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

Host Brian Cleary sits down with Danna Robinson, Director of Corporate Affairs and Customer Relations at Harris Teeter, and Nicole Harvey, Community Affairs & Marketing Division Chief for the Town of Mount Pleasant, to preview one of the Mount Pleasant, SC's most cherished traditions.

Nicole shares why the Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival is her favorite event of the year, tracing its roots back to the Magwood family and the shrimping community. What started as a grassroots gathering organized by shrimpers' wives has evolved into a massive celebration at Waterfront Memorial Park featuring local restaurants, a vibrant beer garden, and the iconic boat parade.

This year marks the 39th annual festival, taking place on Sunday, April 26th. The episode dives into the full schedule, from the Mayor's welcome and the ceremonial blessing of the fleet by local ministers to high-energy entertainment like the shrimp-eating contest, Shag-dance competition, and live music from The Smythes. Danna highlights Harris Teeter's deep community roots and their commitment to local seafood through their expert Fisherman's Market and their associates who happily help out with ideas on how to cook your sedlected seafood.

Beyond the festivities, learn about the event's heart: the charity partners. Net proceeds from this year's festival will benefit The Lonon Foundation and the East Cooper-Mt. Pleasant Kiwanis Club. Tune in to hear how this event honors the maritime legacy of the Magwood family while supporting the future of the Mount Pleasant community.

To learn more about the festival schedule, shuttle information, and how you can get involved, visit the official event website. You can also support this year's charitable partners directly by visiting their websites below.

• Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival: ExperienceMountPleasant.com
• The Lonon Foundation: TheLononFoundation.org
• East Cooper-Mt. Pleasant Kiwanis Club: EastCooperKiwanis.org

Join host Brian Cleary as he sits down with Danielle Motley, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Mount Pleasant, SC. Danielle's journey began as an 18-year-old, she walked into the shop and immediately fell in love. Now operating out of their convenient new location next to Lowe's in Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, Danielle and her team are dedicated to helping local enthusiasts transform their yards into vibrant habitats.

In this episode, Danielle shares essential advice on selecting the right bird feeders, tools, and specialized foods tailored to your specific goals. You'll learn about the game-changing No-Mess Bird Seed and professional strategies for keeping unwanted critters away from your feeders. Whether you live in a house, an apartment, or a townhome, Danielle explains the best times and methods to attract a wide variety of species to your space.

The conversation also covers modern birding trends, including camera birding and helpful apps to identify your visitors. Plus, don't miss the highly informative discussion on why common habits—like feeding bread to birds and fowl—might be doing more harm than good. Listen in to discover how to make your yard a welcoming retreat for the Lowcountry's beautiful bird population.

For more information on a wide variety of birding subjects visit online at WBU.com/mtpleasant or at Facebook.com/WBUMtPleasant/ and Instagram.com/wbumtpleasant/ for social connections.

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).