Frogmore Stew

On this inaugural episode of The Upstate Tea of Frogmore Stew, Kathryn Harvey sits down with South Carolina State Representative Wendell Jones for a frank conversation about the proposed 3.99% flat tax bill and what it means for working families across the state. From the realities of income inequality and underfunded public services to the growing influence of national politics in the State House, this episode breaks down how policy decisions in DC are affecting places like Greenville and Spartanburg. Rep. Jones shares insights on the DEI bill, economic equity, and why grassroots advocacy is more important than ever. Tune in for a robust discussion on leadership, legislation, and the fight to protect dignity in South Carolina.

Grace is joined by Steve Evered, former VP of Government Affairs at Michelin North America, to break down what tariffs really mean for South Carolina and beyond. They dive into how trade wars, global instability, and tariffs affect everything from local jobs to the price of your patio furniture. Steve shares insights from his years in government affairs, explains why South Carolina is a big deal in tire manufacturing, and talks about how global trade impacts our daily lives.

If you’ve ever wondered how international politics shape our economy (and your wallet!), this episode is for you. Tune in for an easy-to-understand, eye-opening conversation about business, trade, and the future of American manufacturing.

Grace and Katelyn try to make sense of the political rollercoaster we’re all riding. From Trump’s wild tariff war and its impact on your wallet to the chaos in the stock market and rising inflation, they break it down in plain English (with plenty of laughs along the way).

They get real about Project 2025, the attacks on immigration and due process, and what defunding FEMA and NOAA could mean just in time for hurricane season. Plus, they dish on the power of protests, South Carolina’s push for tax reform, and how Reagan’s old playbook is getting a remix in 2025. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the news, join Grace and Katelyn as they unpack the madness with wit, warmth, and a healthy dose of "can you believe this?!"

In this deeply reflective and timely episode of Frogmore Stew, Grace explores the historical parallels between Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump, two presidents who not only survived assassination attempts but also transformed the American political landscape. With personal anecdotes and sharp political insight, Grace revisits the cultural and economic shifts that began in the Reagan era—highlighting how Reagan’s charm, media savvy, and policies around deregulation and tax cuts helped reshape the role of government in American life and the erosion of public trust in institutions.

The episode draws a striking line from Reagan’s embrace of supply-side economics and the rise of the Moral Majority to Trump’s defunding of federal agencies and aggressive cultural rebranding of America. Grace connects the dots between past and present, from Reagan’s subtle dog whistles to Trump’s explicit attacks on DEI, immigration, and public education. With warmth and clarity, she challenges listeners to recognize how nostalgia and fear have been weaponized to reshape democracy itself. This isn’t just a history lesson—it’s a wake-up call about the power of narrative, the role of media, and the importance of protecting public institutions.

In this episode of Second Helping, Grace and Katelyn reunite after a brief hiatus with heartfelt updates and hard-hitting political insights. Grace opens up about the recent passing of her aunt and the overwhelming responsibilities of navigating grief while handling bureaucratic red tape. From there, the duo shifts into the national spotlight with an explosive discussion of the “Signalgate” scandal—where top Trump officials accidentally leaked classified plans in a group chat with a journalist—highlighting the terrifying recklessness at the highest levels of government.

From performative politics to genuine protest, Grace and Katelyn ask big questions: Can a culture built on optics still deliver progress? Are we mistaking spectacle for governance? They dive into the chaos of South Carolina politics, call out the distractions of culture wars, and spotlight local heroes like drag queen Patio Furniture. The episode ends on a mix of heart and humor—with drugged-up dogs, community spirit, and the constant reminder that we’re all just frogs in increasingly hot water. Don't miss this one—it's cathartic, insightful, and surprisingly joyful.

In this episode of Frogmore Stew, Grace dives into the concept of disruption—not just in the world of business, where it's hailed as a driver of progress, but in the realm of government, where unchecked chaos can undermine the very foundation of democracy. She explores how stability has been a hallmark of America's success, and how the current political climate, especially under Trump’s administration, has weaponized disruption, turning governance into a spectacle of impulsive decisions, social media rants, and executive overreach.

Grace examines how the lines between political theater and genuine policy are increasingly blurred, creating a sense of confusion and apathy among citizens. She critiques both parties—calling out Republican leaders for enabling autocratic behavior and Democrats for their complacency and failure to provide bold, forward-thinking leadership. With vivid analogies and sharp commentary, this episode is a call to recognize the boiling water we’re sitting in before it’s too late.

This week on Frogmore Stew, Grace and Katelyn dive into the intersection of pop culture and politics with a deep-dish discussion on Love is Blind. They unpack the viral controversy surrounding a contestant who got left at the altar over political and social beliefs, exploring how modern relationships navigate moral non-negotiables. From LGBTQ+ rights to Black Lives Matter, the conversation takes a sharp turn into the generational and ideological divides that shape not just romance but everyday interactions with friends and family. Plus, Grace shares her wild weekend in the swamps of Florida—guns, fireworks, and an unexpected viral moment of her own.

Later, the hosts reflect on the broader cultural shifts driving these debates, from the politicization of churches to the role of financial independence in shaping women's choices. Grace keeps the animal-themed legislative updates coming, this time with a bill that could turn every backyard in South Carolina into a mini chicken farm—avian flu risks be damned. It’s a packed episode full of sharp insights, good laughs, and a little Southern charm.

In this episode of Frogmore Stew, host Grace Cowan sits down with Adair Ford Boroughs, the former U.S. Attorney for the State of South Carolina, to discuss her unexpected termination and the broader implications of such political shifts. The conversation explores the unprecedented nature of these firings, the emotional toll of losing a leadership role, and how the transition has affected not just her but the entire legal community.

The discussion delves into the realities of serving as a U.S. Attorney, the challenges of working in politically charged environments, and what comes next after such a high-profile dismissal. With insights into justice, governance, and personal resilience, this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the intersection of law and politics in America.

In this episode of Second Helping, Grace and Katelyn jump into a week filled with nationwide demonstrations, focusing on those led by the group 50501 in South Carolina. They discuss the lack of media coverage on these events, the themes emerging from conversations with protesters, and the sentiment of hope among long-time Democrats. The episode includes interviews with various attendees voicing dissatisfaction with corporate influence in politics and the current state of local parties. Additionally, Grace and Katelyn touch on broader political implications and gender dynamics in political affiliations.

00:00 Introduction and Recent Events

01:25 Discussion on the Pope and Personal Anecdotes

03:05 Protest Interviews and Reflections

13:06 Political Commentary and Social Observations

21:26 Rise of Partisanship and Gender Politics

22:39 Masculinity and Political Identity

26:19 National Parks and Government Policies

34:11 Personal Stories and Social Commentary

Elaine Weiss, an award-winning journalist and author, joins Frogmore Stew to discuss her latest book, Spell Freedom: The Underground Schools That Built the Civil Rights Movement. Weiss has built a career on uncovering untold stories of history, and her new book sheds light on the overlooked contributions of Septima Clark, Esau Jenkins, and Bernice Robinson—three Black activists from South Carolina who played pivotal roles in the fight for voting rights under Jim Crow. Through grassroots education efforts known as Citizenship Schools, these individuals empowered Black communities to overcome systemic barriers to voting. The conversation explores how Spell Freedom ties into current discussions on voting rights, racism, and corporate responsibility, drawing parallels between past and present struggles for civil rights.

The episode delves into Weiss’s broader interest in history, particularly in narratives of ordinary citizens who shaped America’s democracy. She reflects on the economic and social retaliation activists faced, the role of corporations in perpetuating or challenging racial injustice, and how historical erasure continues today through policies limiting how race-related history is taught in schools. Weiss also discusses the critical role of education in the civil rights movement and how today’s challenges—such as voting restrictions and political resistance to diversity initiatives—mirror past injustices. With her book’s release coinciding with modern fights for democracy, Spell Freedom serves as both a historical account and a call to action, reminding listeners that the struggle for justice requires resilience and collective action.