As Told By You

Bill Grant

As Told By You is a podcast based in Columbia, SC where we interview interesting local folks about their journey. We’ve talked to rappers, politicians, therapists, reality show stars, and Ghostbuster! Always an interesting conversation, so come along with us.

  1. Jan 27

    As Told By You Podcast | John Loveday

    Welcome back to As Told By You. Today’s guest is John Loveday, a passionate leader in alternative education who is helping reshape the way students learn in South Carolina. John’s story starts in rural Aiken County and moves through immense personal loss, first-generation college success, and the difficult early years of teaching in a traditional classroom. That journey led him to virtual and charter schools, where he discovered a mission that aligned with his purpose: giving students options. We talk about: • What led John into the virtual school movement • How SC Whitmore School became a lifeline for students from all 46 SC counties • Real-life stories of teen parents, student-athletes, and young entrepreneurs who needed a different path • Mastery-based, self-paced education and how it prevents dropouts • His leap into charter school leadership and joining Tutelage School Solutions • Why rural communities deserve high-quality education options • The role storytelling and video play in building trust with families John shares powerful examples, such as a valedictorian who received a full ride to USC and a 20-year-old mother who refused to give up, both of whom graduated on their own timeline and found success in their own way. This is what equitable education can look like. ✨ If you believe every student deserves the chance to write their own story, this episode is for you. 👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🛎 Subscribe Share this episode with someone who cares about the future of education.

  2. Jan 27

    As Told By You Podcast | William Starrett

    On this episode of As Told By You, Bill and Brian sit down with one of South Carolina’s most iconic creative leaders, William Starrett, Director and CEO of the South Carolina Ballet. William shares how fashion, choreography, education, and business strategy all shape the identity and future of the ballet. He talks about his bold personal brand, why he treats dance like a serious business, and how the ballet reaches more than 18,000 students a year across the state. William explains why accessibility matters, how the nonprofit stays financially healthy, and why keeping ticket prices affordable is part of their mission. We also cover the scale of the touring season, including: • 65th anniversary season • 56 performances in 14 cities • Touring productions of Dracula, Nutcracker, Motown Ballet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and the Sapphire Anniversary Gala William explains how dancers audition from across the country, how he shapes the company with performers from diverse backgrounds, and why he believes dance should reflect the community it serves. He also shares a personal story of how he fell in love with ballet at age 13, moved to San Francisco to train, and decided to pursue dance professionally, leading him to live and work in NYC, his exploits at Studio 54, and what eventually brought him to Columbia. If you want an inside look at the world of professional ballet, leadership in the arts, and what it takes to build a creative legacy, you will enjoy this episode of As Told By You. Like and subscribe for more conversations with creative leaders, entrepreneurs and artists shaping our community.

About

As Told By You is a podcast based in Columbia, SC where we interview interesting local folks about their journey. We’ve talked to rappers, politicians, therapists, reality show stars, and Ghostbuster! Always an interesting conversation, so come along with us.