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!
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!Support the showKeep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
7/18/26 • 73:06
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! Support the showKeep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
6/27/26 • 45:13
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!Support the showKeep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
6/18/26 • 45:05
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! Support the showKeep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
6/12/26 • 39:25
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, including re-districting, strange pressure points from the President's office. 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. Support the showKeep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
6/3/26 • 48:12
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 deeper look at upcoming legislation and lawmakers' actions in S.C. Support the showKeep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
5/30/26 • 52:17
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 they take a deeper look at upcoming legislation and lawmakers' actions in S.C. Support the showKeep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
5/26/26 • 23:34
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 and lawmakers' actions in S.C. Support the showKeep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
5/22/26 • 57:34
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 Assembly's controversial bills - and the topic on the top of everyone's mind, re-drawing districts mid election cycle!Support the showKeep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
5/19/26 • 90:39
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! Support the showKeep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
5/11/26 • 47:03
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 his background, his life in politics, growing up around Governor Dick Riley, his plans for South Carolina, and so much more!Support the showKeep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
4/27/26 • 70:08
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!Support the showKeep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
4/17/26 • 51:48
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!Support the showKeep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
4/7/26 • 24:22
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!Support the showKeep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
3/18/26 • 52:18
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! Support the showKeep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
3/10/26 • 57:41
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, Pamela Evette's endorsement by Gov. Henry McMaster, and so much more!Support the showKeep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
2/25/26 • 58:57
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!Support the showKeep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
2/16/26 • 61:56
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 lanes, investing in our roadways, and the continued massive population growth in South Carolina. Take an in-depth look at the upcoming statewide races, a breakdown of the latest news in the S.C. Governor's race, and so much more! Support the showKeep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
2/3/26 • 55:52
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! Support the showKeep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
1/15/26 • 54:24
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. Support the showKeep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
12/22/25 • 56:04
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 and Lourie in this week's episode where they take a deeper look at upcoming legislation and lawmakers' actions in S.C. Support the showKeep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
12/10/25 • 59:07
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!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. Support the showKeep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
11/26/25 • 64:17
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 Senate, congressional gerrymandering, Jermaine Johnson's gubernatorial candidacy, and other exciting news!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. Support the showKeep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
11/11/25 • 62:47
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 deeper look at upcoming legislation and lawmakers' actions in S.C. Support the showKeep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
10/21/25 • 66:26
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. Support the showKeep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
10/8/25 • 64:58
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. 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. Support the showKeep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
9/24/25 • 70:05
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 in S.C. Support the showKeep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
9/11/25 • 62:45
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 where they take a deeper look at upcoming legislation and lawmakers' actions in S.C. Support the showKeep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
9/2/25 • 61:51
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 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. Support the showKeep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
8/11/25 • 67:30
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 updates on candidates for SC Governor. 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. Support the showKeep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
7/30/25 • 59:12
