Best Spark SC Podcasts (2025)

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[EdTalks] SC School Funding 101 Part 2: How Act 388 Changed Everything 22:35

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5d ago22:35

22:35

Explore the impact of Act 388 South Carolina on school funding. Learn how a tax swap led to a billion-dollar gap, unfunded mandates, and a strain on local schools. Episode Resources: Greenville County Budget Basics Guide to SC School Tax Abatements Learn more about Greenville First Steps Learn more about Public Education Partners Simple Civics: Sim…

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RevUp GVL: Building a Sustainable Nonprofit Business Model 20:51

7d ago20:51

20:51

Explore RevUp GVL: Revenue for Good, a new program helping Greenville nonprofits move beyond donations and build their own sustainable, mission-aligned earned revenue. Episode Resources: Learn more about the RevUpGVL: Revenue for Good Program Discover our guest Taylor Culliver's nonprofit, Brother Box Learn about Paola Bonilla's work at 20 Degrees …

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[EdTalks] SC School Funding 101 Part 1: The Big Picture 19:47

11d ago19:47

19:47

Why is South Carolina school funding so complex? Learn how Act 388 impacts local taxes and the Greenville County Schools budget in this simple explanation. Episode Resources: Greenville County Budget Basics Guide to SC School Tax Abatements Learn more about Greenville First Steps Learn more about Public Education Partners Simple Civics: Simple Civi…

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Meet Your Candidate for the 2025 Mauldin City Council Election 12:22

14d ago12:22

12:22

Meet Mauldin City Council Candidate Jason Kraeling. Your vote is so important for the 2025 election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors. How the interviews worked: All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were given 10 minutes for their interview. Candidates were allowed to bring…

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[EdTalks] Finding the "Spark": Meet Teacher of the Year Morgan Smith 21:17

19d ago21:17

21:17

Meet Morgan Smith, the 2025-26 GCS Teacher of the Year. She discusses her 3rd-generation family legacy in the district, her "Spark" initiative to fight teacher burnout, and how she creates core memories for her 5th-grade students. Episode Resources: Learn more about Greenville First Steps Learn more about Public Education Partners Simple Civics: Si…

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Meet Your Candidates for the 2025 Fountain Inn City Council Election 18:59

21d ago18:59

18:59

Meet Fountain Inn City Council Candidates Jason Sanders, AJ Dearybury, and Stephan Thomas. Your vote is so important for the 2025 election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors. How the interviews worked: All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were given 10 minutes for their inte…

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[EdTalks] Parental Support in High School: A Partnership Guide 23:49

26d ago23:49

23:49

Wondering how to support your high school student? A principal shares advice on fostering independence, helping them self-advocate, & navigating modern career pathways. Episode Resources: Greenville County Schools Parents' Page Learn more about Greenville First Steps Learn more about Public Education Partners Simple Civics: Simple Civics: Greenvill…

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Meet Your Candidates for the 2025 Simpsonville City Council Election 8:38

28d ago8:38

8:38

Meet Simpsonville City Council Candidates Jared Fielding and Jerry Tuso. Your vote is so important for the 2025 election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors. How the interviews worked: All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were given 10 minutes for their interview. Candidates …

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[EdTalks] Parental Support in Middle School: A Partnership Guide 19:35

1M ago19:35

19:35

Navigate the middle school transition with confidence. Get expert tips on parental support for middle schoolers, from encouraging independence to improving communication. Episode Resources: Greenville County Schools Parents' Page Learn more about Greenville First Steps Learn more about Public Education Partners Simple Civics: Simple Civics: Greenvi…

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Meet Your Candidates for the 2025 Greer City Council Election 25:08

1M ago25:08

25:08

By Greater Good Greenville

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[EdTalks] Parental Support in Elementary School: A Partnership Guide 19:30

1M ago19:30

19:30

Strengthen parental support in elementary school with tips from a principal & counselor. Learn how strong parent teacher communication builds a partnership for success. Episode Resources: Greenville County Schools Parents' Page Learn more about Greenville First Steps Learn more about Public Education Partners Simple Civics: Simple Civics: Greenvill…

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Meet Your Candidates for the 2025 Travelers Rest City Council Election 42:41

1M ago42:41

42:41

Meet Travelers Rest City Council Candidates Jon Campbell, Sheryl Guarniero, Catherine James, Lisa Lane, and Jeremy Walton. Your vote is so important for the 2025 election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors. How the interviews worked: All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were…

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[EdTalks] Top of the Class: What We Learned in Estonia 21:25

2M ago21:25

21:25

Greenville County leaders unpack lessons from Estonia's PISA-winning schools. Explore key takeaways on student autonomy, vocational education, and the 'whole child' approach that could shape local education. Episode Resources: Learn more about the Riley Institute at Furman University Discover the work of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce Explore G…

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Meet Your Candidates for the 2025 Greenville City Council Election 36:45

2M ago36:45

36:45

Meet Greenville City Council Candidates Matt Alexander, Tine Belge, Lillian Brock Flemming, and Mike Kilgore and Tine Belge. Your vote is so important for the 2025 election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors. How the interviews worked: All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they we…

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[EdTalks] Greenville Tech: Building Tomorrow's Workforce Today 24:38

2M ago24:38

24:38

What's next for Greenville Technical College and economic mobility? Discover Dr. Miller's vision for skilled trades, free dual enrollment, and an AI-ready workforce. Episode Resources: Learn more about Greenville Technical College Explore the Greenville Tech Foundation Learn more about Greenville First Steps Learn more about Public Education Partne…

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Conversations About Homelessness: A View From a Greenville Bench 13:52

2M ago13:52

13:52

Explore honest conversations about homelessness in Greenville, SC. Hear from Ryan Duerk, CEO of Miracle Hill Ministries, who will sit on a bench for 24 hours to discuss the real causes of homelessness. Election Resources: Learn more about Miracle Hill Ministries _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greate…

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[EdTalks] Graduation Plus & CTE: Greenville's Competitive Edge 20:04

2M ago20:04

20:04

What is Graduation Plus? Learn how Greenville County Schools is transforming student futures with college and career readiness, giving them a competitive advantage. Episode Resources: Discover Greenville County Schools Career & Technical Education Learn more about the CTE Innovation Center Find out about the LaunchGVL program Learn more about Green…

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How to REALLY support a candidate (encore episode) 17:51

2M ago17:51

17:51

Learn how to support a local political campaign with expert Derek Lewis. Discover easy, actionable ways to help, from social media likes to donating or hosting a meet and greet. Election Resources: Check Your Voter Registration Status View Your Sample Ballot Look Up Who Represents You _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Simple Civics: Greenville County…

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[EdTalks] Greenville County's 4K Program: What Parents Should Know 12:51

2M ago12:51

12:51

Thinking about the Greenville County Schools 4K program? April Roberts, a GCS principal, reveals what kindergarten readiness truly means and explains the step-by-step process to apply. Episode Resources: Apply for the Greenville County Schools 4K Program Learn more about Greenville First Steps Learn more about Public Education Partners Simple Civic…

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Starting a Business in Greenville County: Your First Steps 21:46

2M ago21:46

21:46

Starting a business in Greenville County? Learn how to go from "wantrepreneur" to founder with key advice on forming an LLC, finding resources, and accessing capital. Episode Resources: Learn more about NextGEN Explore the Greenville startup community Find resources at Community Works Connect with the Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) Liste…

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[EdTalks] Big Numbers, Big Impact: The Numbers Behind Greenville County Schools 17:29

2M ago17:29

17:29

Get the facts about Greenville County Schools, from its surprising size as a top 50 US district to its innovative career and technical education programs. Links: Sign up for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Learn more about Public Education Partners Learn more about Greenville First Steps Learn more about the Greenville County Schools CTE Innovat…

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Where there’s a will, there’s a way: Wills and Advance Directives (Encore Episode) 33:53

3M ago33:53

33:53

If you don't have a will when you die in South Carolina, "essentially you're letting the state legislature decide what happens to your property and who will administer it," says former Greenville County Probate Judge Diane Smock. She talks with Jessica Ferguson of Turner Padget about wills, estates, and advance directives. You'll learn: Why it's so…

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[EdTalks] How Greenville’s Future Teacher Academy Is Solving the Teacher Shortage 17:01

3M ago17:01

17:01

Discover the Future Teacher Academy in Greenville County Schools, a "grow your own" initiative addressing the teacher shortage through mentorship, dual enrollment credits, and hands-on teaching experiences in high school. Links: Support future educators through the Greenville County Schools Foundation Scholarship Learn more about Greenville County …

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How Hospitality and Accommodations Taxes in Greenville County Fund Your Community 23:50

3M ago23:50

23:50

Discover the economic impact of hospitality and accommodations taxes in Greenville County. Learn how visitor spending funds Unity Park, The Well, the Swamp Rabbit Trail & more. Links: Learn more about Heath Dillard and his team's work at VisitGreenvilleSC Listen to our previous overview of A-Tax and H-Tax Listen to Heath's previous appearance on Si…

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[EdTalks] ScanSource Steps Up for Schools 15:54

3M ago15:54

15:54

What does a great corporate-school partnership look like? Discover ScanSource's model for supporting a Title I school and the community playbook they created to help. Links: Learn more about ScanSource Learn more about ScanSource in the Community Learn more about Public Education Partners _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Simple Civics: Greenville Co…

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The Strong Towns Strengths Test: How Do the Places in Greenville County Score? 24:47

3M ago24:47

24:47

How strong are the cities and places in Greenville County? We apply the 10-question Strong Towns Strengths Test to discover what makes a community thrive, from its main street to its zoning. Links: Read the official Strong Towns Strengths Test Listen to our episode on Cities, Towns, Places, and Zip Codes _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Simple Civic…

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[EdTalks] How Teacher Leaders Are Building Trust in Public Education 17:25

3M ago17:25

17:25

Discover how building trust in public education can transform the 'us vs. them' mentality. Hear from two teacher leaders on improving parent-teacher teamwork. Links: Learn more about our guests' work Learn more about Public Education Partners Learn more about Greenville First Steps _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Simple Civics: Greenville County is…

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How to Speak at a Public Meeting: A Greenville County Guide 20:45

3M ago20:45

20:45

Learn how to speak at a public meeting in Greenville County. Get practical tips on preparing your statement, understanding public comment rules, and making your voice heard. Links: Episode mentioned: "Why is Government Slow" _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville. Get in touch. Suppo…

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Introducing Simple Civics: EdTalks: A Greenville County Education Podcast Series 11:29

4M ago11:29

11:29

Discover Simple Civics: EdTalks, the new Greenville County education podcast. We demystify public education, from school funding to our birth-to-employment system. Links: Greater Good Greenville Public Education Partners _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville. Get in touch. Support S…

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Homelessness in Greenville: John "Buggy Man" Jones' Story 11:19

4M ago11:19

11:19

Explore the realities of homelessness in Greenville through the story of John "Buggy Man" Jones. Discover his journey from scrapping for metal to a home in permanent supportive housing. Links: Learn about Nick Bush Learn about John Jones Learn about Place of Hope Lean about United Ministries Learn about Project Host Learn about Miracle Hill Ministr…

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Hospitality and Accommodations Tax: Who Pays and What They Really Fund 13:32

4M ago13:32

13:32

What are A-tax & H-tax? Learn how hospitality and accommodations taxes in Greenville County fund things you love, from the Swamp Rabbit Trail to local festivals. _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville. Get in touch. Support Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contribution. Sign up fo…

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Why is Government Slow? Understanding the Pace and What You Can Do 19:01

4M ago19:01

19:01

Frustrated by the slow pace of government? Learn why local and state governments are designed for deliberation, the pros and cons of this intentional process, and how your civic engagement can influence the speed of change. Links: Who Represents Me? Find and contact your elected officials. Episode with Mayor GP McLeer Episode with Erin Rigot Episod…

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Simple Civics: 200 Episodes of Equipping Civic Engagement in Greenville County 1:04:18

4M ago1:04:18

1:04:18

Celebrate Simple Civics: Greenville County's 200th episode! Dive into key discussions with leaders, experts, and community champions on local policy, vibrant neighborhoods, and civic engagement. Discover how involved residents are shaping Greenville's future and learn how you can make a real impact. _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Simple Civics: Gr…

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GSP Airport: North America's Best Small Airport & Its Exciting Future 18:18

5M ago18:18

18:18

Discover why Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP) is North America's #1 small airport! CEO Dave Edwards shares GSP's remarkable growth, unique amenities, and exciting future plans. Links: Learn more about David Edwards _ Produced by Podcast Studio X. Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville. Get in touch. Support Simple Civi…

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Keeping Housing Affordable for Greenville County Residents: The Role of Greenville County Redevelopment Authority 24:41

5M ago24:41

24:41

Is Greenville County's housing crisis leaving families, seniors, and workers behind? Discover how the Greenville County Redevelopment Authority (GCRA) tackles this vital community challenge, leveraging federal and local funds to build and rehabilitate homes. Links: Greenville County Redevelopment Authority Connect with Joe Smith Connect with Franci…

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City Elections 2025: What’s on the ballot in Greenville County and Why it Matters 22:07

5M ago22:07

22:07

Greenville County: explore the important 2025 municipal elections impacting your daily life. Discover what's on the ballot in every city, why it truly matters, and how you can get involved - including as a candidate - to shape your community. Links: Episode with Leigh McGill from Campaign Ethics Reporting Services (campaign finance rules) Episode w…

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Greenville Together: Tackling Homelessness with a Bold Community Plan 24:11

5M ago24:11

24:11

Discover how Greenville Together is urgently tackling homelessness head-on with a bold, collaborative, and data-driven plan. Learn about their innovative housing surge, the vital role of people with lived experience, and the critical need for permanent supportive housing in the community. Join the conversation to understand the strategies aiming to…

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Inside the 7th Largest Children's Museum in America: Where Play at The Children’s Museum of the Upstate Shapes Future Careers 16:19

6M ago16:19

16:19

The Children's Museum of the Upstate isn't just a place for kids - it's a $339 million economic engine for Greenville County. CEO Lauren Luneckas explains how this Smithsonian affiliate became the 7th largest children's museum in America and reveals multiple ways adults can volunteer, support, and engage with this community treasure. Discover why c…

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40 Years of Wonder: How Roper Mountain Science Center Transforms Curiosity into a Career 18:12

6M ago18:12

18:12

"I went into engineering because of Roper Mountain." In this heartwarming episode, Director Michael Weeks shares stories of how Roper Mountain Science Center has shaped careers and ignited curiosity across generations for 40 years. Get an insider's tour of this Greenville treasure which serves every elementary and middle school in Greenville County…

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‘The West End’s’ Hidden Gem’: Kids Find Their Voice at South Carolina Children’s Theatre 22:38

6M ago22:38

22:38

Step inside Greenville's magical theater wonderland where disco balls spin, Hogwarts comes alive, and Finding Nemo swims across the stage! This conversation with South Carolina Children's Theatre's leadership team unveils the joyful world waiting for your family this summer. Visualize your child crafting potions at Hogwarts camp, playing Quidditch,…

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Ability in Action: Thrive Upstate 18:31

6M ago18:31

18:31

Sixty years ago, a mother's grassroots effort sparked what would become Thrive Upstate, now redefining ability for 600 individuals with intellectual disabilities across Greenville County. Executive Director Tyler Rex shares how this innovative quasi-governmental organization transforms tax dollars into life-changing opportunities - from residents p…

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When Invisible Lines Rule: State, County, and City Borders 9:20

7M ago9:20

9:20

Some South Carolinians have gone to bed in one state and woken up in another - without ever moving. When surveyors corrected centuries-old border errors, residents discovered their property had legally "teleported" overnight. Katy and Nathaniel reveal how colonial mapmakers with faulty compasses, river disputes, and political maneuvering created th…

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Keeping the Green in Greenville: The Civics Lessons of Trees 17:23

7M ago17:23

17:23

When Hurricane Helene toppled centuries-old white oaks while sparing seemingly fragile maples, it revealed hidden truths about resilience beneath our feet. As Greenville recovers from two historic environmental disasters, TreesUpstate's Aaron Davis shares a surprising statistic: despite our "green" reputation, Greenville's 36% tree canopy lags behi…

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Cities, Towns, Places, and ZIP Codes: Decoding Greenville County's Hidden Boundaries 10:24

7M ago10:24

10:24

Your mailbox says "Taylors," your neighbors call it "Greenville," and your GPS has its own opinion entirely. Behind this geographical identity crisis lies a system that determines your tax bill, your services, and whether you can vote in this year's municipal elections. Join Katy and Nathaniel as they decode the invisible boundaries that shape dail…

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Canvas to Career: The Fine Arts Center Turns 50 21:27

7M ago21:27

21:27

Celebrating 50 years of excellence, Greenville County Schools Fine Arts Center has generated millions in scholarship offers for its students - yet Director Vee Popat measures success by how each young artist develops as a whole person, whether they become Broadway performers or scientists with creative thinking skills. Step inside this nationally-r…

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Eviction's Permanent Tattoo: Healing Greenville's Hidden Crisis 23:26

7M ago23:26

23:26

In Greenville County, an eviction filing follows you for life like a permanent tattoo - even if you win your case. With 20% of local renters facing eviction (compared to just 8% nationally), this crisis isn't just creating homelessness; it's costing landlords up to $5,000 per case and driving up housing costs for everyone. Experts Tina Belge and Ma…

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Small Town, Big Impact: Female Leadership in Travelers Rest 24:50

8M ago24:50

24:50

In a small town where Burger King's arrival was once celebrated as progress, Travelers Rest now stands as a remarkable anomaly in American governance - with women holding the positions of mayor, city administrator, and majority of the city council. How did this Greenville County community not only transform itself from a "pass-through town" to a co…

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Home Economics: Why Our Housing Market is Out of Reach and What We can Do About It 30:05

8M ago30:05

30:05

When your favorite barista, your child's teacher, and the firefighter who protects your home can no longer afford to live in your community - what kind of place will Greenville County become? Bryan Brown and Amber Stewart from Greenville Housing Fund reveal the surprising reality that 80% of our workforce earns below the area's median income, makin…

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Inside SCTAC: Greenville's $6.1 Billion Economic Powerhouse 26:20

8M ago26:20

26:20

Did you know that just minutes from downtown Greenville, there's a business park that's driving our region's economy forward? In this episode, we sit down with Jody Bryson, the President and CEO of the South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center (SCTAC), to learn how this unique organization has become a magnet for top companies and high-paying j…

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Understanding Ranked Choice Voting: A Simple Explanation 16:59

8M ago16:59

16:59

Are you curious about ranked-choice voting and what it could mean for our elections? In this episode, election law expert Michael Dimino breaks down the basics of this intriguing alternative to our current system. You'll learn how ranked-choice voting works, its potential benefits and drawbacks, and how it's being used in some states and countries.…