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).

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