Grand Strand Politics

Randal Wallace
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 🎙️ Grand Strand Politics “The inside story of power, growth, and change along the Grand Strand.” A local podcast from Randal Wallace Presents A podcast covering the people, decisions, and issues shaping life along South Carolina’s Grand Strand—from Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach to Surfside Beach and across Horry County. Local politics isn’t abstract—it affects growth, development, taxes, public safety, and the future of the community. This show breaks down what’s happening, who’s involved, and what it means for residents, business owners, and voters across the Grand Strand. From city council decisions to county-wide issues and election coverage, Grand Strand Politics provides context, insight, and a clear look at the forces shaping one of South Carolina’s fastest-growing regions. 🎧 What You’ll Hear Local elections and candidatesDevelopment and growth debatesCity and county decision-makingThe issues driving change across the Grand Strand 👉 If you live here, work here, or care about where the Grand Strand is headed—this is your guide to the conversation.

  1. 7H AGO

    Russell Fry South Carolina Gubernatorial Candidates Forum Part 2: : Congresswoman Nancy Mace, Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, and Congressman Ralph Norman

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    1h 21m

  2. 7H AGO

    Russell Fry South Carolina Gubernatorial Candidates Forum Part 1 : Senator Josh Kimbrell, and Attorney General Alan Wilson

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    57 min

  3. 16H AGO ·  BONUS

    A Housekeeping Episode to talk about Season Three Starting Now

    Send us Fan Mail Introducing our Third Season, and why it is beginning so quickly after the end of our Second Season.  The coverage of the 2026 South Carolina Elections.

    4 min

  4. 5D AGO ·  BONUS

    GRAND STRAND POLITICS Season Three Preview : The 2026 Election - Governor and U.S. Senate plus Horry County Council

    Send us Fan Mail GRAND STRAND POLITICS — Season Three Preview The 2026 Election: Governor, U.S. Senate, and Horry County Council Season Three of Grand Strand Politics is here — and it begins with a look ahead to one of the most important election cycles in South Carolina in years. In this preview episode, we set the stage for our upcoming coverage of the 2026 elections — from the Governor’s race to the United States Senate contest, and right down to the critical decisions shaping Horry County. We begin by recognizing the leadership and long public service of Henry McMaster, as his tenure continues to influence both the direction of the state and the field of candidates seeking to follow. From there, we break down what is shaping up to be a crowded and competitive race for Governor — examining the early dynamics, the potential candidates, and what it could mean for South Carolina’s future. We also turn to the U.S. Senate race, where Lindsey Graham once again finds himself at the center of a high-profile campaign, drawing attention both statewide and nationally. And closer to home, we preview the upcoming Horry County Council races — where local decisions will continue to have a direct impact on growth, development, and the future of the Grand Strand. As we launch Season Three, we’re expanding how you can stay connected: • Join our new Substack newsletter for deeper analysis and updates  • Become part of the conversation in the Grand Strand Politics Facebook Group • Follow along as we bring you ongoing coverage of state and local elections throughout the season Season Three will be your front-row seat to the 2026 election — with insight, context, and the local perspective that matters most. The campaign begins now.

    6 min

  5. 6D AGO

    THE JOHN BONSIGNOR INTERVIEW with Councilman Cam Crawford (Part 8, The Season Two Finale) Personalities and Politics (B) Rep. Mark Kelly, Governor Henry McMaster and we wrap it all up

    Send us Fan Mail The John Bonsignor Interview with Councilman Cam Crawford (Part 8 — Season Two Finale) Personalities and Politics (B): Rep. Mark Kelly, Governor Henry McMaster, and Closing Reflections In Part 8 — the Season Two finale of our John Bonsignor series — we bring this remarkable set of conversations to a close with a wide-ranging discussion on public service, leadership, and the people who helped shape modern Horry County. Joined once again by Councilman Cam Crawford, this episode explores the realities behind elected office — from the responsibilities of the job to the often-debated question of compensation — and what it truly means to serve at the local and state level. At the center of the conversation are two towering figures: • Mark Kelly, the former Myrtle Beach State Representative whose influence on the development of Horry County — particularly its tourism growth — left a lasting mark on the region • Henry McMaster, widely regarded by many as one of the most consequential governors of the modern era, whose leadership and long career in South Carolina politics continue to shape the state today But as with so many moments in this series, it’s not all politics. In a brief and endearing interruption, Betty Sue Bonsignor makes an unexpected appearance when a television in the background suddenly comes to life at full volume — a lighthearted reminder that behind every public life is a personal one. Her quick visit — and gentle nudge to keep things moving — adds a human touch to a conversation filled with reflection. As the episode draws to a close, each participant offers final thoughts — not just on politics, but on the man at the center of it all. John Bonsignor. A broadcaster. A community leader. A friend. What follows is a heartfelt expression of appreciation for the role he has played in the lives of so many — and in the civic life of Myrtle Beach and Horry County. For a generation of political figures, Bonsignor wasn’t just a host — he was a constant, a sounding board, and a trusted voice. This final chapter is about more than personalities and politics. It’s about legacy. And bringing a remarkable story — and a remarkable friendship — full circle. Theme song is  Produced by Danya Vodovoz, link to my song   https://youtu.be/NRxduUMZcdw

    40 min

  6. APR 28

    THE JOHN BONSIGNOR INTERVIEW with Councilman Cam Crawford (Part 7) Personalities and Politics (A) Henry Brown, Russell Fry, & Alan Clemmons

    Send us Fan Mail The John Bonsignor Interview with Councilman Cam Crawford (Part 7) Personalities and Politics (A): Henry Brown, Russell Fry, & Alan Clemmons In Part 7 of our continuing series, John Bonsignor and Horry County Councilman Cam Crawford take a step back for a wide-ranging, personal look at the people who helped shape modern politics along the Grand Strand. This episode is a journey through relationships, reputations, and the individuals behind the headlines — told by those who worked alongside them, learned from them, and in many cases, helped build the political landscape we see today. At the center of the conversation is Henry E. Brown Jr., the widely respected former congressman whose deep connection to Horry County made him a lasting and popular figure. Crawford reflects on his time serving as an aide to Brown, offering insight into both the man and the leadership style that earned him such strong local support. We also look at the rise of Russell Fry — from his early days as a grassroots activist in Horry County politics to his emergence on the national stage. And we revisit the career of Alan Clemmons, a longtime State Representative and former South Carolina Republican Party Chairman, whose influence on state and local politics remains significant. In addition, we recognize Joanne Weigand, a longtime founding activist in the Republican Party whose work at the grassroots level helped build and sustain the party’s presence in the region over many years. Along the way, the conversation expands to include a number of other notable figures — from former Myrtle Beach City Clerk Joan Grove to former Congressman Tom Rice — each contributing to a broader portrait of an era defined by strong personalities and evolving political dynamics. Part 7 is less about events and more about people — the relationships, the stories, and the moments that don’t always make it into the official record, but help explain how politics really works at the local and regional level. A conversation of memory, insight, and perspective — from those who were there. Theme song is  Produced by Danya Vodovoz, link to my song   https://youtu.be/NRxduUMZcdw

    47 min

  7. APR 23

    THE JOHN BONSIGNOR INTERVIEW (Part 6 Special Edition) A Tribute to BENNIE SWAN, the Community Law Enforcement Appreciation Committee and BIG TALK

    Send us Fan Mail The John Bonsignor Interview (Part 6 — Special Edition) A Tribute to Bennie Swan, the Community Law Enforcement Appreciation Committee, and Big Talk In Part 6 of our John Bonsignor series, we pause to honor a remarkable life of service and community leadership — a tribute to the late Bennie Swan, whose impact on Myrtle Beach continues to be felt to this day. Bennie Swan was more than an activist — he was a builder of bridges. After a series of shootings in the Myrtle Beach area, he stepped forward at a critical moment, helping to create what would become the Community Law Enforcement Appreciation Committee — an effort designed not only to recognize the work of law enforcement, but to foster real connection and trust between officers and the communities they serve. Before making Myrtle Beach his home, Swan had spent a lifetime engaged in activism in cities like Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Chicago. He brought that experience, energy, and commitment with him — and quickly became a driving force for positive change along the Grand Strand. Working alongside John Bonsignor, and with the support of leaders including host Randal Wallace and the Myrtle Beach City Council, Swan also played a key role in establishing the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday as a recognized citywide observance. What began as an effort to honor the day has since grown into a broader community celebration — a lasting legacy of vision and persistence. In this special episode, we look back on Bennie Swan’s life and contributions, and then take you back to the beginning — with a rebroadcast of his early appearance on Big Talk with John Bonsignor and Paul Gable, recorded at a time when the Law Enforcement Appreciation Committee was just taking shape — before it even had a name. It’s a rare and powerful snapshot of a movement in its earliest moments. We also take time in this episode to recognize Paul Gable — whose steady presence, professionalism, and commitment to meaningful dialogue helped make Big Talk such an important platform for conversations like these. This is a story of partnership, purpose, and community. A tribute to Bennie Swan…  and to the voices that helped turn ideas into lasting change. Theme song is  Produced by Danya Vodovoz, link to my song   https://youtu.be/NRxduUMZcdw

    57 min

  8. APR 21

    THE JOHN BONSIGNOR INTERVIEW with Councilman CAM CRAWFORD (Part 5) Congressman Henry Brown, The South Strand Republican Club, The TDF, & The Media

    Send us Fan Mail The John Bonsignor Interview with Councilman Cam Crawford (Part 5) Congressman Henry Brown, The South Strand Republican Club, The TDF, & The Media In Part 5 of our John Bonsignor series, we continue our second day of conversations — this time joined by Horry County Councilman Cam Crawford — as we take a deeper dive into the recent political history of Horry County. This episode revisits one of the most talked-about and controversial moments in local politics: the press conference surrounding the wildfire that spread from the farm of Henry E. Brown Jr. into the Francis Marion National Forest, and the political firestorm that followed. At the center of it all was a heated and highly publicized exchange involving a recently retired Democratic forestry official and the congressional campaign of Linda Ketner, just days before the 2008 election. Ketner — an heir to the Food Lion fortune — was attempting to gain traction in Horry County, but what unfolded instead were two disastrous press conferences that would shape the narrative of the race. In this episode, we take you inside that moment. Captured on video by the late Herbert Riley — a Jazz Etc performer and Democratic activist — we bring you audio from that day as it happened, followed by a detailed discussion with John Bonsignor and Councilman Crawford about what went wrong, what it meant politically, and how it played across the community. From there, the conversation expands into broader themes that continue to shape the region today: • The origins and influence of the South Strand Republican Club • The debate surrounding the Tourism Development Fee (TDF) • The evolving role of media — locally and nationally — in shaping public perception This is a candid, inside look at the intersection of politics, media, and community — told by those who were there as it unfolded. Part 5 brings history to life — not as distant memory, but as lived experience, captured in real time and examined with the perspective of those who helped shape it. Theme song is  Produced by Danya Vodovoz, link to my song   https://youtu.be/NRxduUMZcdw

    59 min
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About

 🎙️ Grand Strand Politics “The inside story of power, growth, and change along the Grand Strand.” A local podcast from Randal Wallace Presents A podcast covering the people, decisions, and issues shaping life along South Carolina’s Grand Strand—from Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach to Surfside Beach and across Horry County. Local politics isn’t abstract—it affects growth, development, taxes, public safety, and the future of the community. This show breaks down what’s happening, who’s involved, and what it means for residents, business owners, and voters across the Grand Strand. From city council decisions to county-wide issues and election coverage, Grand Strand Politics provides context, insight, and a clear look at the forces shaping one of South Carolina’s fastest-growing regions. 🎧 What You’ll Hear Local elections and candidatesDevelopment and growth debatesCity and county decision-makingThe issues driving change across the Grand Strand 👉 If you live here, work here, or care about where the Grand Strand is headed—this is your guide to the conversation.

Information

  • Creator
    Randal Wallace
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Grand Strand Politics
  • Show Website
    Grand Strand Politics