Host Scott Richards sits down with Ayla Dyer, the Workforce Development Director at the Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments (WRCOG). While WRCOG serves the regional governments of Horry, Georgetown, and Williamsburg Counties, it operates as a singular, independent organization providing a massive range of essential services—from aging and transportation to planning and referral assistance.

Ayla oversees the SC Works Centers (Reemployment Offices), where the focus is on the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. This federal program is a lifeline for the community, helping underemployed or underskilled individuals overcome barriers to employment through training and job placement. Ayla explains how WRCOG doesn't just help workers find a more sustainable life; they also partner with local employers to bridge the skills gap and fill critical roles with qualified talent.

The conversation touches on the recent industrial shifts in the area, specifically the closures at International Paper and the local steel mill. Ayla provides insight into how Workforce Development responded to the hundreds of employees and contractors affected, while sharing an optimistic vision for the future. As Georgetown continues to evolve, Ayla imagines a "Main Street USA" future—preserving the Hallmark-movie charm and rich history of the city while welcoming new business ventures and keeping the younger generation engaged in the beautiful rivers and coastlines of the Lowcountry.

Whether you are a job seeker looking for training or an employer searching for skilled talent, WRCOG offers a wide variety of regional services to help you succeed.

• Official Website: WRCOG.org

Host Scott Richards visits the SC Maritime Museum in Georgetown for an impactful conversation with Mark Bayer, Executive Director of PFLAG Pawleys Island. A Lowcountry native, Mark reflects on the evolution of Pawleys Island and Georgetown—from a quiet community of empty woods to a thriving coastal destination that still manages to hold onto its historic roots.

PFLAG Pawleys Island an LGBTQ+ Support, Education and Advocacy group was chartered in 2021, building on a national legacy that began in 1973. Mark shares his deeply personal journey as a queer married father, discussing the challenges of growing up in the 70s and 80s without role models. Today, he channels those experiences into providing the visibility and representation he once lacked, ensuring the next generation feels seen and supported.

The episode previews the organization's flagship fundraiser: Pride & Punchlines (formerly Laugh Out Loud: Comedy for a Cause), an 18+ event, 21+ to drink. Taking place on April 25, 2026, at the historic Winyah Auditorium, this 18+ event features seven comedians, including America's Got Talent semifinalist Lace Larrabee. Beyond the laughs, Mark and Scott discuss the vibrant "walking community" of Georgetown, the revitalization of Front Street, and the local traditions—like the Maritime Museum's sailing camps—that make the area a special place to call home.

Support PFLAG Pawleys Island's mission of education and advocacy, or grab your tickets for the upcoming comedy event:

Tickets & Events: PiPFlag.org/tickets

Official Website: PiPFlag.org

Venue: Winyah Auditorium | 1200 Highmarket St, Georgetown, SC

Host Scott Richards sits down with Foy Ford, the dedicated Theater Manager of the Swamp Fox Players, for a deep dive into the heartbeat of Georgetown's arts scene. Recorded at the South Carolina Maritime Museum, this episode explores the fascinating evolution of The Strand Theater. Originally built in 1941 as a cinema, the building sat vacant through the 1970s before being rescued and reborn as a community theater hub in 1982.

Foy shares the theater's journey from a cinema to a dual-purpose cinema and playhouse, and finally to its current flourishing status as a volunteer-driven powerhouse. Listeners will get a "behind the curtain" look at the recent renovations that returned the lobby to its classic 1950s glory while modernizing the 232-seat house for ultimate comfort.

Whether you're looking forward to the upcoming production of Grace and Glorie in June or the holiday magic of It's a Wonderful Life in December, the Strand Theater offers the perfect anchor for a night out. Located at 710 Front Street under the iconic marquee, it's just steps away from Georgetown's best dining, shopping, and the scenic Harborwalk. For more information visit the Swamp Fox Players online at www.SwampFoxPlayers.com.

In this episode, host Scott Richards explores the rich maritime history of Georgetown, South Carolina, with Hope McFaddin, Executive Director of the South Carolina Maritime Museum. The conversation opens with a look at Georgetown's transformative journey—once a powerhouse commercial port that drove the Southeast's economy, the city is now transitioning as the industrial port closes, paving the way for a new era including recreational boating, celebrating their maritime heritage and heritage tourism.

Hope describes the deep connection between the community and the Sampit River, explaining how the water remains the lifeblood of the city even as its purpose evolves. You'll hear the inspiring story of how the museum itself was born from local passion; what started as a wooden boat exhibit at Bayfest Festival in the 1990s was transformed by visionary business owners into the famous Wooden Boat Show. This grassroots effort led to the formation of a 501(c)(3) and, in 2011, the museum found its permanent home on Front Street in the historic building formerly known as "The New Store."

Today, the Wooden Boat Show remains the heartbeat of the museum and its largest annual fundraiser. This high-energy event is the primary reason the museum can offer free admission to the public year-round. The competition gives teams the boat plan, screws, nails, and lumber to build a Carolina Bateau, and teams have just four hours to build a boat from scratch. At 5:00 PM, the "hope it floats" race begins, featuring incredible craftsmanship and the occasional dramatic sinking. Beyond the races, the museum preserves "everything to do with the water," from Civil War schooners to shipwrecks and the quirky local tradition, "The Burning of the Socks," returning this Thursday, March 19th!

The South Carolina Maritime Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more at SCMaritimeMuseum.com.

Experience the revitalization of historic Front Street as Al Joseph, Main Street Director for the City of Georgetown, joins host Scott Richards at the South Carolina Maritime Museum. Discover how this charming coastal destination has transformed its business district, slashing empty storefronts from 25 down to just two in only five years.

From the massive Georgetown Wooden Boat Show to the upcoming Food, Beer & Wine Festival in May, Georgetown is buzzing with a new energy. Learn about the 17 diverse restaurants tucked within five blocks, the impact of The George, and why the next five years will bring sophisticated growth while preserving the city's unmistakable small-town soul.

Join host Scott Richards at the South Carolina Maritime Museum for a deep dive into the past, present, and future of Georgetown, SC. In this episode, Scott sits down with Kevin Jayroe, owner of Swamp Fox Tours and a local whose family roots stretch back to the 1740s.

Living in a historic 1739 period home, Kevin shares his unique perspective as both a preservation-focused real estate expert and owner of Swamp Fox Tours. The duo explores the massive scale of 18th-century rice production, noting that the original field lines are still visible from space—a testament to a labor-intensive process that took up to 15 years to develop a single field.

The conversation also highlights Georgetown's modern-day renaissance. From the impact of the boutique hotel, The George, to the surge in day-trip shopping and a thriving real estate market, Georgetown is evolving while maintaining its historic integrity. Finally, they discuss the written records of one of the earliest European settlements in the U.S. which was in Georgetown, and the search for buildings from the settlement, and the unique social intermingling that defined the town in the 1930s and 40s.

For tour information with Swamp Fox Tours visit BienvenueHomeSC.com/swamp-fox-tours

Georgetown, SC, is more than just a stop on Highway 17—it is a resilient "hidden gem" of the South with a story reaching back centuries. In this episode, host Scott Richards of the South Carolina Maritime Museum sits down with 7th-generation South Carolinian and local historian Paige Sawyer.

Paige discusses Georgetown's evolution from a powerhouse 20th-century mill town to a modern-day cultural destination. Despite the recent economic impact of closing industrial giants like International Paper and Georgetown Steel, the city is experiencing a renaissance fueled by its natural beauty and meticulously preserved architecture.

As the owner of Old Georgetown Walking Tours, Paige shares how the city's strict preservation rules keep its historic homes breathtaking and why Georgetown is essentially a charming, accessible version of Charleston or Savannah. We also look ahead to the U.S. 250th Anniversary and the fascinating local history coming to light.

Join host Scott Richards for a festive and inspiring conversation with Bob Willey, President of the Friends of The Georgetown Library. They discuss the highly anticipated 23rd Annual Yuletide Home Tour (December 13, 2025), a crucial fundraiser directly supporting the Library's life-changing Children's Reading Program.

But the conversation goes beyond the beautiful homes! Bob shares why he and his wife chose to retire in Georgetown, his deep appreciation for the area's history, and the exciting growth and changes he's witnessing today—especially in the Historic District. This episode offers a warm look at a vibrant community, a historic institution celebrating its 225th anniversary, and the passionate people keeping its culture and future bright.

(The 23rd Annual Yuletide Home Tour is scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2025. Be sure to check www.MYFoGL.org/yuletidetour for tickets and the latest details!)