Grace and Kathryn break down the surprising forward momentum Democrats are making in South Carolina’s Upstate—yes, the Upstate. Kathryn shares how her recent county council race shattered expectations, why breaking 40% in deep-red districts actually signals long-term opportunity, and what real ground-game strategy looks like when you knock 6,000 doors yourself. They also dive into the structural challenges Democrats face—from gerrymandering to voter apathy—and the messaging shifts needed to reach working families and younger voters who aren’t loyal to either party. This is a candid, data-driven look at how Democrats move from defensive worriers to strategic warriors in one of the toughest battlegrounds in the country.

Kathryn sits down with United Way of the Piedmont CEO Paige Stephenson to unpack the ripple effects of South Carolina’s sudden SNAP benefit cuts. Paige breaks down how the loss of $9.4 million in monthly assistance is impacting families, local farmers, food banks, and the broader Upstate economy. Together, they explore the real-time surge in requests for rent, utilities, and food support—and why philanthropy alone can’t fill a $100 million statewide gap. This conversation offers a grounded look at ALICE households, the escalating needs nonprofits are facing, and how residents can meaningfully support relief efforts while pushing for structural solutions. A must-listen for anyone who cares about food security, working families, and the safety net holding our communities together.

When the U.S. Department of Justice requested detailed voter information from South Carolina—including Social Security and driver’s license numbers—State Senator Brad Hutto stepped in to fight back. In this episode, Hutto breaks down why he and Dr. Ann Crook filed suit to protect voters’ privacy and what this case reveals about federal overreach, state sovereignty, and election integrity. We also explore the political chaos that followed—the firing of the state’s election director, a shocking indictment, and the bizarre twists that turned a legal dispute into a full-blown political drama.

Kathryn sits down with Noble Sissle Jr. — producer, community builder, Vietnam veteran, and son of Harlem Renaissance legend Noble Sissle Sr. Together, they trace the remarkable legacy of the 369th Regiment, the “Harlem Hellfighters,” whose World War I service began right here in Spartanburg, South Carolina. From racial tension at Camp Wadsworth to introducing jazz to France, Sissle shares how his father’s story mirrors the cycles of history and struggle still echoing today. This conversation blends music, memory, and the fight for equality into a moving reminder that history not only repeats — it still sings.

Grace sits down with Allison Terracio, Executive Director of Emerge South Carolina and Richland County Council member, to explore how Emerge is training Democratic women to run for office—and win. From tackling South Carolina’s political barriers to reclaiming authentic voices in leadership, Allison shares how confidence, storytelling, and community can turn hesitation into action. They discuss gender diversity in politics, the uphill fight for reproductive rights, and what it really takes to build a new generation of women leaders. This conversation is a rallying cry for anyone ready to walk through the door and claim their seat at the table.

The Supreme Court’s next major decision could rewrite the rules of American democracy. In this episode, Katherine Harvey sits down with Sara Rohani, Assistant Counsel for the Legal Defense Fund, to unpack the high-stakes Louisiana redistricting case that threatens to gut Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Together they trace the fallout from Shelby County v. Holder to today’s challenges against racially fair maps, exploring what’s at risk for representation across the South. From gerrymandering to grassroots mobilization, this conversation reveals how close we are to a voting rights collapse—and what citizens can still do to fight back.

When South Carolina’s education system meets federal politics, things get complicated. In this episode of The Upstate Tea, Kathryn Harvey sits down with former State Representative and Board of Education member Rita Allison to unpack the growing tension between state and federal control of education. They explore the potential fallout from dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, funding challenges for public and charter schools, and what “school choice” really means for South Carolina families. From Pell Grants to parental rights to the latest measles outbreak, this conversation cuts through the noise on where education policy is heading—and who’s really steering the ship.

Grace welcomes back political veteran and writer Scott English for a powerful conversation on division, accountability, and the urgent need to actually listen. Drawing from his viral Substack essay “Are You Listening Now?”, Scott explores how James Madison’s warnings about factions still echo in today’s America—where outrage has become identity and compromise feels like betrayal. Together they unpack political polarization, the decay of civic decency, and how social media algorithms amplify our anger. Ultimately, the episode challenges listeners to step back, reclaim empathy, and make the small daily choices that rebuild human connection.

Grace dives deep into how America’s highest court evolved from a symbol of impartial justice into a political battleground. From Eisenhower’s era of civil rights expansion to Reagan’s originalist revolution, Grace unpacks the ideological tug-of-war shaping today’s rulings. She explains the clash between “judicial activism” and “originalism,” and why it matters for democracy, equality, and the rights Americans hold dear. With the Court’s credibility under scrutiny, this episode asks: who really decides the future of justice in America?

Grace sits down with Mike Lee, director of the College of Charleston’s Civility Initiative and host of When We Disagree, to talk about what happens when politics hits close to home. Grace reflects on navigating deep divides—with her father, her husband, and a country increasingly polarized by outrage. Together, they explore how laughter, empathy, and honest conversation can bridge ideological gaps and rebuild a sense of community.