Best Curious Arcade Podcasts (2025)

1
Late night at the IMAX with del Toro’s Frankenstein – Quick Review 4:40

Play Pause

25d ago4:40

4:40

A quick review of Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein after a late-night screening at the BFI IMAX. From thunderous sound design to raw emotion, this films feels alive in every sense. Here’s what it was like to witness del Toro’s vision on the biggest screen possible. #Frankenstein #DelToro #IMAX #Review…

1
Frogmore Stew Live w/ The Peninsula Dems 57:34

13d ago57:34

57:34

Grace and Kathryn take the stage at a packed Peninsula Dems meeting to break down why South Carolina politics feel more chaotic than ever. From gerrymandering and open primaries to the shocking details of the Unborn Child Protection Act (S323), they reveal how structural barriers shape everything voters experience. They also explore Democratic bran…

1
An ADHD Kid in an Arcade w/ Brady Quirk-Garvin 52:55

17d ago52:55

52:55

Grace sits down with political strategist Brady Quirk-Garvin for a rapid-fire, no-nonsense breakdown of how Democrats in South Carolina can stop chasing shiny objects and start winning again. Brady explains why the party has acted like “an ADHD kid in an arcade,” distracted by statewide fantasies instead of building real power from the ground up. T…

1
Second Helping - Worrier to Warrior: How Dems win 41:46

20d ago41:46

41:46

Grace and Kathryn break down the surprising forward momentum Democrats are making in South Carolina’s Upstate—yes, the Upstate. Kathryn shares how her recent county council race shattered expectations, why breaking 40% in deep-red districts actually signals long-term opportunity, and what real ground-game strategy looks like when you knock 6,000 do…

1
Upstate Tea - Oh SNAP 23:30

22d ago23:30

23:30

Kathryn sits down with United Way of the Piedmont CEO Paige Stephenson to unpack the ripple effects of South Carolina’s sudden SNAP benefit cuts. Paige breaks down how the loss of $9.4 million in monthly assistance is impacting families, local farmers, food banks, and the broader Upstate economy. Together, they explore the real-time surge in reques…

1
The DOJ wants South Carolinas Voter Data 44:33

24d ago44:33

44:33

When the U.S. Department of Justice requested detailed voter information from South Carolina—including Social Security and driver’s license numbers—State Senator Brad Hutto stepped in to fight back. In this episode, Hutto breaks down why he and Dr. Ann Crook filed suit to protect voters’ privacy and what this case reveals about federal overreach, s…

1
Upstate Tea - HIStory Repeats 30:11

29d ago30:11

30:11

Kathryn sits down with Noble Sissle Jr. — producer, community builder, Vietnam veteran, and son of Harlem Renaissance legend Noble Sissle Sr. Together, they trace the remarkable legacy of the 369th Regiment, the “Harlem Hellfighters,” whose World War I service began right here in Spartanburg, South Carolina. From racial tension at Camp Wadsworth to…

1
A Door You Have to Walk Through w/ Allison Terracio of Emerge 42:17

1M ago42:17

42:17

Grace sits down with Allison Terracio, Executive Director of Emerge South Carolina and Richland County Council member, to explore how Emerge is training Democratic women to run for office—and win. From tackling South Carolina’s political barriers to reclaiming authentic voices in leadership, Allison shares how confidence, storytelling, and communit…

1
Upstate Tea - Voting Rights Armageddon w/ Sara Rohani 27:26

1M ago27:26

27:26

The Supreme Court’s next major decision could rewrite the rules of American democracy. In this episode, Katherine Harvey sits down with Sara Rohani, Assistant Counsel for the Legal Defense Fund, to unpack the high-stakes Louisiana redistricting case that threatens to gut Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Together they trace the fallout from Shelb…

1
Upstate Tea - ABC, WTF? w/ Former State Rep Rita Allison 32:34

1M ago32:34

32:34

When South Carolina’s education system meets federal politics, things get complicated. In this episode of The Upstate Tea, Kathryn Harvey sits down with former State Representative and Board of Education member Rita Allison to unpack the growing tension between state and federal control of education. They explore the potential fallout from dismantl…

1
Are You Listening Now? /w Scott English 40:19

1M ago40:19

40:19

Grace welcomes back political veteran and writer Scott English for a powerful conversation on division, accountability, and the urgent need to actually listen. Drawing from his viral Substack essay “Are You Listening Now?”, Scott explores how James Madison’s warnings about factions still echo in today’s America—where outrage has become identity and…

1
The Supremes... The "Hits" Keep Coming 8:11

2M ago8:11

8:11

Grace dives deep into how America’s highest court evolved from a symbol of impartial justice into a political battleground. From Eisenhower’s era of civil rights expansion to Reagan’s originalist revolution, Grace unpacks the ideological tug-of-war shaping today’s rulings. She explains the clash between “judicial activism” and “originalism,” and wh…

1
When We Disagree w/ Mike Lee 26:41

2M ago26:41

26:41

1
Public CERVIX Announcement: We Have an Emergency in our Legislature w/ Dr. Elizabeth Mack 42:32

2M ago42:32

42:32

Dr. Elizabeth Mack joins to expose the dangers of South Carolina’s proposed abortion ban, Bill S323. This sweeping legislation goes beyond criminalizing abortion—it redefines contraception, threatens IVF, and inserts politics into private medical decisions. We examine how the bill would increase maternal mortality, strip families of healthcare righ…

1
The Big Tent w/ Jaime Harrison 53:25

2M ago53:25

53:25

Jaime Harrison joins Grace to explore why Democrats still have a path to victory in South Carolina, despite the state’s red reputation. He points to hundreds of thousands of unregistered voters, the importance of strong local infrastructure, and the power of a unifying message around economic dignity. Jaime also outlines the challenges Democrats fa…

1
Upstate Tea - The Kids are Not Alright w/ Josh Burstein 28:13

2M ago28:13

28:13

Kathryn sits down with political strategist, comedian, and creative force Josh Burstein for a wide-ranging conversation about politics, media, and resilience. From his early days with the Obama campaign to his stand-up comedy in Trump country, Josh reflects on how humor can help people process trauma and chaos in today’s volatile climate. The two d…

1
Upstate Tea - Pawns in a Game of Chess w/ Senator Margie Bright Matthews 29:11

2M ago29:11

29:11

South Carolina Senator Margie Bright Matthews joins Kathryn Harvey to expose how partisan politics at the South Carolina State House endangers citizens, speaking as one of only two women in the South Carolina Senate. She discusses the fight against extreme abortion bans and threats to reproductive rights, plus a healthcare crisis driven by Medicaid…

1
Allen Chaney: Rights, Fights and the Palmetto State 51:20

3M ago51:20

51:20

ACLU of South Carolina Legal Director Allen Chaney talks about civil liberties in South Carolina and why state constitutional rights matter. He covers partisan gerrymandering lawsuits using the "free and open elections clause" and fights over abortion law South Carolina and reproductive rights. Chaney explains how the South Carolina Declaration of …

1
Second Helping - What Keeps You Up At Night? 47:43

3M ago47:43

47:43

Former U.S. Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs talks with Grace about gerrymandering, redistricting, and how partisan maps quiet moderate voters. They discuss the Supreme Court's shadow docket, emergency rulings, and what recent decisions mean for democracy and public trust. The talk covers executive power, the Venezuelan boat incident, and how narco-ter…

1
Upstate Tea - Is Denying Science Infectious? 28:19

3M ago28:19

28:19

Kathryn Harvey sits down with Dr. Michelle Carney, a veteran infectious disease physician and former Spartanburg Regional Infection Prevention Director. Together, they explore how South Carolina politics and public health intersect in today's challenging climate. Dr. Carney reflects on her decades fighting diseases from HIV to COVID-19, discussing …

1
Second Helping - There is No Party Coming to Save Us 49:13

3M ago49:13

49:13

Grace and Kathryn sit down to reflect on hearing Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and her perspective on dissents, originalism, and the future of the Court. They highlight South Carolina’s upcoming December 23 special elections, why turnout matters, and the role of women in reshaping local politics. The episode also honors everyday civic…

1
Reality is Bleak, but the Future Doesn’t Have To Be 44:17

3M ago44:17

44:17

Grace sits down with attorney and political strategist Chris Kenney to unpack the history and future of South Carolina politics. From the legacy of gerrymandering and the unraveling of the Voting Rights Act to the challenges facing Democrats in a deeply red state, Chris offers insight into why the system feels broken—and how it might still be fixed…

1
Second Helping - Troops, Tariffs, and Milk Cartons 42:31

3M ago42:31

42:31

Grace and Caitlin are back on Second Helping with a fiery discussion on South Carolina politics, Trump’s latest moves in D.C., and how perceptions of crime shape public policy. They compare militarized responses with Baltimore’s community-based crime prevention, break down how tariffs are already driving up grocery and clothing prices, and look ahe…

1
Upstate Tea - Keep Your Head Down w/ SC Rep Neal Collins 37:47

3M ago37:47

37:47

South Carolina Rep. Neal Collins joins Kathryn for a candid conversation about what it really takes to serve in the State House. From town halls in Easley to hard-fought battles over education funding, healthcare, and senior care, Collins shares why he stays focused on local needs instead of chasing viral headlines. He opens up about the frustratio…

1
Gerrymandering: How the States Play Twister with Their Districts 14:00

3M ago14:00

14:00

Today we unpack one of the most absurd yet impactful forces shaping American politics. Grace explores how state legislatures twist district lines into political strongholds, ensuring winners before voters ever cast a ballot. From South Carolina to Texas, we look at partisan maps, racial gerrymanders, and the role of independent redistricting commis…

1
Upstate Tea - The Tools in our Toolbox 36:38

4M ago36:38

36:38

Senator Sophia Chitlik of North Carolina’s 22nd District joins Kathryn Harvey for a deep dive into the fight for fair representation and the urgent need to protect democracy at the state level. She shares how gerrymandering, voter suppression, and legislative power grabs in North Carolina have created a dangerous playbook now spreading nationwide, …

1
Second Helping - We're So Hot Right Now 36:23

4M ago36:23

36:23

Kathryn and Katelyn try to beat the Southern heat while diving into everything from brain-eating amoebas and fentanyl busts to hate crime ordinances and political showdowns. They unpack the high-profile visits of Ro Khanna, Gavin Newsom, and Andy Beshear, explore local action on national issues, and reflect on the power of female friendship. From p…

1
Second Helping - The Find Out Part 46:29

5M ago46:29

46:29

In this episode of Second Helping, Grace and Katelyn tackle “The Find Out Part” of American politics, where abstract issues meet real-life consequences. From the bold campaign of Zohran Mamdani in NYC to the grim aftermath of Texas flood response cuts, they unpack the generational, political, and systemic failures driving today’s frustrations. They…

1
Upstate Tea - Call the Locksmith 34:12

5M ago34:12

34:12

Former Spartanburg County Councilman Michael Brown joins Kathryn to unpack the local impact of the proposed federal budget bill, which threatens deep cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, and energy efficiency programs. They break down how these cuts could hit South Carolina families and seniors hard, unraveling years of local progress while deepening …

1
If You’re Waiting for the Adult in the Room, I Have Bad News For You 48:10

5M ago48:10

48:10

In this candid conversation, former Mark Sanford chief of staff Scott English joins Grace to unpack South Carolina’s shifting political identity, the rise of performative politics, and the deep roots of division fueled by algorithm-driven outrage. They explore why local politics no longer feels insulated from national storms, how gerrymandering and…

1
Second Helping - Shipping 50:47

5M ago50:47

50:47

In this episode of Second Helping, Grace and Katelyn unpack how the National Park Service is being used to rewrite history, why politicians like RJ May embody hypocrisy, and how conversion therapy fuels cycles of repression. They break down the “big beautiful bill” and Mike Lee’s plan to sell off public lands under the guise of affordable housing. …

1
Meet Me in the Middle w/ Adam Brandon of The Independent Center 42:41

5M ago42:41

42:41

Political strategist Adam Brandon joins Grace to talk about the rise of independent voters and the movement to disrupt America’s two-party system. As senior advisor at the independent Center, Brandon outlines his plan to support moderate candidates, tackle gerrymandering, and bring fiscal responsibility and social tolerance back into focus. From in…

1
Second Helping - Diss Tracks 39:24

6M ago39:24

39:24

As Trump and Elon Musk exchange political blows, Grace and Caitlin break down the latest intra-GOP power struggle and ask: who really holds the reins? From Supreme Court shakeups and Citizens United fallout to deep cuts in Medicaid and media manipulation, this episode unpacks the dissonance at the heart of American democracy. Plus, a look at protes…

1
Upstate Tea - Hello Operator w/ Rep. Justin J. Pearson of the Tennessee General Assembly 31:11

6M ago31:11

31:11

Rep. Justin J. Pearson joins us from the Tennessee General Assembly to talk movement-building, civic engagement, and the fight for democracy in gerrymandered Southern states. From grassroots organizing to the power of local elections, Pearson shares hard-earned insights on community resilience, policy battles, and honoring the legacies of those who…

1
Dear Supreme Court, WTF??? 40:28

6M ago40:28

40:28

What happened to the Supreme Court we were promised Grace sits down with law professor and podcaster Leah Litman to unpack how the Roberts Court veered from constitutional principle into conservative grievance, fringe legal theories, and outright hypocrisy. From Citizens United to the shadow docket, they explore how decades of rightward drift have …

1
Second Helping - Conversion 42:22

6M ago42:22

42:22

This episode dives deep into the political and moral battle over conversion therapy in South Carolina. Grace and Katelyn break down Columbia’s ordinance banning the practice, the state’s threat to strip millions in funding, and what it reveals about power, control, and LGBTQ+ rights. They explore how religious ideology and budget maneuvers collide,…

1
Upstate Tea - Spilling the Tea on the SC State House w/ Representative Chandra Dillard 42:42

6M ago42:42

42:42

What’s really going on under the dome in Columbia? Representative Chandra Dillard joins The Upstate Tea to break down the highs and lows of the latest South Carolina legislative session. From the challenges of working within a Republican supermajority to key battles over DEI, school vouchers, affordable housing, and tax reform, Rep. Dillard gives u…

1
Memories of a War 33:26

6M ago33:26

33:26

Grace Cowan honors Memorial Day with a rare glimpse into her grandfather’s World War II service, reading his long-hidden account of life on the front lines. From the beaches of New Guinea to post-war Hiroshima, his experiences are raw, emotional, and unforgettable. This episode of Frogmore Stew is a tribute to memory, legacy, and the lasting impact…

1
Second Helping - A Whopper and Qatari Plane Walk Into a Bar. 42:15

6M ago42:15

42:15

Whoppers, lies, and streakers—this episode covers it all. Grace and Caitlyn start with the Burger King lawsuit over misleading Whopper ads and quickly leap into a sharp critique of political deception, from Biden’s cognitive state to Democratic Party dysfunction. Along the way, they expose the cracks in public trust—and introduce us to South Caroli…

1
Upstate Tea - DOGE-ing Domestic Violence Support 31:45

7M ago31:45

31:45

South Carolina ranks among the worst states for domestic violence, and funding cuts are putting critical support services at risk. In this episode, we speak with Krystal Watson of Project REST and Sara Barber of SCCADVASA about the devastating impact of federal and state-level funding shortfalls on emergency shelters, legal advocacy, and survivor s…

1
Transparency 34:49

7M ago34:49

34:49

Grace talks with Chaz Nuttycombe, the nation's leading legislative election forecaster and founder of State Navigate. They dive into Chaz's journey from a teenage political enthusiast to a nonprofit leader focused on bringing government transparency to every state. Discover how State Navigate aims to make state-level political data accessible to al…

1
Second Helping - White Smoke, Bruh 50:19

7M ago50:19

50:19

Grace and Katelyn break down the surreal moments from the past week, from the quick election of Pope Leo to the drama unfolding in South Carolina politics. They cover everything from conversion therapy bans and billion-dollar budget blunders to the surprising truth about Venus flytraps and the chaotic reality of tipping culture. Join them for sharp…

1
Upstate Tea - Childcare in Spartanburg 45:37

7M ago45:37

45:37

In this episode of Upstate Tea, host Kathryn Harvey dives deep into the childcare crisis impacting Spartanburg and the broader Upstate South Carolina region. Joined by Molly Talbot Metz, CEO of the Mary Black Foundation, and Tina Belge, city planner and Greenville City Council candidate, they explore innovative local solutions to the challenges fac…

1
Are the Kids Alright? 11:44

7M ago11:44

11:44

Childcare isn't just a personal choice – it's a deeply political issue that touches every corner of society. From ancient communal care to the modern-day patchwork of options, this episode traces the evolution of childcare in America. We explore the cultural, economic, and political forces that shape how we care for our kids and why this issue rema…

1
Second Helping - Getting Saucy 14:28

7M ago14:28

14:28

Grace, Katelyn, and Kathryn reflect on their night at the Emily’s List Gala in DC, sharing the highs, lows, and unexpected laughs from the evening. From powerful speeches to hilarious moments, they break down the importance of supporting women in politics and the progress still needed for true representation. Join them for a candid, unapologetic ta…

1
Personalized Politics meets Civil Discourse 31:27

7M ago31:27

31:27

Grace sits down with Billy Webster—former White House staffer, business leader, and debut novelist—for a rich conversation on how politics has evolved from civil compromise to deep polarization. They explore the legacy of South Carolina political figures, the rise of personalized politics, and what it takes to restore respectful dialogue across par…

1
Second Helping - Duty Calls 1:01:55

7M ago1:01:55

1:01:55

Grace and Katelyn dive into how the tariffs are affecting even the younger generation and the serious concerns about immigration rights in America today. They explore how due process protections are being weakened under the current administration, comparing it to past mistakes like Japanese internment camps. They discuss news on tariffs, the housin…

1
Upstate Tea - The Dangers of No Due Process: When Harmful Immigration Policies Hit Home 32:24

7M ago32:24

32:24

Kathryn speaks with David Blanton (former pastor and Department of Justice-accredited immigration representative) about the real-life impact of harmful immigration policies in Upstate South Carolina. They explore the fear gripping undocumented communities, the erosion of due process rights, and the growing role of local law enforcement in federal i…

1
What Do You Gain When Someone Else Loses Their Rights? 13:50

7M ago13:50

13:50

Grace explores a pivotal and painful chapter in American history: the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Reflecting on how fear, hysteria, and quick government actions like Executive Order 9066 reshaped civil liberties, Grace draws parallels to current issues in 2025. From the story of Fred Korematsu to the passage of the Civil L…

1
Second Helping - Welcome Kathryn Harvey 32:28

7M ago32:28

32:28

Meet Kathryn Harvey, the newest voice on Frogmore Stew! In this episode, Grace Cowan sits down with Kathryn to dive into South Carolina politics, the power of civic engagement, and why amplifying women's voices matters more than ever. From local leadership in the Upstate to national conversations on Social Security and education, Kathryn brings a f…