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.