20 Oct 2026
American Idol's Mariah Faith & Coastal Carolina Stars | Conway, SC
American Idol's Mariah Faith, Coastal Carolina football player Shane Johnson, and 2016 College World Series champion G.K. Young share their personal stories and what makes Conway, South Carolina, such a special place to call home.
In this episode of the Coasting Podcast, Celia sits down with these three guests in downtown Conway, SC, to explore hometown pride, Coastal Carolina University, music, sports, and the community connections that bring people together.
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Under Conway's Spell: The Home Field Advantage | Episode 23
What is it about Conway?
Some people are born here. Some people come here for school. Some people move here with no idea how much the place will become part of their story.
In this episode of Coasting, recorded outside in downtown Conway during the month the city officially becomes Halloween, South Carolina, Celia sits down with three guests whose lives and careers all connect back to Conway in meaningful ways.
First, Celia talks with former Coastal Carolina football player Shane Johnson and former Coastal Carolina baseball player G.K. Young.
Shane came to Coastal Carolina from Philadelphia, met his future wife here, built a family here, and continues to serve the community through business, coaching, and his work as a mortgage lender. His story is one of finding home in a place he did not grow up, but one that helped shape the life he is building now.
G.K.’s story starts in Conway. A Conway native, former Conway High standout, and member of Coastal Carolina’s 2016 College World Series championship team, he knew early that he wanted to play baseball at Coastal. After playing professionally, he returned home, started a business, and continues to speak with deep pride about the town he loves and what Conway has become.
Then, in the second segment, Celia talks with Mariah Faith, American Idol finalist and singer-songwriter, about growing up in Conway, being encouraged by a teacher who saw something special in her, feeling embraced by the community during and after American Idol, and continuing to call Conway home even while creating and collaborating in Nashville.
Together, these conversations are about talent, home, encouragement, hometown pride, second chapters, and the kind of community connection that stays with you long after the spotlight, the season, or the stage.
They also remind us that Conway is more than a backdrop. For Shane, G.K., Mariah — and lately, for Coasting, too — it has become part of the story.
Because there really is something about this place.
Together, these conversations explore how a town can encourage you, define you, love you, and keep you under its spell.
👉 Recorded live in downtown Conway at The Terrace
Chapters:
00:00 - Episode Preview
00:24 - Intro
00:34 - On This Episode
01:31 - Welcome to Coasting
01:50 - Get a Snickers
02:23 - The Season of Scary
03:22 - Haunted Houses
04:53 - Conway’s Spell
05:57 - Coming Up
06:57 - TaylorMade Home Loans
07:37 - Welcome Shane and G.K.
09:03 - Learn About Shane Johnson
10:55 - Get to Know G.K. Young
11:38 - Coach Joe Moglia
15:31 - Committing to Coastal as a Sophomore
17:10 - Parents Weekend at CCU
17:53 - Shane on Coaching Kids
19:51 - College World Series Championship
22:08 - Halloween Dad Joke Riddle
23:12 - Coastal Energy & Spirit
24:14 - Game Predictions
24:45 - Dad Joke Round Two
25:21 - How Does it Feel to See Conway Grow
27:07 - Where Do the College Kids Hang Out
28:49 - Philly Cheesesteak
29:38 - The Boathouse
39:39 - Tradition vs. Change
31:43 - What is it About Conway
33:09 - What Scares You
35:38 - Coming Up
35:46 - Holiday Pottery Bazaar
36:27 - Welcome Mariah Faith
38:05 - Mariah’s Conway Story
39:36 - Getting to American Idol
40:26 - Singer/Songwriter
42:27 - Favorite Songs
44:38 - Conway Support for American Idol
46:41 - Conway Music Video
47:05 - Conway Hallmark Movie
48:03 - Conway’s Hold
49:59 - New Duet
51:10 - Conway Needs. Music
