What does it actually take to change policy — and keep showing up when the wins are slow?

In this episode of Great Ships, I sit down with Phil Ford, founding partner of the Ford & Ford Group and one of South Carolina’s most respected voices as a lobbyist inside the State House, to take stock of where we are — and where we’re headed.

As we close out 2025, Phil helps us make sense of what laws passed, what stalled, who benefited, and why. We talk honestly about the growing divisiveness at the State House, the role of pressure and persistence in shaping outcomes, and what it will take to break the supermajority and build more Democratic power as we head into 2026.

We also dig into Phil’s personal story — how he found his way into this work, what sustains him through the slog, and why he believes showing up consistently still matters, even when progress feels painfully slow.

This conversation explores:

• What it actually takes to influence legislation in South Carolina

• How inside strategy and public pressure work together to move power

• Why competing everywhere — even in tough districts — changes the political landscape

• What breaking the supermajority would mean in practice

• How everyday people can find their place in the fight heading into 2026

If you care about dignity, democracy, and meeting people’s basic needs — and want a clear-eyed look at the work required to get there — this episode is for you.

What does it actually take to run — and win — a local race?

In the very first episode of Great Ships, I sit down with Tina Belge, newly elected Greenville City Council member, and Breanna Spaulding, campaign strategist and political consultant, to pull back the curtain on how local power is built from the ground up.

We talk candidly about what it means to run a real race, why being on the ballot matters even when the odds feel stacked, and how Tina’s campaign stayed focused on the issues that shape everyday life — housing affordability, growth, transit, and childcare — in the middle of a hyper-nationalized political moment.

This conversation explores:

• Why local elections matter more than ever

• How candidates can build trust and turnout where they live

• The role of strategy, data, and belief in winning local races

• What Democrats and organizers can learn as we look toward 2026

If you care about your community, believe politics should improve people’s daily lives, or are wondering whether stepping into the arena is worth it — this episode is for you.

Welcome to Great Ships with Taylor Culliver. I’m Taylor, and this is the trailer for my new podcast.I created this show because South Carolina is full of people navigating the currents of politics, power, and possibility with courage and hope — reminding us that we all have a role to play in shaping our future through the relationships we build, the choices we make, and the actions we take.Each episode, I’ll be in conversation with candidates, organizers, and community leaders who are charting a new direction for our state. We’ll talk strategy, vision, lessons learned, and what it really takes to build political power rooted in dignity, love, and a belief in what’s possible.My hope is that these conversations inspire you to recognize your own agency — to speak up, get involved, and help shape a South Carolina where everyone can live a decent, dignified life.New episodes are coming soon. You can subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.