The life of an actor. Greg London talks about the winding road filled with hurdles that brought him to where he is today, the executive artistic director of the Long Bay Theatre. In this episode of Life's a Beach and Then You Die, we learn about Greg- who he is, where his love of theatre started, and where it’s brought him now. 

A teacher with a love of trying new things and ensuring she lives life to the fullest, Angela Robinette is a shining example of overcoming hardship and living a fulfilling life. Experiencing a divorce after 20 years of marriage, she talks about what it’s like to pick yourself back up and start fresh. She also discusses her experiences teaching abroad and the valuable lessons she's learned from cultures around the world.

After an accident in his early adult years broke most of the bones in his body, Larry Kave now prioritizes doing the things he loves and helping those around him. Whether taking photos at local sporting events or playing Santa Claus at his daughter’s Christmas pageant, Larry is always looking for ways to enjoy life to the fullest.

Tracy Bailey’s story is about hard work, determination, and community. Growing up in rural South Carolina, Tracy's childhood taught her the importance of literacy and helping others. Her life has been filled with romance, adventure, heartache, and triumph, and is a testament to of the importance of trusting who you are and standing up for what you believe in.

John Cramer shares his tumultuous experiences growing up in Youngstown, Ohio, with an abusive father. Facing blatant racism, he dropped out of high school, also turning to drinking and fighting like his father did. John struggled to maintain relationships but eventually learned how not to be a parent from his own experiences. Tragically, his son passed away due to an accidental overdose of fentanyl and John was diagnosed with lung cancer a year later. Despite the heartbreaking experiences, John has learned a lot about himself and what truly matters in life.

Mary Chestnut's journey began as the daughter of hardworking Italian immigrants in Toronto. Her career started in the cosmetics industry and then reached its height as she worked in retail build-out. Tragically, her success came to a screeching halt and Mary had to rebuild her life from scratch. With the help of her beloved friend, Laura, she started her own successful makeup artistry business. Sadly, Laura passed away from cancer leaving Mary to run the business on her own. However, Mary believes that Laura, as well as her deceased father, still communicate with her from the other side. Through it all, Mary's story is one of triumph over adversity, finding success and meaningful relationships despite the challenges. 

Dylan Foster is a cheerful, fun-loving  seafood expert and chef. His happy disposition is almost disarming and you would never suspect that he’s been through some serious hardship. Only six days after their wedding, Dylan Foster and his wife lost their baby at 32 weeks. Of course, it was absolutely devastating and it took some time to come out of the fog of grief. However, looking back on the intense trial they faced, Dylan is sure that it made him into the man, husband and father to two boys that he is today. 

Raised in the south during segregation, Patricia Burgess knows a thing or two about struggle and injustice. She also knows the importance of family, faith, and community. Patricia, now in her mid-80’s, recounts her life growing up in poverty and recalls the terrible night in 1950 when the KKK terrorized Charlie’s Place, a successful Black-owned nightclub in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Through it all, Patricia moved forward with strength and hard work, earned her high school diploma, whole-heartedly served her family and community.

Country music artist Gary Alexander spent most of his childhood in a poor upstate South Carolina town. He was just a teenager when his mother died suddenly, and soon after, his alcoholic father left him to his own devices. With no other path open before him, he made his way to Myrtle Beach, and what unfolded is a story of courage, hard work, and a little bit of luck. By chance, Gary wound up at a Gatlin Brothers concert in the 1990’s, and that encounter inspired a career which, in time, would put Gary on the same stage as the Gatlin’s themselves! Gary’s is a gut-wrenching story of forgiveness for a father who destroyed so much yet also inspired a successful career.

After a near-fatal overdose, Jess Sagun found herself at a crossroad between self-destruction and redemption. With the help of friends and family and a reintroduction to her faith, Jess chose redemption. She beat addiction and homelessness, made peace with her past, regained custody of her kids, found true love, started a successful business, and was determined to give back to her Myrtle Beach community as it had given her so much.