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!
Vincent and Joel sit down with guest, Valerie Bauerlein, national reporter for the WSJ, and talk about her career in journalism and her beginnings in South Carolina political reporting. They do a deep dive into her new book, The Devil at His Elbow, and talk in depth about the Murdaugh crime saga that has rocked South Carolina over the last several years. Hear political and journalistic insiders discuss the interwoven landscape of rural power and greed that led to the conviction of Alex Murdaugh. Support the Show.Keep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
8/30/24 • 75:44
Vincent and Joel sit down with guest, Antjuan Seawright and discuss national politics, the state of Washington D.C., how S.C. is still involved on a national scale, and so much more! Hear an insiders take on cell phones in classrooms, the death penalty, primary elections, S.C. in national elections, the first African American woman nominated for president, and what's going on behind the scenes in the presidential races. 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 Show.Keep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
8/20/24 • 53:16
Vincent and Joel sit down with guest, Speaker of the House, Ambassador, and all-around statesman David H. Wilkins and discuss integrity in politics, the Speaker Wilkin's background, history in politics, growing up in Greenville, becoming the ambassador to Canada, and so much more! Take a look back at South Carolina when it was almost entirely run by Democrats, why that changed, and how leadership has shifted. Your hosts discuss wide ranging topics in South Carolina such as Nikki Haley's crystal ball predictions, Jim Clyburn's influence on American politics, the benefits of a short candidacy, problems with charter schools, how South Carolina politics has changed, and the state of the state.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 Show.Keep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
8/1/24 • 60:43
Vincent and Joel sit down with guest, Senator Larry Grooms, and discuss his family and background in business, the most recent updates on LOFTISgate, magistrate judge qualifications, how state funds get allocated, and the argument for school choice and public funding for it. Hear how Senator Grooms and Joel come from similar backgrounds, the S.C. Budget, how the senate has changed over the years, 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 Show.Keep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
7/19/24 • 68:02
Vincent and Joel sit down with guest, Senate Candidate Jeffrey Graham who just won his runoff by less than 30 votes! They discuss the recent primaries, close races, how to win elections in South Carolina, the freedom caucus, losing Katrina Shealy in the Senate, and changes in rural representation. Hear about what it takes to run a competitive political campaign, governance in South Carolina, what our future look like, 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 Show.Keep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
7/3/24 • 54:24
Vincent and Joel recap the election results from the South Carolina Primaries. They discuss the races spanning from national offices to local House races, how elections work in South Carolina, who is winning, and who will require a run-off to determine candidates in the General election. They discuss the HOT OFF THE PRESS Russell Ott and Dick Harpootlian race for the Senate and hear firsthand what it's like to win a contentious primary race in South Carolina. Hear about the future of South Carolina 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 Show.Keep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
6/13/24 • 49:16
Vincent and Joel sit down with guest, Representative Micah Caskey and discuss the republican party, changes in politics, the "grifters" and "fraudsters" of SC politics, state agencies, funding our institutions, the ignition interlock bill, open carry laws, medical cannabis, and so much more! They dig into the priority of interests for politicians, how it has changed over the decades, and discuss the good of the State in conservative hands. 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 Show.Keep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
5/29/24 • 55:09
Sine Die and the end of session create a fervor of activity at the State's Capital! Vincent and Guest Host, Bakari Sellers, sit down and have a few drinks at Bourbon on Main Street 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!Sen. Sandy Senn, Rep. Beth Bernstein, Sen. Tameika Isaac-Devine, Rep. Russell Ott, Sen. Tom Davis, and many more, stop by to discuss the highlights of the year, what got done, and what’s coming up!Get your latest Statehouse update and hear firsthand the rationale behind some of the General Assembly's controversial bills. Join Senator Sheheen and Representative Bakari Sellers in this week's episode where they take a deeper look at upcoming legislation and lawmakers' actions in S.C. Support the Show.Keep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
5/17/24 • 61:04
LIVE! From the Columbia Palmetto Club with the leadership columbia class of 2024, Joel hosts legendary Mayor of Columbia Bob Coble. They discuss commitment to public education, taxes, the inner workings of the SC budget, “Loftis-Gate” and the recently found 1.8 billion dollars, allegations relating to SCOUT Motors, changes in the Judicial System, the upcoming SINE DIE, and so much more! Hear about Bob Coble’s background, how politics has changed, and how Columbia is growing and changing. 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 Show.Keep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
5/7/24 • 53:52
Joel sits down LIVE at the Women in Leadership Conference with guest, Senator Sandy Senn to talk about the latest moves in South Carolina politics and government. They discuss “Loftis-Gate” and the recently found 1.8 billion dollars, why Treasurer Loftis is still in office, the state of S.C.'s electrical grid and its impact on development, changes in the Judicial System, women's growing leadership roles, prioritizing education, and so much more! Hear about the sacrifices of holding a political office, why Senator Senn continues her public service, and the intimacy of campaigning. 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 Show.Keep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
5/1/24 • 54:49
Vincent sits down with guest, Speaker of the House Murrell Smith to talk about leading South Carolina’s Republican Party and tell stories about Joel. They discuss property tax reform, Midlands’ Senate races, “Loftis-Gate,” and the reemergence of rural leaders in politics. Hear about South Carolina’s rapidly growing population, building bridges across party lines, protecting government from economic collapse, why not to cut funding to government programs, 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 Show.Keep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
4/5/24 • 62:46
There is ALOT happening in South Carolina government and politics! Where did the mystery 1.8 billion dollars come from? What's Constitutional Carry? How is S.C. faring in National Politics? What is the Yankee Tax?Vincent and Joel sit down with guest, Senator Stephen Goldfinch, to discuss the outdoors, South Carolina Wildlife, preservation, Senator Goldfinch's family and background, the NEW judicial screening process, news about Stephen Goldfinch's statewide office future, and how he's paving a path to lead S.C. into an environmentally friendly future, 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 Show.Keep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
3/22/24 • 60:56
Vincent and Joel reminisce about some of their favorite episodes and talk about having guests ranging from Meet the Press's Chuck Todd to Mark Sanford and the famous "mother's day episode". The Senators review the impact of the Podcast on their own lives and on the State of South Carolina, hit the highlights of national and statewide politics, and dig into a fascinating interview with newly elected Senator Tameika Isaac Devine. They talk about her priorities, affordable housing, education, and infrastructure, and what it's like being a new Senator. 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 Show.Keep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
3/5/24 • 56:16
Vincent and Joel sit down with guest, recently elected, representative Heath Sessions, and discuss the state of the State, S.C.’s impact on national politics, childhood health, Certificates of Need, Representative Sessions’ family, background, work, and so much more! Hear Joel and Vincent breakdown the status of the Republican primary between former Governor Nikki Haley and former President Donald Trump. 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 Show.Keep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
2/20/24 • 61:10
Vincent and Joel sit down with guest, Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Luke Rankin, and discuss the new bills before the House and Senate, gun reform and concealed carry permits, liquor sales, Republican Primary in South Carolina, and Biden's new messaging for Trump. They go into Senator Rankin's background, relationship with politics, and rich connection to Horry County. Hear the Senator's discuss the new "dark money" influence on political elections and the new trajectory of the State's communities. 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 Show.Keep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
2/8/24 • 46:00
Vincent and Joel sit down with guest Representative Brandon Newton, elected in 2017 at age 22 as the youngest State Representative in the country. They discuss election reform, judicial reform, income tax cuts, infrastructure, increasing teacher pay, and so much more! Joel and Vincent breakdown the status of the Republican primary between former Governor Nikki Haley and former President Donald Trump. 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 Show.Keep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
2/1/24 • 60:19
Vincent and Joel sit down with guest Representative Spencer Wetmore, elected in special election in 2020, and rising star in the South Carolina Public Service. They talk about the upcoming legislative session, judicial reform, Medical Marijuana, the continued debate over social issues, expanding personal liberties, the retirement of the esteemed Senator Nikki Setzler, and so much more! Joel and Vincent dig into the docket of anticipated bills, high emotions, elections, and the closing of time to pass bills in this upcoming session. 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 Show.Keep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
1/19/24 • 63:29
Vincent and Joel sit down with FITS News founder Will Folks to talk through the hottest political topics, judicial reform, updates on the Murdaugh trial, the flipped dynamic on Abortion policy, the state of national politics, the Presidential Election, and so much more! Hear journalistic insight and a behind the scenes look at this years most controversial decisions and what to expect from next year's high impact elections. This fascinating episode takes a look at real problems and hot button issues that impact your lives every day. 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 Show.Keep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
12/29/23 • 56:37
Vincent and Joel sit down with leader of the SC Freedom Caucus and Congressional Candidate, Adam Morgan. They discuss his background, composing Christian music, being elected with his brother, starting the Freedom Caucus, breaking rank, the unhealthy consequences of a supermajority state, and the representative’s stance on indoctrination in schools. The Senators go through recent election announcements and look at the state of politics in South Carolina. Get a fascinating behind the scenes look at divisions within the republican Caucus 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 Show.Keep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
12/21/23 • 77:10
Vincent and Joel sit down with esteemed Governer of South Carolina, David Beasley. They discuss his start in the House of Representatives as a fresh faced college student, his run ins and mentorship with Sol Blatt, the basis for switching parties, his run for Governor, and delve into the last 40 years of South Carolina Politics. They get a behind the scenes look at Governor Beasley’s mindset surrounding his political decisions, his deep morality, and his passion for his position as Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme. Finally, the guys take a deep dive into political fragility and how social media creates problems. 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 Show.Keep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
12/6/23 • 59:34
Vincent and Joel sit down with lawyer, political advocate, and lobbying extraordinaire, Dwight Drake. They discuss how to make government work, peoples' trust in government, his background in politics, how he got started, his military service, his career as a lobbyist, and so much more! This fascinating episode delves into South Carolina's the rich political history, how campaigns have evolved, and what the future of governance looks like. 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 Show.Keep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
11/16/23 • 57:34
Vincent and Joel sit down with Senator Wes Climer to discuss whether the SC government does too much, the future of judicial reform, consequential changes to the Senate’s rules, Mitt Romney, who won the special election for District 19, 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 Show.Keep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
11/1/23 • 58:40
Vincent and Joel sit down live in front of some of South Carolina's best and brightest students at University of South Carolina's Honors College. They talk with Daniel Rickenmann, mayor of S.C.'s Capital City, and discuss everything from South Carolina's current national influence to our state's turmoil over judicial reform. 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 Show.Keep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
10/18/23 • 58:48
Vincent and Joel sit down with Deon Tedder, a newly elected Senator who won his most recent election by ELEVEN votes. They dig into the background, his path into advocacy and politics, his election, and the fight to properly fund HBCUs. 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 Show.Keep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
10/3/23 • 47:46
Vincent and Joel sit down for a powerful interview with representative Brandon Guffey. They dig into his hardworking history, his business success, and his battle against the the Epidemic of Scams against Minors in the United States called Revenge Porn and “Sextortion”. Listen to the tragic story at the core of Brandon’s fight and hear what South Carolina is doing to combat these disturbing and widespread issues. 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 Show.Keep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
9/14/23 • 63:02
Vincent and Joel sit down with the Chair of the SC Democratic Party and discuss her background in Politics and the future of South Carolina Democrats. Hear about the final abortion ruling in S.C., the first presidential debate, the new parental leave for public school teachers and 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 Show.Keep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
8/30/23 • 51:56
Vincent and Joel sit down with upstate Representative Jason Elliott and discuss rise into political prominence, how his personal life got dragged into politics, what the upstate political atmosphere is like, his most pressing issues - including D.O.T reform and infrastructure development- and so much more! Hear about how Tempers flare over judicial reform at the state’s Capital, local delegations, PFAS pollution, and more from Bourbon Briefs. 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 Show.Keep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
8/17/23 • 57:35
Vincent and Joel sit down with Cindi Scoppe, one of South Carolina’s highest caliber journalists, to discuss reporting in the palmetto state and how politics have shifted. They give a roadmap to some of the big political controversies of the last 30 years, dig into SC’s nuanced political landscape, 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 Show.Keep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
8/2/23 • 61:37
Vincent and Joel sit down with upstate Representative Neal Collins and discuss the abolition of school districts, primary opponents, school tuition, zoos in California, the future of the Republican Party, 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 Show.Keep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
7/20/23 • 61:04
Vincent and Joel sit down with newly elected Superintendent of Education for the State of South Carolina, Ellen Weaver. They discuss the constitutionally elected position of Superintendent, how S.C.'s education system is structured, the billions of dollars going to education, increasing funding, bus drivers, teachers, and so much more. Learn about the rural infrastructure fund, the new - science backed - reading curriculum, and how we can support education moving forward!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 Show.Keep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com
7/7/23 • 61:00
