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.

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!

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.

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

• 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 https://RedCross.org.

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

In this special edition of the Mount Pleasant Podcast, publisher Bill Macchio sits down with Mike Tinkey, who is running for re-election to Mount Pleasant Town Council.

With nearly 43 years of public service in Mount Pleasant and Wild Dunes, Mike shares the experiences and lessons learned since he first moved here. Get to know the man who wants to keep Mount Pleasant greener, the water cleaner, and the town's history preserved for our children's children.

Hear directly about Mike's involvement and advocacy in key town initiatives, including:

• The Fire and Police Departments
• Improving the Old Village green space
• Preserving the town's maritime culture
• Addressing stormwater issues
• The newly launched Green Commission
• The Community Forest Master Plan
• ...and much more!

Before you cast your vote for Mount Pleasant's next Town Council Members, watch or listen to this interview to understand how Mike's long-standing dedication can continue to benefit the town and its residents.

For more information about Mike Tinkey, visit: www.MikeTinkeyForTownCouncil.com

What drives a public servant to dedicate nearly 30 years to their community?

Host Zach Giroux welcomes Councilman Gary Santos to discuss his re-election bid for the Mount Pleasant Town Council. With a record stretching back decades, Councilman Santos offers a rare glimpse into the career highlights and pivotal experiences that have shaped his tenure and his dedication to the town.

The conversation covers his unique perspective on what's needed for Mount Pleasant's next phase, including:

• How his long record makes him the ideal candidate to tackle current challenges.

• The vital discussion on balancing strategic growth management with maintaining Mount Pleasant's exceptional quality of life.

• His specific goals and proposed solutions for the most pressing issues.

• His top three priorities for the town if voters send him back to Council.

Tune in to find out what motivates Councilman Santos, what differentiates him in the race, and why he deserves your vote in the upcoming Town Council election. Find out more at www.GarySantosLovesMP.com.

YOUR VOICE MATTERS—VOTE!

Early Voting: October 20-31 at Seacoast Church, 750 Long Point Rd, Mt Pleasant (weekdays only, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM)

Election Day: Polls open November 4, 2025 (7:00 AM - 7:00 PM)

VOTE IN THE BEST OF MOUNT PLEASANT 2026 🥇⭐

Publisher/Founder Bill Macchio joins host Brian Cleary to talk about the history and impact of the Best of Mount Pleasant contest.

Hear the story of this community staple—from its roots in 1990 (when all voting was on paper!) to today's essential guide for residents and newcomers alike. Plus, get the scoop on the upcoming Best of Mount Pleasant Party!

Find out how to vote and secure your tickets for the annual celebration on Wednesday, October 8th at the newly remodeled Alhambra Hall! Enjoy an Oyster Roast, Lowcountry Cuisine & Cocktails, a Live DJ, and more.

Vote Now: VoteBestOfMP.com
Party Tickets (Oct 8th): BestOfMPTickets.com

Ever wonder what goes into a major charity cycling event? In this conversation, Chris Winn, Director of LOWVELO, joins host Brian Cleary to peel back the layers on this impactful, non-competitive Lowcountry ride.

They'll share the story behind the name, the different routes for every skill level, how you can help by volunteering or donating, and hear about the various riders who make this event special.

Every pedal stroke helps fund life-saving cancer research at the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. Ready to join the mission? Get all the details on dates, routes, and the research you'll be supporting at LOWVELO.org.

Join us as host Brian Cleary chats with Sonya Beale, the Executive Director of the Carolina Children's Charity. This incredible local non-profit is dedicated to making a real difference for children in our community who are facing health challenges.

Sonya shares how the charity helps local families in Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, and Dorchester counties with the costs of medication, equipment, and therapy for children under 19 with diagnosed birth defects or childhood diseases. They work with each family to find the best way to fill the gaps left by insurance and provide the support they desperately need.

Get all the details on their 22nd Annual care • give • run® 5K Partial Trail Run & Family Fun Walk on Saturday, September 27th! Presented by their main sponsor Vertical Bridge at Carolina Island County Park, it's a can't-miss fundraising event to support a great cause.

Ready to run or walk for a reason? Find event details, tickets, and last year's results here: www.CarolinaChildren.org/runwalk/.

For more information on the charity, visit www.CarolinaChildren.org.

Host Brian Cleary sits down with Alex McCarrell, Executive Director & Founder of Meowdog Animal Rescue, and Reynolds Lee, President of the Vet Club at Lucy Beckham High School. In this insightful discussion, they delve into the origins and mission of Meowdog, a dedicated animal rescue based in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.

Discover how Meowdog's journey began at a veterinary science program in a local high school, where they took animals from local shelters, and rehabbed them, and getting them adopted out to the community. Alex and Reynolds share the complete narrative, highlighting the incredible involvement and education of high school students, the identified need for another rescue organization, and the process of establishing Meowdog as a legal entity.

Want to learn more about how you can get involved or adopt a furry friend? Head over to the Meowdog Animal Rescue website at MeowdogAnimalRescue.com for all the details!