South Carolina’s legislative fights are heating up, and the stakes for voters keep getting higher. Grace is joined by Spencer Wetmore for a wide ranging conversation on closed primary proposals, gerrymandering, school voucher expansion, abortion medication restrictions, and how a small percentage of voters end up controlling state politics. They unpack how these bills actually work, who benefits from them, and why so many independents feel pushed out of the process. It is a candid look at how power operates in Columbia and what these choices mean for the future of South Carolina.

From prosecuting a notorious serial killer to defending one of the most watched murder trials in modern history, Dick Harpootlian has seen every side of power and justice in South Carolina. Grace talks with the longtime attorney, former state senator, and Democratic Party chair about decades of state politics, party strategy, and how money and messaging shape who actually wins elections. Dick also digs into his new book on Pee Wee Gaskins, reflecting on criminal psychology, the death penalty, and how those cases changed him personally. It’s a candid, wide-ranging conversation that blends Southern political history, true crime, and hard-earned perspective.

South Carolina politics did not break overnight, and they will not fix themselves. In the season three opener of Frogmore Stew, Grace talks about how gerrymandering, low primary turnout, straight party voting, and rigid party loyalty have slowly stripped voters of real power and accountability. She takes a clear-eyed look at both parties, the growing number of independent voters, and how the current political system rewards outrage instead of results. With another pivotal election year ahead, the message is simple and direct. Democracy is not abstract, it is made up of people, and what happens next in South Carolina is up to us.

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.