Just Bee & Arabian Nights: Layla Luna on Building an Autism-Friendly World
What happens when a mother turns personal heartbreak into a nationwide movement for change?
On October 30, 2026, Boone Hall Plantation's Cotton Dock will host Arabian Nights, a magical fundraiser presented by Starling Chevrolet to benefit Just Bee and build a more autism-friendly world. In this episode of the Mount Pleasant Podcast, host Brian Cleary sits down with Layla Luna, Founder and CEO of Just Bee, to give a special preview of this extraordinary event.
Together, they explore the deeply personal journey behind Just Bee—sparked by her autistic and nonverbal son, Rio—and how it has evolved into a vital support system for neurodivergent individuals and their families. Layla shares how events like Arabian Nights fund their crucial community outreach, including sensory-friendly spaces like the Beehive and the nationwide expansion of "Rio's Law," which establishes autism-aware identifier licenses to protect individuals and first responders.
To reserve your tickets for the Arabian Nights gala at The Cotton Dock or to support their mission, visit JustBeeTheChange.org (https://www.justbeethechange.org/).
2 Oct 2026
Community Storytelling & Local Trends with Managing Editor Mary Bell
Meet Mary Bell, the new Managing Editor overseeing Mount Pleasant Magazine, Charleston Women Magazine, and Island Vibes. An Elizabethtown, Kentucky native and Ole Miss journalism graduate, Mary brings fresh energy and a strong passion for community storytelling to the Lowcountry. From coordinating article concepts and working closely with local writers to managing production workflows, she acts as the air traffic controller for three distinct publications.
When she's not shaping upcoming features on local hot spots like Second Sundays on King Street or diving into contemporary social trends, you might catch her enjoying the coastal lifestyle or reflecting on her unique high school stint as a varsity football kicker. Mary is eager to connect with readers and highlight the vibrant people, places, and businesses that make our community unique.
Have a story idea or local suggestion for Mary? Reach out directly via email at mary@mountpleasantmagazine.com or visit MountPleasantMagazine.com (https://mountpleasantmagazine.com/) to read the latest issues.
21 Sept 2026
38th Annual Mount Pleasant Children's Day Festival Preview
Get ready for one of Mount Pleasant's most cherished fall traditions! The 38th Annual Children's Day Festival returns to the Park West Recreation Complex on Sunday, October 18. Host Brian Cleary catches up with Town of Mount Pleasant team members Nicole Harvey and Tracy Richter to reveal what families can expect at this action-packed, community-wide celebration.
From carnival rides, games, and bubble therapy to live stage performances and the hilarious Johnny Peers & Muttville Comix dog show, there is something for every kid (and kid at heart)! Admission, parking, shuttles, and activities are 100% free—just bring your appetite for the region's best local food trucks. Plus, get a sneak peek at Mount Pleasant's full lineup of upcoming holiday markets, parades, and 2027 community milestones. Learn more and plan your family outing at ExperienceMountPleasant.com/event/childrens-day-festival!
Who has been a guest on Mount Pleasant Podcast
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Neves Richards
Emily Faile
Evan Murray
Rev. Dr. Nicole Abdnour
Father Gregory West
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
487,874
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 67 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
73
Social presence
0
YouTube
93
Engagement
60
Contact Mount Pleasant Podcast
Guest appearances
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Brian Cleary host the show. Published by Mount Pleasant Magazine.
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