This week, Rich and Kevin pull back the curtain on the infighting within the Democratic Party—taking aim at the tension between tradition and transformation. They dig into the rise of David Hogg as DNC Vice Chair, the generational friction in Black political leadership, and the risks of swapping out seats just for the sake of noise. Along the way, they reflect on legacy, personal health, homecomings, and who really should be running things. It’s a raw, real convo about party politics, power, and the cost of progress.

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📍 00:01 – Barbershop Banter & Southern Homecomings
Kevin rocks Spelman gear at his wife’s request while Rich reminisces about escorting Tyra Banks through Morehouse’s chaotic homecoming crowds. They talk HBCU pride, Southern hospitality, and celebrity sightings in ATL.

📍 06:35 – Smoke Season & Sickness
Rich opens up about reclaiming his love for grilling after his health diagnosis—and why his wife’s excitement over BBQ means everything. Kevin talks about being a grill sous chef and why sauce is for amateurs.

📍 10:35 – Blue Flame Politics
The duo dives into Democratic Party infighting, questioning whether new leadership is needed or if the real problem is strategic missteps. Enter: David Hogg, the Parkland survivor-turned-political disruptor.

📍 18:22 – When the CBC Stays Silent
Rich and Kevin break down how the Congressional Black Caucus handles internal challenges—and the quiet blessing that sometimes comes when incumbents lose their edge.

📍 27:48 – Dream Team or Globetrotters?
A fiery debate erupts over whether Hogg’s $20M plan to primary Dems is revolution or self-sabotage. Rich says the squad needs new players—Kevin says the Vice Chair’s job is to win, not to make noise.

🏆 Mamba Mentality Award Goes To…

🐍 David Hogg – For refusing to play it safe. Love him or loathe the strategy, Hogg is throwing punches at complacency, risking reputation to challenge power from the inside. Whether it lands or backfires, he's showing the courage to shake the table—and that earns him this week’s Mamba Mentality Award.

In this episode, Rich and Kevin kick things off with backyard grilling talk and reflections on Black college homecomings before diving deep into the Democratic Party’s internal power struggles. They break down the tension between institutional loyalty and insurgent activism, focusing on David Hogg’s controversial push to primary incumbent Democrats from his seat as DNC Vice Chair. From aging leadership and passing the torch to whether the party is better off with Horace Grant or Dennis Rodman, the fellas go in. It’s a no-holds-barred convo about strategy, legacy, and whether the left is fumbling the bag—again.

📍 00:01 Grills, Gear, and Homecoming Nostalgia

Kevin rocks Spellman gear, Rich reminisces about escorting Tyra Banks, and both reflect on the family reunion vibes of Southern HBCU homecomings.

📍 07:00 Health, Ribs, and Seasoning Secrets

Rich shares his return to grilling post-dialysis and shouts out Kevin’s mom’s legendary dry rub ribs. The conversation swerves into food philosophy—sauce vs. skill.

📍 11:10 Democrats Fumbling the Handoff

The hosts revisit recurring Democratic Party flubs—from Gore to Clinton to Harris—and the growing need for new leadership like Wes Moore and Raphael Warnock.

📍 15:00 David Hogg vs. The Establishment

David Hogg’s $20M plan to primary “safe seat” Democrats gets scrutinized. Kevin questions the strategy, while Rich sees merit in disrupting complacency from within.

📍 30:00 When Progressives Go Too Far?

The fellas debate whether a DNC vice chair should also be leading insurgent challenges. Is it bold, necessary reform—or bad politics in disguise?

🐍 Mamba Mentality Award

This week’s award goes to Senator Dick Durbin, for recognizing the need to step aside and make room for the next generation of leaders. Also getting a nod: Everton Sambah, a young school board member and rising political talent, who exemplifies what readiness for change looks like.

In this episode of the Southern Comfort Podcast, Rich and Kevin dive deep into the intersection of faith, politics, and Black identity in America—starting with the historic induction of OutKast into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and culminating in a powerful dialogue on the Black church’s evolving role in civic life. From Creole Popes to political Black men rising from the pulpit, this one explores how the South's culture, faith, and politics are intertwined.

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📍 00:00 - OutKast Enters the Hall of Fame

The hosts celebrate OutKast’s long-overdue induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, praising their originality and limited yet legendary catalog. They also reflect on the Dungeon Family’s broader cultural impact.

📍 06:36 - A Black Pope in the Vatican

Rich and Kevin react to the news of the first American pope—who also has Creole heritage—and explore what this moment means for global religion and American politics, particularly the Black community.

📍 12:10 - Religion’s Role in U.S. Politics

The conversation shifts to how religion—especially the Black church—has influenced state and national politics, including commentary on Pastor Jamal Bryant and the evolving social engagement of church leaders.

📍 27:02 - The Rise of the Black Male Politician

The duo discusses how Black male leaders like Wes Moore, Raphael Warnock, and Jamal Bryant are shaping the political landscape. They emphasize the need for authentic, grounded leadership that resonates with faith-driven and Black male voters.

📍 36:39 - Conservatism in the Black Church

They tackle contradictions in the Black church—progressive in economic justice but often conservative on social issues. From LGBTQ+ rights to female pastors, the hosts question when change will truly come from the pulpit.

🐍 Mamba Mentality Award

🏆 Rich’s Pick: His niece, Skylar McDaniel, for her strength, perseverance, and achievement as a first-generation college graduate at Clayton State University.

🏆 Kevin’s Pick: A shared award to Pope Leo for his progressive leadership and to Pastor Jamal Bryant for unapologetically using the church as a platform for social change.