Frogmore Stew

Host Grace Cowan is joined today by Dr. Allan Lichtman, renowned historian, author, commentator, professor of history at American University and co-creator of The Keys to the White House. Developed in collaboration with Russian scientist Vladimir Keilis-Borok, this predictive model has accurately determined the outcomes of nine presidential elections since 1984. In this bracing discussion they touch upon possible scenarios pertaining to the upcoming elections. Dr. Lichtman also addresses his book, 13 Cracks: Repairing American Democracy After Trump, highlighting loopholes in the American political system which may threaten our democracy.

00:00 Introduction to Frogmore Stew

00:26 Understanding the Presidential Primaries

01:22 Introducing Dr. Allan Lichtman and his 13 Keys to the White House

01:56 The Origin Story of the 13 Keys

03:39 Explaining the 13 Keys

06:15 Discussing the Impact of Incumbency and Party Battles

07:44 The Role of Scandals and Foreign Policy in Elections

09:18 The Influence of Third Parties

11:53 The Importance of Governing Well

18:06 The Impact of Internal Party Battles

19:39 Threats to Democracy

22:05 Closing Remarks

Copyright 2025 Grace Cowan

In this enlightening conversation, the hosts of the podcast delve into feedback from previous episodes, addressing topics like the controversial puberty blocker legislation and the concerns of parents. The hosts also explore the issue of gerrymandering, its effects on politics especially at the state level, and its role in shaping voter behaviors. Key points of the discussion include the implications of partisan and racial gerrymandering, and potential solutions to these problems.

00:00 Introduction and Feedback Discussion

01:11 Interview with Representative John McCravy on the Bill

02:35 Debunking Misconceptions about Puberty Blockers

03:59 Discussion on the Risks and Morality of Medications

04:44 Deep Dive into Gerrymandering

08:47 The Impact of Gerrymandering on Elections

09:13 The Role of Gerrymandering in State Legislatures

10:50 Gerrymandering in South Carolina

16:48 The Consequences of Gerrymandering on Voter Turnout

22:24 The Importance of Bipartisanship and Primary Voting

24:06 The Danger of Political Identity Dominance

30:35 Closing Remarks and Thoughts on New Hampshire's Primary

Grace discusses the effect of gerrymandering, sharing how it influences the political structure in South Carolina. She explains how legislative boundaries are redrawn by the party in power resulting in a less responsive government, a lack of accountability, and the imposition of radical ideologies. Grace explores the judiciary's stance on gerrymandering. She suggests that a non-partisan commission should oversee redistricting, instead of the legislature, to secure a fair and representative government.

00:00 Introduction to Gerrymandering

00:25 Understanding the Census and Redistricting

02:10 The Origin of Gerrymandering

02:30 Cracking and Packing: Common Gerrymandering Techniques

03:10 The Impact of Gerrymandering on Democracy

03:30 The Role of Technology in Gerrymandering

04:11 The Consequences of Gerrymandering

05:13 The Solution to Gerrymandering

05:39 Gerrymandering in the Courts

06:55 The Future of Gerrymandering

07:29 Gerrymandering and Partisan Extremism

08:22 The Importance of Checks and Balances

08:34 Conclusion and Further Discussion

Grace and her guest, Katelyn Brewer, discuss the anti-trans bill going through the South Carolina legislature. H4624 bans gender affirming care for minors, eliminates parental choice, sets penalties for doctors, mental health providers and school personnel who offer support. The bill also excludes transgender adults, under the age of 26, from receiving Medicaid coverage. Grace and Katelyn discuss the danger of using misinformation to legislate doubt in a democracy.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:47 Discussing the Story of Jessica and Her Son

01:53 Understanding the Bill H4624

05:19 Debunking Misconceptions about Gender Affirming Care

07:30 The Impact of the Bill on Mental Health Providers

10:27 The Role of Teachers in the Bill

11:38 The Bill's Effect on Transgender Adults Under 26

12:15 Understanding the Motivation Behind the Bill

16:04 The Importance of Open Conversation

17:53 Thoughts of the Day: Global Warming Architecture and Trust

20:31 Conclusion

Copyright 2025 Grace Cowan

In this episode of Frogmore Stew, host Grace Cowan speaks with Jessica McIntosh, the mother of a transgender boy. Jessica shares her family's journey navigating this aspect of their son's identification. Jessica touches on the challenges that her son has faced, like understanding his feelings, peer interactions, and coping with anxiety. They also discuss transgender children and teens in society and the difficulties they often face, particularly within the context of legislation restricting access to healthcare and support. Jessica also emphasizes the importance of understanding and supporting these children by sharing their stories and challenging misconceptions.

Copyright 2025 Grace Cowan

This is a partner podcast to "Gerrymander of District One" with Mac DeFord. In the interview, we talked about the Voting Rights Act, which is very important to understand because there are so many gerrymandering cases happening around the country right now.

Copyright 2025 Grace Cowan

The Supreme Court is currently deciding on a case called "Alexander versus South Carolina State Conference of the NAACP." It's a case about South Carolina's District 1 and what the NAACP says is a full-on gerrymander. We'll likely hear the Supreme Court's decision this month. Mac DeFord is a practicing attorney and was at the Supreme Court when they heard the case.

Copyright 2025 Grace Cowan

• The Poets of Rhythm - "South Carolina

Copyright 2025 Grace Cowan

Last year, the South Carolina Interagency Council of Homelessness released its State of Homeless report. It showed an 18 percent jump from the previous year. Very often, it's a simple issue of, you lost your job, you became ill, you had no money left over, and you couldn't pay the rent, and you're kicked out in the street. Stacey Deneau of 180 Place in Charleston is on the front lines of homelessness and housing in our state focused on best practices and proven solutions to ending homelessness.

Copyright 2025 Grace Cowan

Beth Bernstein has served as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives since 2012. She's a Democrat and a female in a sea of Republican men, but she's learned to navigate the waters of a red state as a blue female really, really well. She's a moderate and a true advocate for the people of her district.

Copyright 2025 Grace Cowan