Text us what you think of this episode! Rick Sanders explains how West Pelzer goes from empty storefronts to a thriving Main Street and why he steps into the mayor’s seat to keep that progress moving. Blake Sanders breaks down what changes when you jump from local government to the State House, from taxes and conservation to the realities of passing bills. • Rick’s path from Michelin career to restoring the old Pelzer Library as a home • Building Westy’s Antiques into a multi-vend...

Text us what you think of this episode! Roberta Hamby and Chase Maddox break down how Envision Williamston turns ideas into real events that bring neighbors together and send customers into local shops. We talk through what it takes to plan, fund, and staff community traditions while keeping civic pride at the center. • Envision Williamston’s role as the fun side of town • Why the nonprofit shifts away from economic development work • Town cleanup day plans and how voluntee...

Text us what you think of this episode! We swap campus keys for guitar strings and stone wheels, tracing how a retired facilities guru built a popular 100-seat music venue, a revived folk festival, and a mill that brings real flavor back to grits. Along the way, legends drop by, family dinners feed the music, and a new book takes shape. • origins of The Fiddle and Bow Music Hall and Southern Folk Art Gallery • intimate concerts that turn into conversations and encores • Linda Gail Lewis high...

Text us what you think of this episode! We trade sled runs for city plans with Mayor Rocky Burgess, unpacking why Ingles is delayed, how the town enforces site standards, and where trails and sidewalks unlock daily life. Along the way, we hit sports, small-business wins, and a fast fix for a washed-out bridge. • why the mayor won’t run again but stays hands-on • community sled day, churches on the hill, and mayors’ race • collaboration across three towns to avoid event overlap • Zach Howard ...

Text us what you think of this episode! We explore how shared rituals turn a busy season into a kinder one, from concerts as neutral ground to campus traditions led by our “Director of Holiday Hype.” Tanya shares how she builds warmth with simple, repeatable moments that make people feel seen. • concerts as rare places of peace • origin of a holiday hype role at school • growing up Christmas without Santa • family traditions that still matter • real vs artificial trees and lights • gift card...

Text us what you think of this episode! We sit down with John Benca to trace a life that bridges public service and hospitality, from a physics degree and restaurant openings to the Anderson County auditor’s office and a downtown pub that survived downturns and storms. The story crescendos with adopting Sam, a family choice that reframes work, legacy, and leadership. • education in Georgia and early career moves • opening McGee’s Irish Pub and shaping a menu • how property taxes work locally...

Text us what you think of this episode! We trace Tim Self’s journey from scout leader to foundation head, and unpack how gratitude, trust, and clear asks turn community giving into real healthcare impact. Community response, teen mental health, and workforce pipelines are among the chapters in an interesting and hopeful story. • small-town roots and scouting lessons shaping leadership • cookie tables to donor strategy and the art of the ask • pandemic mask drive and supply chain workarounds ...

Text us what you think of this episode! We put the spotlight on Zach Howard, our longtime sports guy, and trace his path from Clemson and Braves fandom to girl dad life, a special Dallas trip with his father, and the stories that make everyday moments memorable. We also get real about “iPad kids,” TV tray dinners, and finding balance around screens, sports, and family time. • how Zach joined our show and kept calling in through six seasons • family life, work at the building center, and the ...

Text us what you think of this episode! We sit down with Julie Bell of the WebbCraft Family Foundation who shares how a hometown endowment fuels early reading, arts access, and life-changing field trips. From Disney-level planning to third-grade literacy, we trace how small grants create big momentum for local kids and teachers. • Origins of a family foundation and mission • Endowment model that sustains grants over time • Focus on education, arts, and culture in BHP • Third-grade reading an...

Text us what you think of this episode! A Halloween special that blends stagecraft, film lore, and smart scares. We trade slasher nostalgia for psychological bite, preview a two-actor Gothic comedy, and share real set stories from Friday the 13th to quick-change chaos on a haunted manor. • spooky theater that favors wit, speed and surprise • quick-change comedy with two actors playing eight roles • Irma Vep show times, ticket info and affordability • behind-the-scenes tricks like bleeding po...