Life's a Beach...and Then You Die

In this episode, Julie sits down with Chip White to discuss his incredible journey through addiction, redemption, and finding purpose in his life. Chip opens up about what it was like to hit rock bottom and the moment he realized he needed to choose between his addiction and his family. He shares candid insights into the difference between heavy use and addiction, the power of choice in sobriety, and the impact his recovery has had on his family and career.

In this episode, Julie sits down with Jon Smalls to explore his incredible journey of perseverance and self-discovery. From his free-spirited childhood in the Free Woods to the heartbreak of an injury that ended his football dreams, Jon's story is one of resilience in the face of life's unexpected challenges. Jon shares how he found a new purpose through the Marines, navigated the transition back to civilian life, and reconnected with his roots to embrace a path of health, wellness, and spirituality.

In this episode, Julie sits down with Joe McVay, a man whose journey is filled with both triumphs and trials. From his idyllic childhood in Huntington, West Virginia, to navigating a rocky relationship with his mother and overcoming struggles in school, Joe's path has been anything but ordinary. He shares how a bold move to Myrtle Beach helped him launch a successful career in business. Joe reflects on lessons he's learned, from embracing his natural talent for sales to finding his footing in relationships.

In this episode of Life's a Beach, and Then You Die, Julie sits down with Tangena Church, a talented singer whose journey has taken her from small-town dreams to the bright lights of the Carolina Opry in Myrtle Beach. Tangena shares how her love for performing and the magic of Christmas shaped her life, from childhood traditions to pursuing unexpected opportunities. From calling off a wedding and finding clarity while performing on cruise ships to a whirlwind romance that led to true love, Tangena's story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of following your passion.

In this episode, Julie sits down with Reuben Hyman, a man with an extraordinary knack for turning small moments into big lessons. From a clever bet involving a newspaper sale to his thoughts on commitment, learning, and personal accountability, Reuben shares stories from his life that show what it means to be truly dedicated to your work. Listen to hear how his unique perspective on life and business has shaped his journey and why he believes your choices—and their consequences—are always yours to own.

In this episode of Life's a Beach, and Then You Die, Julie sits down with Ed Piotrowski, the beloved Chief Meteorologist at ABC 15 in Myrtle Beach. Known for his career in weather forecasting, Ed shares how his early years as a military kid shaped his life and values. Despite life's hardships, Ed's perspective on family, resilience, and dedication to serving the community shines through.

In this episode, burnout prevention specialist Layla Grace opens up about her journey of healing from deep-rooted trauma and burnout. Layla's story spans a traumatic childhood, difficult family dynamics, career struggles, an affair, and an eating disorder, all of which culminated in a life-threatening health crisis. Hear how she navigated this complex path, cut ties with her family, and found the strength to rebuild her life. Relapse No More: The Way Out Guide to Emotional Sobriety & Breaking Self-Destructive Patterns

In this episode, Olympian Melissa Jefferson shares her journey to competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Melissa has always shown an aptitude for running and doesn't shy away from a challenge. She also opens up about her experience as a stem cell donor for her ill father at just seventeen.

In this episode, Richard Florczak shares his captivating journey to becoming a sought-after private chef for A-list celebrities such as Tom Cruise and Mel Gibson. Richard's childhood experiences watching his mom in the kitchen helped inspire an extremely successful career in the industry, spanning over 25 years. He also shares his struggle with alcoholism and how he was able to overcome the disease through the help of friends and family.

In this episode, Luke Sharp shares how his unique family history helped shape who he is today. Raised by a mom who grew up in the circus, Luke draws inspiration from her charity towards others and approach to always treating those around her with kindness. He shares what it's like breaking away from generational struggles and how he has helped his kids realize their full potential while approaching life with gratitude and humility.

In this episode, Leroy reflects on his childhood, family influences, and musical journey. He shares memories of growing up during the civil rights movement, emphasizing the impact of their grandfather and mother, both pioneers in education. The episode offers a rich narrative of personal growth, historical context, and the transformative power of music.

In this episode, James Scott Bullard shares his journey through the challenges of Crohn's disease, addiction, and the pursuit of a musical career. He shares unique experiences with health struggles and what can happen when you devote your life to music.

In this episode, three-time Olympian Amber Campbell Moore shares her inspiring journey in the hammer throw.  Amber discusses her athletic career, the pivotal support from her family and coaches, and the challenges she faced, including imposter syndrome and setbacks at the Olympic trials.

In this episode, Englis Glover shares how he developed a deep love for spending time outdoors. His passion for fishing played a significant role in helping him overcome alcoholism and uncover his true life purpose — sharing his love for the sport with others.

In this episode of "Life's a Beach and Then You Die," Caleb Wygal, the author of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk mystery series, tells his own story. Caleb recounts his upbringing in a small West Virginia town and a tragic car accident that claimed his friend's life and left him with severe brain injuries. His journey of overcoming his injuries and the emotional toll of losing a friend highlights resilience and determination, inspiring us all to face our own adversities.

In this episode of "Life's a Beach and Then You Die," we hear from Jamie Daskalis, a successful restaurant owner and mother here in Myrtle Beach. Jamie shares her journey from growing up in a family of restaurant owners to running her own establishments. Her lifelong struggle with ADHD and experience as a mother to a child on the spectrum have taught her valuable lessons about life and self-discovery.

In this episode, Michael Warner shares what it's like to have your entire life change in an instant. After a tragic car accident leaves him completely paralyzed, Michael spent the next several years relearning to walk and eventually run again. With his beloved Shelley by his side, he discovered a resilience he never knew he had, finding joy and reclaiming a good life. However, about a year ago, tragedy struck once more.

In this podcast episode, Bo Bryan, a celebrated writer, delves into his family's deep roots in Myrtle Beach, his battle with undiagnosed dyslexia, the vibrant days spent in New York City, and his experience as a father. Reflecting on his life and writing career, he shares his story and role as Myrtle Beach's poet laureate.

In this podcast episode of Life's a Beach and Then You Die, the host interviews Mike Oglesbee, a mindset coach, author, speaker, and podcaster, who shares his personal and transformative journey. Mike discusses his struggles with self-esteem, depression, and the dark places he has been in mentally but also how he turned his life around. It's not easy changing your life and mindset but Mike did it and this episode explores how.

In this podcast episode, Heather Edwards shares her life story, focusing on her visual impairment and how it shaped her experiences from childhood to adulthood. Born with a condition similar to macular degeneration, Heather had to learn to adapt and find her own way to independence and health.

In this episode of "Life's a Beach and Then You Die," Ernie Johnson shares his story of growing up in Conway, South Carolina, with an alcoholic father and the profound impact of a severe spinal injury sustained at 17. Despite the challenges of his father's alcoholism and the violence it sometimes provoked, Ernie speaks of the love within his family and the resilience they cultivated.

In this episode of "Life's a Beach and Then You Die," host Julie Ellis interviews Paulette Miller, who reflects on her life's journey from a shy girl, to an aspiring entertainer, mother, and businesswoman. Paulette discusses her college theater experience, her complicated marriage, and her return to acting. Paulette's story is one of resilience, embracing opportunities later in life, and the importance of pursuing one's dreams.

In this episode, Christiane, a French immigrant living in Myrtle Beach, recounts her life's journey, from her childhood in France to her various ventures in America. She speaks of her early years on her grandmother's farm, her move to the U.S., and the challenges of adapting to a new country without English proficiency. Christiane's resilience is evident as she discusses the hardships in her life and what she's learned about living so far. 

 In this episode of "Life's a Beach and Then You Die," Leslie O'Neill opens up about her life and experiences in a candid conversation with host Julie Ellis. She reflects on her childhood, marriages, and the responsibilities of being a caretaker. Throughout her journey, Leslie has gained insights into trusting herself, knowing when to move forward, when to stay, and discovering how to find inner peace while taking care of oneself.

This week, Julie E. interviews Dino Thompson, a lifelong resident of Myrtle Beach and the owner of Cagnys and Flamingo Grill. Dino shares his family's story and his personal experiences growing up and working in the restaurant industry. We learn about his father's journey to America and the challenges of running a business in Myrtle Beach. Dino also discusses his management style and emphasizes the importance of interpersonal interactions. The episode offers a fascinating insight into the life of one of the great pillars of Myrtle Beach.

In this episode, Julie sits down with Greg Rowles, a well-known Myrtle Beach personality and singer. They discuss Greg's early experiences in the entertainment industry, his rise to fame and his upcoming theater, The Greg Rowels Legacy Theater. Greg shares personal stories about his family, marriage and journey to success, all culminating in the legacy he hopes to leave.

In this episode of Life's a Beach and Then You Die, Julie Ellis interviews Jeremy Howard about his life growing up in Myrtle Beach, his passion for his community, and how he came to create the sleigh ride organization. This is a story that serves as an inspiration and reminder to pursue your own passions and make a difference in your communities.

Gina Trimarco's life hasn't been easy. Her dad passed away when she was young, and her relationship with her mom and brother was rocky at best. Throughout her life, Gina has learned that in order to be happy, you need to fight for yourself and never give up on what you want to achieve in your life. “Even through the hard times, my attitude always was that this hard time — and I had several people tell me that your mess becomes your message — this hard time is going to serve someone later. And that is what pushes me through the hardest of times.” -Gina Trimarco

Wallace Evans Jr. had quite the journey; from being a preacher's kid to losing himself to ultimately becoming the CEO of A Father's Place. In this week's episode, we dive into the highs, lows and everything Wallace has learned on the way to finding himself and becoming a father.

David's journey has been marked by adversity, such as his mother's struggles with alcoholism, and his multiple marriages and health issues. This is the story of how he cultivated a resilient outlook on life, and how he discovered the value of both offering and accepting support from others, despite the pain and the fear of death. "The first thing he said when he came in after he saw my scans, he said, "If you don't do anything it would be your undoing." I'll never forget those words. I knew at that point that even though I don't have cancer, I could die from this tumor." -David Klauder

This is the remarkable journey of Deborah and the impact of three pivotal men in her life: her father, her husband and her son. This episode unravels a tale of love, resilience, redemption and most of all, Deborah's unwavering determination to cultivate love. Trigger warning: This episode contains content pertaining to domestic violence and suicide which may be disturbing to some listeners. If you or a loved one struggles with suicide, you don't need to go through it alone. Please go to https://www.iasp.info/suicidalthoughts/

The life of an actor. Greg London talks about the winding road filled with hurdles that brought him to where he is today, the executive artistic director of the Long Bay Theatre. In this episode of Life's a Beach and Then You Die, we learn about Greg- who he is, where his love of theatre started, and where it's brought him now. 

A teacher with a love of trying new things and ensuring she lives life to the fullest, Angela Robinette is a shining example of overcoming hardship and living a fulfilling life. Experiencing a divorce after 20 years of marriage, she talks about what it's like to pick yourself back up and start fresh. She also discusses her experiences teaching abroad and the valuable lessons she's learned from cultures around the world.

After an accident in his early adult years broke most of the bones in his body, Larry Kave now prioritizes doing the things he loves and helping those around him. Whether taking photos at local sporting events or playing Santa Claus at his daughter's Christmas pageant, Larry is always looking for ways to enjoy life to the fullest.

Tracy Bailey's story is about hard work, determination, and community. Growing up in rural South Carolina, Tracy's childhood taught her the importance of literacy and helping others. Her life has been filled with romance, adventure, heartache, and triumph, and is a testament to of the importance of trusting who you are and standing up for what you believe in.

John Cramer shares his tumultuous experiences growing up in Youngstown, Ohio, with an abusive father. Facing blatant racism, he dropped out of high school, also turning to drinking and fighting like his father did. John struggled to maintain relationships but eventually learned how not to be a parent from his own experiences. Tragically, his son passed away due to an accidental overdose of fentanyl and John was diagnosed with lung cancer a year later. Despite the heartbreaking experiences, John has learned a lot about himself and what truly matters in life.

Mary Chestnut's journey began as the daughter of hardworking Italian immigrants in Toronto. Her career started in the cosmetics industry and then reached its height as she worked in retail build-out. Tragically, her success came to a screeching halt and Mary had to rebuild her life from scratch. With the help of her beloved friend, Laura, she started her own successful makeup artistry business. Sadly, Laura passed away from cancer leaving Mary to run the business on her own. However, Mary believes that Laura, as well as her deceased father, still communicate with her from the other side. Through it all, Mary's story is one of triumph over adversity, finding success and meaningful relationships despite the challenges. 

Dylan Foster is a cheerful, fun-loving  seafood expert and chef. His happy disposition is almost disarming and you would never suspect that he's been through some serious hardship. Only six days after their wedding, Dylan Foster and his wife lost their baby at 32 weeks. Of course, it was absolutely devastating and it took some time to come out of the fog of grief. However, looking back on the intense trial they faced, Dylan is sure that it made him into the man, husband and father to two boys that he is today. 

Raised in the south during segregation, Patricia Burgess knows a thing or two about struggle and injustice. She also knows the importance of family, faith, and community. Patricia, now in her mid-80's, recounts her life growing up in poverty and recalls the terrible night in 1950 when the KKK terrorized Charlie's Place, a successful Black-owned nightclub in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Through it all, Patricia moved forward with strength and hard work, earned her high school diploma, whole-heartedly served her family and community.

Country music artist Gary Alexander spent most of his childhood in a poor upstate South Carolina town. He was just a teenager when his mother died suddenly, and soon after, his alcoholic father left him to his own devices. With no other path open before him, he made his way to Myrtle Beach, and what unfolded is a story of courage, hard work, and a little bit of luck. By chance, Gary wound up at a Gatlin Brothers concert in the 1990's, and that encounter inspired a career which, in time, would put Gary on the same stage as the Gatlin's themselves! Gary's is a gut-wrenching story of forgiveness for a father who destroyed so much yet also inspired a successful career.

After a near-fatal overdose, Jess Sagun found herself at a crossroad between self-destruction and redemption. With the help of friends and family and a reintroduction to her faith, Jess chose redemption. She beat addiction and homelessness, made peace with her past, regained custody of her kids, found true love, started a successful business, and was determined to give back to her Myrtle Beach community as it had given her so much.