Bourbon in The Back Room

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!

How S.C. Spends Your Money, Upcoming Legislation, and How the Capital is Changing - With Guest Mayor Bob Coble

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

05-07
53:52

LIVE! Increasing Women's Leadership and Running for Office - With Guest Republican Senator Sandy Senn

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

05-01
54:49

Republican Leadership, Building Coalitions, and Government that Works - with Speaker of the House Murrell Smith

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

04-05
01:02:46

Conservation, Finding Billions of Dollars, and the Future of Infrastructure in SC - With Republican Senator Stephen Goldfinch

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

03-22
01:00:56

100 EPISODES - Forging a New Path and the Legislative Process - with Guest Senator Tameika Isaac Devine

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

03-05
56:16

Structuring Judicial Reform, Liquor Liability, and Pints & Politics Podcast - with Representative Heath Sessions

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

02-20
01:01:10

LIVE! Upcoming Bills and National Politics - At the South Carolina Association of REALTORS meeting - Guest Senator Luke Rankin

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

02-08
46:00

Election Reform, Judicial Reform, and Primary Season - With Representative Brandon Newton

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

02-01
01:00:19

NEW YEAR NEW LEGISLATIVE SESSION - With Guest Representative Spencer Wetmore

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

01-19
01:03:29

WILL FOLKS - FITSNews - Election Season and 2023 YEAR END RECAP

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
56:37

The Freedom Caucus, Divisions within the Republican Party, and Breaking Political Ranks - With Representative Adam Morgan

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
01:17:10

Governor David Beasley - Political Stories and The State of World Hunger

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

12-06
59:34

Confidence in Government and Changes in Lobbying Practices - With Dwight Drake

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
57:34

Is Government Too Big?- With Guest, Senator Wes Climer.

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

11-01
58:40

LIVE! From the USC Honors College - With Guest Mayor Daniel Rickenmann

 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
58:48

How to Run in a Competitive Election and Properly Funding Higher Education - With Senator Deon Tedder

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

10-03
47:46

Passing Sextortion Legislation and Working to Combat the Mental Health Crisis - With Rep. Brandon Guffey

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

09-14
01:03:02

The Future of South Carolina Democrats - with Christale Spain

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

08-30
51:56

Upstate Politics, School Choice Expansion, and What Matters in Politics - With Representative Jason Elliot

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

08-17
57:35

Political Reporting, Journalism, and Changing Political Landscapes - With Cindi Scoppe

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

08-02
01:01:37

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