ASK (Always Stay Knowledgeable) is a BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina podcast that brings together trusted experts to explore health, wellness, careers, community and everyday life—delivering clear, practical insights that help you stay informed and empowered.
How South Carolina State Parks Can Help Improve Your Health | ASK Podcast - S2 E2
Spending time outdoors can support your physical and mental health, and you don't have to travel far to find a place to start.
In this episode of Ask: Always Stay Knowledgeable, we're joined by Gwen Davenport, John Alexander and Kirby Brady from South Carolina State Parks to talk about the connection between nature and wellness.
Learn how getting outside can help reduce stress, encourage physical activity and give you a break from the constant pace of daily life. Our guests share practical ideas for visitors of all ages and ability levels, from easy walking trails and picnic shelters to birding, kayaking, golf, historic sites and cabin stays.
They also discuss common reasons people avoid state parks, advice for anyone who doesn't consider themselves outdoorsy, favorite parks across the state and a few hidden gems you may not know about.
__________
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:24 Meet Gwen, John and Kirby
1:21 How State Parks Support Your Health
1:44 Why Nature Is Good for Your Mind and Body
2:24 Exercise Without the Treadmill
2:44 How Time Outdoors Reduces Stress
3:04 Breaking the Loop of Busyness
3:48 Mountains, Midlands and Coast in One State
4:09 How Different Environments Help You Relax
5:09 Beach in the Morning, Mountains by Afternoon
5:28 Making Physical Activity More Accessible
6:14 Activities for Every Age and Ability
6:33 Getting Exercise Without Realizing It
6:54 Why People Don't Get Outside
7:49 Advice for Wildlife Worries
8:13 Cabins, Villas and Family-Friendly Options
8:54 Picnic Shelters and Low-Impact Activities
9:31 Trails for Every Fitness Level
10:04 Advice for People Who Aren't Outdoorsy
11:02 Low-Barrier Ways to Spend Time Outside
11:24 Ranger Programs and Guided Hikes
11:42 Historic Sites in South Carolina State Parks
12:22 Where to Start Your Fitness Journey
12:44 Golf, Kayaking and Paddleboarding
13:04 Park Recommendations From the Experts
14:08 Favorite Parks Across the State
15:31 Favorite Things to Do in the Parks
16:41 Hidden Gems in South Carolina State Parks
18:26 One Thing to Remember About Getting Outside
19:39 Where to Find More Information
20:15 Memorable Moments in the Parks
21:04 The Ultimate Outsider Program
22:44 Lightning Round
24:27 Closing
__________
Check out our blog to learn more about all things BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina:
https://www.southcarolinablues.com/web/public/brands/sc/blog/
Learn more and download the My Health Toolkit® app here:
https://www.southcarolinablues.com/web/public/brands/sc/members/manage-your-plan/my-health-toolkit/
Connect with us:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bcbssc
X: https://x.com/bcbssc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluecross-blueshield-of-sc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scbluecross/
13 Oct 2026
Open Enrollment Explained: How to Choose the Right Health Plan | ASK Podcast - S2 E1
Open enrollment is your opportunity to review your health insurance options and make sure your coverage still meets your needs for the year ahead.__________ In this episode of Ask: Always Stay Knowledgeable, health insurance advisor Davion explains what open enrollment is, who it applies to and how to evaluate your health insurance options with confidence.Learn how to compare plans, understand the role of premiums, provider networks and prescription coverage, and avoid common mistakes that can create challenges later in the year. Davion also shares why it's important to review your coverage annually, even if you're happy with your current plan.Whether you're enrolling for the first time, reviewing your current coverage or preparing to transition off a parent's plan, this episode offers practical guidance to help you make informed decisions during open enrollment. __________Chapters:0:00 Introduction0:19 Meet Davion and the SC BLUE Center0:54 What Is Open Enrollment?1:18 What Does ACA Mean?1:41 Who Open Enrollment Applies To2:04 Who Can Buy Marketplace Health Insurance?2:41 What to Bring to an Appointment3:11 Why Health Insurance Matters3:46 Why Your Health Needs Matter4:10 When You Can Change Your Coverage4:50 Is Health Insurance Really Affordable?5:30 Looking Beyond the Monthly Premium6:15 Common Questions About Health Plans7:21 The Biggest Open Enrollment Mistakes8:04 Why You Should Review Your Plan Every Year8:24 Benefits of Choosing BlueCross8:56 Finding the Right Plan for Your Needs9:27 What to Expect at an SC BLUE Center10:22 Why Work With a Health Insurance Advisor?10:55 Do You Have to Be a BlueCross Member?11:34 Appointment Options and Enrollment Support12:08 Davion's Biggest Open Enrollment Advice13:03 Why You Should Start Early13:23 Choosing Coverage That's Right for You13:50 Services Available at SC BLUE Centers14:07 Turning 26 and Health Insurance15:04 How BlueCross Advisors Are Trained15:56 Lightning Round17:02 Closing __________Check out our blog to learn more about all things BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina:https://www.southcarolinablues.com/web/public/brands/sc/blog/ Learn more and download the My Health Toolkit® app here:https://www.southcarolinablues.com/web/public/brands/sc/members/manage-your-plan/my-health-toolkit/ Connect with us:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bcbsscX: https://x.com/bcbsscLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluecross-blueshield-of-sc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scbluecross/
8 Sept 2026
How to Build a Fitness Routine That Works for You | ASK Podcast - S1 E5
In this episode of Ask: Always Stay Knowledgeable, fitness coordinator Octavia shares practical advice for getting started with fitness and staying motivated.
Learn how to set realistic goals, add movement to a busy schedule and recognize progress beyond the number on the scale. Octavia also discusses overcoming gym intimidation, adapting activities for different physical abilities and balancing cardio, strength training, rest and recovery.
Whether you are beginning your fitness journey, returning after time away or looking for ways to maintain your progress, this episode offers approachable tips to help you find activities you enjoy and build a routine that works for you.
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:20 Getting Started With Fitness
0:37 Start Slowly and Find Activities You Enjoy
1:29 How Much Exercise Do You Need?
2:48 Short Workouts Can Make a Difference
3:02 How to Set SMART Fitness Goals
4:49 Staying Motivated When Results Take Time
6:09 Why Consistency Matters
7:07 Overcoming Gym Intimidation
7:45 Accessible Ways to Get Moving
8:28 Finding Time for Fitness
9:25 Adding Movement to Your Workday
10:20 Fitness With a Busy Family Schedule
10:44 Exercise Options for Physical Limitations
11:22 Thinking Beyond Traditional Exercise
11:59 Cardio and Strength Training
13:19 Why Strength Training Matters
14:49 The Importance of Rest and Recovery
15:53 Movement Tips for Sedentary Workdays
17:30 Finding an Accountability Partner
18:18 How to Maintain Your Fitness Progress
19:12 Reassessing and Advancing Your Goals
20:39 Octavia’s Top Fitness Advice
21:40 Give Yourself Grace
22:12 Fitness Lightning Round
22:29 Morning or Evening Workouts?
22:48 Octavia’s Favorite Outdoor Activity
23:08 One Exercise That Works Multiple Muscle Groups
23:25 A Quick Reset for a Busy Workday
23:50 One Simple Habit for Your Health
24:10 Closing
Check out our blog to learn more about all things BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina:
https://www.southcarolinablues.com/web/public/brands/sc/blog/
Learn more and download the My Health Toolkit® app here:
https://www.southcarolinablues.com/web/public/brands/sc/members/manage-your-plan/my-health-toolkit/
Connect with us:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bcbssc
X: https://x.com/bcbssc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluecross-blueshield-of-sc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scbluecross/
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