Grace sits down with Dr. Sonja Ogletree Satani, Democratic candidate for South Carolina House District 98, to discuss why she’s running again and what’s at stake in this pivotal special election. Sonja shares her priorities for lowering costs for working families, fully funding public education, improving infrastructure, and bringing common-sense leadership to the State House, drawing on her experience as an educator, Air Force veteran, and mom.

The conversation explores key policy differences between the candidates, the realities of governing in a Republican supermajority, and how issues like healthcare affordability, gun safety, and reproductive rights are shaping this race. With early voting dates and election day details included, this episode offers voters in northern Charleston and Dorchester counties a clear, timely look at the choices before them.

Grace and Kathryn take the stage at a packed Peninsula Dems meeting to break down why South Carolina politics feel more chaotic than ever. From gerrymandering and open primaries to the shocking details of the Unborn Child Protection Act (S323), they reveal how structural barriers shape everything voters experience. They also explore Democratic branding failures, Maslow’s hierarchy as a model for government, and the critical role of local elections in reshaping the future. This candid, high-energy conversation closes with actionable steps listeners can take to strengthen democracy right here at home.

Grace sits down with political strategist Brady Quirk-Garvin for a rapid-fire, no-nonsense breakdown of how Democrats in South Carolina can stop chasing shiny objects and start winning again. Brady explains why the party has acted like “an ADHD kid in an arcade,” distracted by statewide fantasies instead of building real power from the ground up. Together, they dig into gerrymandering, voter apathy, affordability messaging, and the urgent need for new candidates who can communicate like actual humans in 2025. This conversation lays out a clear, practical roadmap for flipping seats, rebuilding trust, and meeting voters where they really live. A must-listen for anyone who cares about strategy, turnout, and the future of Democratic politics in the South.

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.