Step into the vibrant heart of the Lowcountry's newest cultural hub with Keely Enright, Executive Director and Producer of The Village Repertory Co. In this episode, host Brian Cleary explores The Venue MTP, a 9,000-square-foot arts sanctuary at East Cooper Plaza filling the long-awaited need for adult performing arts in Mount Pleasant. From its expansive main stage and intimate black box theater to dedicated classroom and gallery spaces, discover how this all-ages center serves as the permanent home for the award-winning Village Rep as they celebrate a landmark 25th anniversary season.

Listen in for lots of great details about how things run at The Venue MTP, what can be found there, as well as The Village Repertory Co's history and types of performances you can expect, and what's running now in the beginning of March.

For ticketing and show information check out VillageRep.com and TheVenueMTP.com.

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. Connect: ShiftIntoOrganized.com/connect
• Katie Carter (Children's Discovery Center): Learn about a Reggio-inspired approach to early education. Katie discusses how they integrate STEAM curriculum for children as young as six weeks, fostering independence and a lifelong love of learning. Schedule a Tour: ChildrensDiscoveryCenterSC.com
• Renee Allison-Riley (Senior Care Authority): Navigating senior living doesn't have to be overwhelming. Renee shares the warning signs that it's time for a conversation and explains how her free consultation & placement services provide a hands-on, personalized roadmap for families. Learn More: SeniorCareAuthority.com/lowcountry-sc-ga

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 Leprechaun 5K on March 14th, 2026. If you're looking for expert advice or a supportive local fitness tribe, this conversation is your starting line.

To connect for more information about Blue Sky Endurance visit their website at BlueSkyEndurance.com and for information on the Catch the Leprechaun 5K click the RACE LOCAL tab.

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 families.
• Beyond the Game: Enjoy local vendor booths, food, live entertainment, and pet-friendly contests.
• Adoptions: While 30 puppies will be competing, "Retired Players" (older dogs) will also be available for adoption.
• Tickets: $10 in advance | $15 day-of | Children under 12 are FREE. More information at charlestonanimalsociety.org/event/pup-bowl-ix/

The Power of Fostering As a No Kill shelter, the Charleston Animal Society relies on its community to save lives. Foster families act as a vital "second shelter," providing a loving home environment while reducing the organization's operational costs. By fostering, you directly help the society save more animals.

• Learn more about fostering: charlestonanimalsociety.org/foster/

Save the Date: Paws in the Park Looking ahead to March 21, don't miss Paws in the Park, the society's largest community fundraising event of the year. This family-friendly (and furry-friend-friendly) festival at Brittlebank Park features:

• Live music and local food.
• The famous Oyster Roast and Chili Cook-off.
• Tickets: charlestonanimalsociety.org/pip/ (Kids 12 and under are free).

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 the local fitness community through events like the James Island Connector Run and the Floppin' Flounder. Beyond the races, Pat shares exclusive insights into member-only social runs, community runs, and perks of joining the club that you won't want to miss. Tune in to hear why this club is the heart of the Charleston Lowcountry running scene.

- JOIN the Charleston Running Club or get info about the Charlie Post Classic: www.CharlestonRunningClub.com

- MORE INFO or RUN/WALK the Charlie Post Classic. You can get more information about the course, see photos and sign up for the run at www.CharliePostClassic.com.

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 the moving legacy of Willie McRae, whose conservation easement protects this land from overdevelopment, ensuring its rustic beauty and unpaved roads remain untouched for generations.

From weddings at the Cotton Dock to the best ways to enjoy a full day of inclusive tours, discover why this Mount Pleasant gem is more than just a landmark—it's a living part of our Lowcountry lifestyle.

Plan your visit: BooneHallPlantation.com

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, a pond, gardening areas, wildlife observation, and social spaces like barbecue and fire pits. It is truly a place for colleagues and comrades to reconnect and overcome trauma symptoms.

The program has two membership levels:

Level 1: Recreation & Wellness This level is perfect for the whole family, focusing on recreational activities and therapeutic healing through leisurely enjoyment of the facility and observing the herd.

Level 2: Equine-Assisted Therapy & Horsemanship This includes all Level 1 benefits, plus direct, one-on-one introduction to equine-assisted therapy, horsemanship, and husbandry skills. Using evidence-based therapies, this intensive 16-to-32-week program specifically targets the mental and physical consequences of PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). After achieving their goals and demonstrating high efficacy, members can even learn to ride horses and teach lessons!

Hoofprints in the Sand is making history as the first facility of its kind on the East Coast to be credentialed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, a mission strongly supported by Congresswoman Nancy Mace. They are working hard to prove animal-assisted therapy is a highly effective, non-traditional approach.

Listen now to learn more about the critical work Sarah and her team are doing to ensure those who serve us receive the best care—and find out how you can help them continue providing care for veterans who cannot afford it.

Ready to get involved? Start with the short membership application at HoofprintsInTheSand.org/hitsclub.

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 Shop: Simplified Help, Maximized Dignity

Stephanie Kelley explains the vision behind the newly renovated facility on Six Mile Road. Instead of opting for a costly new building, ECCO expanded the current main facility by almost 3,000 sq ft to achieve a crucial goal: bringing all core services together in one place.

• Consolidated Services: The Clothing Closet was moved back into the main building, and the medical and dental clinics were placed on the same side with a shared reception area.

• Grace and Dignity: The renovation creates a welcoming and streamlined environment, ensuring that neighbors in need only have one entrance to navigate to access services like food, clothing, financial assistance, and the medical/dental clinic.

• Improved Efficiency: This one-stop approach has significantly improved how ECCO provides help, making it easier for clients to access everything they need in a single, focused visit.

3 Ways to Engage with East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO)

While everything ECCO provides to its neighbors is free, the cost of services is real. Stephanie shares three powerful ways individuals and local businesses can partner with ECCO to give back:

1. Volunteer: Give your time to support the clinics, clothing closet, or other services.

2. Partnerships: Local businesses can form partnerships to support ECCO's ongoing mission.

3. Giving Back: Financial contributions are essential to ensure services remain available to all in the community.

Find Help or Provide Help Today:

To find out if you qualify for assistance, or to learn more about volunteering and giving opportunities, please visit:

https://ECCOCharleston.org (Look for the "Get Help" or "Provide Help" sections on the homepage.)

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 https://RedCrossBlood.org and enter your zip code to find a nearby fixed site or mobile blood drive.

• 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!

• The Visit: The entire process—from greeting to getting back on your way—takes only 30 to 45 minutes.

• 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:

• 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!

• Hospitals Served: The Red Cross supplies blood to 34 local hospitals, including providing over 50,000 units to MUSC last year.

• Lifesaving Potential: Just one pint of blood can help save up to 3 people!

• Donor Frequency: Eligible donors can give as often as every 56 days, up to six times a year.

• 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!

• 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:

• Mondays/Tuesdays: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

• Fridays/Saturdays: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

🤝 Get Involved!

• 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.

• Volunteer: Find diverse volunteer opportunities that match your interests by visiting .

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 on:

• Building and managing effective teams.
• Prioritizing preparation and listening.
• Taking input from all sides of an issue before taking action.

Perry Rourk is focusing on the issues that matter most:

• Strengthening Core Services (Police, Fire, Sanitation, etc.)
• Aligning Zoning Decisions with Infrastructure to ensure livability.
• Protecting what makes Mount Pleasant special.

Hear his specific stances on critical infrastructure and traffic challenges, including:

• The Billy Swails Parkway Extension.
• Crucial intersection and traffic light enhancements.
• Revisiting contentious issues on Highway 41 with Charleston County.

Don't miss this essential conversation! Find out where Perry Rourk stands and how he plans to move Mount Pleasant forward.

Connect with Perry Rourk and learn more about his platform at: www.VotePerryRourk.com