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. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review! 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 Venue 52:19 - What Can We Do For Mariah 53:17- Wrap Up 54:34 - Mariah Sings 55:52 - EP 24 Preview 56:10- Closing Credits Important Links: Real Estate Website: http://www.bytheseashorerealty.com/ TaylorMade Home Loans: https://alcova.com/group/tmhl/ City of Halloween SC: https://www.conwaysc.gov/news_detail_T6_R678.php Coastal Power Washing: https://www.coastalpowerwashingllc.com Myrtle Beach Art Museum: http://www.myrtlebeachartmuseum.org/ The Fudgery: https://www.fudgeryfudge.com Stella’s Ice Cream: https://www.fudgeryfudge.com The Mariah Faith: https://www.youtube.com/@Themariahfaith Podcast Website : http://www.coastingpodcast.com