Today we look at how you can have an impact by serving on local boards and commissions in the City of Greenville. Join us as we explore how residents like you can actively shape our city's future without running for public office. Councilwoman Dorothy Dowe shares insights on the importance, process, and rewards of civic engagement, highlighting the various boards and commissions you can join. Whether you're a Greenville local or just passionate about community involvement, this episode highlight...
Jan 16, 2024•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we look at the world of recycling with Wendy McNatt, Greenville County's Recycling Coordinator, as we uncover the realities of landfill waste and explore effective recycling methods. Learn about local options, correct practices, and the impact of your choices. Join us in committing to reduce, reuse, and recycle in 2024, as we strive for a cleaner, greener community. Take a listen to find out how your everyday choices can make a significant difference! Learn more about Fluor's commitment to...
Jan 09, 2024•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast Happy 2024, Simple Civics listeners! We have a jam-packed election year ahead of us and wanted to give you a preview of things to come on the podcast. Expect in-depth discussions and interviews with key candidates, offering a closer look at the personalities shaping our political future. Tune in to learn about key voting dates, what we can anticipate in the 2024 elections, how to get involved, and more! Links: Check your voter registration status. _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Simple Civics: G...
Jan 02, 2024•11 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Liam McCormick discusses the importance of intergenerational conversations about family stories to build resilience in families and to prepare for the transfer of wealth. We look at the crucial, yet often overlooked, conversations about legacy within wealth transfer. McCormick offers unique strategies to bridge generational gaps, turning complex wealth planning into opportunities for meaningful family bonding. Links: Tales Life Story Interview Kit Story Worth 20 Questions articl...
Dec 19, 2023•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast Discover what sets Taylors apart with Alex Reynolds, president of Taylors TownSquare. We delve into the community's unique identity and the role of Taylors TownSquare in fostering a sense of belonging. Whether you're a long-time resident, a curious neighbor, or just passionate about community dynamics, this episode offers a glimpse into the heartbeat of a community that's more than just a place on the map. Links: Taylors TownSquare Alex Reynolds Bio Greenville County GIS Tool _ Produced by Podca...
Dec 12, 2023•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast Municipal elections just happened in the six cities in Greenville County! Join us as we explore the varied voter turnouts in each city, decode the reasons behind these patterns, discuss the pros and cons of off-year election timings, and more. _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville . Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution. Email us: contact@simplecivicsgreenvillecounty.org...
Dec 05, 2023•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast Get ready for year end with strategies for charitable giving, maximizing your IRA and flexible spending accounting, giving to family and friends, and donating to a young person's 529 plan. We're joined by Caroline Van Hook with Elliott Davis and Gina Blohm with the Community Foundation of Greenville to explore savvy giving tactics and the interplay between charitable contributions and tax planning. This episode is your guide to making informed and impactful decisions in your philanthropic and fi...
Nov 28, 2023•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast Greenville is a hub for both business and leisure tourists. How do we benefit from this, what challenges does the tourism and hospitality sector face, and what's next for our community? Tune into this episode with Heath Dillard, President and CEO of VisitGreenvilleSC to find out. Links: Heath Dillard Bio. VisitGreenvilleSC annual report, 10-year destination strategic plan, and brand evolution. _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenvill...
Nov 21, 2023•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we're joined by Lindsay Zika, Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year, who shares her journey in education – a story woven through different cultures and countries and now rooted in Greenville Senior High Academy. We explore the profound influence of family and passion for language that propelled her into a career with multilingual learners. Lindsay is interviewed by Catherine Schumacher with Public Education Partners. Lindsay and Catherine discuss the unique joys and chal...
Nov 14, 2023•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast It’s election day 2023 for the 6 cities in Greenville County ! Voters have the responsibility of getting to the polls if they haven’t already, but there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes for election officials, candidates, and campaign volunteers. This episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look from pre-dawn to finalizing election results. Election Resources: Check Your Voter Registration Status View Your Sample Ballot Look Up Who Represents You _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Simple C...
Nov 07, 2023•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast We've brought you candidate interviews for all Greenville County city elections. We hope you heard from candidates you'd like to support. Of course, your vote is the most important way to do that. But there are many more ways to get involved and multiply your impact. On today’s episode, we’ll talk about how to do that. Our producer, Nathaniel DeSantis, who is a newer voter, interviews Derek Lewis, who has run two successful races for Greenville County school board. They have great tips for how t...
Oct 31, 2023•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast Dive deep into the City of Mauldin's upcoming elections on November 7 as we sit down with the candidates vying for your vote. Today, you’ll hear from City Council Seat 6 candidate Mark Steenback. Discover why he is running for office, what he thinks are the biggest issues facing the City of Mauldin, his priorities if elected, and more. We’ve included a lot of helpful links below. Please take a listen and share with your neighbors. Candidate Links: Mark Steenback LinkedIn Election Resources: Chec...
Oct 24, 2023•11 min•Transcript available on Metacast Dive deep into the City of Travelers Rest's upcoming elections on November 7 as we sit down with the candidates vying for your vote. Today, you’ll hear from City Council special election candidates Jeffrey Hyten and Catherine Stanford James. Discover why they are running for office, what they think are the biggest issues facing the City of Travelers Rest, their priorities if elected, and more. We’ve included a lot of helpful links below. Please take a listen and share with your neighbors. Candid...
Oct 17, 2023•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast Dive deep into the City of Greer’s upcoming elections on November 7 as we sit down with the candidates vying for your vote. Today, you’ll hear from District 3 candidate Mark Hopper. Discover why he is running for office, what he thinks are the biggest issues facing the City of Greer, his priorities if elected, and more. We’ve included a lot of helpful links below. Please take a listen and share with your neighbors. Candidate Links: Mark Hopper Election Resources: Check Your Voter Registration St...
Oct 10, 2023•13 min•Transcript available on Metacast Dive deep into the City of Fountain Inn's upcoming elections on November 7 as we sit down with the candidates vying for your vote. Today, you’ll hear Ward 6 candidates Mack Blackstone and Bill Smith. Discover why they are running for office, what they think are the biggest issues facing the City of Fountain Inn, their priorities if elected, and more. We’ve included a lot of helpful links below. Please take a listen and share with your neighbors. Candidate Links: Mack Blackstone Bill Smith Electi...
Oct 03, 2023•13 min•Transcript available on Metacast Dive deep into the City of Simpsonville's upcoming elections on November 7 as we sit down with the candidates vying for your vote. Today, you’ll hear from Janice Curtis and Paul Shewmaker, who are running for Simpsonville City Mayor. You’ll also hear from Ward 1 candidates Erin Medlin, Chad O'Rear, and Skip Strong. Lastly, you'll hear from Ward 5 candidates Tim Pinkerton and Jermaine Smith. Discover why they are running for office, what they think are the biggest issues facing the City of Simpso...
Sep 26, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Transcript available on Metacast Dive deep into the City of Greenville's upcoming elections on November 7 as we sit down with the candidates vying for your vote. Today, you'll hear from Michelle Shain and Mayor Knox White, who are running for Greenville City Mayor. You'll also hear from Dorothy Dowe, who is running for the Greenville City Council At-Large seat. Discover why they are running for office, what they think are the biggest issues facing the City of Greenville, their priorities if elected, and more. We've included a l...
Sep 19, 2023•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast Ready to cast your vote but feeling lost in the maze of local government? We've got you covered. In this episode, we break down the essentials of Greenville County's upcoming municipal elections. From the unique forms of city government to the candidates vying for your vote, we're here to make sure you're not just a voter, but an informed one. We also dive into the nitty-gritty of voting logistics. Whether you're a seasoned voter or a first-timer, we'll guide you through registration deadlines, ...
Sep 12, 2023•14 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we explore the rich tapestry of Greenville's textile history with Don Koonce, a leading expert on the subject and a seasoned filmmaker. From the rise of 18 mills in a mere three-square-mile radius to the indelible impact on local communities, we unravel how textiles have shaped Greenville's economy, governance, and even its neighborhoods. Don shares captivating stories of entrepreneurial brilliance, community spirit, and the transformation of empty mills into bustling hubs of modern activi...
Sep 05, 2023•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we're joined by Shealy Reibold, Senior Resource Attorney to South Carolina's Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children (JCLCC). Learn how this powerful group of policymakers, agency heads, and community leaders tackle crucial issues, from healthcare to education, affecting children and families in the state. Want to influence policy yourself? The conversation zeroes in on the annual public hearings, where your voice can make a difference. Whether you're a parent, a healthcare pr...
Sep 01, 2023•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we welcome Liz Seman, Vice Chair of Greenville County Council, to explore the many ways residents can engage with local government. Learn how to identify your local representatives, use technology to stay informed, and effectively voice your concerns. From updates on council policies to insights on applying for boards and commissions, this episode demystifies local government and motivates you to participate. Councilwoman Seman is interviewed by Derek Lewis, Executive Director of Greenvill...
Aug 22, 2023•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we explore a sobering and important topic in Greenville County: the tragic deaths of 38 people who were walking or bike riding in our community in 2021 and 2022. Joined by Frank Mansbach and Dr. John McBurney from Bike Walk Greenville, we explore a project that maps the lives lost on our roads and sidewalks. But more than a somber tribute, the conversation leads us into an in-depth examination of road design, engineering, lighting, and the pressing need for change. Together, we ...
Aug 15, 2023•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we hear from Dr. Burke Royster, the Superintendent of Greenville County Schools, who discusses the district's milestones and what’s ahead. The numbers speak volumes: 25,000 hours of college credit and $183 million in scholarship offers to the most recent graduating class for which data is available. Dr. Royster gives us a sneak peek into the new CTE Innovation Center, designed to prime students for cutting-edge sectors like aerospace and engineering, and he discusses challenges ...
Aug 08, 2023•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we sit down with Dr. Keith Miller, the President of Greenville Technical College, a pioneering institution in South Carolina for higher education and economic development. Dr. Miller covers the college's journey since its inception in 1962, the strengths and challenges of its student population, and its steadfast commitment to community engagement through strategic partnerships. Tune in to learn how Greenville Technical College continues to play a pivotal role in South Carolina's economic ...
Aug 01, 2023•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we engage in a crucial discussion on neighborhood safety and auto break-ins with Chief Howie Thompson of the Greenville Police Department. Tune in to learn valuable tips to keep your possessions safe, understand how community cooperation can make a huge difference in crime prevention, and find out what proactive measures the police department is taking. This episode is packed with actionable insights, real-life examples, and resources you can tap into for a safer Greenville. Don’t forget t...
Jul 25, 2023•14 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we speak with Andrew Gleason, Chairman of the Foothills Trail Conservancy, in this comprehensive exploration of South Carolina's Foothills Trail. Andrew discusses the trail's highlights, including striking views from Bald Knob, Drawbar Cliffs, and King Creek Falls, and assures prospective hikers of accessible sections for beginners. We'll also discuss the importance of public-private partnerships and the critical roles that Duke Energy and devoted volunteers play in maintaining this natura...
Jul 18, 2023•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast On this episode, we sit down with Erin Rigot, instructional coach and co-founder of Exposed Resilience, and Catherine Schumacher, CEO of Public Education Partners. These two played instrumental roles in the historic push to establish paid parental leave for teachers in South Carolina - a first in the South. Listen in as Erin narrates her personal journey, igniting the spark for this change during her own pregnancy. Catherine amplifies the conversation, outlining the crucial partnership, research...
Jul 11, 2023•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this Independence Day special, we hear from Diana Hoyos Lopez and Magda DeSantis, two immigrants whose personal stories embody the hope, struggle, and triumph of the American Dream. Diana's journey from an undocumented Mexican immigrant to a healthcare professional highlights the formidable barriers faced by students in similar circumstances. Her success, made possible by her drive and determination along with community support, DACA, and scholarship programs, is an inspiring testament to per...
Jul 04, 2023•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today we sit down with Dianne Chipps Bailey, a seasoned philanthropy strategist from Bank of America, who's dedicated over two decades empowering donors and nonprofit leaders to enact enduring change. Dianne offers insights on philanthropy, from the impact of giving on life satisfaction to how philanthropy complements government policy in community improvement. In addition to discussing the importance of holistic philanthropy beyond monetary donations, she also shares personal stories that shed ...
Jun 27, 2023•14 min•Transcript available on Metacast June is LGBT Pride Month, and many communities, organizations, and businesses hold festivals, parades, concerts, lectures, and other promotions to recognize the impact that queer individuals have had on history and their role in community today. While the atmosphere of pride events is often celebratory and joyful, Pride Month is rooted in resistance and the launch of the Fight for civil rights for the LGBTQ community. In this episode we talk with Tyler Prescott, CEO of the Upstate LGBT+ Chamber ...
Jun 20, 2023•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
