Episodios

  • The Quiet Decisions Behind Who Runs in South Carolina w/ Sam Skardon

    The Quiet Decisions Behind Who Runs in South Carolina w/ Sam Skardon
    Mar 30 2026
    Candidates rarely jump into races at the last minute by accident. This episode explores how South Carolina candidate recruitment, filing season timing, party support networks, and early signals of campaign viability shape who actually enters elections across the state. We look at how political parties, independent groups, and local dynamics influence the South Carolina governor’s race field and other contests before voters ever see the ballot. If you want to understand how South Carolina campaigns take shape before filing closes, this conversation explains the quiet decisions that shape who runs. 00:00 PAC Ads and Campaign Money 04:37 South Carolina Filing Period 07:09 SC Governor Race Funding Issues 13:04 Democrats, Gerrymandering, and Voter Power 19:00 Local Candidates and Filing Deadlines 26:47 PACs, 527s, and Dark Money 34:33 Part-Time Lawmakers and Outside Influence 37:00 How Campaign Money Buys Attention 43:50 Baseball Opening Day Sam Skardon Former Chairman, Charleston County Democratic Party https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-skardon-42198b65 Also available wherever you get your podcasts: Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/frogmore-stew/id1714820542 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6pxy2KuAmOfHCOU7xFQHUj There's more stew on Substack! https://frogmorestew.substack.com/ Learn more about Frogmore Stew at https://www.frogmorestewsc.com/ On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/frogmorestewsc on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@frogmorestewsc Frogmore Stew is brought to you by The Alliance Coalition The Alliance Coalition works to redistribute power back to YOU, the voter. We do this by collecting data on belief systems, providing clear and digestible political information, history and trends, while building a community for those of us who feel politically unhoused. We encourage all to engage in shaping our state’s future and communicating our thoughts about how to do that productively. https://www.thealliancecoalition.org/
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    49 m
  • How Influencers Bring South Carolina Politics to Voters

    How Influencers Bring South Carolina Politics to Voters
    Mar 24 2026
    What happens when everyday creators become the bridge between the Statehouse and the public? In this conversation with South Carolina political influencers Laurie, Carrie, and Jessica, we explore how social media is changing political messaging, helping voters understand what lawmakers are doing, and connecting people across the state who thought they were alone in their views. From reproductive rights updates to library fights and legislative debates, these creators are building a direct-to-voter pipeline for real-time civic awareness. We discuss how grassroots political influencers, local statehouse updates, and South Carolina political organizing are reshaping how voters engage with state politics. 00:00 Introduction 04:03 Why They Started Political Content 07:10 Identity, Faith, and Politics in South Carolina 14:54 Does Advocacy Content Drive Change? 17:15 TikTok and the Political Influencer Economy 27:31 Mobilizing vs Organizing for Real Change 34:09 Digital Strategy and Women Driving Change 39:40 Messaging Strategy and Reaching New Voters 45:41 Independence and Respect Across Parties 50:37 Inclusion, Belonging, and Fixing Politics Lori Douglas https://tiktok.com/@calltoactsouthernstyle Carey Shofner https://tiktok.com/@messyasamother Jessicka Spearman Childs https://tiktok.com/@scjesckachilds Also available wherever you get your podcasts: Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/frogmore-stew/id1714820542 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6pxy2KuAmOfHCOU7xFQHUj There's more stew on Substack! https://frogmorestew.substack.com/ Learn more about Frogmore Stew at https://www.frogmorestewsc.com/ On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/frogmorestewsc on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@frogmorestewsc Frogmore Stew is brought to you by The Alliance Coalition The Alliance Coalition works to redistribute power back to YOU, the voter. We do this by collecting data on belief systems, providing clear and digestible political information, history and trends, while building a community for those of us who feel politically unhoused. We encourage all to engage in shaping our state’s future and communicating our thoughts about how to do that productively. https://www.thealliancecoalition.org/
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    54 m
  • Crisis Management and the Politics of Messaging w/ Sarah Massey

    Crisis Management and the Politics of Messaging w/ Sarah Massey
    Mar 21 2026
    What really happens when political leaders face breaking news and nonstop media pressure? Former Capitol Hill communications strategist Sarah Massey explains how crisis communication works inside the Speaker’s office and how political messaging reaches voters across the country. She shares how social media reshaped political communication, changed bipartisan relationships, and helped turn politics into a faster and more visible public conversation. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at modern political communications, Capitol Hill media strategy, and the growing role of social media in political discourse. 00:00 Introduction 01:28 Capitol Hill Comms Career 04:18 Crisis Management on Capitol Hill 08:06 Daily Life in the Capitol 13:52 How Policy and Messaging Connect 19:19 Social Media and Political Identity 26:04 Congress and Polarization 33:04 Inside the ONE Campaign Sarah Massey Strategic Communications & Public Affairs Leader https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-swinehart-massey/ Also available wherever you get your podcasts: Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/frogmore-stew/id1714820542 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6pxy2KuAmOfHCOU7xFQHUj There's more stew on Substack! https://frogmorestew.substack.com/ Learn more about Frogmore Stew at https://www.frogmorestewsc.com/ On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/frogmorestewsc on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@frogmorestewsc Frogmore Stew is brought to you by The Alliance Coalition The Alliance Coalition works to redistribute power back to YOU, the voter. We do this by collecting data on belief systems, providing clear and digestible political information, history and trends, while building a community for those of us who feel politically unhoused. We encourage all to engage in shaping our state’s future and communicating our thoughts about how to do that productively. https://www.thealliancecoalition.org/
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    38 m
  • Stop Playing it Safe w/ Bre Maxwell

    Stop Playing it Safe w/ Bre Maxwell
    Mar 18 2026
    Safe politics is costing Democrats their connection to voters. We dig into why the Democratic Party feels out of touch, from a lack of authentic leadership to missed opportunities in rural communities and working class outreach. Drawing on real experiences in South Carolina politics, the episode explores how voter trust erodes when leaders fail to show up and address everyday struggles like healthcare, education, and poverty. If Democrats want to rebuild trust and reconnect with voters, it starts by taking risks, showing up, and doing the work. 00:00 Leadership Journey 07:20 Healthcare, Education, and Rural Poverty 14:24 Campaign Strategy and Voter Outreach 18:06 Party Division and 2026 Outlook Also available wherever you get your podcasts: Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/frogmore-stew/id1714820542 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6pxy2KuAmOfHCOU7xFQHUj There's more stew on Substack! https://frogmorestew.substack.com/ Learn more about Frogmore Stew at https://www.frogmorestewsc.com/ On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/frogmorestewsc on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@frogmorestewsc Frogmore Stew is brought to you by The Alliance Coalition The Alliance Coalition works to redistribute power back to YOU, the voter. We do this by collecting data on belief systems, providing clear and digestible political information, history and trends, while building a community for those of us who feel politically unhoused. We encourage all to engage in shaping our state’s future and communicating our thoughts about how to do that productively. https://www.thealliancecoalition.org/
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    26 m
  • Sending South Carolina's Sons and Daughters to the Middle East

    Sending South Carolina's Sons and Daughters to the Middle East
    Mar 17 2026
    “I'm going back to South Carolina and asking them to send their sons and daughters to the Middle East.” That line from Senator Lindsey Graham raises a hard question for families across the state. Grace breaks down the history of the U.S.–Iran conflict, from the 1979 Iran hostage crisis and the Reagan era Iran-Contra scandal to decades of sanctions, diplomacy, and nuclear deal debates. This episode explains how American foreign policy decisions shaped today’s tensions with Iran and what another Middle East war could mean for South Carolina families and service members. 00:00 Media Overload and Political Chaos 03:00 America’s Domestic Crisis Today 04:47 Hostage Crisis and Iran-Contra Scandal 09:18 Why Americans Fear Iran Today 12:29 War With Iran and What Comes Next Also available wherever you get your podcasts: Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/frogmore-stew/id1714820542 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6pxy2KuAmOfHCOU7xFQHUj There's more stew on Substack! https://frogmorestew.substack.com/ Learn more about Frogmore Stew at https://www.frogmorestewsc.com/ On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/frogmorestewsc on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@frogmorestewsc Frogmore Stew is brought to you by The Alliance Coalition The Alliance Coalition works to redistribute power back to YOU, the voter. We do this by collecting data on belief systems, providing clear and digestible political information, history and trends, while building a community for those of us who feel politically unhoused. We encourage all to engage in shaping our state’s future and communicating our thoughts about how to do that productively. https://www.thealliancecoalition.org/
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    14 m
  • Political Divergence

    Political Divergence
    Mar 14 2026
    America’s political divide feels wider than ever, but what is really driving it? Former South Carolina state senator Penry Gustafson joins the conversation to talk about party loyalty tests, Trump support, and why Republicans and Democrats often misunderstand each other. The discussion explores how national politics shapes state politics, why voters feel pushed away from political parties, and how authenticity in leadership influences voters. From media narratives to the Ten Commandments bill in South Carolina, this conversation digs into the real forces behind political polarization in America. 00:00 Introduction 02:20 Penry Gustafson’s Political Roots 07:36 Feeling Overlooked in Senate 11:13 Party Tensions in the Senate 13:48 GOP Delegate Fight 16:53 National vs State Politics 19:53 Civics and How Laws Work 23:30 Trump, ICE, and Policy Priorities 28:27 Democratic Party Divisions 32:39 Authenticity in Politics and Trump’s Appeal 34:41 Safety, Identity, and Human Nature 36:39 South Carolina Ten Commandments Bill 40:47 Teen Slang, Theater, and Closing Penry Gustafson Fmr. South Carolina State Senator https://www.instagram.com/penry_gustafson/ Also available wherever you get your podcasts: Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/frogmore-stew/id1714820542 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6pxy2KuAmOfHCOU7xFQHUj There's more stew on Substack! https://frogmorestew.substack.com/ Learn more about Frogmore Stew at https://www.frogmorestewsc.com/ On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/frogmorestewsc on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@frogmorestewsc Frogmore Stew is brought to you by The Alliance Coalition The Alliance Coalition works to redistribute power back to YOU, the voter. We do this by collecting data on belief systems, providing clear and digestible political information, history and trends, while building a community for those of us who feel politically unhoused. We encourage all to engage in shaping our state’s future and communicating our thoughts about how to do that productively. https://www.thealliancecoalition.org/
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    45 m
  • Life of the Party w/ Joe Cunningham

    Life of the Party w/ Joe Cunningham
    Mar 12 2026
    We take a hard look at the identity crisis facing the Democratic Party in South Carolina and across the country. Former Congressman Joe Cunningham joins the conversation to discuss rebuilding party credibility, reconnecting with working class voters, and why generational leadership change may be necessary for the party’s future. The discussion explores the fallout from the 2024 election, the limits of a third party movement like No Labels, and the growing number of independent voters reshaping American politics. If Democrats want to win back trust and compete in red states, the path forward may require new ideas, new leaders, and a new message. 00:00 Introduction 04:45 Changing Politics in South Carolina 07:27 No Labels and Third-Party 14:27 Democratic Credibility and Party Renewal 24:06 Independent Voters and the Democratic Reset 29:37 The Democratic Path Forward Joe Cunningham Former Congressman, SC 1st Congressional District https://www.joecunninghamlaw.com/ Also available wherever you get your podcasts: Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/frogmore-stew/id1714820542 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6pxy2KuAmOfHCOU7xFQHUj There's more stew on Substack! https://frogmorestew.substack.com/ Learn more about Frogmore Stew at https://www.frogmorestewsc.com/ On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/frogmorestewsc on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@frogmorestewsc Frogmore Stew is brought to you by The Alliance Coalition The Alliance Coalition works to redistribute power back to YOU, the voter. We do this by collecting data on belief systems, providing clear and digestible political information, history and trends, while building a community for those of us who feel politically unhoused. We encourage all to engage in shaping our state’s future and communicating our thoughts about how to do that productively. https://www.thealliancecoalition.org/
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    31 m
  • Can Citizens Fix South Carolina Politics? w/ Andrew Shue

    Can Citizens Fix South Carolina Politics? w/ Andrew Shue
    Mar 11 2026
    What if ordinary South Carolinians could help write the laws that govern their lives? Andrew Shue explains the South Carolina Forum, a citizen assembly experiment designed to bring people from across the state together to deliberate, reach 70 percent consensus, and propose real legislation to lawmakers. We discuss gerrymandering, political polarization, and why many voters feel disconnected from the decisions made in Columbia. If you are interested in citizen assemblies, democracy reform, and the future of South Carolina politics, this episode dives into whether a people powered approach could change the system. 00:00 Introduction 02:06 South Carolina Forum and Assembly Process 08:05 Direct Democracy and Gerrymandering 11:57 Choosing Citizen Assembly Delegates 15:04 Polarization and Electoral Reform 21:50 Andrew Shue’s Activism Journey 26:46 Call to Action and Closing Andrew Shue Founder of The South Carolina Forum https://scforum.org/ There's more stew on Substack! https://frogmorestew.substack.com/ Learn more about Frogmore Stew at https://www.frogmorestewsc.com/ On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/frogmorestewsc on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@frogmorestewsc Frogmore Stew is brought to you by The Alliance Coalition The Alliance Coalition works to redistribute power back to YOU, the voter. We do this by collecting data on belief systems, providing clear and digestible political information, history and trends, while building a community for those of us who feel politically unhoused. We encourage all to engage in shaping our state’s future and communicating our thoughts about how to do that productively. https://www.thealliancecoalition.org/
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    28 m