Frogmore Stew

Politics, Empathy, and the Power of Listening: A Journey to the Primary

Grace and Katelyn reflect on their experience of interviewing a multitude of candidates running for state house and senate positions, totaling 374 individuals. Initially overwhelmed by the task, they came to appreciate the depth of insight and variety of perspectives gathered, highlighting the diversity within South Carolina's political landscape. Acknowledging ...

In this episode, Grace wades through the challenges to representative democracy in South Carolina, emphasizing the importance of voter participation in primaries. It critiques the state's system by highlighting issues such as gerrymandering, low voter turnout in primaries, and the dominance of a single party in legislature due to these factors. Grace expresses concern over the lack of competition in elections, which undermines the ...

Dr. Elizabeth Mack, a pediatric critical care physician with extensive experience in child health advocacy, joins Grace to discuss the complexities of abortion rights today, the scientific and ethical dimensions of reproductive health, and the implications of restrictive laws on women and healthcare professionals. This episode delves into the transformation of attitudes towards sex, abortion, and women's reproductive rights in Amer...

Grace and Katelyn tackle the complexities of debate in the modern world. They delve into how the decline of public debate and the rise of echo chambers have led to a lack of empathy and understanding. Featuring a mix of anecdotes and historical context, they touch on influence of Art Bell's Coast to Coast AM, the impact of JFK Jr. and the challenges surrounding the two-party system. The dialogue emphasizes the pursuit of a multi-pa...

This time around, Grace talks with Kate Nevin, a seasoned portfolio manager with a focus on alternative investment strategies at TSW2 Capital Advisors. With over two decades of experience, starting at Lehman Brothers, Nevin discusses the importance of including diverse talent in finance and her involvement in various organizations aimed at promoting gender parity and diversity in investing. The conversation also touches on the nuan...

In this episode, Grace talks with Kitty Brandtner, founder and co-president of the nonpartisan organization March Fourth, which is focused on reinstating the federal assault weapons ban. Kitty shares her personal journey toward activism, sparked by mass shootings and the Uvalde tragedy, emphasizing the need for gun legislation. The conversation cover the impact of gun laws including the expired assault weapons ban and its potential...

Grace & Katelyn get caught up on a variety of topics including SC's new Open Carry law and the implications for community safety. With the filing deadline past, they cover the challenges of running for political office, and the systemic limitations to a truly representative government. Plus, Beyonce's latest album and a new book about a real-life drug ring at the College of Charleston.

00:00 Welcome Back and Reflecting on Past ...

In this podcast, Spencer Wetmore shares her journey from growing up in Charleston to becoming a state legislator for district 115, encompassing James Island, John's Island, Folly Beach, Kiawah, and Seabrook. Wetmore's career began as a prosecutor and evolved through local government and environmental initiatives. The conversation also touches on challenges in achieving equal representation in politics, the impact of national politi...

This episode of Second Helping features a detailed discussion with Sheriff Leon Lott of Richland County about the implications of South Carolina's new open carry law, H 3594, signed into law on March 7th. Lott, with over 30 years in law enforcement, expresses concerns over the bill allowing 18-year-olds to carry guns without training or background checks, complicating law enforcement's job and potentially endangering public safety....

This episode, hosted by Katelyn Brewer, delves into the intricate history of gun ownership and regulations in the United States, from colonial times, to the National Firearms Act of 1934, the 1994 federal assault weapons ban and the pivotal Supreme Court case which redefined the Second Amendment to affirm individual gun rights.

00:00 Welcome to Frogmore Stew: Unpacking Gun Laws

00:34 The Roots of Gun Ownership in America

02:01 The Ev...

In this episode, Grace and Katelyn discuss the psychological underpinnings of political beliefs. They delve into whether innate tendencies or experiences shape our political views, with personal anecdotes illustrating how economic circumstances and family dynamics can influence one's political evolution. The conversation also touches on the generational differences in political engagement and the potential for understanding and dia...

In this episode, Grace examines the psychological reasons for leaning conservative or progressive. She explores the characteristics of the mindsets and their impact on political affiliations. Grace emphasizes the fluidity of American political identity, the importance of authentic political engagement, and the distinction between agreement and alignment in fostering a united society.

00:00 Exploring the Psychological Roots of Politi...

In this episode of Frogmore Stew, Grace takes us back to where our two parties started and the influence of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton on America's political landscape. Jefferson's advocacy for states' rights, a laissez-faire economy, and individualism are contrasted with Hamilton's support for a strong federal government, regulation for the common good, and the belief in implied powers of the Constitution.

00:00 Intro...

In this episode of Frogmore Stew, host Grace Cowan talks with Will Folks of FitsNews about needed judicial selection reform in South Carolina. They discuss the power of lawyer legislators controlling the selection of judges they will appear before and the conflict of interest that presents. They get into the issues of public trust, crime rates, and the importance of comprehensive reform beyond the selection process.

00:00 Introducti...

In this episode, Grace explores the transformation of the U.S. Supreme Court into a politically charged entity, tracing its history from the era of Dwight Eisenhower through Ronald Reagan to the present day. She examines judicial activism versus originalism, and how these philosophies influence major legal decisions on civil rights, abortion, and more.

00:00 Introduction to the Supreme Court

00:26 The Role and History of the Supreme...

Local Government 101

In this week's episode of Frogmore Stew, Katelyn Brewer fills in for Grace to explore the world of municipal governance and its profound impact on community life. Special guest Clay Middleton, a seasoned public service professional with a rich background in military service, politics, and community service, shares insightful perspectives on engaging with municipal governments, overcoming voter apathy, an...

Grace & Katelyn discuss the SC Republican primary, highlighting the struggles of two-time governor, Nikki Haley, the economic impact of the primary and the division within the Republican party. They underline Gretchen Whitmer's rise as a potential Democratic contender and controversial bills passed in Columbia this week.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:03 Deep Dive into the History of Republican Primary

01:38 Discussion on the...

Grace and Republican strategist, Matt Moore, look at the significance of South Carolina's Republican Presidential Primaries. Matt recounts the origins of the Primary in the 1980s under the direction Lee Atwater and the impact of personalities like Ronald Reagan. They delve into the evolution of the Republican party and the rise of Trumpism. Matt also touches on the economic impact of these primaries in South Carolina.

00:00 Introduc...