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The John Bonsignor Interview (Part 4 — Special Edition)

A Rebroadcast of Big Talk with Paul Gable and Guest: Randal Wallace (2018)

In Part 4 of our John Bonsignor series, we present a special edition — a rebroadcast of Big Talk from 2018, featuring Wallace Podcast Network host Randal Wallace in a pivotal moment of transition.

This appearance came shortly after Wallace’s 16-year tenure on the Myrtle Beach City Council came to an end following the 2017 election — a turning point that would ultimate...

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The John Bonsignor Interview (Part 3)

Broadcasting, Paris, the Philippines, and Betty Sue Bonsignor

In Part 3 of our ongoing series, we explore the most personal chapter yet in the life of John Bonsignor — the early experiences that shaped the broadcaster, public figure, and storyteller behind the microphone.

Before Big Talk and Talking Politics, Bonsignor’s journey began in New York City, where he worked in radio at WOR Radio. His path then took him far from home — serving in the Philippines during his mi...

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The John Bonsignor Interview (Part 2 — Special Edition)

A Rebroadcast of Big Talk with Paul Gable and Guest: Former Congressman John Jenrette

In Part 2 of our John Bonsignor interview series, we present a special edition — a rebroadcast of Big Talk, featuring a memorable conversation with former South Carolina Congressman John Jenrette.

This episode offers a rare window into the style and substance that made Big Talk a cornerstone of political dialogue along the Grand Strand. Hosted by John Bonsignor...

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The John Bonsignor Interview (Part 1)

Big Talk, Politics, and The Grand Strand Opera Workshop

In this first installment of our eight-part interview series, we sit down with a true pioneer of local media and civic life in the Grand Strand — John Bonsignor, longtime host of Big Talk and Talking Politics, and a voice that helped shape political conversation in Myrtle Beach for decades.

At 94 years old, Bonsignor reflects on a remarkable life spent at the intersection of broadcasting, public service, and co...

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In our final episode in this special series we will listen in as Mayor Hirsch talks about his wife of many years, Ethel Hirsch. Her many contributions to his successful life, and career, and the raising of 10 children.  The real keys to happy life are right here to be learned in this special story. 

We will also listen , in its entirety, to the speech that inspired this special series in the first place. When Mayor Bob Hirsch addressed the ceremony at the Grand opening of the Myrtle Beach World War 2 Memorial. It...

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In this episode, in our special series, looking at the career of former Mayor Robert Hirsch, we look back at his arrival in Myrtle Beach and his single term as Mayor. It was a term of extraordinary accomplishment, much of which may not be as well known by the public in general today.  Myrtle Beach today is the fastest growing region in America, a far cry from where it was in the early 1970s.

When Mayor Hirsch was elected in 1973 , the City of Myrtle Beach was operated under an entirely different f...

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In this special Edition within our special series I thought it was important to introduce you to three of the names you have heard or will hear in our series.  As a person in my 50s who has worked in or around politics my entire life these names are familiar to me.  That may not be the case for so many of our listeners who are either younger or not from South Carolina. 

Strom Thurmond, the former Senator from South Carolina, was as dominate a political figure in my home state for...

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As the War came to its end it brought about the confirmation that up to that point had been known but not confirmed. That the horrific genocide of a people had gone on throughout Europe. The Deathcamps that were discovered , one by one , by the Allied troops as they moved closer to Germany, from all directions, had practiced such organized, horrific, cruelty, that even these most hardened of war veterans could barely talk about it over 80 years later. Which we will hear when we ask about it. The short answer given by Mr...

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Operation Market Garden was an enormous effort led by General Montgomery that included 41,268 troops from Allied countries. It was designed to capture several bridges so that the Army could cross over into Germany and , with any luck, end the war by Christmas of 1944.  The overall effort failed because the German forces fought hard to defend the bridges and they had help from the weather. 

This operation  was where Bob Hirsch was extremely active throughout and his stories will hold you spellbound as you hear about his return with a plane with 85 bul...

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Operation Overlord, known to the world as D-Day, was the beginning of the end for the Nazi Regime of Adolf Hitler.  It was the start of the Allied march across the European Continent.  Bob Hirsch had not yet arrived in England in time to take part in the invasion.  However, a decade ago he sat down with Rod Gragg of Coastal Carolina University and participated in several interviews about his experiences as a pilot that carried paratroopers over enemy lines.  Those interviews were a part of two videos we are using in this seri...

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This is a quick announcement about the recent book release titled "The Blonde Bombshell: The Life of Robert J. Hirsch" available now on Amazon. We can highly recommend this book and we hope you will join us over the next few episodes as we look back at our documentary on the former Mayor of Myrtle Beach. 

Robert Hirsch is an amazing man, still going strong at 102 years of age. 

Here is the link to the book on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Blonde-Bombshell-greatest-Greatest-Generation/dp/B0...

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February 2026 on the Wallace Podcast Network — One Month. Three Podcasts. A Shared Journey Through History.

This February, all three shows across the Wallace Podcast Network come together for a powerful month of storytelling that connects world history with hometown legacy.

On Grand Strand Politics, we revisit our acclaimed January 2024 special series, “Robert Hirsch: Our Mayor.” This special rebroadcast honors Mayor Robert Hirsch — a World War II pilot who flew soldiers over enemy lines before returning home to help guide Myrtle Beach through a defining era of growt...

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Welcome to this rebroadcast of our documentary series on the life and legacy of former Myrtle Beach Mayor Robert J. “Bob” Hirsch.

This series originally explored the remarkable journey of a man whose life mirrored the story of the World War II generation — Americans who came of age during the Great Depression, answered the call to war, and returned home to help build the modern nation we now inherit.

Bob Hirsch was one of those men.

Before he ever led a city, he was a young...

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Welcome to Grand Strand Politics  — the show where we explore the stories that shape our community, our history, and the people who make a difference. I’m your host, Randal Wallace.

Today we honor a man whose service to the City of Myrtle Beach and Horry County runs deep — both historically and personally. Former Myrtle Beach City Councilman Wayne Gray has spent a lifetime in public service, driven by a commitment to community that spans generations of his family.

In this episode, we’ll take you back to a reve...

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Grand Strand Politics – Season Two, Episode 15
“Looking Back at North Myrtle Beach’s Mayor Marilyn Hatley”

In this episode, we look back on the extraordinary 24-year mayoral career of Marilyn Hatley, the longest-serving mayor in the history of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and one of the most influential leaders the city has ever known.

Mayor Hatley shepherded North Myrtle Beach through a period of unparalleled growth and transformation. With tenacious courage, political savvy, and a spirit that was always up for a...

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Rebroadcast: A Tribute to Mayor John Rhodes (Five Years Later)

This special rebroadcast revisits our original tribute to former Myrtle Beach Mayor John Rhodes, who passed away five years ago this month. The episode opens with a brief new reintroduction before presenting the original program as it first aired in Season One of Bridging the Political Gap—the show that has since evolved into Randal Wallace Presents.

John Rhodes remains one of the most consequential and beloved figures in the history of Myrtle Beach. One of...

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Coming Attractions & Housekeeping: What’s Ahead in Season Two of Grand Strand Politics

In this special “housekeeping” episode, we roll out the roadmap for Season Two and preview the major stories and tributes you won’t want to miss.

First, we look ahead to the Mark Kruea Era as he steps into office as Mayor of Myrtle Beach—what it means for the city, the council, and the direction of local leadership. We’ll also announce an upcoming show honoring former North Myrtle Beach...