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, poss...
Aug 11, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 5Ep. 16
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 p...
Jul 30, 2025•59 min•Season 5Ep. 15
Vincent and Joel sit down with the remarkable Governor Andy Beshear and hear about how he won a statewide gubernatorial election as a democrat in Kentucky, a state that voted for Donald Trump by huge margins. Get an in depth look at the Governor's political leanings, how he views the current political climate, his deep family roots, and so much 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. Suppor...
Jul 21, 2025•28 min•Season 5Ep. 14
Vincent and Joel sit down with guest, friend of the Senators, basketball player, and esteemed Representative Jermaine Johnson. Hear Rep. Johnson talk in depth about his life, his tumultuous childhood, how he stepped up and got chosen to run for politics, his tough first election, how elected office really works, the way he sees the future of this state, and so much more! In Bourbon Briefs hear about the supreme court's ruling on legislative pay-raise, who is running for Attorney General in S.C.,...
Jul 16, 2025•55 min•Season 5Ep. 13
Vincent and Joel sit down with guest, Representative Gil Gatch, to discuss his life and politics in the low country, his background as a musician, pastor, lawyer, and politician, how the legislature really functions, and so much more! Hear the Senators break down current events in S.C., discuss the allegations and arrest of S.C. Freedom Caucus founder, his suspension and potential expulsion, the lawsuit surrounding legislative raises, try some new bourbon, and talk to Brandon Dermody about a new...
Jun 25, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 5Ep. 12
Vincent and Joel sit down with guest, new Senator Overture Walker, to discuss his family roots in Sumter, his education at U.S.C., how he got his start in Politics, his goals for his tenure as a Senator, how it feels being in the super minority of Senate Democrats, Problems with the Insurance Industry, SCOUT MOTORS Plant, School Vouchers, and what to look for in the coming terms. Hear Bourbon Briefs where the Senators discuss the latest updates from the capital, including the Supreme Court's sig...
May 28, 2025•52 min•Season 5Ep. 11
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! Rep. Gary Simrill, Rep. Heather Bauer, Sen. Luke Rankin, Rep. Micah Caskey, Rep. Spencer W...
May 16, 2025•1 hr 43 min•Season 5Ep. 10
Vincent and Joel sit down LIVE with SC Secretary of Commerce, Harry Lightsey III, before the Leadership Columbia class of 2025 in the Palmetto Club. Hear the famous segment "Bourbon Briefs" where the senators recap the most recent events in the Capitol, legislative pay raises, further gubernatorial controversy, and more! Then listen to the Senators discuss South Carolina economic development with the Secretary of Commerce himself. Hear about his career in government and business, time on the Fed...
May 06, 2025•57 min•Season 5Ep. 9
Vincent and Joel sit down with guest, Representative Nathan Ballentine, to talk about updates on the legislative session, his years of public service, how he got into politics, and his extraordinary flag football expertise. Hear what voters really care about, the divide between public service and voter interaction, higher education's budget, charter schools, and efforts to address autism in our population. The Senators break down current events in their popular segment, Bourbon Briefs, and discu...
Apr 16, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 5Ep. 8
Vincent and Joel sit down with guest, Representative Justin Bamberg, from Bamberg County, to discuss representing a small county, Justin's background and family, his practice as an attorney, becoming a civil rights lawyer, the unfortunate shift to Washington style politics at the State House, his controversial take on the income tax, and so much more! Hear the Senators, "bourbon briefs" segment, where they review top stories - including S.C.'s tax reform bill, the state of the missing 1.8 billio...
Apr 02, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 5Ep. 7
Vincent and Joel sit down with guest, Shannon Erickson, chairman of the House Education and Public Works Committee, and discuss education in SC, early childhood care, key issues in public safety, autism care, and so much more! Hear about SC’s proposed liability changes, the state budget, the battle between the senate finance and the Treasurers office, fetal heartbeat bill, Nancy Mace’s continued attacks on Alan Wilson - and highlighting the Smart Heart Act which aims to prevent student athletes ...
Mar 18, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 5Ep. 6
Vincent and Joel sit down with guest, Molly Fortune, to discuss celebrating SC's role in winning the revolutionary war! They then speak with Representative, Brandon Newton, to discuss raising teacher pay, serving on Ways and Means committee, tax reform, national political scene, Nancy Mace's new controversy, and so much more! Hear about the new "freedom to read" bill, funding school vouchers with lottery money, direct sale of electric cars to consumers, accountability on government money, and th...
Feb 26, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 5Ep. 5
For the Third Year in a row Vincent and Joel host the podcast from the SC Realtor's Association Annual Conference with Guest, Speaker Pro Tempore Tommy Pope, and discuss what REALLY happened to the mysterious 1.8 billion, controversial funding issues for South Carolina's education system, school vouchers, updates on Nancy Mace's and Alan Wilson's Gubernatorial aspirations, how the Parties have shifted to the extremes, "RINOs", and so much more! Hear how elected officials really work together, wh...
Feb 12, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 5Ep. 4
Joel sits down with guest, Chuck Todd, to discuss all things political reporting. They talk about combatting the rise of antisemitism in the US, effective reporting, aftermath of meet the press, how Chuck got started in politics, the benefits and detriments of AI in reporting, Lee Bandy, how to repair local news and communities, tribalism’s negative impacts, and so much more! Hear two true political junkies dive deep into their world in front of a live audience of political science students! Get...
Feb 06, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Season 5Ep. 3
Vincent and Joel sit down with guest, Representative J. Todd Rutherford, to discuss Gambling in South Carolina, sports betting, funding state programs, dram shop liability, the fate of the missing 1.8 billion, and how the Freedom Caucus has changed the statehouse. They discuss whether we should get rid of all income taxes, Nancy Mace's ranting in congress, how leadership has devolved in U.S. politics, and so much more! Get your latest Statehouse update and hear firsthand the rationale behind som...
Jan 28, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Vincent and Joel sit down with guest, Chairman Bruce Bannister, to discuss South Carolina's 40 Billion Dollar Budget, what South Carolina does with your tax dollars, how we became one of the most rapidly growing States, and so much more! Hear political insiders discuss how the State will fund school vouchers, what to look for this year in South Carolina politics, public schools, replacing buses, and how allocation of resources may be the problem instead of the amount we invest. Get your latest S...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr•Season 5Ep. 1
Vincent and Joel sit down with Will Folks and have an in-depth and substantive discussion about the tumultuous and turbulent year of 2024. They give a touching homage to Senator Kay Patterson and Congressman John Spratt, discuss the changes in the SC court system, controversies in the Freedom Caucus, what’s happened in South Carolina politics, and so much more! Support the show Keep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcast Facebook.com/BITBRpodcast https://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout....
Dec 27, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 4Ep. 25
Vincent and Joel sit down with guest, Lieutenant Governor and State Senator, Andre Bauer. They discuss his substantial background in politics, how working hard in politics can pay off, what is required to succeed in Rural Politics, and so much more! Hear an insider scoop on Andre's federal appointment that has NEVER been reported and enjoy one of the most comprehensive interviews Andre Bauer has ever done! Get your latest Statehouse update and hear firsthand the rationale behind some of the legi...
Dec 13, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 4Ep. 24
Happy Thanksgiving! Vincent and Joel sit down with guest, Senator Nikki Setzler to discuss how he became a 48-year veteran of the State Senate and the longest serving Senator in the Nation. They discuss South Carolina politics, policy, historical changes, and what's in store for the future. Hear about his family's famous local Lexington fast-food restaurant, what it was like entering politics in the 70s, Joe Wilson's start as a Democrat, and so much fascinating discussion of South Carolina polit...
Nov 27, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 4Ep. 23
Vincent and Joel sit down with guest, journalist extraordinaire, Maayan Schechter to discuss the landmark elections occurring at local, State, and national levels in the United States. Hear insider takes on the national elections, who won and lost in South Carolina, and what the near future is going to look like for you, the listener, based on the changing political landscape. Newly elected Rep. Heather Bauer makes a special appearance to talk about what propelled her to victory in district 75! ...
Nov 07, 2024•43 min•Season 4Ep. 22
Vincent and Joel sit down with our guest, Professor Bobby Donaldson, director of USC’s Center for Civil Rights History, to take a deep dive into the impact of race, ethnicity, and history on today’s political scene. Learn about politics and race from the Civil War, Reconstruction, up to today. This episode is timely! Get your latest Statehouse update and hear firsthand the rationale behind some of the legislature's most controversial bills. Support the show Keep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.co...
Oct 31, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Season 4Ep. 21
Joel sits down with Mary Green, reporter for WIS, WCSC, WHNS, WMBF, WTOC, WRDW, and WBTV. Joel and Mary break down various upcoming State and National elections, including the hotly contested Bauer-Finlay and Ott-Guerry races. Then, Joel and Mary also discuss how the upcoming election results may impact the makeup of the General Assembly and the potential legislation that may follow the elections. Also, Joel and Mary discuss the recent South Carolina Supreme Court ruling on school vouchers. Get ...
Oct 17, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 4Ep. 20
Vincent and Joel sit down with guest, SCDC Director Bryan Stirling, and discuss the status of SCDC, Bryan's interesting background as an attorney, declining crime rates, how we got the LOWEST recidivism rate in the country, SC plans for improvement, making SC safer, and so much more. Hear how your tax dollars get spent, about Medicaid expansion, S.C. Superintendent of Education's decision to partner with a controversial school materials organization, Guerry vs. Ott Senate race and so much more! ...
Oct 04, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 4Ep. 19
Vincent and Joel sit down with guest, North Carolina House member, Zack Hawkins to discuss southern politics, N.C.'s changing political dynamics, and the heated battle for N.C.'s Governor seat. Hear about both states' public schools, funding, how local politics in both states impact the national political scene, a discussion on the S.C. Supreme Court's strong ruling on the use of public dollars for private schools, new laws on cellphones in classrooms, and so much more! Get your latest Statehous...
Sep 18, 2024•49 min•Season 4Ep. 18
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...
Aug 30, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Season 4Ep. 17
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 so...
Aug 20, 2024•53 min•Season 4Ep. 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 ...
Aug 01, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 4Ep. 15
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 ...
Jul 19, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 4Ep. 14
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 rat...
Jul 03, 2024•54 min•Season 4Ep. 13
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 Carol...
Jun 13, 2024•49 min•Season 4Ep. 12
