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 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