Dr. Elizabeth Mack joins to expose the dangers of South Carolina’s proposed abortion ban, Bill S323. This sweeping legislation goes beyond criminalizing abortion—it redefines contraception, threatens IVF, and inserts politics into private medical decisions. We examine how the bill would increase maternal mortality, strip families of healthcare rights, and criminalize doctors, parents, and even pastors. With reproductive rights under attack, this episode highlights why South Carolinians must push back against abortion legislation that prioritizes ideology over science and public health.

Jaime Harrison joins Grace to explore why Democrats still have a path to victory in South Carolina, despite the state’s red reputation. He points to hundreds of thousands of unregistered voters, the importance of strong local infrastructure, and the power of a unifying message around economic dignity. Jaime also outlines the challenges Democrats face—from past setbacks to entrenched fear-based politics—and the strategies needed to overcome them through grassroots organizing and sustained investment.

Kathryn sits down with political strategist, comedian, and creative force Josh Burstein for a wide-ranging conversation about politics, media, and resilience. From his early days with the Obama campaign to his stand-up comedy in Trump country, Josh reflects on how humor can help people process trauma and chaos in today’s volatile climate. The two discuss the fallout from political violence, the fragility of democracy, and why local action matters more than ever. With insights on late-night satire, grassroots organizing, and finding joy in the fight, this episode offers both perspective and a call to community engagement.

South Carolina Senator Margie Bright Matthews joins Kathryn Harvey to expose how partisan politics at the South Carolina State House endangers citizens, speaking as one of only two women in the South Carolina Senate. She discusses the fight against extreme abortion bans and threats to reproductive rights, plus a healthcare crisis driven by Medicaid cuts, rural hospital closures, and rising maternal mortality rates. Senator Bright Matthews reveals how cultural war issues like abortion and DEI distract from critical needs in education, infrastructure, and healthcare access in South Carolina. She explains how gerrymandering and Republican primaries create a Democratic super-minority, leaving South Carolina families as political pawns. The conversation covers actionable steps citizens can take to defend reproductive freedom.

ACLU of South Carolina Legal Director Allen Chaney talks about civil liberties in South Carolina and why state constitutional rights matter. He covers partisan gerrymandering lawsuits using the "free and open elections clause" and fights over abortion law South Carolina and reproductive rights. Chaney explains how the South Carolina Declaration of Rights can give stronger protection than the federal constitution. The talk also covers government overreach, from DOJ voter data demands to plans for ICE detention camps.

Former U.S. Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs talks with Grace about gerrymandering, redistricting, and how partisan maps quiet moderate voters. They discuss the Supreme Court's shadow docket, emergency rulings, and what recent decisions mean for democracy and public trust. The talk covers executive power, the Venezuelan boat incident, and how narco-terrorism laws blur the line between crime and war. Adair warns about FBI firings, Project 2025, and attacks on the Department of Justice. They end by talking about civic responsibility, South Carolina school policies, and why institutions still matter.

Kathryn Harvey sits down with Dr. Michelle Carney, a veteran infectious disease physician and former Spartanburg Regional Infection Prevention Director. Together, they explore how South Carolina politics and public health intersect in today's challenging climate. Dr. Carney reflects on her decades fighting diseases from HIV to COVID-19, discussing science denial and CDC weakening. She warns about the dangers when misinformation in South Carolina spreads faster than actual medicine can reach communities. Their conversation covers what local communities can do to fight disinformation and strengthen South Carolina public health policy.

Grace and Kathryn sit down to reflect on hearing Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and her perspective on dissents, originalism, and the future of the Court. They highlight South Carolina’s upcoming December 23 special elections, why turnout matters, and the role of women in reshaping local politics. The episode also honors everyday civic hope—from the legacy of Spartanburg’s former mayor Junie White to a moving encounter with a 95-year-old attendee and a roadside “motivational sign lady”.

Grace sits down with attorney and political strategist Chris Kenney to unpack the history and future of South Carolina politics. From the legacy of gerrymandering and the unraveling of the Voting Rights Act to the challenges facing Democrats in a deeply red state, Chris offers insight into why the system feels broken—and how it might still be fixed. Together, they explore the role of authenticity, localism, and economic realities in shaping voter trust. Despite the bleak present, the conversation points toward a future built on reform, storytelling, and the power of communities to demand better.

Grace and Caitlin are back on Second Helping with a fiery discussion on South Carolina politics, Trump’s latest moves in D.C., and how perceptions of crime shape public policy. They compare militarized responses with Baltimore’s community-based crime prevention, break down how tariffs are already driving up grocery and clothing prices, and look ahead to the 2026 governor’s race. Plus, they spotlight Rep. Jermaine Johnson’s powerful words on race and accountability, dig into gerrymandering, and even share some nostalgic (and haunting) stories sparked by milk carton memories. A mix of politics, personal reflection, and core memories you won’t forget.