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Charleston Women Podcast

Charleston Women Podcast

Hosted by Mount Pleasant Magazine

BusinessSocietyCultureInterviews guests
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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN

About the show

Connect. Learn. Grow. This is the Charleston Women Podcast where you can meet like-minded, strong, independent, professional and inspiring local women.

Listen to episodes

60 recent
August 13, 202622 min

Zero Pressure, No Hidden Fees: How SC's #1 Jeep Dealer Won Over Buyers

In this episode of the Charleston Women Podcast, host Kim Russo sits down with Michele Letson, Co-Owner of Mount Pleasant Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Michele shares how her family-owned dealership set out to completely redefine the car-buying experience by doing away with high-pressure sales tactics and eliminating mandatory, hidden dealer add-ons. By prioritizing a comfortable, honest environment for families and female buyers, their transparent approach paid off in a big way—earning them the spot as the #1 Jeep dealership in South Carolina in their very first year of ownership. Tune in to hear how putting customers first drove rapid success! Ready for a zero-pressure car buying experience? Visit them online today at MPJeep.com or stop by the dealership next to Costco at 3545 Park Ave Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29466.

June 24, 202619 min

From "What-If" to Homeowner: Financial Clarity with Jen Gibson

In this episode of the Charleston Women Podcast, host Kim Russo sits down with Jen Gibson, an award-winning Mortgage Loan Officer with Atlantic Coast Mortgage and the 2026 Charleston Women Magazine She Shines Award Winner for Mortgage Professional. Gibson shares her heart-centered approach to ​, focusing heavily on dismantling the major financial misconceptions that keep single women—who made up 20% of all homebuyers in 2025—from pursuing homeownership. She breaks down key barriers, noting that buyers often don't need a 20% down payment, as first-time homebuyer programs can require as little as 3% down. She also explains the nuances of credit scoring for mortgages and provides strategic advice for entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals navigating the qualification process. Highlighting homeownership as one of the most powerful wealth-building tools available, Gibson emphasizes how monthly mortgage payments serve as a long-term investment in one's personal financial future. Gibson also demystifies the path to a "dream home," advising listeners to look at homeownership as a multi-step ladder where buying a first home acts as the essential foundation for building equity. She shares concrete strategies for improving loan applications, highlighting creative ways to manage credit utilization—such as asking banks to increase credit limits rather than just paying down balances—and details a practical "budget-testing" savings strategy for current renters. Turning to a topic close to her heart, Gibson discusses her passion for empowering women going through a divorce, noting how she uses equity restructuring to create vital financial breathing room. Ultimately, her core message is a liberating one: purchasing a home should start with an open, zero-commitment conversation to gain clarity and eliminate the paralyzing cycle of "what-ifs." To learn more or to start your own zero-commitment conversation, visit JenYourLender.com.

June 10, 202620 min

Grounded Spirituality: Human Design & Soul Clarity with Katie Smith

What happens when traditional mediumship is stripped of its spooky, crystal-ball stereotypes and grounded into a practical tool for daily life? In this episode of the Charleston Women podcast, host Kim Russo sits down with Katie Smith, the insightful owner of Soul Readings with Katie o Soul. Katie shares her unique journey of growing up with a natural intuitive gift in a traditional background and how becoming a mother ultimately reignited her passion to help others. Describing her practice as a modern, grounded take on psychic mediumship, Katie explains how she uses intuition, human design, and spiritual connection not to predict the future, but to help clients navigate the present. Whether you are looking for structural clarity during times of uncertainty, seeking validation and healing through connections with past loved ones, or wanting to better understand your soul purpose, this conversation offers a refreshing, therapeutic perspective on spirituality. Tune in to discover how blending the mystical with the practical can support your everyday life, and for more information or to book a reading visit www.KatieoSoul.com.

May 27, 202620 min

Smart Marketing with Tonya Childs: What to Fix Before Advertising Kicks Off

What does it take to grow a business from a single dining room table into a thriving, multi-city advertising agency? In this episode, host Kim Russo sits down with Tonya Childs, the visionary Founder and CEO of Smart Marketing Advertising Agency. Tonya shares her inspiring journey of launching the agency and growing it from Anderson and Charleston, South Carolina, into a full-service powerhouse that serves everything from small local shops to billion dollar brands both nationwide and internationally. Crucially, Tonya reveals why you shouldn't launch an ad campaign until your business is truly prepared. She breaks down the essential checklist every business owner needs before spending a dime on advertising: identifying the true face of your company, ensuring your staff is equipped to handle an influx of new leads, and verifying that your website and SEO are locked down so customers can actually find and trust you online. When asked how a regional agency attracts international clientele, Tonya credits God, word-of-mouth, a foundation of Google reviews and reputation. Packed with real-world wisdom from an agency that produces results, this conversation is a must-watch for any entrepreneur looking to scale smart. To discover Smart Marketing Advertising Agency's full suite of services and connect with the team, visit ThinkSmartMarketing.net.

May 14, 202623 min

Transforming Lives: The Impact of Make-A-Wish in the Coastal Region with Shannon Rice and Kat Wawner

Host Kim Russo explores the extraordinary power of a wish in an inspiring conversation with Kat Wawner, CEO of Wawner Strategies, and Shannon Rice, Coastal Region Development Manager at Make-A-Wish® South Carolina. This episode highlights the incredible success of Wish Night 2026, an event that brought together over 300 guests to raise a record-breaking $1.2 million. Kat and Shannon share their personal journeys of getting involved with the foundation and discuss why the mission of granting life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses is so close to their hearts. The discussion provides a behind-the-scenes look at the logistics of Wish Night and its massive impact on the foundation's annual fundraising goals. Beyond the celebration, the conversation dives into a sobering reality: the gap between the number of children eligible for a wish and the foundation's current capacity to serve them. Listen in to learn how the South Carolina community is coming together to bridge that gap and ensure that every eligible child gets to experience the hope and joy of a granted wish. You can help close the gap and ensure every child receives their wish. To donate your time or resources please visit the official chapter website: Wish.org/sc

April 28, 202625 min

Leading with Impact: Roberta Moore on the Power of Emotional Intelligence

Host Kim Russo sits down for an intriguing conversation with Roberta Moore, the Founder and CEO of EQ-i Coach. Roberta shares her fascinating career evolution—transitioning from the highly analytical world of accounting to founding a premier coaching firm dedicated to strengthening emotional intelligence for high-performance leaders. EQ-i Coach focuses on leaders who are technically brilliant and highly analytical but seek to lead with greater clarity, connection, and impact. Roberta discusses the vital importance of establishing boundaries and balancing the core pillars of Assertiveness, Confidence, and Empathy (ACE). Using the EQ-i 2.0 assessment—a science-based, 133-question diagnostic—Roberta helps leaders identify specific blind spots to transform their leadership style, their relationships, and their overall quality of life. Whether you are an executive referred by Human Resources to polish your interpersonal skills or a high performer who has self-identified a need for growth, this episode offers a roadmap for moving beyond technical proficiency into true leadership excellence. Ready to identify your blind spots and strengthen your leadership impact? Connect with Roberta and explore the assessment tools mentioned in this episode by visiting her website: Official Website: EQiCoach.com

April 8, 202619 min

Navigating Life's Transitions through Real Estate with Wendy Gant

Host Kim Russo sits down for an insightful conversation with Wendy Gant, Owner and Broker-in-Charge of A New Beginning Realty Group. Wendy shares her professional evolution, from her entry into the real estate industry in 2005 to the pivotal moment she founded A New Beginning Realty Group and her journey through today. This transition marked a definitive new chapter, allowing her to implement a unique, heart-led approach to the business. Wendy's mission is to help clients navigate the many "new beginnings" that life brings. From first-time homebuyers and growing families to investors and those looking to downsize, she thrives on the fact that no two clients are the same. She also shares the story behind her firm's meaningful branding and how her faith played a pivotal role in shaping her business philosophy. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Wendy's specialized designation as a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert® (CDRE). She explains the unique complexities involved when a property must be sold during a divorce, emphasizing her role as a neutral third party dedicated to minimizing costs and conflict. Interestingly, Wendy also shares how the high-level negotiation and communication skills required for her CDRE certification have enhanced her service for all real estate clients, regardless of their situation. Tune in to discover Wendy's compassionate, expert approach to real estate and how she guides her clients through life's biggest transitions with professionalism and care. Connect with A New Beginning Realty Group: https://anbrealty.net/ https://www.instagram.com/soldbywendy7/ https://www.facebook.com/p/A-New-Beginning-Realty-Group-LLC-61557654158516/

March 24, 202621 min

More Than a Team: The Pack Athletics Journey with Jenna Hodsdon

Join host Kim Russo for an inspiring conversation with Jenna Hodsdon, the visionary owner of Pack Athletics. Discover how Jenna transformed her passion for gymnastics into a premier All-Star competitive cheer powerhouse with locations in West Ashley (Charleston), SC. Pack Athletics is about more than just sports; it's a community dedicated to building strong, confident individuals. Jenna shares her journey from self-taught cheerleader to managing a team of over 40 staff members across two thriving locations—with even more expansion on the horizon. Whether you are looking for recreational classes, summer camps, or elite regional and international competitive teams, this episode covers the diverse opportunities available for athletes from age six months through young adulthood. Tune in to learn how you can become part of the "Pack" and why this business is a cornerstone of Lowcountry youth athletics. Learn more online:AllAboutThePack.com

March 10, 202617 min

Hormones, Health, and Harmony: Tidewater Pharmacy & Compounding with Erin Straughan

In this episode, host Kim Russo sits down with Erin Straughan, a pediatric nurse and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) who transitioned her extensive medical background into entrepreneurship as the owner of Tidewater Pharmacy & Compounding in Mount Pleasant. Erin's journey began by silencing her own doubts to create a collaborative, personalized healthcare environment rather than a "cookie-cutter" retail experience. Driven by conversations with friends and customers who felt their symptoms—like persistent fatigue despite active lifestyles—were being overlooked by traditional systems, Erin positioned Tidewater as a vital resource for women in mid-life and beyond. As an independent pharmacy, Tidewater offers the best of both worlds: traditional prescription fulfillment alongside specialized custom compounding. With four pharmacists on staff and private consultation rooms, the team works directly with doctors to create medications tailored to the individual. Beyond prescriptions, the pharmacy is a hub for women's health advocacy, focusing on hormonal balance, fertility, menopause, and mental health. From their curated Shopify store featuring integrative peptides and natural remedies to the launch of "Tidewater After Hours"—a quarterly community space for honest conversations about aging, metabolism, and wellness—Erin is redefining what it means to be a local pharmacy. Start online at www.TidewaterPharmacy.com or visit in person at 421 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 for questions or consultations.

February 24, 202624 min

Beyond the Mat: Yoga & Wellness at The Flow Co Yoga & Wellness

From the corporate world to a community sanctuary, Majesta Thorndike and Tonya Ellmers have built a destination for holistic health on James Island. In this episode, the co-founders of The Flow Co Yoga & Wellness join host Kim Russo to share how they've traded the boardroom for a business dedicated to movement and healing. At The Flow Co Yoga & Wellness, the experience is intentionally personal. Whether you are there for a yoga class or a wellness treatment, you'll always be greeted by a person—never a computerized menu. The studio's diverse team of instructors and practitioners offers a hands-on, personalized environment where several types of yoga are seamlessly integrated with optional specialized wellness services. The James Island Wellness Festival Majesta and Tonya also give us the inside scoop on the James Island Wellness Festival, returning March 21 at Cannon Distillery. This year's event has grown to include over 30 vendors, the majority of which are local, women-owned small businesses. Listen in to learn about the classes, unique vendors, and the freebies you can find at the festival. Tickets & Info: TheFlowCoWellness.com Studio Phone: (843) 225-4040

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