Bourbon in The Back Room
An inside look at politics with Senators Sheheen and Lourie. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the important, fun, and sometimes weird world of South Carolina Politics. Learn how the laws that impact your life every day get made and find a unique perspective on connections around the state!
SC GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE, JERMAINE JOHNSON
Vincent and Joel sit down with Jermaine Johnson and Sam Skardon - candidates for SC governor and lieutenant governor to talk about democrat momentum in South Carolina. Hear Representative Johnson's vision for SC, how Sam Skardon became Jermaine's running mate, their outlook going into the general election, being millennial dads, kicking data centers out of communities, fixing healthcare, making life more affordable, and so much more!
Learn about how Representative Johnson works across the aisle with, gets meaningful change done in SC, and brings people together to create benefits for the people of this State.
LIVE! Midterm Elections and the University of South Carolina - Guest USC's Thad Westbrook
Vincent and Joel sit down to discuss proposals for eliminating the State income tax, the South Carolina midterms, gubernatorial race, political fundraising, Annie Andrews, how to win as a Democrat in SC, massive corporate spending by republicans, and continued mudslinging.
Then hear Joel discuss the state of the University of South Carolina with Thad Westbrook, chair emeritus, in one of the University's most historic buildings. Hear about Thad's background, his family, his education, career as a lawyer at Nelson Mullins, how someone runs to be on the Board of USC, what it entails, some of the biggest c...
LIVE! From Furman University - Mayor of Greenville, Knox White
Vincent and Joel sit down live from Furman University with the longest serving Mayor in Greenville history, joined by special guests Rep. Chandra Dillard, Sen. Jason Elliot, and Nick Theodore, to discuss the City of Greenville. Hear about Knox White's life and family, growing up in Greenville, the textile industry, turning Greenville into a successful southern city, increasing quality of life for residents, how government is structured in cities, when retail comes back to cities, bringing a waterfall back to downtown, and hear the mayor answer questions from students!
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Attorney General Candidate Richard Hricik
Vincent and Joel sit down with the Democratic candidate for South Carolina Attorney General to discuss his platform, his vision for the South Carolina AG's office, his background as a working man, accounting, working as a lawyer, his journey to South Carolina, and so much more!
Hear about how Richard Hricik's office would make life better for regular South Carolinians by prosecuting bad debt collectors, preventing improper medical bills, protecting SC's environment, and using protective consumer affairs enforcement to stop our citizens from being defrauded.
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S.C. Commissioner of Agriculture - Hugh Weathers
Vincent and Joel sit down with the Commissioner of Agriculture, Hugh Weathers, to discuss his family lineage of farmers, his history of public service in South Carolina, the fall of the dairy farm in SC, changes in the agricultural industry over the last decades, politics intersecting with illegal cock fighting, the details of how the Department of Agriculture actually works, how to create jobs through agriculture, and so much more!
In Bourbon Briefs the Senators talk about the upcoming midterm elections, Darlene Graham's refusal to debate Annie Andrews in the US Senate race, Jermaine Johnson's path to w...
SC Workforce and Economic Activity - Guest, SCDEW Director, William H. Floyd
Vincent and Joel sit down with the Director of SC Department of Employment and Workforce, William H. Floyd, to discuss the economic state of South Carolina, the massive growth of our workforce, how an institution like SCDEW works, and how to be a leader in SC. Hear about William Floyd's background, family, work as an attorney and much more!
Hear a bourbon briefs breakdown of the current political situation in SC, how a sister with no political background might win a SC Senate seat, Ralph Norman's ire, Annie Andrew's path to victory, the State Budget, and get a...
State Budget and State Politics - Guest Maayan Schechter
Vincent and Joel sit down with all star journalist, Maayan Schechter, to discuss all things South Carolina politics, take a deep dive into the budget, talk about the extra 100 million dollars of funding proposed for scout motors, the democratic nominee for Governor choosing his running mate, a democrat’s chances in South Carolina, Lindsey Graham’s empty seat, his sister, Ralph Norman, Annie Andrews, and so much more!
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SOUTH CAROLINA US SENATE VACANCY - Guest Ralph Norman
Vincent and Joel sits down for an episode of bourbon shots to get in the weeds related to the open US Senate seat left by the late Lindsey Graham and hear from one of the candidates vying for the special primary - Ralph Norman. Hear about his life, business, political message, and so much more!
Get your latest Statehouse update and hear firsthand the rationale behind some of the legislature's most controversial bills.
Join Senators Sheheen and Lourie in this week's episode where they take a deeper look at upcoming legislation and lawmakers' actions in S...
SOUTH CAROLINA US SENATE VACANCY - Guest Mark Sanford
Vincent and Joel sits down for an episode of bourbon shots to get in the weeds related to the open US Senate seat left by the late Lindsey Graham and hear from one of the candidates vying for the special primary - Mark Sanford. Hear about his life, business, political message, and so much more!
Get your latest Statehouse update and hear firsthand the rationale behind some of the legislature's most controversial bills.
Join Senators Sheheen and Lourie in this week's episode where they take a deeper look at upcoming legislation and lawmakers' actions in S...
SOUTH CAROLINA US SENATE VACANCY - Guest Mark Lynch
Joel sits down for an episode of bourbon shots to get in the weeds related to the open US Senate seat left by the late Lindsey Graham and hear from one of the candidates vying for the special primary - Mark Lynch. Hear about his life, business growth, political message, and so much more!
Get your latest Statehouse update and hear firsthand the rationale behind some of the legislature's most controversial bills.
Join Senators Sheheen and Lourie in this week's episode where they take a deeper look at upcoming legislation and lawmakers' actions in S.C...
The Life and Legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham
Joel and Meg Kinnard discuss the life of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, his impact on the SC political landscape, the fallout in SC, and so much more!
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Political Analysis and Runoff Results - with Guest Matt Moore
Vincent and Joel sit down with special guest, political analyst and strategist Matt Moore with First Tuesday Strategies to discuss the runoff results, the likely outcome of statewide elections, how political strategy can work, and so much more!
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A CONSERVATIVE'S TAKE ON HOW TO FIX CLIMATE CHANGE - Guest Congressman Bob Inglis (R)
Senators Sheheen and Lourie sit down with former Congressman, Bob Inglis, to discuss his political views, the state of the nation, his conservative take on why Climate Change is important, his business RepublicEN, how to easily tax carbon emissions at low or no cost to the American citizens, the unrecognized cost of letting companies use our sky for free to make money, the modern age of politics, and so much more!
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Primary Election Results and the State of South Carolina - Guest Jeff Collins - Associated Press
Vincent and Joel sit down with Jeff Collins with the Associated Press to take an insider look at the South Carolina primary results - some surprising outcomes, huge democratic turnout, and predictions on who might be our next governor, attorney general, and so much more!
Hear a breakdown of whats happening in our State, theories on why, and listen to an expert's take on what drives the political atmosphere in SC!
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SC GOVERNOR'S RACE - ROM REDDY
Hear the Senators sit down with a candidate for the South Carolina Governor's office to get an in-depth look at who he is, why he's running for Governor, his business background, how he sees the future of South Carolina, and so much more!
Hear about Rom Reddy's priorities for South Carolina, how the campaign trail and fundraising is treating him, and get an inside look at the hot republican primary race only days before the primary ends!
Get your latest Statehouse update and hear firsthand the rationale behind some of the legislature's most controversial bills...
SC ATTORNEY GENERAL RACE - STEPHEN GOLDFINCH
Hear the Senators sit down with a candidate for the South Carolina Attorney General's to get an in-depth look at who he is, why he's running for AG, how he sees the future of South Carolina, and so much more!
Hear about Senator Stephen Goldfinch's family, history as a JAG officer in the National Guard, and how the campaign trail is treating him.
Get your latest Statehouse update and hear firsthand the rationale behind some of the legislature's most controversial bills.
Join Senators Sheheen and Lourie in this week's episode where they take a...
S.C. ATTORNEY GENERAL RACE - DAVID STUMBO
In this segment of Bourbon Shots, hear the Senators sit down with a candidate for the South Carolina Attorney General's to get an in-depth look at who he is, why he's running for AG, how he sees the future of South Carolina, and so much more!
Hear about David Stumbo's family, history as a prosecutor in SC, and how the campaign trail is treating him.
Get your latest Statehouse update and hear firsthand the rationale behind some of the legislature's most controversial bills.
Join Senators Sheheen and Lourie in this week's episode where th...
Special Guest - US Senator Mark Kelly
Vincent and Joel sit down with Senior US Senator Mark Kelly from Arizona to talk about his path to politics, his family, his link to Top Gun the movie, flying jets, combat missions, aeronautical engineering, becoming an astronaut, his incredible journey to representing his constituents, his compelling vision for the future of the United States, and so much more!
Get your latest Statehouse update and hear firsthand the rationale behind some of the legislature's most controversial bills.
Join Senators Sheheen and Lourie in this week's episode where they take a deeper look at upcoming legislation a...
Sine Die Day 2026! Legislators Come Down for a Drink!
Sine Die and the end of session create a fervor of activity at the State's Capital! Vincent and Joel sit down and have a few drinks at Tin Roof across from the Capitol Building. As Senators and Representatives finish up session, they walk across the street, join in on the drinks, and answer some pressing questions for South Carolina's most informational insider political podcast - Bourbon in the Back Room! Hear insider legislators and staffers talk about how the sausage gets made.
Get your latest Statehouse update and hear firsthand the rationale behind some of the General A...
SC ATTORNEY GENERAL RACE - DAVID PASCOE
Joel sits down with David Pascoe, candidate for South Carolina Attorney General, to discuss his background, history in politics, family, aspirations for the State of South Carolina, and why he wants to be Attorney General.
Hear about Pascoe's history as a prosecutor, solicitor, investigating corruption - the intersection of politics and criminal prosecution - money laundering, campaign finance rules, and so much more!
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Statewide Politics Heat Up With Summer on the Way - Guests Andrew Shue and Gubernatorial Candidate Billy Webster
In Bourbon Briefs hear about the legislative updates on mandatory liquor liability insurance, efforts at extreme abortion bans, continued charter school controversy, the race for SC Attorney General, the Scout Plant, judicial reform, the SC Republican Gubernatorial Debate, and a breadth of political updates!
Vincent and Joel sit down with Guest Andrew Shue to talk about he and his co-founders' new civic engagement project - The South Carolina Forum - The South Carolina Forum | Our future. One table. Everyone gets a seat.
Then they talk to Billy Webster, new Democratic gubernatorial candidate, to hear about hi...
Statewide Politics and Building South Carolina to Support its Citizens - Guest Representative and Gubernatorial Jermaine Johnson
Joel sits down with representative and democratic gubernatorial candidate Jermaine Johnson to discuss a breadth of developments happening in SC politics and what to expect from our next year of policy at the Capital. Hear about South Carolina's push to fix a deficiency of teachers - including joining a multi-state teacher compact - legislators' attempt at a pay raise, the increasingly controversial SC Attorney General Race, homeschool students using public dollars, bringing politics back to helping regular people, and so much more!
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Special Guest Ambassador Rahm Emanuel - Rebuilding Government for its People
Hear about Rahm Emanuel's time as a White House Chief of Staff and as mayor of Chicago and his tenure as ambassador to Japan. Learn about his current perspective on the United States trajectory, his presidential aspirations, and how to solve problems in Government.
Listen to Rahm Emanuel talk about how we drive politics back to the middle, build Government that serves the people it's made for, creates political messaging for the middle class, fighting corruption and insider trading, and so much more!
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LIVE! From the College of Charleston with Guest, Mayor of Charleston, William Cogswell Jr.
Vincent and Joel sit down in front of a live audience of College of Charleston students to discuss the city of Charleston, the future of one of South Carolina's most important cities, and how to lead in the modern political climate. Hear the mayor discuss his family, his business, his history of public service, the shift of State Government to obtuse partisanship, and what it takes to lead a City like Charleston!
Learn about the issues facing Charlestonians, affordable housing, the port, the differences between Charleston and other major cities, and so much more!
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School Voucher Controversy and the Future of S.C. - Guest Representative Hamilton R. Grant
Vincent and Joel sit down with Representative Hamilton Grant and discuss his background in South Carolina, time at S.C. State and experience in the Marching Band, being the youngest elected board member at S.C. State University, his priorities as an elected official, procedural intricacies at the S.C. Statehouse, School Vouchers, and so much more!
In Bourbon Briefs hear the Senators discuss updates on the Supreme Court judicial race, School Voucher's continued controversy, NIL policy discussions and transparency, solicitor impeachments, and more!
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Upcoming Legislation, College Sports, and Medical Marijuana - Guest, Senator Tom Davis
The Senators sit down with a leader in the State Senate, Tom Davis, one of the original guests on BITBR, to celebrate his 18th year in the Senate! Hear them discuss his already storied history of public service, the hottest topics in State politics, and get a true insider's take on what's coming up in South Carolina policy.
In Bourbon Briefs, Vincent and Joel discuss the proposed increase in teacher wages, NIL changes, the changes in the way we view education, Representatives' efforts to impeach the Richland County Solicitor, Lottery vending machines, immigration changes for local governments, P...
LIVE! From the Leadership Columbia Class of 2026 - Guest Scott Keogh, President of Scout Motors USA
Hear Vincent and Joel discuss the cutting edge of business development in South Carolina in front of a new class of business leadership in our State's capital with Guest, president of SCOUT MOTORS USA, Scott Keogh. Hear about Scott's background, family, and the business of cars. Listen to recent updates on the debate over South Carolina data centers and their potential drain on state resources, SCOUT motors future in South Carolina, national political updates, statewide political races, and so much more!
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The Race for the Governor's Office and South Carolina Parks and Recreation - with Special Guest Duane Parrish
Vincent and Joel sit down with guest, Duane Parrish - Director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism - to talk about a growing South Carolina, the Amazing Revolutionary War 250th anniversary celebration happening in S.C., the important role of the SCDPR, our state's remarkable environmental commitment and amazing parks, and how the state markets itself. Get an insider's take on the "hidden gems" of South Carolina and hear where to go to experience the best the state has to offer.
Hear Bourbon Briefs where the Senators discuss N.I.L. transparency, toll l...
A New Year of SC Politics and Newly Elected Democrats - with Guest Senator Ed Sutton
Vincent and Joel sit down with guest, Senator Ed Sutton, to talk about his history in South Carolina, his military service, and what it was like running as a Democrat, and now serving as a Democrat, in South Carolina.
Hear about Ed Sutton's plans heading into his second session, his small business rehabbing historic buildings, the future of South Carolina's democratic party, get an inside look at whats next in SC Lawmaking, and so much more!
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A YEAR OF S.C. POLITICS AND POLICY - Guests Will Folks and Tod Augsburger
Vincent and Joel sit down with guest, FITSNews' own Will Folks, to discuss the crazy developments in South Carolina Politics, the course of state policy, proposed judicial reform, changes in the journalism industry, panhandling regulations, the governor's race, the decisions your elected officials are making, and much more!
Get your latest Statehouse update and hear firsthand the rationale behind some of the legislature's most controversial bills.
Join Senators Sheheen and Lourie in this week's episode where they take a deeper look at upcoming legislation and lawmakers' actions in S.C.
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...The Concise Guide to South Carolina Government - With Guest Dr. Kendra P. Stewart
Vincent and Joel sit down with Guest, Professor of Political Science, Dr. Kendra Stewart, to do a deep dive into South Carolina Government, politics, history, and Vincent's new book!
In Bourbon Briefs hear the latest supreme court updates, the debate over whether mandatory retirement age is mandatory for Judges, proposed changes to our road infrastructure, local government taking a stronger role in governance, the South Carolina Election Commission controversy, and much more!
Get your latest Statehouse update and hear firsthand the rationale behind some of the legislature's most controversial bills.
Join Senators Sheheen a...
The History of South Carolina, Mother Emanuel Church, and SC State Government
Vincent and Joel sit down with guest Kevin Sack, senior reporter for the New York Times, to discuss his journalism and his new book on the Mother Emanuel church and tragic shooting, along with Vincent's new book "The Concise Guide to South Carolina State Government", which talks about the history of South Carolina and how it impacts current state government and procedure.
In Bourbon Briefs hear the latest court ruling in the legislator's attempt to raise their pay, a the supreme court election, the failure of recent extremist abortion bills, state updates, and so much more!
Closing S.C.'s Healthcare Coverage Gap LIVE from the CoverSC Conference
Vincent and Joel sit down LIVE from the CoverSC conference with J. J. Gentry Senior Lawyer for the Ethics Committee to talk about his push for lung cancer awareness, Guest Senator Russell Ott to discuss statehouse updates and his recent election, and Guest, consultant Walter Whetsell, to discuss lobbying, consulting, and campaigns in South Carolina, along with the Coverage Gap and how CoverSC is trying to help South Carolinians.
Hear Bourbon Briefs where the Senators go over the latest Nancy Mace controversy, Senator Climer's lawsuit against the general assembly, Special Election victory for Lee Bright in Spartanburg S...
Valerie Bauerlein and The Story of Scott Spivey
Vincent and Joel sit down with guest - Valerie Bauerlein - and discuss her latest story and investigative journalism into Scott Spivey and what really happened on Camp Swamp Road. Hear the implications on statewide politics, a breakdown of South Carolina's stand your ground laws, how we govern ourselves, and so much more!
In Bourbon Briefs hear about the republican primaries, fundraising for politicians, the controversial proposed abortion ban which could criminalize mothers and doctors, and an update on our state government.
Join Senators Sheheen and Lourie in this week's episode where they take a d...
Dick Harpootlian - Dig Me a Grave
Vincent and Joel sit down with guest - Senator Dick Harpootlian - to discuss his new book, Pee Wee Gaskins, his history in South Carolina, hear fascinating stories from all stages of his prestigious career in SC law and politics, and so much more!
Get your latest Statehouse update and hear firsthand the rationale behind some of the legislature's most controversial bills.
Join Senators Sheheen and Lourie in this week's episode where they take a deeper look at upcoming legislation and lawmakers' actions in S.C.
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Inside Political Journalism with Maayan Schechter and Jeff Collins
Joel sits down with respected political Journalists Maayan Schechter and Jeff Collins to discuss their backgrounds in South Carolina, how they got into journalism, trends they see in political reporting, and to cover a wide range of HOT South Carolina political updates - including the death penalty, the gubernatorial race, ports authority, an in-depth breakdown of what to expect in the coming years of elections and policy, and more!
Hear insiders whose full-time job is to track South Carolina politics give a deep dive into how our State's most contested races are looking to unfold.
Jo...
End of Summer Politics and the South Carolina Lottery with Guest Dolly Garfield
Vincent and Joel sit down with guest - Executive Director of the SC Lottery - and discuss how the lottery works, how it benefits the state, and the Dolly's background in the State of South Carolina.
Hear Bourbon Briefs to get your latest political update where the Senators discuss the newest developments in the gubernatorial race, new candidates in the upstate, guaranteed paid parental leave, the race for SC Supreme Court seats, and more!
Join Senators Sheheen and Lourie in this week's episode where they take a deeper look at upcoming legislation and lawmakers' actions i...
Jaime Harrison, What's next for the Democratic Party, and Life in Public Service
Vincent and Joel sit down with guest Jaime Harrison to talk about the reality of politics, how the toughest jobs get done, sticking with his party, and so much more! Hear a wonderful personal story about President Joe Biden's kindness and humility, the start of Jaime's podcast, reframing the democratic party, Joel's insightful comments on the Taylor Swift engagement, republican overreach, and the potential upcoming echo of 2006 in 2026.
Get your latest Statehouse update and hear firsthand the rationale behind some of the legislature's most controversial bills.
Join Senators Sheheen and Lourie in this week's episode wh...
Preservation of Institutions with Gubernatorial Candidate, Senator Josh Kimbrell (R)
Vincent and Joel sit down with guest - candidate in South Carolina's 2026 Governor's race - Republican Josh Kimbrell. They discuss the importance of State institutions, an insider's look at the brutality of State Politics, updates on State policy, his vision for the future of South Carolina, and his background in politics!
In Bourbon Briefs hear about the hot Governor's race in South Carolina, Ralph Norman's announcement, Nancy Mace's latest messaging, Senator Wes Climer's bid for Congress, possible tax changes, and much more!
Get your latest Statehouse update and hear firsthand the rationale behind some of...
An Update on State Government - With Guest, Senator Sean Bennett (R)
Vincent and Joel sit down with guest, Chairman of the Senate Ethics Committee, Sean Bennett, for another appearance on the podcast to give us a thoughtful and sophisticated update on S.C. State Government, the process of governing the state, recent problems with political decorum, the makeup of his constituents, lack of experience in government, the benefits of perspective, recent bills, and so much more!
In Bourbon Briefs hear about South Carolina's complete ban on cell phones for students in public schools, automobile franchise laws and SC car dealerships, Judicial Selection, a potential Supreme Court contest, and...
