Frogmore Stew

Political strategist Adam Brandon joins Grace to talk about the rise of independent voters and the movement to disrupt America’s two-party system. As senior advisor at the independent Center, Brandon outlines his plan to support moderate candidates, tackle gerrymandering, and bring fiscal responsibility and social tolerance back into focus. From insider lobbying to the myth of the political “middl...

As Trump and Elon Musk exchange political blows, Grace and Caitlin break down the latest intra-GOP power struggle and ask: who really holds the reins? From Supreme Court shakeups and Citizens United fallout to deep cuts in Medicaid and media manipulation, this episode unpacks the dissonance at the heart of American democracy. Plus, a look at protest music's vanishing voice—and why Patti Smith migh...

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 t...

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...

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'...

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....

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,...

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 an...

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...

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 m...

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 businesse...

Childcare isn't just a personal choice – it's a deeply political issue that touches every corner of society. From ancient communal care to the modern-day patchwork of options, this episode traces the evolution of childcare in America. We explore the cultural, economic, and political forces that shape how we care for our kids and why this issue remains so fiercely debated today. Join us as we dig i...

Grace, Katelyn, and Kathryn reflect on their night at the Emily’s List Gala in DC, sharing the highs, lows, and unexpected laughs from the evening. From powerful speeches to hilarious moments, they break down the importance of supporting women in politics and the progress still needed for true representation. Join them for a candid, unapologetic take on the fight for political change.

Grace sits down with Billy Webster—former White House staffer, business leader, and debut novelist—for a rich conversation on how politics has evolved from civil compromise to deep polarization. They explore the legacy of South Carolina political figures, the rise of personalized politics, and what it takes to restore respectful dialogue across party lines. Billy reflects on his time with the Clin...

Grace and Katelyn dive into how the tariffs are affecting even the younger generation and the serious concerns about immigration rights in America today. They explore how due process protections are being weakened under the current administration, comparing it to past mistakes like Japanese internment camps. They discuss news on tariffs, the housing market, and Stephen Miller's influence, before h...

Kathryn speaks with David Blanton (former pastor and Department of Justice-accredited immigration representative) about the real-life impact of harmful immigration policies in Upstate South Carolina. They explore the fear gripping undocumented communities, the erosion of due process rights, and the growing role of local law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement. With firsthand stories and...

Grace explores a pivotal and painful chapter in American history: the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Reflecting on how fear, hysteria, and quick government actions like Executive Order 9066 reshaped civil liberties, Grace draws parallels to current issues in 2025. From the story of Fred Korematsu to the passage of the Civil Liberties Act, this episode challenges listeners to...

Meet Kathryn Harvey, the newest voice on Frogmore Stew! In this episode, Grace Cowan sits down with Kathryn to dive into South Carolina politics, the power of civic engagement, and why amplifying women's voices matters more than ever. From local leadership in the Upstate to national conversations on Social Security and education, Kathryn brings a fresh perspective rooted in advocacy and hope. Join...

We dive into the story of the five female lawmakers in the South Carolina Senate—three Republicans, one Democrat, and one Independent—who defied party lines to form a historic coalition: the Sister Senators. Filmmaker Emily Harrold joins us to discuss her upcoming documentary and the extraordinary events surrounding the 2023 abortion legislation battles. From blocking a total abortion ban to facin...

Grace joins her besties Anna Ruder and Michele Morton to unpack how White Lotus reflects their own journey through decades of friendship. From growing up in Cincinnati to navigating love, careers, religion, and politics, the trio explores how their shared roots have evolved into diverse perspectives, especially when it comes to hot-button issues like race, social services, and the role of governme...

Katelyn unpacks the shocking deportation case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia — a Maryland resident and father — who was sent to El Salvador despite legal protections under U.S. immigration law. She explores how this case has sparked a constitutional showdown between the courts and the Trump administration, raising urgent questions about due process, human rights, and executive power. From ICE detention t...

On this inaugural episode of The Upstate Tea of Frogmore Stew, Kathryn Harvey sits down with South Carolina State Representative Wendell Jones for a frank conversation about the proposed 3.99% flat tax bill and what it means for working families across the state. From the realities of income inequality and underfunded public services to the growing influence of national politics in the State House...

Grace is joined by Steve Evered, former VP of Government Affairs at Michelin North America, to break down what tariffs really mean for South Carolina and beyond. They dive into how trade wars, global instability, and tariffs affect everything from local jobs to the price of your patio furniture. Steve shares insights from his years in government affairs, explains why South Carolina is a big deal i...

Grace and Katelyn try to make sense of the political rollercoaster we’re all riding. From Trump’s wild tariff war and its impact on your wallet to the chaos in the stock market and rising inflation, they break it down in plain English (with plenty of laughs along the way). They get real about Project 2025, the attacks on immigration and due process, and what defunding FEMA and NOAA could mean just...