Politically Speaking

Emily Mayer is joined by Kirsten Pruitt and Erica Sampson for a sharp, informed breakdown of South Carolina's recent primary elections — what the results mean, what surprised them, and what it all signals heading into November. The panel opens with a review of the most striking outcomes, including Nancy Mace finishing fifth — a result Emily calls "a happy surprise" — and Jermaine Johnson's command...

In the long-awaited return of Politically Speaking , Erica Sampson, Emily Mayer, and Kirsten Pruitt reunite to break down the "Where am I?" moments of 2026. The episode dives deep into the South Carolina State House , starting with the "shocking" new abortion bill and the legislative hypocrisy found in the latest Parental Rights discussions. The hosts don't shy away from the hard stuff—critiquing...

In this episode of Politically Speaking, hosts Erica Sampson and Kirsten Pruitt welcome Ryan Stephens to discuss the recent election results, highlighting significant Democratic wins across the country and the implications for future elections. They delve into the importance of local elections, the challenges facing the education system in South Carolina, and the ongoing debate around school choic...

In this episode of Politically Speaking, host Erica Sampson and co-host Kirsten Pruitt welcome Jay Parmley, the executive director of the South Carolina Democratic Party. They discuss the current state of the Democratic Party in South Carolina, the importance of community engagement through initiatives like the Democracy Builders Project, and the challenges posed by the government shutdown, partic...

In this episode of Politically Speaking , hosts Erica Sampson and Kirsten Pruitt engage in a dynamic conversation with special guest Tina Belge , a candidate for Greenville City Council. They discuss the importance of representation in local government, the pressing issue of affordable housing, and the responsibilities of city council members. The conversation also touches on the motivation behind...

In this episode of Politically Speaking, co-hosts Erica Sampson and Kirsten Pruitt celebrate their 10th episode milestone with special guest-host Anderson Clayton, chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party. The conversation covers the current political landscape in North Carolina, the importance of youth engagement in politics, and the pressing issue of gun violence in America. After welcoming...

In this episode of Politically Speaking, hosts Erica Sampson and Kirsten Pruitt, along with guest co-host Justin Smith, delve into significant political topics, including the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the implications of climate change on disaster preparedness, and the controversial views of former President Trump regarding the portrayal of history in museums. The conversation emphasi...

In this episode, the hosts discuss the current political climate, focusing on the redistricting controversy in Texas and its implications for the upcoming midterms. They explore the strategies employed by both parties, the impact of gerrymandering, and the actions of Governor Abbott. The conversation shifts to fundraising strategies for political campaigns, emphasizing the importance of personal c...

In this episode, the hosts engage in a lively discussion about their experiences with political figures, the dynamics of their group conversations, and the role of attractiveness in politics. They delve into the significance of South Carolina in presidential primaries and reflect on current events, particularly the Epstein files, highlighting the complexities of political discourse and public perc...

In this episode, the hosts discuss a range of pressing issues, including recent Supreme Court rulings on healthcare bans, political violence exemplified by the assassination of a Minnesota speaker, and the ongoing No Kings Day protests. They reflect on the tragic Mother Emanuel AME Church shooting, international conflicts involving Israel and Iran, and the implications of travel bans on immigratio...

In this episode of Politically Speaking, the hosts recap their experiences at the South Carolina Democratic Party Convention, highlighting the importance of community, comfort, and engaging with politicians. They discuss the significance of fundraising events like the Blue Palmetto Dinner, the impact of keynote speeches, and the casual networking opportunities presented at Jim Clyburn's fish fry....

In this episode of Politically Speaking, the hosts discuss the importance of teachers during Teachers Appreciation Week, share personal stories about impactful educators, and delve into the current legislative landscape surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. They explore the implications of recent federal policies on DEI and engage in a fun segment of 'Two Truths and a Lie...

Summary : In this episode, the hosts discuss their memorable political experiences, the challenges facing the Democratic Party, and the shifting dynamics of youth voters. They explore the importance of voter engagement, the key issues that matter to voters, and the future of the Democratic Party leading up to the 2028 elections. The conversation also touches on ideal candidates for the future and...

In this episode of 'Politically Speaking', the Erica, Kirsten and Emily share their personal journeys into political engagement, discussing the motivations that led them to become active in their communities. They delve into a significant corruption scandal involving North Charleston city council members, exploring the implications of such events on public trust and voter confidence. The conversat...

In the inaugural episode of the Politically Speaking podcast, hosts Erica Sampson, Kirsten Pruitt, and Emily Mayer share their personal political journeys and experiences in local conventions. They discuss the importance of community engagement in politics, the challenges faced in Charleston's political scene, and the need for more diverse voices in political spaces. The conversation highlights th...