This week we’ll be talking with Charleston author Victoria Benton Frank about her new novel, The Violet Hour. Victoria was born in New York City, raised in Montclair, New Jersey, but considers herself to have dual residency in the Lowcountry. She is a graduate of the College of Charleston and the French Culinary Institute. Her mother was the late Dorothea Benton Frank, a best-selling novelist and native of Sullivan’s Island.With the release of The Violet Hour (2026, Simon & Schuster), her second novel, she continues to hone her craft, this time with a story of grief and healing.

The book, Gullah Culture in America (Blair Publishing), chronicles the history and culture of the Gullah people, African Americans who live in the Lowcountry region of the American South. Written by Wilbur Cross in 2008, it chronicles the arrival of enslaved West Africans to the sea islands of South Carolina and Georgia; the melding of their African cultures, which created distinct creole language, cuisine, traditions, and arts; and the establishment of the Penn School, dedicated to education and support of the Gullah freedmen following the Civil War.Dr. Eric Crawford, editor, of the book’s second edition (2022), is a Gullah Geechee scholar and Associate Professor of Musicology at Claflin University in Orangeburg. He joins us to talk about Gullah culture and about updating the late Dr. Cross’ book.This is an encore presentation from September 29, 2023.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for February 7, 2026: President Donald Trump has endorsed in on one of, if not, the most critical statewide races this year; we look at major bills that moved this week, including the abortion pill bill, and DUI bill, and what happened to the hemp bill; we also have some committee action for you, including remarks from the first subcommittee hearing on the comprehensive data center regulation bill; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for February 3, 2026: we catch up with some of our favorite statehouse reporters for a vibe check on the legislative session as we kick off week four; we look at what’s on tap and get a look at two polls for the SC Republican gubernatorial nomination, as well as fundraising numbers for several congressional races; and more!

This week, Bobbi Conner talks with MUSC's Dr. Christine Holmstedt about recognizing the signs of stroke and getting prompt treatment.

This week, Bobbi Conner talks with MUSC's Dr. Katherine Chetta about how breastfeeding boosts your baby’s immune system and protects against illness and infection.

This week, we’re walking the runway and exploring the history of fashion. From fashion fads to the origin stories of famous brands, we'll putting your style knowledge to the test.

This week, we're exploring the history of political campaigns in the United States.