Fun is Good: The Holy City's Ballpark and the Power of Joy, Unity, and Healing

In this episode of Retire Southern, James Lewis sits down with Dave Echols, President and General Manager of the Charleston RiverDogs, inside the press box at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park. Dave shares the simple philosophy that has guided nearly two decades of leadership. Fun is good. You will hear how that idea influences everything from staff culture and fan experience to community engagement and trust. The conversation also explores the RiverDogs' role in Charleston beyond baseball, including the powerful moment following the Mother Emanuel tragedy, when city leaders made a simple request. Play the games. Open the gates. This is a thoughtful conversation about joy as strategy, community as responsibility, and why a ballpark can be more than a place to watch a game. Sometimes it becomes a place to heal. Listen to the full episode and explore the complete written feature at retiresouthern.com.