Politically Speaking

SC’s Shocking Abortion Bill, Vaccine Myths & The Black Voter Disconnect

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 the surge of vaccine misinformation amid a measles outbreak and the failures in healthcare education across the state. Beyond the bills, the conversation turns to the heart of the 2026 cycle: voter engagement. Kirsten highlights the recurring disconnect between politicians and the Black community, arguing that year-round relationship building must replace the "last-minute" outreach seen in previous cycles. From Black History Month reflections to a debate on economic commentary, this episode is a call for leadership that respects the lived experiences of all constituents. Key Topics: #SCPolitics2026 #AbortionRightsSC #BlackVoterEngagement #WomenInPolitics #VaccineEducation #ParentalRights #BlackHistoryMonth #PoliticallySpeaking #SampsonMayerPruitt Thanks for listening! Please Subscribe, drop a review and consider giving us 5 Stars! Follow us across social media via our Linktr.ee [https://Linktr.ee/politicallyspeakingsc]! You can also follow us; Kirsten Pruitt [https://www.instagram.com/kirstenmd813/], Emily Mayer [https://www.instagram.com/emilymayersc/] and Erica Sampson [https://www.instagram.com/therealericasampson/]! To watch our episodes, visit our YouTube Channel [https://youtube.com/@politicallyspeakingsc]! This episode is produced and engineered by Barrett Gruber [https://linktr.ee/barrettgruber], of BIG Media LLC [https://bigmediallc.com]! Please also check out our #PartnerPodcasts. Zac and Barrett host The All About Nothing: Podcast [https://theallaboutnothing.com]! Zac and Barrett host What The Pod Was That [https://whatthepodwasthat.com] with Cari Simmons, available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Check out a deep dive down the rabbit hole with Amii on the pod, Welcome to Wonder Land [https://wtwlpod.com], available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Also check out Black White and Blue In the South [https://linktr.ee/bwabits], With Dr. Jumelle Brooks and Bill Kimler! Make sure to head over to The Preach Jacobs Podcast [https://the-preach-jacobs-podcast.captivate.fm/] with Preach Jacobs! Check out our latest addition to BIG Media LLC, The Awakening Podcast [https://the-awakening-podcast.captivate.fm/] with Heather and Tamara! Music from #Uppbeat; "Suss" performed by Bosnow; https://uppbeat.io/t/bosnow/suss [https://uppbeat.io/t/bosnow/suss] License code: LFOVRJZEGYVLTXCK If you like what you here, check out other great pods on the BIG Media LLC [https://bigmediallc.com/] Podcast Network! Barrett [https://linktr.ee/barrettgruber] and Zac [https://linktr.ee/aanzac] host The All About Nothing: Podcast [https://theallaboutnothing.com/], discussing everything from news and politics to entertainment and sports! All About Nothing, but All About Something too! Zac [https://linktr.ee/aanzac] and Barrett [https://linktr.ee/barrettgruber] host What The Pod Was That [https://whatthepodwasthat.com/] with Cari Simmons [https://twitter.com/cari_simmons], available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Take a deep dive down the rabbit hole with Amii [https://twitter.com/chicamii] on the pod Welcome to Wonder Land [https://wtwlpod.com/]. Check out Black White and Blue In the South [https://blackwhitebluesouth.captivate.fm/], With Dr. Jamelle Brooks and Bill Kimler! The Preach Jacobs Podcast [https://the-preach-jacobs-podcast.captivate.fm/] is hosted by Columbia Best Hip Hop Artist and Best DJ, Preach Jacobs! All of these fantastic podcasts can be found on the BIG Media LLC [https://bigmediallc.com/] Podcast Network! Mentioned in this episode: BIG Media LLC Copyright 2026 BIG Media LLC [https://politically-speaking.captivate.fm/bigmediallc]

The Power of Local Elections

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 choice. The conversation emphasizes the need for community engagement and the impact of political decisions on everyday lives. * Ryan Stephens | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ryanmstephens/] Thanks for listening! Please Subscribe, drop a review and consider giving us 5 Stars! Follow us across social media via our Linktr.ee [https://Linktr.ee/politicallyspeakingsc]! You can also follow us; Kirsten Pruitt [https://www.instagram.com/kirstenmd813/], Emily Mayer [https://www.instagram.com/emilymayersc/] and Erica Sampson [https://www.instagram.com/therealericasampson/]! To watch our episodes, visit our YouTube Channel [https://youtube.com/@politicallyspeakingsc]! This episode is produced and engineered by Barrett Gruber [https://linktr.ee/barrettgruber], of BIG Media LLC [https://bigmediallc.com]! Please also check out our #PartnerPodcasts. Zac and Barrett host The All About Nothing: Podcast [https://theallaboutnothing.com]! Zac and Barrett host What The Pod Was That [https://whatthepodwasthat.com] with Cari Simmons, available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Check out a deep dive down the rabbit hole with Amii on the pod, Welcome to Wonder Land [https://wtwlpod.com], available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Also check out Black White and Blue In the South [https://linktr.ee/bwabits], With Dr. Jumelle Brooks and Bill Kimler! Make sure to head over to The Preach Jacobs Podcast [https://the-preach-jacobs-podcast.captivate.fm/] with Preach Jacobs! Check out our latest addition to BIG Media LLC, The Awakening Podcast [https://the-awakening-podcast.captivate.fm/] with Heather and Tamara! Music from #Uppbeat; "Suss" performed by Bosnow; https://uppbeat.io/t/bosnow/suss [https://uppbeat.io/t/bosnow/suss] License code: LFOVRJZEGYVLTXCK If you like what you here, check out other great pods on the BIG Media LLC [https://bigmediallc.com/] Podcast Network! Barrett [https://linktr.ee/barrettgruber] and Zac [https://linktr.ee/aanzac] host The All About Nothing: Podcast [https://theallaboutnothing.com/], discussing everything from news and politics to entertainment and sports! All About Nothing, but All About Something too! Zac [https://linktr.ee/aanzac] and Barrett [https://linktr.ee/barrettgruber] host What The Pod Was That [https://whatthepodwasthat.com/] with Cari Simmons [https://twitter.com/cari_simmons], available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Take a deep dive down the rabbit hole with Amii [https://twitter.com/chicamii] on the pod Welcome to Wonder Land [https://wtwlpod.com/]. Check out Black White and Blue In the South [https://blackwhitebluesouth.captivate.fm/], With Dr. Jamelle Brooks and Bill Kimler! The Preach Jacobs Podcast [https://the-preach-jacobs-podcast.captivate.fm/] is hosted by Columbia Best Hip Hop Artist and Best DJ, Preach Jacobs! All of these fantastic podcasts can be found on the BIG Media LLC [https://bigmediallc.com/] Podcast Network! Mentioned in this episode: BIG Media LLC Copyright 2025 "Politically Speaking" with Erica Sampson, Emily Mayer and Kirsten Pruitt is solely owned by Erica Sampson, Emily Mayer and Kirsten Pruitt, and is distributed by BIG Media LLC, Copyright 2025; all rights reserved. Visit https://bigmediallc.com for more great podcasts! BIG Media LLC [https://politically-speaking.captivate.fm/bigmediallc]

The Role of the South Carolina Democratic Party; Guest Jay Parmley

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, particularly its impact on healthcare. The conversation also touches on the role of federal employees during shutdowns, the significance of political messaging on social media, and the need for everyday citizens to get involved in politics. The episode concludes with a light-hearted game of 'Two Truths and a Lie' related to government shutdowns. * South Carolina Democratic Party [https://scdp.org/] * Linktr.ee | Politically Speaking [https://linktr.ee/politicallyspeakingsc] Thanks for listening! Please Subscribe, drop a review and consider giving us 5 Stars! Follow us across social media via our Linktr.ee [https://Linktr.ee/politicallyspeakingsc]! You can also follow us; Kirsten Pruitt [https://www.instagram.com/kirstenmd813/], Emily Mayer [https://www.instagram.com/emilymayersc/] and Erica Sampson [https://www.instagram.com/therealericasampson/]! To watch our episodes, visit our YouTube Channel [https://youtube.com/@politicallyspeakingsc]! This episode is produced and engineered by Barrett Gruber [https://linktr.ee/barrettgruber], of BIG Media LLC [https://bigmediallc.com]! Please also check out our #PartnerPodcasts. Zac and Barrett host The All About Nothing: Podcast [https://theallaboutnothing.com]! Zac and Barrett host What The Pod Was That [https://whatthepodwasthat.com] with Cari Simmons, available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Check out a deep dive down the rabbit hole with Amii on the pod, Welcome to Wonder Land [https://wtwlpod.com], available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Also check out Black White and Blue In the South [https://linktr.ee/bwabits], With Dr. Jumelle Brooks and Bill Kimler! Make sure to head over to The Preach Jacobs Podcast [https://the-preach-jacobs-podcast.captivate.fm/] with Preach Jacobs! Check out our latest addition to BIG Media LLC, The Awakening Podcast [https://the-awakening-podcast.captivate.fm/] with Heather and Tamara! Music from #Uppbeat; "Suss" performed by Bosnow; https://uppbeat.io/t/bosnow/suss [https://uppbeat.io/t/bosnow/suss] License code: LFOVRJZEGYVLTXCK If you like what you here, check out other great pods on the BIG Media LLC [https://bigmediallc.com/] Podcast Network! Barrett [https://linktr.ee/barrettgruber] and Zac [https://linktr.ee/aanzac] host The All About Nothing: Podcast [https://theallaboutnothing.com/], discussing everything from news and politics to entertainment and sports! All About Nothing, but All About Something too! Zac [https://linktr.ee/aanzac] and Barrett [https://linktr.ee/barrettgruber] host What The Pod Was That [https://whatthepodwasthat.com/] with Cari Simmons [https://twitter.com/cari_simmons], available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Take a deep dive down the rabbit hole with Amii [https://twitter.com/chicamii] on the pod Welcome to Wonder Land [https://wtwlpod.com/]. Check out Black White and Blue In the South [https://blackwhitebluesouth.captivate.fm/], With Dr. Jamelle Brooks and Bill Kimler! The Preach Jacobs Podcast [https://the-preach-jacobs-podcast.captivate.fm/] is hosted by Columbia Best Hip Hop Artist and Best DJ, Preach Jacobs! All of these fantastic podcasts can be found on the BIG Media LLC [https://bigmediallc.com/] Podcast Network! Mentioned in this episode: BIG Media LLC Copyright 2025 "Politically Speaking" with Erica Sampson, Emily Mayer and Kirsten Pruitt is solely owned by Erica Sampson, Emily Mayer and Kirsten Pruitt, and is distributed by BIG Media LLC, Copyright 2025; all rights reserved. Visit https://bigmediallc.com for more great podcasts! BIG Media LLC [https://politically-speaking.captivate.fm/bigmediallc]

Local Voices and Big Issues; Candidate, Tina Belge and Young Democrat, Kyle Brantley!

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 running for office, the need for accessible childcare, and the role of social media in shaping political discourse. Joining the discussion as well is political activist Kyle Brantley, who shares his perspective on the implications of political violence following the shooting of Charlie Kirk. Together, the guests and hosts explore the complex relationship between Christianity and activism, emphasizing the need for thoughtful communication in politics. * Tina Belge | Website [https://tinabelge.com] * Tina Belge | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tbelge] * Kyle Brantley | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/officialkylebrantley/] * Linktr.ee | Politically Speaking [https://linktr.ee/politicallyspeakingsc] Thanks for listening! Please Subscribe, drop a review and consider giving us 5 Stars! Follow us across social media via our Linktr.ee [https://Linktr.ee/politicallyspeakingsc]! You can also follow us; Kirsten Pruitt [https://www.instagram.com/kirstenmd813/], Emily Mayer [https://www.instagram.com/emilymayersc/] and Erica Sampson [https://www.instagram.com/therealericasampson/]! To watch our episodes, visit our YouTube Channel [https://youtube.com/@politicallyspeakingsc]! This episode is produced and engineered by Barrett Gruber [https://linktr.ee/barrettgruber], of BIG Media LLC [https://bigmediallc.com]! Please also check out our #PartnerPodcasts. Zac and Barrett host The All About Nothing: Podcast [https://theallaboutnothing.com]! Zac and Barrett host What The Pod Was That [https://whatthepodwasthat.com] with Cari Simmons, available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Check out a deep dive down the rabbit hole with Amii on the pod, Welcome to Wonder Land [https://wtwlpod.com], available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Also check out Black White and Blue In the South [https://linktr.ee/bwabits], With Dr. Jumelle Brooks and Bill Kimler! Make sure to head over to The Preach Jacobs Podcast [https://the-preach-jacobs-podcast.captivate.fm/] with Preach Jacobs! Check out our latest addition to BIG Media LLC, The Awakening Podcast [https://the-awakening-podcast.captivate.fm/] with Heather and Tamara! Music from #Uppbeat; "Suss" performed by Bosnow; https://uppbeat.io/t/bosnow/suss [https://uppbeat.io/t/bosnow/suss] License code: LFOVRJZEGYVLTXCK If you like what you here, check out other great pods on the BIG Media LLC [https://bigmediallc.com/] Podcast Network! Barrett [https://linktr.ee/barrettgruber] and Zac [https://linktr.ee/aanzac] host The All About Nothing: Podcast [https://theallaboutnothing.com/], discussing everything from news and politics to entertainment and sports! All About Nothing, but All About Something too! Zac [https://linktr.ee/aanzac] and Barrett [https://linktr.ee/barrettgruber] host What The Pod Was That [https://whatthepodwasthat.com/] with Cari Simmons [https://twitter.com/cari_simmons], available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Take a deep dive down the rabbit hole with Amii [https://twitter.com/chicamii] on the pod Welcome to Wonder Land [https://wtwlpod.com/]. Check out Black White and Blue In the South [https://blackwhitebluesouth.captivate.fm/], With Dr. Jamelle Brooks and Bill Kimler! The Preach Jacobs Podcast [https://the-preach-jacobs-podcast.captivate.fm/] is hosted by Columbia Best Hip Hop Artist and Best DJ, Preach Jacobs! All of these fantastic podcasts can be found on the BIG Media LLC [https://bigmediallc.com/] Podcast Network! Mentioned in this episode: BIG Media LLC Copyright 2025 "Politically Speaking" with Erica Sampson, Emily Mayer and Kirsten Pruitt is solely owned by Erica Sampson, Emily Mayer and Kirsten Pruitt, and is distributed by BIG Media LLC, Copyright 2025; all rights reserved. Visit https://bigmediallc.com for more great podcasts! BIG Media LLC [https://politically-speaking.captivate.fm/bigmediallc]

Milestones and Movements: Youth, Guns, and Political Theater

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 the special guest, Michael Layer, they also discuss public health challenges, particularly surrounding vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, and the impact of political theater on public perception. The episode concludes with lighthearted moments and reflections on the absurdities of politics. * Anderson Clayton | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/andibreeze/] * Michael Layer | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/michaellll35/] * Linktr.ee | Politically Speaking [https://linktr.ee/politicallyspeakingsc] Thanks for listening! Please Subscribe, drop a review and consider giving us 5 Stars! Follow us across social media via our Linktr.ee [https://Linktr.ee/politicallyspeakingsc]! You can also follow us; Kirsten Pruitt [https://www.instagram.com/kirstenmd813/], Emily Mayer [https://www.instagram.com/emilymayersc/] and Erica Sampson [https://www.instagram.com/therealericasampson/]! To watch our episodes, visit our YouTube Channel [https://youtube.com/@politicallyspeakingsc]! This episode is produced and engineered by Barrett Gruber [https://linktr.ee/barrettgruber], of BIG Media LLC [https://bigmediallc.com]! Please also check out our #PartnerPodcasts. Zac and Barrett host The All About Nothing: Podcast [https://theallaboutnothing.com]! Zac and Barrett host What The Pod Was That [https://whatthepodwasthat.com] with Cari Simmons, available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Check out a deep dive down the rabbit hole with Amii on the pod, Welcome to Wonder Land [https://wtwlpod.com], available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Also check out Black White and Blue In the South [https://linktr.ee/bwabits], With Dr. Jumelle Brooks and Bill Kimler! Make sure to head over to The Preach Jacobs Podcast [https://the-preach-jacobs-podcast.captivate.fm/] with Preach Jacobs! Check out our latest addition to BIG Media LLC, The Awakening Podcast [https://the-awakening-podcast.captivate.fm/] with Heather and Tamara! If you like what you here, check out other great pods on the BIG Media LLC [https://bigmediallc.com/] Podcast Network! Barrett [https://linktr.ee/barrettgruber] and Zac [https://linktr.ee/aanzac] host The All About Nothing: Podcast [https://theallaboutnothing.com/], discussing everything from news and politics to entertainment and sports! All About Nothing, but All About Something too! Zac [https://linktr.ee/aanzac] and Barrett [https://linktr.ee/barrettgruber] host What The Pod Was That [https://whatthepodwasthat.com/] with Cari Simmons [https://twitter.com/cari_simmons], available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Take a deep dive down the rabbit hole with Amii [https://twitter.com/chicamii] on the pod Welcome to Wonder Land [https://wtwlpod.com/]. Check out Black White and Blue In the South [https://blackwhitebluesouth.captivate.fm/], With Dr. Jamelle Brooks and Bill Kimler! The Preach Jacobs Podcast [https://the-preach-jacobs-podcast.captivate.fm/] is hosted by Columbia Best Hip Hop Artist and Best DJ, Preach Jacobs! All of these fantastic podcasts can be found on the BIG Media LLC [https://bigmediallc.com/] Podcast Network! Music from #Uppbeat; "Suss" performed by Bosnow; https://uppbeat.io/t/bosnow/suss [https://uppbeat.io/t/bosnow/suss] License code: LFOVRJZEGYVLTXCK Mentioned in this episode: BIG Media LLC Copyright 2025 "Politically Speaking" with Erica Sampson, Emily Mayer and Kirsten Pruitt is solely owned by Erica Sampson, Emily Mayer and Kirsten Pruitt, and is distributed by BIG Media LLC, Copyright 2025; all rights reserved. Visit https://bigmediallc.com for more great podcasts! BIG Media LLC [https://politically-speaking.captivate.fm/bigmediallc]