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

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

Welcome to Life's a Beach, and Then You Die, a look at the ups and downs of the human experience. From personal growth and self-discovery to challenges and victories, we discuss it all. Join us as we dive into the extraordinary stories of ordinary people, and learn from their journeys to find inspiration in our own…all the way to the end.

Episodes

41: Chip White: How I Learned The Power of Second Chances

February 12, 2025 • 30 mins
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 ha...
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40: Jon Smalls: How I Rediscovered Purpose After Football

January 15, 2025 • 39 mins
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 reconnec...
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38: Tangena Church: How Six Weeks Changed My Life

December 18, 2024 • 43 mins
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 performi...
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37: Reuben Hyman: How I Embrace Choices and Their Consequences

December 4, 2024 • 29 mins
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...
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36: Ed Piotrowski: How I Weathered Life's Challenges

November 20, 2024 • 37 mins
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.
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35: Layla Grace: How I Achieved Emotional Sobriety

November 6, 2024 • 36 mins
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.<...
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34: Melissa Jefferson: How I Won Gold At The Olympics

October 23, 2024 • 27 mins
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.
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33: Richard Florczak: How Mel Gibson Brought Me To Sobriety

October 9, 2024 • 31 mins
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 ...
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32: Luke Sharp: How My Mom Taught Me Kindness

September 25, 2024 • 27 mins
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 humi...
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31: Leroy Harper Jr: How Music Took Me to James Brown

September 11, 2024 • 29 mins
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.
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30: James Scott Bullard: How Music Shaped My Life

August 28, 2024 • 33 mins
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.
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29: Amber Campbell-Moore: How I Achieved My Olympic Dreams

August 14, 2024 • 34 mins
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.
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28: Englis Glover: How Fishing Saved My Life

July 31, 2024 • 42 mins
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.
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27: Caleb Wygal: How a Single Event Changed Everything

July 17, 2024 • 28 mins
In this episode of "Life's a Beach and Then You Die," Caleb Wygal, the author of the Myrtle Beach 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 al...
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26: Jamie Daskalis: How I Balance a Child with Autism and a Thriving Business

July 3, 2024 • 40 mins
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.
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25: Michael Warner: How I Turned Tragedy Into Triumph

June 19, 2024 • 39 mins
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.
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24: Bo Bryan: How I Became a Father and Poet Laureate

June 5, 2024 • 31 mins
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.
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23: Mike Oglesbee: How I Turned my Life Around

April 10, 2024 • 37 mins
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....
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22: Heather Edwards: How I Navigate Life with Impaired Vision

March 27, 2024 • 28 mins
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.
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21: Ernie Johnson: How I am More Than my Disability

March 13, 2024 • 30 mins
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.
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