Rhodes Bailey

Rudy Mancke was a South Carolina treasure and a true original. If you ever attended one of his nature walks or received his reply to one of your emailed nature questions, you got to see the world through a new lens. He was as approachable as he was insightful. Every time I take my kids out on a nature walk, I think of him saying “Take your kids outside on the weekend. There’s plenty to do and see right here in South Carolina. And it doesn’t cost you anything.” Rudy was a legendary naturalist, by which all others should be measured. We will miss Nature Notes and his endless contributions to our state.

Happy to support my friend (and distant cousin) Tyler Bailey for Columbia City Council and yesterday at his event.

Just played “You’re Simply The Best” by Tina Turner for the kids and Haywood thought it was “Your Sibling’s the Best” and interpreted it as a pro-sibling anthem.

It’s that time of the year again. Original tune, “Climate Change is Killing Christmas.”

"Climate Change is Killing Christmas" Song A new classic Christmas song by Rhodes Bailey and the Frosty Five. changeThe Frosty Five:Jake ErwinSpencer CollinsEvan SimmonsZac Thomas...

Congratulations to my new SC House 75 representative and yours Heather Bauer. She will fight for freedom and put the people’s values above special interests and self-dealing.

Democrat Bauer declares victory in Richland SC House race against Republican Rep. Finlay Democrat Heather Bauer declared victory over South Carolina House Representative Kirkman Finlay, a Republican from Richland County, in the 2022 election.

“People underestimated my campaign in 2020, and we came close to beating him,” Bailey said. “Anyone who underestimates her (Bauer) does so at their peril.”

Will abortion debate oust Richland GOP lawmaker in SC House? His Dem challenger hopes so In a Richland County swing district, a Democrat running for the S.C. House is aiming to oust a Republican incumbent by making abortion rights a key focus of the race.

Come see us, Whiskey Tango R***e on Saturday at the Palmetto Peanut Boil 3:00PM- 5:45PM! Proceeds go to Animal Mission.

Friends, there are few things sadder in politics than leaders too afraid to stand for anything. Below is a picture of Rep. Kirkman Finlay who first voted against Roe v. Wade rights, but then skipped the last vote on the abortion ban - literally drinking coffee and watching the board while everyone else voted.

I would worry about stains, but I figure he’ll outgrow this one before the next campaign anyway. ⁦‪

Early voting starts today for the SC primaries, so go vote now and cross it off your list. Here are the early voting locations:

Early Voting | SCVotes Any voter can visit an early voting center in their county and vote. The dates, times and locations of early voting centers for the 2022 Statewide Primaries are listed below. Voters will be asked to present Photo ID when checking in to vote. Early Voting Dates: 2022 Primaries Tuesday, May 31 – Fri...

Here's a brand new Christmas tune called "Climate Change is Killing Christmas", complete with plenty of jingle bells and spirit. Check it out!

"Climate Change is Killing Christmas" Song A new classic Christmas song by Rhodes Bailey and the Frosty Five. changeThe Frosty Five:Jake ErwinSpencer CollinsEvan SimmonsZac Thomas...

It was cool to be interviewed for Travis Bland’s weekly music column for The State about playing with Whiskey Tango R***e and the overlap of music and campaigns. We play the Boiled Peanut Festival this Sat. Oct 9th at 3:00PM. Stop by!

Boiled peanut fest, baseball park show, blues fest, more bring the Midlands live music Ever seen a band light their drums on fire? You might this week with Daikaiju. Also, Rhodes Bailey of Whiskey Tango R***e, which plays the Palmetto Boiled Peanut fest, chatted with The State. A whole weekend of blues also starts. These and more are in week of Midlands live music

Please join me in voting for Robert Lominack for Richland One School Board in the special election on October 26th. If you care about public schools, he is THE candidate. You’d be hard pressed to find a more qualified person than Robert. He has taught in Richland One Schools and has had two children our school system.

Had a great time addressing the Clyburn Fellows today at the South Carolina Democratic Party. Some fantastic current and future leaders in this crew!

I’m super excited that Robert Lominack is running for Richland One School Board. You can’t find a more student-focused and experienced candidate in this race. He’ll always put students over politics. Please support him! Robert Lominack for Richland One School Board. Special election Oct. 26th.

Robert Lominack – Candidate for Richland One School Board Public schools are the center of gravity in our communities. Now more than ever, I think it is critical that we find ways to strengthen our support for students, their families, and their teachers.

For the Asylum South podcast season finale, our guest is former U.S. Attorney and Obama appointee Bill Nettles. In this action-packed episode we discuss criminal justice reform, legalization of ma*****na, and Rock ‘N Roll shoot outs with the former SCDOJ leader. https://www.asylumsouth.com/episode/episode-14-nettles/

On this week’s episode of Asylum South podcast, Melanie Huggins from discusses how libraries have transformed from silent spaces to studios. We also talk UFOs, the Button King Museum, and play a quick round of “Best Band/Worst Band: 2000s edition.” https://www.asylumsouth.com/episode/episode-13-huggins/

This week on Asylum South, we chat 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? https://www.asylumsouth.com/episode/episode-12-bre-maxwell/

This week, 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. https://www.asylumsouth.com/episode/episode-11-mcleod/

Check out this week’s Asylum South interview with S.C.’s own Jeopardy Champion of Champions 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.

Episode 10: Living the Dream with SC's Jeopardy! Champion Ben Ingram 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.

Got to check out the Button King Museum in Bishopville, S.C. when I was in the neighborhood to meet a client. This guy was a fixture on late night talk shows and the Guinness Book or World Records in the 80s and 90s. The plaque said there were two button-covered coffins, but we only saw one. I assume the other one was in use.

Columbia, come see Democratic candidate for Governor Joe Cunningham tomorrow (Tuesday) at River Rat Brewery after work!

This week on Asylum South is our Pollen Extravaganza, as allergist Dr. Greg Black talks about the secrets of seasonal allergies, immunity-boosting pets, and myths about local honey. We also get his advice on allergic reactions to excessive Taylor Swift exposure.

Episode 9: Gesundheit! Dr. Greg Black & The Yellow Death 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 -...

On the latest episode of Asylum South, we talk with Joelle Ryan-Cook and Jackie Adams of the Columbia Museum of Art about their current M.C Escher exhibit and the role of a museum in the digital age. We also discuss the latest attempts at election “reform” in the General Assembly. Plus, a round of Asylum South trivia.

Episode 7: Mighty Fine Arts & the GOP's Voter Fraud-Fraud 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 l...

Joe Cunningham is our guest on this week's episode of Asylum South! We talk about his time in Congress, the future of South Carolina, and play a game called "Band or Beer?"

Episode 6: Brews, News, & BBQ with Congressman Joe Cunningham 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...

Rep. Kirkman Finlay has been caught secretly directing $325,000 of taxpayer money to a shell organization, run by his right hand man and personal lobbyist. Last year, we exposed the organization as a vehicle for Finlay's political ambitions, but we didn't know he was funneling hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars directly to it. The money has evaporated.

It's always a bad sign when a nonprofit's own board member doesn't recognize the name of the organization or remember being on the board. The board member then refers to the group as “Kirkman Finlay’s foundation."

Excellent reporting by The State and Island Packet. We need to end secret earmarks and privosos and demand meaningful ethics reform from our leaders.

SC Republican sent $325K in taxpayer money to nonprofit run by friend, political ally Kirkman Finlay’s earmarks have bankrolled the work of another Richland County lawmaker in recent years. How exactly the funds were spent remains a mystery. Here’s more.

Episode 5 of Asylum South is up! We speak with famous Republican strategist Chip Felkel about what happened to the GOP and where it’s headed. Plus Laurin Manning Gandy tells us about a deadly No. 2 pencil, we search for Republican rock stars and play “Ask a Zoomer” with Noah Barker.

Episode 5: Riffin' with Rock-N-Roll Republican Chip Felkel The gang welcomes its first conservative guest, Chip Felkel — CEO of the Felkel Group, longtime Republican 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. Speci...

Steve Benjamin is our star guest on this week's episode of Asylum South, and the first leader featured in a new segment called “Constituent Mail”! We also gab about the various incarnations of Nikki Haley and state-sanctioned dumpster fires for out-of-state trash. Plus, Laurin Manning Gandy bursts into song. Listen at the link below, iTunes, or wherever you find podcasts!

(Thanks to Meghan Kinnard Hardee from whom we blatantly stole this excellent picture. We hope she will come on the podcast to yell at us.)

https://www.asylumsouth.com/episode/steve-benjamin/

Episode 4: "You've Got Mail!" with Special Guest Steve Benjamin 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’ wedd...

This is an outrageously terrible idea. Authors of this House bill want to increase the limits on burning waste from 600 tons per day to 5,000 tons per day. Raising the limit will attract more waste-burning companies to move in and bring MORE out-of-state garbage into South Carolina. Legislators claim that the more toxic plastic we burn, the less trash ends up in landfills. But FIRST, S.C. has to attract more out of state garbage for this brilliant plan to work.

New facilities would be built in S.C. to superheat these out-of-state plastics into a molecular gaseous form. To make matters worse, these new facilities would be exempt from S.C.'s Waste Management Act, meaning little DHEC oversight and no financial assurances that they will pay for the damage when one of these facilities catches fire.

Call your legislators and tell them "NO" to House Bill 3753 and Senate Bill 525.

South Carolina once took the nation’s waste. A new plan could open the flow again South Carolina’s reputation as a dumping ground has diminished with new restrictions. But a bill in the Legislature could change that, critics say.

On this week's Asylum South, we had a great time interviewing Dr. Jermaine Johnson: a gentleman, a scholar, a legislator, a College of Charleston basketball legend, and Andrew Yang's BFF in SC. Plus, a new segment called "Marital Advice from a Divorce Lawyer." Jermaine Johnson For House District 80

Episode 3: The Doctor is in (the House): SC Rep. Jermaine Johnson 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 get marriage advice from a divorce lawyer.