Asylum South

Even though Asylum South is still on hiatus, we thought we'd share with y'all a new Christmas song by our fearless leader Rhodes and his Frosty Five. Merry Christmas y'all! 

For our season finale, we talk with former U.S. Attorney for South Carolina Bill Nettles. We cover criminal justice reform, legalizing marijuana, and the who's-who of alt-country music.

This week we talk with Richland Library Executive Director Melanie Huggins about equity, the future of libraries in South Carolina, and how her work developing the "Library as Studio" framework is influencing libraries around the world. We also talk UFOs, the Button King, and play a quick round of "Best Band/Worst Band: 2000s edition."   Richland Library: https://www.richlandlibrary.com/ Library as Studio: https://www.learncreateshare.vision/   UFO Welcome Center in Bowman, SC: https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/10911   Button King Museum in Bishopville, SC: https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/18752     

The Asylum South crew talks with political operative Bre Maxwell about the future of the Democratic Party, the 46 Hope Road PAC voter push, and  cancel culture on the left. Plus, on Big Questions with Little People - is kissing grosser in a post-COVID world?   Bre Maxwell is Vice President of Outreach and Community Engagement for 46 Hope Road. Prior to her work with 46 Hope Road, Bre served as the political director for Jaime Harrison's senate campaign and previously worked as Executive Assistant to Congressman Jim Clyburn. Follow @46hoperd on Twitter and Facebook.

S.C. Senator Mia McLeod joins Asylum South to talk about the failings of the 2021-2022 legislative session and the devil's bargain that is gerrymandering. Jessica gets to the root of birth control issues and the team asks which legislators are lifeboat material. A special thanks to our man in Park Circle, Brady Quirk-Garvan, for his support producing this episode.

The gang returns with Jeopardy! champion and South Carolina native Ben Ingram. Ben takes us behind the scenes of America's favorite game show, and we also discuss what makes a great Jeopardy! host as the show looks to fill Trebek's shoes.

This week the gang tackles a worthy adversary that doesn't discriminate on the basis of political beliefs: seasonal allergies. Dr. Greg Black joins us for a robust discussion that may break a few hearts when he sets the record straight about your favorite locally-sourced remedies. But not to worry -- he makes up for it by sharing the secret to improving your baby's resistance to allergies. Tune in to find out how.

The team straps on their six shooters to discuss the open-carry bill passed by the South Carolina House. Featuring reflections from advocates and experts as well as an interview with Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott. Join us for a roundtable of what it all means for the future of gun rights and gun violence in the Palmetto State. Special thanks to: Dr. Deborah Greenhouse Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott Sherra Scott, President, South Carolina Carry Prof. Seth Stoughton, USC School of Law

This week, the gang got some culture! After the first-ever, official Asylum South field trip to the Columbia Museum of Art for a viewing of the M.C. Escher exhibit, we ponder the evolving role of a museum in the digital age with CMA leaders Joelle Ryan-Cook and Jackie Adams. We also dish about the latest attempts at election "reform" in the legislature after getting the rundown from Lynn Teague of the South Carolina League of Women Voters on the most odious piece of election-related legislation. Oh, and there's a rowdy round of Asylum South trivia to test how closely you've been paying attention. Special thanks to Joelle Ryan-Cook, Jackie Adams, and Lynn Teague!

The gang had a rollicking good time recording this week's episode with former Congressman Joe Cunningham of the South Carolina Lowcountry and host of another mighty fine Palmetto State podcast, Joint Resolution. After lobbing some hard-hitting political questions Joe's way, we test his knowledge of local tunes and brews in a lively round of “Band or Beer?” Oh, and of course we explore what's next in Joe's political future. Tune in to find out. Special thanks to Joe Cunningham and Tyler Jones of Speak Strategic.  Band or Beer Shoutouts: 8th State Brewing: "Double Bassdrum" (Greenville, SC) Columbia Craft: "Alien Hat" (Columbia, SC) Edmund's Oast: "Pillow Fort" IPA (Charleston, SC) River Rat: "Astronaut Sauce" (Cayce, SC) RJ Rockers: "Pool Boy" (Spartanburg, SC) Candy Coffins (Columbia, SC) Ranky Tanky (Charleston, SC) Stretch Arm Strong (Columbia, SC) Swingin' Medallions (Greenwood, SC)

The gang welcomes its first conservative guest, Chip Felkel — CEO of the Felkel Group, longtime GOP strategist, and retired drummer/DJ. Rhodes and Jessica launch an impromptu public relations campaign for Spartanburg, and Zoomer Noah Barker discusses recent breaking news about emojis.

This week the gang speaks with Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin, the first leader featured in a new segment called “Constituent Mail”! We also gab about the various incarnations of Nikki Haley, state-sanctioned dumpster fires, and what Sarah Palin was up to in Columbia the weekend of Rhodes' wedding. Special thanks to: Rebecca Haynes of Conservation Voters of South Carolina for giving us the dirt on "pyrolysis" Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin  Asylum South Resident Ninja Noah Barker Related Reading: "Nikki Haley's Time for Choosing" by Tim Alberta, POLITICO Magazine

The gang welcomes Dr. Jermaine Johnson, newly-elected South Carolina State Representative (District 80). Join us as we talk Palmetto State politics, love, cougars, math, and marriage advice from a divorce lawyer.

The gang and guest panelist Don Polite dish with local restauranteur and innovator Sarah Simmons. Find out how Simmons is not only surviving a pandemic but shaking up the Midlands food scene altogether.  Plus everyone chimes in for a round of “Best Band/Worst Band: 90s edition,” and Chris makes a surprise endorsement. (Disclaimer: Zac stresses that he doesn't actually want to drown the guy from the Counting Crows.)

Rhodes, Laurin, and Chris discuss vexillology and the Palmetto State's flag controversy with flag aficionado Ted Kaye. Plus, the gang talks court-packing and kid movie parenticide in a segment called “Big Questions From Little People.”

Join Rhodes Bailey, Laurin Manning Gandy, Chris Kenney, and their band of misfits as they talk life in the Palmetto State and an evolving American South.