year’s resolution to get in shape or training for your first triathlon, Catherine Hollister of Blue Sky Endurance has built a community for you. In this episode, host Brian Cleary sits down with Catherine to discuss her transition from her previous career to launching a dedicated hub for runners, swimmers, and cyclists. Discover why she felt a specialized endurance shop was a "must-have" for the area and learn about their inclusive approach to fitness—from elite gear to free community group runs and rides. Plus, get the details on their upcoming Catch the...
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Pup Bowl IX: Adoptions & No Kill Success with Charleston Animal Society
Mount Pleasant Podcast
Join Kay Hyman, Senior Director of Community Engagement with the Charleston Animal Society, and host Brian Cleary as they discuss upcoming lifesaving events. Highlighting the organization's No Kill mission, they dive into Pup Bowl IX, the importance of fostering, and the massive Paws in the Park fundraiser. Pup Bowl IX: Adoptions & Family Fun Get ready for the cutest kickoff of the year! Pup Bowl IX takes place at Mount Pleasant Towne Centre on Saturday, February 7, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. The Event: Watch adorable puppies play in a mock football game—a perfect outing for kids and...
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Charleston Running Club & Running Sullivan’s Island: The 41st Annual Charlie Post Classic
Mount Pleasant Podcast
Pat Welch, President of the Charleston Running Club, joins host Brian Cleary to preview the premier racing event of early 2026: the Charlie Post Classic. Taking place Saturday, January 24th at 8:30 AM on Sullivan’s Island, this beloved tradition begins at the Fish Fry Shack on Hennessy Street. Established 41 years ago to honor Charlie Post’s legacy, the event features both 5k and 15k courses. For those seeking a more relaxed pace, the recently added 5k walk ensures there is a spot for every fitness level. Since 1977, the Charleston Running Club has grown to over 500 members, anchoring...
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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...
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 .