Politically Speaking

Sampson, Mayer and Pruitt

"Politically Speaking" is a bold and engaging podcast hosted by three progressive young Democrats who break down the latest political news, challenge the status quo, and amplify voices for change. With sharp analysis, candid conversations, and a dash of humor, they tackle the issues that matter most—from policy and elections to activism and social justice. Tune in for fresh perspectives, fearless discussions, and a progressive take on the future of politics.

  1. Jun 22

    Redistricting, Black Candidates & SC Primary Surprises

    Emily Mayer is joined by Kirsten Pruitt and Erica Sampson for a sharp, informed breakdown of South Carolina's recent primary elections — what the results mean, what surprised them, and what it all signals heading into November. The panel opens with a review of the most striking outcomes, including Nancy Mace finishing fifth — a result Emily calls "a happy surprise" — and Jermaine Johnson's commanding 59% victory, which exceeded even optimistic expectations. The conversation digs into what drove these outcomes, from early voting dynamics and redistricting impacts to candidate visibility and grassroots organizing versus traditional fundraising. One of the episode's central themes is representation. The panel celebrates record turnout among Black voters and the success of Black candidates across the ballot, exploring what that means for the future of South Carolina politics and why authentic community engagement matters more than a well-funded campaign. The discussion around electability is nuanced and honest — the panel pushes back on the idea that qualifications alone determine viability, and examines how social media is reshaping candidate visibility and voter perception in real time. The conversation turns to November with a note of grounded realism. Midterm enthusiasm tends to fade, and the panel explores what candidates and campaigns need to do right now to sustain momentum, close communication gaps, and keep voters educated and engaged through election day. This is the kind of political analysis South Carolina voters need — grounded, community-focused, and unafraid to call surprises what they are. Topics Covered: Primary election results and the biggest surprisesNancy Mace's fifth place finish and what it signalsJermaine Johnson's 59% victory and community impactEarly voting trends and redistricting effects on candidate visibilityRecord turnout and Black candidate success across the ballotGrassroots organizing vs. fundraising in modern campaignsSocial media's role in shaping voter perceptionCampaign communication challenges and voter educationExpectations and strategy heading into November Linktr.ee | Politically Speaking Thanks for listening! Please Subscribe, drop a review and consider giving us 5 Stars! Follow us across social media via our Linktr.ee! You can also follow us; Kirsten Pruitt, Emily Mayer and Erica Sampson! To watch our episodes, visit our YouTube Channel! This episode is produced and engineered by Barrett Gruber, of BIG Media LLC! Please also check out our #PartnerPodcasts. Zac and Barrett host The All About Nothing: Podcast! Zac and Barrett host What The Pod Was That 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, available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Also check out Black White and Blue In the South, With Dr. Jumelle Brooks and Bill Kimler! Make sure to head over to The Preach Jacobs Podcast with Preach Jacobs! Check out our latest addition to BIG Media LLC, The Awakening Podcast with Heather and Tamara! Music from #Uppbeat; "Suss" performed by Bosnow; 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 Podcast Network! Barrett and Zac host The All About Nothing: Podcast, discussing everything from news and politics to entertainment and sports! All About Nothing, but All About Something too! Zac and Barrett host What The Pod Was That with Cari Simmons, available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Take a deep dive down the rabbit hole with Amii on the pod Welcome to Wonder Land. Check out Black White and Blue In the South, With Dr. Jamelle Brooks and Bill Kimler! The Preach Jacobs Podcast 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 Podcast Network! Mentioned in this episode: BIG Media LLC Copyright 2026 BIG Media LLC

    1h 3m
  2. Feb 9

    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! You can also follow us; Kirsten Pruitt, Emily Mayer and Erica Sampson! To watch our episodes, visit our YouTube Channel! This episode is produced and engineered by Barrett Gruber, of BIG Media LLC! Please also check out our #PartnerPodcasts. Zac and Barrett host The All About Nothing: Podcast! Zac and Barrett host What The Pod Was That 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, available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Also check out Black White and Blue In the South, With Dr. Jumelle Brooks and Bill Kimler! Make sure to head over to The Preach Jacobs Podcast with Preach Jacobs! Check out our latest addition to BIG Media LLC, The Awakening Podcast with Heather and Tamara! Music from #Uppbeat; "Suss" performed by Bosnow; 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 Podcast Network! Barrett and Zac host The All About Nothing: Podcast, discussing everything from news and politics to entertainment and sports! All About Nothing, but All About Something too! Zac and Barrett host What The Pod Was That with Cari Simmons, available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Take a deep dive down the rabbit hole with Amii on the pod Welcome to Wonder Land. Check out Black White and Blue In the South, With Dr. Jamelle Brooks and Bill Kimler! The Preach Jacobs Podcast 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 Podcast Network! Mentioned in this episode: BIG Media LLC Copyright 2026 BIG Media LLC

    52 min
  3. 11/10/2025

    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 Thanks for listening! Please Subscribe, drop a review and consider giving us 5 Stars! Follow us across social media via our Linktr.ee! You can also follow us; Kirsten Pruitt, Emily Mayer and Erica Sampson! To watch our episodes, visit our YouTube Channel! This episode is produced and engineered by Barrett Gruber, of BIG Media LLC! Please also check out our #PartnerPodcasts. Zac and Barrett host The All About Nothing: Podcast! Zac and Barrett host What The Pod Was That 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, available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Also check out Black White and Blue In the South, With Dr. Jumelle Brooks and Bill Kimler! Make sure to head over to The Preach Jacobs Podcast with Preach Jacobs! Check out our latest addition to BIG Media LLC, The Awakening Podcast with Heather and Tamara! Music from #Uppbeat; "Suss" performed by Bosnow; 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 Podcast Network! Barrett and Zac host The All About Nothing: Podcast, discussing everything from news and politics to entertainment and sports! All About Nothing, but All About Something too! Zac and Barrett host What The Pod Was That with Cari Simmons, available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Take a deep dive down the rabbit hole with Amii on the pod Welcome to Wonder Land. Check out Black White and Blue In the South, With Dr. Jamelle Brooks and Bill Kimler! The Preach Jacobs Podcast 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 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

    50 min
  4. 10/06/2025

    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 PartyLinktr.ee | Politically Speaking Thanks for listening! Please Subscribe, drop a review and consider giving us 5 Stars! Follow us across social media via our Linktr.ee! You can also follow us; Kirsten Pruitt, Emily Mayer and Erica Sampson! To watch our episodes, visit our YouTube Channel! This episode is produced and engineered by Barrett Gruber, of BIG Media LLC! Please also check out our #PartnerPodcasts. Zac and Barrett host The All About Nothing: Podcast! Zac and Barrett host What The Pod Was That 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, available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Also check out Black White and Blue In the South, With Dr. Jumelle Brooks and Bill Kimler! Make sure to head over to The Preach Jacobs Podcast with Preach Jacobs! Check out our latest addition to BIG Media LLC, The Awakening Podcast with Heather and Tamara! Music from #Uppbeat; "Suss" performed by Bosnow; 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 Podcast Network! Barrett and Zac host The All About Nothing: Podcast, discussing everything from news and politics to entertainment and sports! All About Nothing, but All About Something too! Zac and Barrett host What The Pod Was That with Cari Simmons, available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Take a deep dive down the rabbit hole with Amii on the pod Welcome to Wonder Land. Check out Black White and Blue In the South, With Dr. Jamelle Brooks and Bill Kimler! The Preach Jacobs Podcast 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 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

    56 min
  5. 09/22/2025

    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 | WebsiteTina Belge | InstagramKyle Brantley | InstagramLinktr.ee | Politically Speaking Thanks for listening! Please Subscribe, drop a review and consider giving us 5 Stars! Follow us across social media via our Linktr.ee! You can also follow us; Kirsten Pruitt, Emily Mayer and Erica Sampson! To watch our episodes, visit our YouTube Channel! This episode is produced and engineered by Barrett Gruber, of BIG Media LLC! Please also check out our #PartnerPodcasts. Zac and Barrett host The All About Nothing: Podcast! Zac and Barrett host What The Pod Was That 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, available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Also check out Black White and Blue In the South, With Dr. Jumelle Brooks and Bill Kimler! Make sure to head over to The Preach Jacobs Podcast with Preach Jacobs! Check out our latest addition to BIG Media LLC, The Awakening Podcast with Heather and Tamara! Music from #Uppbeat; "Suss" performed by Bosnow; 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 Podcast Network! Barrett and Zac host The All About Nothing: Podcast, discussing everything from news and politics to entertainment and sports! All About Nothing, but All About Something too! Zac and Barrett host What The Pod Was That with Cari Simmons, available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Take a deep dive down the rabbit hole with Amii on the pod Welcome to Wonder Land. Check out Black White and Blue In the South, With Dr. Jamelle Brooks and Bill Kimler! The Preach Jacobs Podcast 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 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

    52 min
  6. 09/08/2025

    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 | InstagramMichael Layer | InstagramLinktr.ee | Politically Speaking Thanks for listening! Please Subscribe, drop a review and consider giving us 5 Stars! Follow us across social media via our Linktr.ee! You can also follow us; Kirsten Pruitt, Emily Mayer and Erica Sampson! To watch our episodes, visit our YouTube Channel! This episode is produced and engineered by Barrett Gruber, of BIG Media LLC! Please also check out our #PartnerPodcasts. Zac and Barrett host The All About Nothing: Podcast! Zac and Barrett host What The Pod Was That 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, available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Also check out Black White and Blue In the South, With Dr. Jumelle Brooks and Bill Kimler! Make sure to head over to The Preach Jacobs Podcast with Preach Jacobs! Check out our latest addition to BIG Media LLC, The Awakening Podcast with Heather and Tamara! If you like what you here, check out other great pods on the BIG Media LLC Podcast Network! Barrett and Zac host The All About Nothing: Podcast, discussing everything from news and politics to entertainment and sports! All About Nothing, but All About Something too! Zac and Barrett host What The Pod Was That with Cari Simmons, available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Take a deep dive down the rabbit hole with Amii on the pod Welcome to Wonder Land. Check out Black White and Blue In the South, With Dr. Jamelle Brooks and Bill Kimler! The Preach Jacobs Podcast 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 Podcast Network! Music from #Uppbeat; "Suss" performed by Bosnow; 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

    59 min
  7. 08/25/2025

    Government Accountability in Disaster Response

    In this episode of Politically Speaking, hosts Erica Sampson and Kirsten Pruitt, along with guest co-host Justin Smith, delve into significant political topics, including the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the implications of climate change on disaster preparedness, and the controversial views of former President Trump regarding the portrayal of history in museums. The conversation emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the past to build a better future, highlighting systemic inequalities and the need for government accountability. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of historical awareness, the influence of media and misinformation in politics, and the complex relationship between Trump and Putin. They also introduce Barrett Gruber, a guest who shares insights on various social issues and the role of podcasts in discussing these topics. The conversation culminates in reflections on the current political climate and the need for proactive messaging from the Democratic Party. Linktr.ee | Barrett GruberLinktr.ee | The All About Nothing: PodcastLinktr.ee | Politically Speaking Thanks for listening! Please Subscribe, drop a review and consider giving us 5 Stars! Follow us across social media via our Linktr.ee! You can also follow us; Kirsten Pruitt, Emily Mayer and Erica Sampson! To watch our episodes, visit our YouTube Channel! This episode is produced and engineered by Barrett Gruber, of BIG Media LLC! Please also check out our #PartnerPodcasts. Zac and Barrett host The All About Nothing: Podcast! Zac and Barrett host What The Pod Was That 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, available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Also check out Black White and Blue In the South, With Dr. Jumelle Brooks and Bill Kimler! Make sure to head over to The Preach Jacobs Podcast with Preach Jacobs! Check out our latest addition to BIG Media LLC, The Awakening Podcast with Heather and Tamara! If you like what you here, check out other great pods on the BIG Media LLC Podcast Network! Barrett and Zac host The All About Nothing: Podcast, discussing everything from news and politics to entertainment and sports! All About Nothing, but All About Something too! Zac and Barrett host What The Pod Was That with Cari Simmons, available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Take a deep dive down the rabbit hole with Amii on the pod Welcome to Wonder Land. Check out Black White and Blue In the South, With Dr. Jamelle Brooks and Bill Kimler! The Preach Jacobs Podcast 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 Podcast Network! Music from #Uppbeat; "Suss" performed by Bosnow; 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

    1h 14m
  8. 08/11/2025

    Redistricting and Its Consequences

    In this episode, the hosts discuss the current political climate, focusing on the redistricting controversy in Texas and its implications for the upcoming midterms. They explore the strategies employed by both parties, the impact of gerrymandering, and the actions of Governor Abbott. The conversation shifts to fundraising strategies for political campaigns, emphasizing the importance of personal connections and small donations. The hosts share insights on navigating fundraising communications and the challenges candidates face in securing financial support. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the intricate dynamics of political donations, the ethical considerations candidates must navigate when fundraising, and the importance of community engagement in campaigns. They also delve into the upcoming primaries, the competition among candidates, and critique the political stance of Nancy Mace, highlighting the need for empathy in politics. The discussion culminates in a game about gerrymandering, exploring the truths and misconceptions surrounding this contentious issue. Linktr.ee | Politically Speaking Thanks for listening! Please Subscribe, drop a review and consider giving us 5 Stars! Follow us across social media via our Linktr.ee! You can also follow us; Kirsten Pruitt, Emily Mayer and Erica Sampson! To watch our episodes, visit our YouTube Channel! This episode is produced and engineered by Barrett Gruber, of BIG Media LLC! Please also check out our #PartnerPodcasts. Zac and Barrett host The All About Nothing: Podcast! Zac and Barrett host What The Pod Was That 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, available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Also check out Black White and Blue In the South, With Dr. Jumelle Brooks and Bill Kimler! Make sure to head over to The Preach Jacobs Podcast with Preach Jacobs! Check out our latest addition to BIG Media LLC, The Awakening Podcast with Heather and Tamara! Music from #Uppbeat; "Suss" performed by Bosnow; 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 Podcast Network! Barrett and Zac host The All About Nothing: Podcast, discussing everything from news and politics to entertainment and sports! All About Nothing, but All About Something too! Zac and Barrett host What The Pod Was That with Cari Simmons, available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Take a deep dive down the rabbit hole with Amii on the pod Welcome to Wonder Land. Check out Black White and Blue In the South, With Dr. Jamelle Brooks and Bill Kimler! The Preach Jacobs Podcast 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 Podcast Network! Mentioned in this episode: ZJZ Designs Check out ZJZ Designs for all of your clothing and gifts need! http://zjzdesigns.com Soda City Comic Con Headliners The 2025 Soda City Comic Con is coming, August 23 and 24 at the Columbia Metro Convention Center! Check https://sodacitycomiccon.com for tickets and details! Soda City Comic Con 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

    1h 7m

About

"Politically Speaking" is a bold and engaging podcast hosted by three progressive young Democrats who break down the latest political news, challenge the status quo, and amplify voices for change. With sharp analysis, candid conversations, and a dash of humor, they tackle the issues that matter most—from policy and elections to activism and social justice. Tune in for fresh perspectives, fearless discussions, and a progressive take on the future of politics.