Grand Strand Politics

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Welcome to this rebroadcast of our documentary series on the life and legacy of former Myrtle Beach Mayor Robert J. “Bob” Hirsch.

This series originally explored the remarkable journey of a man whose life mirrored the story of the World War II generation — Americans who came of age during the Great Depression, answered the call to war, and returned home to help build the modern nation we now inherit.

Bob Hirsch was one of those men.

Before he ever led a city, he was a young American facing a world on the brink. Like millions of others, he had to leave behind family, safety, and certainty to prepare for a fight that would define the rest of his life — and the future of the world.

In this first rebroadcast episode, Preparing for War, we revisit the moment when history turned personal. You’ll hear Mayor Hirsch describe what it was like to watch the world descend into chaos, how young men like him were trained, shaped, and hardened for a conflict they could barely imagine, and how the reality of World War II began long before the first shots were fired overseas.

This is the story of how ordinary lives were transformed by extraordinary events — and how preparation, discipline, and duty became the foundation for leadership that would last long after the war was over.

This is the beginning of Bob Hirsch’s journey.

This rebroadcast coincides with the release of a biography of Mayor Hirsch that has just come out and is available on Amazon, "The Blonde Bombshell" . The link is available here :   https://www.amazon.com/Blonde-Bombshell-greatest-Greatest-Generation-ebook/dp/B0FKD9YHDP 

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Welcome to Grand Strand Politics  — the show where we explore the stories that shape our community, our history, and the people who make a difference. I’m your host, Randal Wallace.

Today we honor a man whose service to the City of Myrtle Beach and Horry County runs deep — both historically and personally. Former Myrtle Beach City Councilman Wayne Gray has spent a lifetime in public service, driven by a commitment to community that spans generations of his family.

In this episode, we’ll take you back to a revealing 2013 interview Wayne did with WPDE, where he reflected on his decades of involvement with our city — from the challenges he faced to the progress he helped inspire. You’ll hear firsthand insights into the mind and heart of a leader who has always put people first.

Then, we’ll bring you up to the present with the powerful speech Wayne delivered this past weekend, as he was named the 2026 Humanitarian of the Year by the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Weekend African American Heritage Committee — a well-deserved honor that recognizes a lifetime of dedication, compassion, and leadership.

It’s especially meaningful for me to share this episode, because Wayne and I served together on the Myrtle Beach City Council. I’m grateful for his friendship, his service, and the example he sets for all of us.

So settle in, and let’s dive into the story of a true servant of our community — Wayne Gray.

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Grand Strand Politics – Season Two, Episode 15
“Looking Back at North Myrtle Beach’s Mayor Marilyn Hatley”

In this episode, we look back on the extraordinary 24-year mayoral career of Marilyn Hatley, the longest-serving mayor in the history of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and one of the most influential leaders the city has ever known.

Mayor Hatley shepherded North Myrtle Beach through a period of unparalleled growth and transformation. With tenacious courage, political savvy, and a spirit that was always up for a good time, she led with both strength and heart. This wasn’t just leadership from City Hall—it was leadership rooted in community, optimism, and an unshakable belief in what North Myrtle Beach could become.

Her record includes landmark achievements such as the North Myrtle Beach Aquatics Center and the North Myrtle Beach Recreation Facility, along with a long list of infrastructure, tourism, and quality-of-life improvements that helped shape the modern city.

This episode is a tribute to a remarkable public servant and a look at how one mayor’s vision, persistence, and personality helped define an era in North Myrtle Beach history.

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Rebroadcast: A Tribute to Mayor John Rhodes (Five Years Later)

This special rebroadcast revisits our original tribute to former Myrtle Beach Mayor John Rhodes, who passed away five years ago this month. The episode opens with a brief new reintroduction before presenting the original program as it first aired in Season One of Bridging the Political Gap—the show that has since evolved into Randal Wallace Presents.

John Rhodes remains one of the most consequential and beloved figures in the history of Myrtle Beach. One of only two men to serve three terms as Mayor—alongside former Mayor Robert M. Grissom—Rhodes helped shape the modern city through steady leadership, vision, and an enduring commitment to public service.

This tribute captures Mayor Rhodes at his best: speaking to audiences across the Grand Strand, engaging citizens, and presiding over the Myrtle Beach City Council throughout his tenure. It is both a historical record and a heartfelt remembrance of a very special man whose influence continues to be felt throughout the city he loved.

We are proud to bring this episode back as a moment of reflection, gratitude, and respect for a mayor whose legacy remains woven into the story of Myrtle Beach.

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Coming Attractions & Housekeeping: What’s Ahead in Season Two of Grand Strand Politics

In this special “housekeeping” episode, we roll out the roadmap for Season Two and preview the major stories and tributes you won’t want to miss.

First, we look ahead to the Mark Kruea Era as he steps into office as Mayor of Myrtle Beach—what it means for the city, the council, and the direction of local leadership. We’ll also announce an upcoming show honoring former North Myrtle Beach Mayor Marilyn Hatley, who retired in 2025 after an extraordinary 24 years of service.

This season will also revisit our roots with two important rebroadcasts. We’re bringing back our tribute to Myrtle Beach Mayor John Rhodes, who passed away five years ago this month, and re-airing our acclaimed seven-part documentary series on former Myrtle Beach Mayor and WWII war hero Robert J. Hirsch—a deep dive into the life of one of the Greatest Generation’s most remarkable leaders.

That Hirsch series, built from interviews conducted by today’s Mayor Mark Kruea when he served as Myrtle Beach’s Public Information Officer, uniquely features two Myrtle Beach mayors—past and present—telling the story together. We’re reintroducing you to Hirsch and sending you to his new book, The Blonde Bombshell: Robert Joseph Hirsch—One of the Greatest of the Greatest Generation by Colonel David Hunter Wilson, available now on Amazon.

Finally, we tease a major sit-down: an extended interview series with John Bonsignor, former host of Big Talk—the grandfather of this style of episodic political conversation back when these shows lived on public-access television.

It’s a season built on leadership, legacy, and the people who shaped the Grand Strand. Welcome to what’s next.

Here is a link to "The Blonde Bombshell" available at Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Blonde-Bombshell-greatest-Greatest-Generation-ebook/dp/B0FKD9YHDP 

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Season Two Premiere: The Mark Kruea Era Begins

A new chapter in Myrtle Beach politics is officially underway.

In the Season Two premiere of Grand Strand Politics, we break down the first City Council meeting of the Mark Kruea era and take an early look at what kind of leadership style the new mayor and council are bringing to City Hall.

This episode dives into:
 • The tone and priorities of the first meeting
 • Who emerged as power players and who didn’t
 • What changed — and what didn’t
 • How the new council approached transparency, development, and public trust

From body language to ballot lines, from procedure to politics, we analyze what Tuesday’s meeting revealed about where Myrtle Beach may be headed next.

Is this a reset moment for the city — or just a reshuffling of the same old debates?

The Mark Kruea era has begun. Now it’s time to see what it really looks like.

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This episode is a simple thank you for tuning in and joining our Grand Strand Politics Group. 

Congratulations to Mayor Elect Mark Kruea, Councilman  Mike Lowder, Councilwoman Jackie Hatley, and returning councilman Phil Render, and also Congratulations to the new Mayor of North Myrtle Beach J Baldwin on their victories. Plus a congratulations to Marilyn Hatley for an extraordinary job well done as she retires as North Myrtle Beach Mayor after 24 years. 

We look forward to keeping you up to date with the Grand Strand :Politics coming up in your area in the near future and to quote, the late great Bob Caudle, "Until next time, So long for now!!" 

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In this episode we look back at the election of Mayor Elect Mark Kruea and Councilman Mike Lowder and then review the Myrtle Beach City Council Race. We share our own thoughts for the race and the recommendation of Mayor Elect Mark Kruea. 

The 2025 Myrtle Beach City Council Run off will be held on November 18, this week, and it is between candidates Jackie Hatley, Phil Render and Nick Vaugh. 

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Our podcast wishes to thank J Black Out and About for the use of his interviews with the various City Council and Mayoral candidates. This episode is with 6 of the council candidates that he interviewed. We earlier used the interview with Mark Kruea, a candidate for Mayor. 

So, sit back and listen in as candidates Nick Vaugh, Kenya Hennigan, Terrance Butler, Myra Starnes, Johnnie Bellamy, and Mike Lowder talk with J. Black Out and About, about the future they foresee for the city of Myrtle Beach. 

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The 2025 Market Commons - Grand Dunes Debate at the Robert Reed Recreation Center featuring all five Mayoral Candidates: 

Mayor Brenda Bethune

Former Mayor Mark McBride

Mark Kruea

Daniel Aumen

Eva Rigney 

Hosted by Bob Jubak former anchorman with WBTW in Myrtle Beach/Florence