Rep. Justin J. Pearson joins us from the Tennessee General Assembly to talk movement-building, civic engagement, and the fight for democracy in gerrymandered Southern states. From grassroots organizing to the power of local elections, Pearson shares hard-earned insights on community resilience, policy battles, and honoring the legacies of those who came before. Together, we explore what it means to lead with purpose—and how everyday people can claim their proximity to power. Tune in for a heartfelt and urgent dialogue about faith, politics, and the future of the South.

What happened to the Supreme Court we were promised Grace sits down with law professor and podcaster Leah Litman to unpack how the Roberts Court veered from constitutional principle into conservative grievance, fringe legal theories, and outright hypocrisy. From Citizens United to the shadow docket, they explore how decades of rightward drift have reshaped American democracy—often with devastating consequences. With pop culture references and sharp legal insights, this episode cuts through the noise to expose how the Court really works…and who it’s working for.

This episode dives deep into the political and moral battle over conversion therapy in South Carolina. Grace and Katelyn break down Columbia’s ordinance banning the practice, the state’s threat to strip millions in funding, and what it reveals about power, control, and LGBTQ+ rights. They explore how religious ideology and budget maneuvers collide, and why this fight is about more than therapy—it's about who gets to decide how we live and who gets to belong. A sharp, urgent conversation about policy, precedent, and the stakes of silence.

What’s really going on under the dome in Columbia? Representative Chandra Dillard joins The Upstate Tea to break down the highs and lows of the latest South Carolina legislative session. From the challenges of working within a Republican supermajority to key battles over DEI, school vouchers, affordable housing, and tax reform, Rep. Dillard gives us an unfiltered look at policymaking in real time. She also highlights the power of civic engagement and the critical role local elections play in shaping our communities. Tune in for a conversation full of insight, experience, and straight-up truth from one of Greenville’s most seasoned public servants.

Grace Cowan honors Memorial Day with a rare glimpse into her grandfather’s World War II service, reading his long-hidden account of life on the front lines. From the beaches of New Guinea to post-war Hiroshima, his experiences are raw, emotional, and unforgettable. This episode of Frogmore Stew is a tribute to memory, legacy, and the lasting impact of war.

Whoppers, lies, and streakers—this episode covers it all. Grace and Caitlyn start with the Burger King lawsuit over misleading Whopper ads and quickly leap into a sharp critique of political deception, from Biden’s cognitive state to Democratic Party dysfunction. Along the way, they expose the cracks in public trust—and introduce us to South Carolina’s naked 5K, the Buck Creek Streak. It’s funny, furious, and deeply revealing.

South Carolina ranks among the worst states for domestic violence, and funding cuts are putting critical support services at risk. In this episode, we speak with Krystal Watson of Project REST and Sara Barber of SCCADVASA about the devastating impact of federal and state-level funding shortfalls on emergency shelters, legal advocacy, and survivor services. They outline what’s at stake for women and children across the state—and what real investment would look like. This is a powerful call to action for anyone who believes in safety, dignity, and justice for all.

Grace talks with Chaz Nuttycombe, the nation's leading legislative election forecaster and founder of State Navigate. They dive into Chaz's journey from a teenage political enthusiast to a nonprofit leader focused on bringing government transparency to every state. Discover how State Navigate aims to make state-level political data accessible to all, providing voters with the insights they need to make informed decisions. They also explore the challenges of forecasting elections, the importance of state governments, and the impact of local politics on everyday life.

Grace and Katelyn break down the surreal moments from the past week, from the quick election of Pope Leo to the drama unfolding in South Carolina politics. They cover everything from conversion therapy bans and billion-dollar budget blunders to the surprising truth about Venus flytraps and the chaotic reality of tipping culture. Join them for sharp insights, unexpected laughs, and plenty of bruh moments.

In this episode of Upstate Tea, host Kathryn Harvey dives deep into the childcare crisis impacting Spartanburg and the broader Upstate South Carolina region. Joined by Molly Talbot Metz, CEO of the Mary Black Foundation, and Tina Belge, city planner and Greenville City Council candidate, they explore innovative local solutions to the challenges faced by families, childcare providers, and businesses. From the transformative Quality Counts program to the power of public-private partnerships, they discuss the critical role affordable, high-quality childcare plays in community health, economic growth, and workforce stability. Discover how Spartanburg is pioneering change and setting a model for the rest of the state.