On September 21, 1989, Hurricane Hugo barreled toward Charleston as a powerful Category 4 storm. Just after midnight, the eye passed directly over the Peninsula and slammed the coast with sustained winds of 135 mph with a storm surge as high as 20 feet in some areas. The damage to the city was estimated to be $7 billion, making it, at the time, the costliest hurricane in U.S. history. It remains one of the defining nights in Charleston's history. This episode is geared toward Charlestonians, especially those here at the time of the storm, but we know all listeners will enjoy.  

Host, Joey Svendsen was in seventh grade when Hurricane Hugo hit Charleston. In this episode, he sits down with meteorologists Rob Fowler and Bill Walsh, along with retired news anchor Bill Sharpe, all of whom worked to keep Charleston informed until they went off the air. The men swap memories of that dreadful experience including the moment they realized it was going to be bad. They also discuss how storm tracking has evolved since Hugo and ask whether it makes sense to say, “Charleston is due for another one.”  

To continue the Hugo conversation, the hosts discuss the question: How do you make sense of a natural disaster when you believe in a God who is both all-loving and all-powerful? 

The hosts close with a little light-hearted conversation, and debate whether they would drink from a cup after a fly flew into it, and discuss whether it's harmless to say "I'm fine" when it's actually a very bad day.  

Guests | Rob Fowler | Bill Sharpe | Bill Walsh 

Hosts | Tomelex Copeland | Brianna McLeod | Lynne Stroy | Joey Svendsen

Seacoast Podcast is now on Instagram

Be a Patron of the podcast 

We have a YouTube Channel for videos of all episodes since Jan. 2024. 

We'd love to hear from you.  E-mail Joey HERE. 

Producer/Editor/host: Joey Svendsen
Sound Engineer/Editor: Katelyn Vandiver

On this episode, host Joey Svendsen sits down with Andi Andrew to discuss how the past year has been life-changing for her and her family. When God asked Andi to ruthlessly let go of her full schedule of traveling, speaking, and ministry—a lifestyle that earned a significant amount of her family’s income—she found freedom from her unhealthy attachments to the world. She became completely dependent on God and learned that even good change can feel like both freedom and loss at the same time. 

This journey inspired her to write her latest book, One Thing: 21 Devotions to Clear the Noise and Draw Near to Jesus, a devotional centered on the story of Mary and Martha and what Jesus really meant when he said Mary chose the right thing.  

Also in this conversation, Andi talks candidly about how trust can feel like a weapon, exposing our fears, and how even through surrendering her lifestyle, she found peace that no paycheck could ever buy. 

To open the episode, Sparkle Anderson, Jack Hoey, and Joey Svendsen discuss germaphobia, the Christian metal band Demon Hunter suing K-Pop Demon Hunters for trademark infringement, and dig into a mini Bible study on the three temptations of Christ.

Andi Andrew | Instagram | Book 

Hosts | Sparkle Anderson | Jack Hoey | Joey Svendsen  

Seacoast Podcast is now on Instagram

Be a Patron of the podcast 

We have a YouTube Channel for videos of all episodes since Jan. 2024. 

We'd love to hear from you.  E-mail Joey HERE. 

Producer/Editor/host: Joey Svendsen
Sound Engineer/Editor: Katelyn Vandiver

Pastor Brian Zahnd sits down with host Joey Svendsen and podcast regular Jack Hoey, to talk about heaven and how the concept of an eternal kingdom should inform a Christian’s perspective on life. With his newest book, "Unseen Existence: Of Heaven, Earth, and the Divine Mystery in All Things." as the context of the conversation, Brian asserts that many Christians and churches today have disenchanted souls because of their losing sight of heaven, and that this loss is reflected in our culture. 

In this conversation, Joey, Jack, and Brian also dig into what heaven actually is, whether people continue to learn and grow there, why heaven won’t be boring despite being eternal, and how a proper understanding of heaven will radically change everything, including how one engages in prayer, politics, and daily living. 

To open the episode, Bri, Brian, Joey, and Lynne dig into a handful of quick topics: those times you just feel "off," the criticism that seeker-friendly churches aren't deep enough, how differently we might live if there were no God, and some guesswork on what we'll actually remember once we get to heaven.

Brian Zahnd | Instagram | Book

Hosts | Jack Hoey| Brian Lewis | Brianna McLeod | Joey Svendsen | Lynne Stroy

Seacoast Podcast is now on Instagram

Be a Patron of the podcast 

We have a YouTube Channel for videos of all episodes since Jan. 2024. 

We'd love to hear from you.  E-mail Joey HERE. 

Producer/Editor/host: Joey Svendsen
Sound Engineer/Editor: Katelyn Vandiver

Pastor and counselor Chip Judd returns with Jeff Leinberger, Ciarrah Lindsay, Lynne Story, and Joey Svendsen, continuing last week's conversation on Shades of Grace: Seeing People Through the Eyes of Jesus, Starting With Yourself.

This week: self-love. What it actually looks like to love yourself, why it feels awkward even to try, and how ultimate surrender to God's sovereignty is really self-acceptance — easier said than done, since, as Chip puts it, the hardest person you'll ever have to learn to love is you. He walks through how to retrain your soul — one step is resting in God's love instead of chasing from people what only God can give. Chip also talks about the power of judgment-free environments that are also full of grace and truth, and Jeff, Ciarrah, and Joey turn that lens on Seacoast's own staff culture.

Along the way, Joey shares a spiritual encounter he had with a homeless man, and the group gets into why Christians being "angry at sinners" doesn't add up.

Get the first chapter of Chip’s new book, Shades of Grace + be the first to get access when it releases by subscribing to his e-mail list. 

Chip Judd | Website | YouTube | Instagram 

Hosts   Jeff Leinberger | Ciarrah Lindsay | Lynne Stroy | Joey Svendsen  

Seacoast Podcast is now on Instagram

Be a Patron of the podcast 

We have a YouTube Channel for videos of all episodes since Jan. 2024. 

We'd love to hear from you.  E-mail Joey HERE. 

Producer/Editor/host: Joey Svendsen
Sound Engineer/Editor: Katelyn Vandiver

Pastor and counselor Chip Judd joins Bri McLeod, Lynne Stroy, and Joey Svendsen to talk about his new mini book, Shades of Grace: Seeing People Through the Eyes of Jesus, Starting With Yourself.

Using the book as a jumping-off point, Chip breaks down what actually makes each of us who we are — and makes the case, backed by real science, that a lot of our weaknesses and struggles aren't fully our fault. That gives us solid ground to offer grace, both to ourselves and to other people. Skip the grace, and you miss out on the deeper work God wants to do in all of us. Bottom line: everyone's doing the best they can with what they were given, and we all need grace, truth, and time to change.

Also covered along the way: pet peeves, and when the world's going to end.

Get the first chapter of Chip’s new book, Shades of Grace + be the first to get access when it releases by subscribing to his e-mail list. 

Chip Judd | Website | YouTube | Instagram 

Hosts | Brianna McLeod | Lynne Stroy | Joey Svendsen  

Seacoast Podcast is now on Instagram

Be a Patron of the podcast 

We have a YouTube Channel for videos of all episodes since Jan. 2024. 

We'd love to hear from you.  E-mail Joey HERE. 

Producer/Editor/host: Joey Svendsen
Sound Engineer/Editor: Katelyn Vandiver

Jack, Joey, and Lynne catch up on their summers, and each drops listeners one "tid-bit" of spiritual wisdom. Joey's summer included a bear encounter and getting chased twice by large dogs. Also up for discussion: is good customer service dying? Is boredom a thing of the past — and is that a bad thing? They dig into some surprising stats on how parents' obsession with keeping kids "safe" might be quietly hurting their mental health, and talk honestly about why Christians sometimes struggle to honor other people's journeys — landing on a simple, uncomfortable answer: it might just be a lack of love. Plus, some real talk on trusting your car's AI more than you probably should.

Hosts | Jack Hoey III | Lynne Stroy | Joey Svendsen  

Seacoast Podcast is now on Instagram

Be a Patron of the podcast 

We have a YouTube Channel for videos of all episodes since Jan. 2024. 

We'd love to hear from you.  E-mail Joey HERE. 

Producer/Editor/host: Joey Svendsen
Sound Engineer/Editor: Katelyn Vandiver

In this special 9-week series, listeners will hear from three different groups—GenX paired with Millennials, Gen Z, and Boomers with a mix of the Silent Generation. Their conversations cover a variety of topics including technology, unity in the Church, racism, and parenting. Grouped by similar ages, these 12 individuals share their unique views, opinions, and convictions based on their generational upbringing and views of the world. Ranging from ages 16 to 81, we’re covering 5 different generations with 16 different guests.

In this episode, our Millennials and Gen-X group share their views on parenting, spanking, the necessity of a college education, what motivates them to determine a career, and whether our society has an unhealthy disposition toward safety. Our guests also have a little fun with music—can they identify the artists of popular songs from the other generations? 

Bios of our Millennial and Gen-X contributors: 

Amy Alderman

Amy Alderman is a Mortgage Loan Closer at the best credit union in the state. She has been married to Dick Alderman for 20 years, and together they have two daughters, Abigail and Audrey. The Aldermans have been part of the Seacoast family for over 15 years. In her free time, Amy loves building puzzles — especially on Saturdays with her mom. She is deeply passionate about Biblical literacy and has been leading a women's Bible study since 2009.

David Schirduan

David Schirduan is a software engineer by day and a game designer by night, with an emotionally needy dog named Ori. He has attended Seacoast for over five years. In his free time, David reads sci-fi and fantasy novels in between rounds of video games. He also runs a small publishing company with eight books and counting. David once lived on a ship in Africa for over a year, and at age 35 made the bold decision to purchase his first-ever pair of sneakers — prior to that, it was strictly flip flops or dress shoes. He is believed to be the only David Schirduan on the planet. The others died under mysterious circumstances.

Sean Scapellato

Sean Scapellato is a former English and writing teacher who now practices law full-time — his former students having gotten old enough to make that transition feel right. He has been married to his extraordinary wife, Sara, for 33 years and has been attending Seacoast for over 25 years. They have two great kids, Nick and Maggie, ensuring the Scapellato name lives on. An avid reader and writer, Sean hopes one day to write thrillers. He is finally over his obsession with being a fusion drummer, and everyone in his life is grateful.

Harmony Butler

Harmony Butler is a Veterinary Practice Coach who has been married to Myron Butler for going on 17 years. They have two kids, ages almost 20 and 12, and have been part of the Seacoast family since 2019. In her free time, Harmony loves watching movies, spending time with family, building her book collection, and being out in nature. She is passionate about singing, coaching, and veterinary medicine, and coaches businesses across nearly every state in the country. Harmony served in the military and enlisted at age 17. A lifelong vegetarian, she will — on rare and glorious occasions — give in to a craving for a Gwantley's chicken hot dog, without a shred of guilt. Before YouTube changed everything, she appeared in a local commercial that aired regularly in the early 2000s, teaching others to be an example of virtue.

Seacoast Podcast is now on Instagram

Be a Patron of the podcast 

We have a YouTube Channel for videos of all episodes since Jan. 2024. 

We'd love to hear from you.  E-mail Joey HERE. 

Producer/Editor/host: Joey Svendsen
Sound Engineer/Editor: Katelyn Vandiver

In this special 9-week series, listeners will hear from three different groups—GenX paired with Millennials, Gen Z, and Boomers with a mix of the Silent Generation. Their conversations cover a variety of topics including technology, unity in the Church, racism, and parenting. Grouped by similar ages, these 12 individuals share their unique views, opinions, and convictions based on their generational upbringing and views of the world. Ranging from ages 16 to 81, we’re covering 5 different generations with 16 different guests.

In this episode, our Generation Z group share their views on parenting, spanking, the necessity of a college education, what motivates them to determine a career, and whether our society has an unhealthy disposition toward safety. Our guests also have a little fun with music—can they identify the artists of popular songs from the other generations? 

Bios of our Gen-Z contributors: 

Brandon Allon

Brandon Allon has been a photographer for seven years, four of which have been with Seacoast. A third-generation photographer, he has also traveled to five countries outside the United States. Before photography, Brandon spent ten years in music — an experience that took him all the way to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Outside of his creative pursuits, he enjoys running and table tennis.

Jordan Mae Bazzle

Jordan Mae Bazzle is a sophomore in high school with a passion for fencing, playing the violin, building things, and Formula 1. She is currently working on building her own violin alongside her grandfather and plans to spend plenty of time at the beach this summer. Looking ahead, Jordan Mae hopes to study mechanical engineering in college and one day work with Formula 1 cars.

Hayes Herlong

Hayes Herlong is a 24-year-old from Charleston with a love for Jesus, surfing, adventure, and her one-eyed cat. She is currently pursuing ministry through the Residency Program at Seacoast Church, where she serves in youth ministry and is passionate about helping middle and high school students know Jesus and grow in their faith — a community she has called home for many years.

Hayes also has a deep heart for global missions, having served internationally in Haiti, Togo, and Zambia, as well as stateside in Orlando and New York City. She loves learning about new cultures, meeting new people, and stepping into experiences that stretch her faith. That adventurous spirit once led her to jump and swing off the 420-foot bridge at Victoria Falls. Whether serving students, traveling the world, or trying something completely new, Hayes hopes her love for the Lord, people, and adventure will continue leading her to places where she can share the Gospel — and maybe keep her mom just a little nervous along the way.

Manuel Laguna

Manuel Laguna is a 24-year-old Audio, Video, and Lighting Systems Coordinator at Seacoast Church. He has been part of the Seacoast family for ten years and on staff for three. In his free time, Manuel enjoys playing music, cooking new recipes, and playing video games with his Seacoast family. He is deeply passionate about worship and faith-based music, loves tattoos and plans to get more (sorry, Abuela), and is a proud MexiRican — both Mexican and Puerto Rican. He credits his two parents as the best in the world (no arguments entertained) and has two sisters: one two-legged and one four-legged — a labradoodle he considers the best ever. An adventurer at heart, Manuel has been blessed to travel to many countries and is eager to keep exploring.

Seacoast Podcast is now on Instagram

Be a Patron of the podcast 

We have a YouTube Channel for videos of all episodes since Jan. 2024. 

We'd love to hear from you.  E-mail Joey HERE. 

Producer/Editor/host: Joey Svendsen
Sound Engineer/Editor: Katelyn Vandiver

In this special 9-week series, listeners will hear from three different groups—GenX paired with Millennials, Gen Z, and Boomers with a mix of the Silent Generation. Their conversations cover a variety of topics including technology, unity in the Church, racism, and parenting. Grouped by similar ages, these 12 individuals share their unique views, opinions, and convictions based on their generational upbringing and views of the world. Ranging from ages 16 to 81, we’re covering 5 different generations with 16 different guests.

In this episode, Boomers and Silent Generation group share their views on parenting, spanking, the necessity of a college education, what motivates them to determine a career, and whether our society has an unhealthy disposition toward safety. Our guests also have a little fun with music—can they identify the artists of popular songs from the other generations? 

Susan Chapman

Susan Chapman has been a part of Seacoast's Mount Pleasant Campus for ten years, where she and her husband Roy serve as table leaders at Next Steps and volunteer in the bookstore. Susan's passion is intercessory prayer — a calling that has shaped much of her life and the lives of those around her. Susan was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, where she met Roy in high school. They married in 1965 and have built a rich life together over the past 60 years, rooted in faith, family, and friendship. They have two children — a son and a daughter — and warmly claim their son-in-law Joey as their own. Their two grandchildren are a delight: their grandson recently graduated from North Greenville University, and their granddaughter just graduated from middle school. It was in Decatur, Georgia, in the early 1970s that Susan's spiritual journey began to take deep root. Her time in Bible study and God's word brought about changes that were visible to everyone around her — including Roy, who began searching for what was behind them. Looking back, Susan can clearly see God's hand at work throughout her life. In 1977, the family relocated to the Philadelphia area, and once again God's provision was evident. Susan found a wonderful community of people there who remain among her closest and dearest friends to this day. After 28 years, she and Roy moved to Summerville in 2005, where they have been putting down roots ever since. One of Susan's great joys at Next Steps has been discovering just how small the world really is — the unexpected connections, the familiar faces from years past, the strangers who turn out to be anything but. She also treasures staying in touch with lifelong friends now scattered across seven states. In her free time, Susan enjoys reading, jigsaw puzzles, and time with family and friends. She and Roy are devoted University of Georgia football fans, and one of their favorite traditions is spending time at Litchfield Beach, a place they have returned to for over 50 years. When it comes to food, Susan's Southern spread says everything you need to know about her: summer squash, butter beans, tomatoes, iced tea, and optional fried chicken. She still remembers when her aunt's phone number was simply 2524 — before area codes existed — and when ten rolls of toilet paper cost a dollar. Susan Chapman is someone who remembers where she came from, holds tightly to the people she loves, and keeps showing up — in prayer, in service, and in life.

Brian Lewis

Brian Lewis has been a pastor at Seacoast's Mount Pleasant campus for 11 years, leading Men's Ministry and Seniors Ministry. He has been married to Andrea for 32 years and has one daughter, Addison. Born, raised, and educated in Atlanta, Georgia — a Georgia Tech graduate — Brian is the youngest of five children, two of whom are now with the Lord. He has been part of the Seacoast family for 21 years.

In his free time, Brian enjoys cooking, DIY projects, golf, travel, and music. Andrea describes him as a renaissance man — curious about everything and a true dabbler. He has visited 42 states and 6 continents, attended both Obama inaugurations with his family, and made seven trips to Kenya for global missions, with one trip to Honduras as well. Brian loves a good argument or debate, as long as it doesn't get too emotional, and will happily argue either side of an interesting topic.

Joe Riddell

Joe has been a part of the Seacoast family for 25 years. Lived in Charleston his whole life and a general contractor for 37 years.  Married to Carol for 29 years, he has two kids ages 34 and 27 and two grandkids almost four and almost two. In his own words, he’s Just a guy who loves Jesus, loves his family and loves his church. 

Sandy Stafford

Sandy Stafford is a retired art teacher who spent 40 years at James Island Charter High School before retiring in 2020. She has two grown sons and a thirteen-year-old granddaughter, and became a member of Seacoast at the James Island campus. In her free time, Sandy enjoys traveling, nature walks, and all types of art-making. She has a particular passion for researching and visiting southern "Chapels of Ease," photographing these historic sites as references for her drawings and paintings. Sandy is also deeply drawn to the American Southwest — especially New Mexico — where she loves traveling less-known highways to visit Southwest Mission Churches. She hopes to walk a pilgrimage next Easter to Santuario de Chimayo along the "High Road" from Taos to Santa Fe.

Seacoast Podcast is now on Instagram

Be a Patron of the podcast 

We have a YouTube Channel for videos of all episodes since Jan. 2024. 

We'd love to hear from you.  E-mail Joey HERE. 

Producer/Editor/host: Joey Svendsen
Sound Engineer/Editor: Katelyn Vandiver

In this special 9-week series, listeners will hear from three different groups—GenX paired with Millennials, Gen Z, and Boomers with a mix of the Silent Generation. Their conversations cover a variety of topics including technology, unity in the Church, racism, and parenting. Grouped by similar ages, these 12 individuals share their unique views, opinions, and convictions based on their generational upbringing and views of the world. Ranging from ages 16 to 81, we’re covering 5 different generations with 16 different guests.

In this episode, our Generation Z group discusses polarity in the church, optimism (or lack of) for unity, whether society is less racist today compared to generations before, whether they consider themselves patriotic, and if they see the USA as a Christian nation. 

Brandon Allon

Brandon Allon has been a photographer for seven years, four of which have been with Seacoast. A third-generation photographer, he has also traveled to five countries outside the United States. Before photography, Brandon spent ten years in music — an experience that took him all the way to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Outside of his creative pursuits, he enjoys running and table tennis.

Laela Griffin

Laela Griffin is a recent high school graduate living in a small mountain town in North Carolina. She loves the outdoors, serving others, and traveling, and plans to attend Appalachian State University next year to major in Business. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with family and friends. Laela is so passionate about root beer that she once crashed her car over it.

Hayes Herlong

Hayes Herlong is a 24-year-old from Charleston with a love for Jesus, surfing, adventure, and her one-eyed cat. She is currently pursuing ministry through the Residency Program at Seacoast Church, where she serves in youth ministry and is passionate about helping middle and high school students know Jesus and grow in their faith — a community she has called home for many years.

Hayes also has a deep heart for global missions, having served internationally in Haiti, Togo, and Zambia, as well as stateside in Orlando and New York City. She loves learning about new cultures, meeting new people, and stepping into experiences that stretch her faith. That adventurous spirit once led her to jump and swing off the 420-foot bridge at Victoria Falls. Whether serving students, traveling the world, or trying something completely new, Hayes hopes her love for the Lord, people, and adventure will continue leading her to places where she can share the Gospel — and maybe keep her mom just a little nervous along the way.

Abel Walters

Abel Walters is an 18-year-old rising senior at Palmetto Christian Academy and a recent graduate of 412 Leadership at Seacoast, where he now serves primarily on the prayer team and the teaching team in Custom. He has a passion for mission and ministry that he feels God has placed on his heart. Abel has played basketball all four years of high school, including travel ball, and also loves golf. His music taste skews older than his years — something his younger brothers don't quite understand yet.

Abel is the oldest of four boys and the third of seven children overall. He's a big-time movie lover who will happily spend hours making the case for why The Amazing Spider-Man 2 came remarkably close to being one of the greatest superhero movies ever made. He also loves to travel and surf, and is likely the family member most enthusiastic about an impromptu trip — even when the rest of the family finds it slightly miserable.

Seacoast Podcast is now on Instagram

Be a Patron of the podcast 

We have a YouTube Channel for videos of all episodes since Jan. 2024. 

We'd love to hear from you.  E-mail Joey HERE. 

Producer/Editor/host: Joey Svendsen
Sound Engineer/Editor: Katelyn Vandiver