Simple Civics: Greenville County
Trash pick up. EMS and 911 service. Roads and sidewalks. Business licenses. School bus routes. These are the things that impact your day-to-day life, and they are all part of local government. But hardly anyone pays attention to local government - until they have a problem. We want to change that. Simple Civics: Greenville County is here to help you learn about and get involved in your local government in Greenville County, South Carolina. Whether you live in downtown Greenville or Possum Kingdom, Marietta or Mauldin, Greer or the Golden Strip, if you care about your community, this podcast is for...
[EdTalks] SC School Funding 101 Part 2: How Act 388 Changed Everything
Explore the impact of Act 388 South Carolina on school funding. Learn how a tax swap led to a billion-dollar gap, unfunded mandates, and a strain on local schools.
Episode Resources:
Simple Civics:
Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogueSimple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.
RevUp GVL: Building a Sustainable Nonprofit Business Model
Explore RevUp GVL: Revenue for Good, a new program helping Greenville nonprofits move beyond donations and build their own sustainable, mission-aligned earned revenue.
Episode Resources:
Learn more about the RevUpGVL: Revenue for Good ProgramDiscover our guest Taylor Culliver's nonprofit, Brother BoxLearn about Paola Bonilla's work at 20 DegreesSimple Civics:
Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogueSimple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.
[EdTalks] SC School Funding 101 Part 1: The Big Picture
Why is South Carolina school funding so complex? Learn how Act 388 impacts local taxes and the Greenville County Schools budget in this simple explanation.
Episode Resources:
Greenville County Budget BasicsGuide to SC School Tax AbatementsLearn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about Public Education PartnersSimple Civics:
Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogueSimple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.
Meet Your Candidate for the 2025 Mauldin City Council Election
Meet Mauldin City Council Candidate Jason Kraeling. Your vote is so important for the 2025 election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors.
How the interviews worked:
All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were given 10 minutes for their interview. Candidates were allowed to bring along a companion, such as a campaign manager, family member, or friend, and to record our session themselves. There were no edits made to the interview.
Candidate links:
Jason KraelingSimple Civics:
Simple Civics...[EdTalks] Finding the "Spark": Meet Teacher of the Year Morgan Smith
Meet Morgan Smith, the 2025-26 GCS Teacher of the Year. She discusses her 3rd-generation family legacy in the district, her "Spark" initiative to fight teacher burnout, and how she creates core memories for her 5th-grade students.
Episode Resources:
Learn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about Public Education PartnersSimple Civics:
Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogueSimple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.
Meet Your Candidates for the 2025 Fountain Inn City Council Election
Meet Fountain Inn City Council Candidates Jason Sanders, AJ Dearybury, and Stephan Thomas. Your vote is so important for the 2025 election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors.
How the interviews worked:
All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were given 10 minutes for their interview. Candidates were allowed to bring along a companion, such as a campaign manager, family member, or friend, and to record our session themselves. There were no edits made to the interview.
Candidate links:
Jason SandersAJ...[EdTalks] Parental Support in High School: A Partnership Guide
Wondering how to support your high school student? A principal shares advice on fostering independence, helping them self-advocate, & navigating modern career pathways.
Episode Resources:
Greenville County Schools Parents' PageLearn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about Public Education PartnersSimple Civics:
Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogueSimple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.
Meet Your Candidates for the 2025 Simpsonville City Council Election
Meet Simpsonville City Council Candidates Jared Fielding and Jerry Tuso. Your vote is so important for the 2025 election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors.
How the interviews worked:
All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were given 10 minutes for their interview. Candidates were allowed to bring along a companion, such as a campaign manager, family member, or friend, and to record our session themselves. There were no edits made to the interview.
Candidate links:
Jared FieldingJerry TusoSimple...
[EdTalks] Parental Support in Middle School: A Partnership Guide
Navigate the middle school transition with confidence. Get expert tips on parental support for middle schoolers, from encouraging independence to improving communication.
Episode Resources:
Simple Civics:
Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogueSimple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.
Meet Your Candidates for the 2025 Greer City Council Election
Meet Greer City Council Candidates Karuiam Booker, Lee Dumas, Judy Albert, and Paul Lamb. Your vote is so important for the 2025 election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors.
How the interviews worked:
All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were given 10 minutes for their interview. Candidates were allowed to bring along a companion, such as a campaign manager, family member, or friend, and to record our session themselves. There were no edits made to the interview.
Candidate links:
Karuiam...[EdTalks] Parental Support in Elementary School: A Partnership Guide
Strengthen parental support in elementary school with tips from a principal & counselor. Learn how strong parent teacher communication builds a partnership for success.
Episode Resources:
Greenville County Schools Parents' PageLearn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about Public Education PartnersSimple Civics:
Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogueSimple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.
Meet Your Candidates for the 2025 Travelers Rest City Council Election
Meet Travelers Rest City Council Candidates Jon Campbell, Sheryl Guarniero, Catherine James, Lisa Lane, and Jeremy Walton. Your vote is so important for the 2025 election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors.
How the interviews worked:
All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were given 10 minutes for their interview. Candidates were allowed to bring along a companion, such as a campaign manager, family member, or friend, and to record our session themselves. There were no edits made to the interview.
Candidate...
[EdTalks] Top of the Class: What We Learned in Estonia
Greenville County leaders unpack lessons from Estonia's PISA-winning schools. Explore key takeaways on student autonomy, vocational education, and the 'whole child' approach that could shape local education.
Episode Resources:
Learn more about the Riley Institute at Furman UniversityDiscover the work of the Greenville Chamber of CommerceExplore Greenville County SchoolsSouth Carolina Council on CompetitivenessLearn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about Public Education PartnersSimple Civics:
Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogue<...Meet Your Candidates for the 2025 Greenville City Council Election
Meet Greenville City Council Candidates Matt Alexander,Ā Tine Belge, Lillian Brock Flemming, and Mike Kilgore and Tine Belge. Your vote is so important forĀ theĀ 2025Ā election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors.
How the interviews worked:
All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were given 10 minutes for their interview. Candidates were allowed to bring along a companion, such as a campaign manager, family member, or friend, and to record our session themselves. There were no edits made to the interview.
Candidate link...
[EdTalks] Greenville Tech: Building Tomorrow's Workforce Today
What's next for Greenville Technical College and economic mobility? Discover Dr. Miller's vision for skilled trades, free dual enrollment, and an AI-ready workforce.
Episode Resources:
Learn more about Greenville Technical CollegeExplore the Greenville Tech FoundationLearn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about Public Education PartnersSimple Civics:
Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogueSimple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.
Conversations About Homelessness: A View From a Greenville Bench
Explore honest conversations about homelessness in Greenville, SC. Hear from Ryan Duerk, CEO of Miracle Hill Ministries, who will sit on a bench for 24 hours to discuss the real causes of homelessness.
Election Resources:
Learn more about Miracle Hill Ministries_
Produced by Podcast Studio X.
Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.
Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.
Email us: contact@simplecivicsgreenvillecounty.org
[EdTalks] Graduation Plus & CTE: Greenville's Competitive Edge
What is Graduation Plus? Learn how Greenville County Schools is transforming student futures with college and career readiness, giving them a competitive advantage.
Episode Resources:
Discover Greenville County Schools Career & Technical EducationLearn more about the CTE Innovation CenterFind out about the LaunchGVL programLearn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about Public Education PartnersSimple Civics:
Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogueSimple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio...
How to REALLY support a candidate (encore episode)
Learn how to support a local political campaign with expert Derek Lewis. Discover easy, actionable ways to help, from social media likes to donating or hosting a meet and greet.
Election Resources:
Check Your Voter Registration StatusView Your Sample BallotLook Up Who Represents You_
Produced by Podcast Studio X.
Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.
Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.
Email us: contact@simplecivicsgreenvillecounty.org
[EdTalks] Greenville County's 4K Program: What Parents Should Know
Thinking about the Greenville County Schools 4K program? April Roberts, a GCS principal, reveals what kindergarten readiness truly means and explains the step-by-step process to apply.
Episode Resources:
Apply for the Greenville County Schools 4K ProgramLearn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about Public Education PartnersSimple Civics:
Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogueSimple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.
Starting a Business in Greenville County: Your First Steps
Starting a business in Greenville County? Learn how to go from "wantrepreneur" to founder with key advice on forming an LLC, finding resources, and accessing capital.
Episode Resources:
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Produced by Podcast Studio X.
Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.
Get in touch.
Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.
<...[EdTalks] Big Numbers, Big Impact: The Numbers Behind Greenville County Schools
Get the facts about Greenville County Schools, from its surprising size as a top 50 US district to its innovative career and technical education programs.
Links:
Sign up for Dolly Parton's Imagination LibraryLearn more about Public Education PartnersLearn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about the Greenville County Schools CTE Innovation CenterExplore the Fine Arts Center
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Produced by Podcast Studio X.
Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.
Get in touch.
Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.
Sign up for...
Where thereās a will, thereās a way: Wills and Advance Directives (Encore Episode)
If you don't have a will when you die in South Carolina, "essentially you're letting the state legislature decide what happens to your property and who will administer it," says former Greenville County Probate Judge Diane Smock. She talks with Jessica Ferguson of Turner Padget about wills, estates, and advance directives.
You'll learn:
Why it's so important to have a will, health care power of attorney, and power of attorney - even if you don't have a lot of wealthHow not having a will can needlessly tie up your home and property from your heirs, especially...[EdTalks] How Greenvilleās Future Teacher Academy Is Solving the Teacher Shortage
Discover the Future Teacher Academy in Greenville County Schools, a "grow your own" initiative addressing the teacher shortage through mentorship, dual enrollment credits, and hands-on teaching experiences in high school.
Links:
Support future educators through the Greenville County Schools Foundation ScholarshipLearn more about Greenville County SchoolsLearn more about Public Education Partners_
Produced by Podcast Studio X.
Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.
Get in touch.
Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.
Sign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.
How Hospitality and Accommodations Taxes in Greenville County Fund Your Community
Discover the economic impact of hospitality and accommodations taxes in Greenville County. Learn how visitor spending funds Unity Park, The Well, the Swamp Rabbit Trail & more.
Links:
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Produced by Podcast Studio X.
Simple Civics: Greenville County is...
[EdTalks] ScanSource Steps Up for Schools
What does a great corporate-school partnership look like? Discover ScanSource's model for supporting a Title I school and the community playbook they created to help.
Links:
Learn more about ScanSourceLearn more about ScanSource in the CommunityLearn more about Public Education Partners_
Produced by Podcast Studio X.
Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.
Get in touch.
Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.
Sign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.
The Strong Towns Strengths Test: How Do the Places in Greenville County Score?
How strong are the cities and places in Greenville County? We apply the 10-question Strong Towns Strengths Test to discover what makes a community thrive, from its main street to its zoning.
Links:
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Produced by Podcast Studio X.
Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.
Get in touch.
Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.
Sign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.
[EdTalks] How Teacher Leaders Are Building Trust in Public Education
Discover how building trust in public education can transform the 'us vs. them' mentality. Hear from two teacher leaders on improving parent-teacher teamwork.
Links:
Learn more about our guests' workLearn more about Public Education PartnersLearn more about Greenville First Steps_
Produced by Podcast Studio X.
Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.
Get in touch.
Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.
Sign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.
How to Speak at a Public Meeting: A Greenville County Guide
Learn how to speak at a public meeting in Greenville County. Get practical tips on preparing your statement, understanding public comment rules, and making your voice heard.
Links:
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Produced by Podcast Studio X.
Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.
Get in touch.
Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.
Sign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.
Introducing Simple Civics: EdTalks: A Greenville County Education Podcast Series
Discover Simple Civics: EdTalks, the new Greenville County education podcast. We demystify public education, from school funding to our birth-to-employment system.
Links:
Greater Good GreenvillePublic Education Partners_
Produced by Podcast Studio X.
Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.
Get in touch.
Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.
Sign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.
Homelessness in Greenville: John "Buggy Man" Jones' Story
Explore the realities of homelessness in Greenville through the story of John "Buggy Man" Jones. Discover his journey from scrapping for metal to a home in permanent supportive housing.
Links:
Learn about Nick BushLearn about John JonesLearn about Place of HopeLean about United MinistriesLearn about Project HostLearn about Miracle Hill MinistriesLearn about United Housing Connections_
Produced by Podcast Studio X.
Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.
Get in touch.
Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.
Sign...
Hospitality and Accommodations Tax: Who Pays and What They Really Fund
What are A-tax & H-tax? Learn how hospitality and accommodations taxes in Greenville County fund things you love, from the Swamp Rabbit Trail to local festivals.
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Produced by Podcast Studio X.
Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.
Get in touch.
Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.
Sign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.
Why is Government Slow? Understanding the Pace and What You Can Do
Frustrated by the slow pace of government? Learn why local and state governments are designed for deliberation, the pros and cons of this intentional process, and how your civic engagement can influence the speed of change.
Links:
Who Represents Me? Find and contact your elected officials.Episode with Mayor GP McLeerEpisode with Erin RigotEpisode with Dan Tripp_
Produced by Podcast Studio X.
Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.
Get in touch.
Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.
<...Simple Civics: 200 Episodes of Equipping Civic Engagement in Greenville County
Celebrate Simple Civics: Greenville County's 200th episode! Dive into key discussions with leaders, experts, and community champions on local policy, vibrant neighborhoods, and civic engagement. Discover how involved residents are shaping Greenville's future and learn how you can make a real impact.
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Produced by Podcast Studio X.
Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.
Get in touch.
Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.
Sign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.
GSP Airport: North America's Best Small Airport & Its Exciting Future
Discover why Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP) is North America's #1 small airport! CEO Dave Edwards shares GSP's remarkable growth, unique amenities, and exciting future plans.
Links:
Learn more about David Edwards_
Produced by Podcast Studio X.
Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.
Get in touch.
Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.
Sign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.
Keeping Housing Affordable for Greenville County Residents: The Role of Greenville County Redevelopment Authority
Is Greenville County's housing crisis leaving families, seniors, and workers behind? Discover how the Greenville County Redevelopment Authority (GCRA) tackles this vital community challenge, leveraging federal and local funds to build and rehabilitate homes.
Links:
Greenville County Redevelopment AuthorityConnect with Joe SmithConnect with Francisco Arnaiz_
Produced by Podcast Studio X.
Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.
Get in touch.
Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution.
Sign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.
City Elections 2025: Whatās on the ballot in Greenville County and Why it Matters
Greenville County: explore the important 2025 municipal elections impacting your daily life. Discover what's on the ballot in every city, why it truly matters, and how you can get involved - including as a candidate - to shape your community.
Links:
Episode with Leigh McGill from Campaign Ethics Reporting Services (campaign finance rules)Episode with Derek Lewis on "how to really support a candidate"Episode with Derek Lewis and John Michael Catalano about "Election Day behind the scenes"Episode with Liz Semen about "serving on a board or commission"Episode with Benton Blount about getting into office...Greenville Together: Tackling Homelessness with a Bold Community Plan
Discover how Greenville Together is urgently tackling homelessness head-on with a bold, collaborative, and data-driven plan. Learn about their innovative housing surge, the vital role of people with lived experience, and the critical need for permanent supportive housing in the community. Join the conversation to understand the strategies aiming to functionally end homelessness and transform lives in Greenville.
Links:
Register for the 200th Episode Live Event!Triune Mercy CenterUnited MinistriesUnited Housing Connections_
Produced by Podcast Studio X.
Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville.
Get...
Inside the 7th Largest Children's Museum in America: Where Play at The Childrenās Museum of the Upstate Shapes Future Careers
The Children's Museum of the Upstate isn't just a place for kids - it's a $339 million economic engine for Greenville County. CEO Lauren Luneckas explains how this Smithsonian affiliate became the 7th largest children's museum in America and reveals multiple ways adults can volunteer, support, and engage with this community treasure. Discover why creating spaces truly built for children fosters better citizens and stronger communities.
Links:
The Children's Museum of the Upstate (TCMU)TCMU Greenville LocationTCMU Spartanburg LocationPrevious Episode with the South Carolina Children's TheatrePrevious Episode with the Roper Mountain Science Center_
Produced...
40 Years of Wonder: How Roper Mountain Science Center Transforms Curiosity into a Career
"I went into engineering because of Roper Mountain." In this heartwarming episode, Director Michael Weeks shares stories of how Roper Mountain Science Center has shaped careers and ignited curiosity across generations for 40 years. Get an insider's tour of this Greenville treasure which serves every elementary and middle school in Greenville County while also offering public programs like - from their popular butterfly encounter and marine touch tanks to their observatory housing North America's eighth largest refractor telescope. Learn about their exciting summer offerings, including camps where kids build robots and solve mysteries, and the new Wild Kratts exhibit that...
āThe West Endāsā Hidden Gemā: Kids Find Their Voice at South Carolina Childrenās Theatre
Step inside Greenville's magical theater wonderland where disco balls spin, Hogwarts comes alive, and Finding Nemo swims across the stage! This conversation with South Carolina Children's Theatre's leadership team unveils the joyful world waiting for your family this summer. Visualize your child crafting potions at Hogwarts camp, playing Quidditch, or performing alongside 40 peers in a full musical production. Hear how families create lifelong memories together - from grandparents to toddlers - in a place where 200+ children recently experienced live theater for the very first time. With performances across two unique stages, classes for every age, and countless ways to...
