Frogmore Stew

Former Spartanburg County Councilman Michael Brown joins Kathryn to unpack the local impact of the proposed federal budget bill, which threatens deep cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, and energy efficiency programs. They break down how these cuts could hit South Carolina families and seniors hard, unraveling years of local progress while deepening economic divides. Michael also previews Spartanburg’s once-in-a-generation sheriff’s ...

In this candid conversation, former Mark Sanford chief of staff Scott English joins Grace to unpack South Carolina’s shifting political identity, the rise of performative politics, and the deep roots of division fueled by algorithm-driven outrage. They explore why local politics no longer feels insulated from national storms, how gerrymandering and party purity tests have reshaped the state, and why waiting for someone else to fix ...

In this episode of Second Helping, Grace and Katelyn unpack how the National Park Service is being used to rewrite history, why politicians like RJ May embody hypocrisy, and how conversion therapy fuels cycles of repression. They break down the “big beautiful bill” and Mike Lee’s plan to sell off public lands under the guise of affordable housing. Plus, they talk about Trump’s impulsive foreign policy and why Democrats keep missing...

Political strategist Adam Brandon joins Grace to talk about the rise of independent voters and the movement to disrupt America’s two-party system. As senior advisor at the independent Center, Brandon outlines his plan to support moderate candidates, tackle gerrymandering, and bring fiscal responsibility and social tolerance back into focus. From insider lobbying to the myth of the political “middle,” this episode is a deep dive int...

As Trump and Elon Musk exchange political blows, Grace and Caitlin break down the latest intra-GOP power struggle and ask: who really holds the reins? From Supreme Court shakeups and Citizens United fallout to deep cuts in Medicaid and media manipulation, this episode unpacks the dissonance at the heart of American democracy. Plus, a look at protest music's vanishing voice—and why Patti Smith might be the last one standing. All...

Rep. Justin J. Pearson joins us from the Tennessee General Assembly to talk movement-building, civic engagement, and the fight for democracy in gerrymandered Southern states. From grassroots organizing to the power of local elections, Pearson shares hard-earned insights on community resilience, policy battles, and honoring the legacies of those who came before. Together, we explore what it means to lead with purpose—and how everyda...

What happened to the Supreme Court we were promised Grace sits down with law professor and podcaster Leah Litman to unpack how the Roberts Court veered from constitutional principle into conservative grievance, fringe legal theories, and outright hypocrisy. From Citizens United to the shadow docket, they explore how decades of rightward drift have reshaped American democracy—often with devastating consequences. With pop culture ref...

This episode dives deep into the political and moral battle over conversion therapy in South Carolina. Grace and Katelyn break down Columbia’s ordinance banning the practice, the state’s threat to strip millions in funding, and what it reveals about power, control, and LGBTQ+ rights. They explore how religious ideology and budget maneuvers collide, and why this fight is about more than therapy—it's about who gets to decide how ...

What’s really going on under the dome in Columbia? Representative Chandra Dillard joins The Upstate Tea to break down the highs and lows of the latest South Carolina legislative session. From the challenges of working within a Republican supermajority to key battles over DEI, school vouchers, affordable housing, and tax reform, Rep. Dillard gives us an unfiltered look at policymaking in real time. She also highlights the power of c...

South Carolina ranks among the worst states for domestic violence, and funding cuts are putting critical support services at risk. In this episode, we speak with Krystal Watson of Project REST and Sara Barber of SCCADVASA about the devastating impact of federal and state-level funding shortfalls on emergency shelters, legal advocacy, and survivor services. They outline what’s at stake for women and children across the state—and wha...

Grace talks with Chaz Nuttycombe, the nation's leading legislative election forecaster and founder of State Navigate. They dive into Chaz's journey from a teenage political enthusiast to a nonprofit leader focused on bringing government transparency to every state. Discover how State Navigate aims to make state-level political data accessible to all, providing voters with the insights they need to make informed decisions. T...

In this episode of Upstate Tea, host Kathryn Harvey dives deep into the childcare crisis impacting Spartanburg and the broader Upstate South Carolina region. Joined by Molly Talbot Metz, CEO of the Mary Black Foundation, and Tina Belge, city planner and Greenville City Council candidate, they explore innovative local solutions to the challenges faced by families, childcare providers, and businesses. From the transformative Quality ...

Childcare isn't just a personal choice – it's a deeply political issue that touches every corner of society. From ancient communal care to the modern-day patchwork of options, this episode traces the evolution of childcare in America. We explore the cultural, economic, and political forces that shape how we care for our kids and why this issue remains so fiercely debated today. Join us as we dig into the history, the challe...

Grace sits down with Billy Webster—former White House staffer, business leader, and debut novelist—for a rich conversation on how politics has evolved from civil compromise to deep polarization. They explore the legacy of South Carolina political figures, the rise of personalized politics, and what it takes to restore respectful dialogue across party lines. Billy reflects on his time with the Clinton administration, the lost art of...

Grace and Katelyn dive into how the tariffs are affecting even the younger generation and the serious concerns about immigration rights in America today. They explore how due process protections are being weakened under the current administration, comparing it to past mistakes like Japanese internment camps. They discuss news on tariffs, the housing market, and Stephen Miller's influence, before highlighting meaningful criminal...