The Courage to Think

Hello December!  Trey answers questions on the evolution of the Republican Party, the DC National Guard shooting and the final touchdown in the South Carolina Gamecocks 2025 season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"It is doubtful anyone is going to pay you to sit around and think. And yet, it is one of the most important traits we can develop." Trey reflects on a Thanksgiving weekend filled with family debates, football, and unexpected lessons, and uses it as a springboard into a larger conversation about philosophy. He encourages asking honest questions, listening closely, and weighing ideas before accepting them. In a complicated world, he says critical reasoning is still one thing we can rely on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This Thanksgiving, Trey takes a look back at one of his favorite conversations, a thoughtful discussion with New York Times best-selling author and Harvard professor Arthur Brooks, about what truly drives human happiness. Together, they explore whether money can influence joy, how to distinguish pride from confidence, and why moments of unhappiness can be just as important as moments of joy.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In celebration of Thanksgiving and the kickoff to the holiday season, Trey sits down with his good friend Clinical Psychologist, Kevin Gilliland, Psy.D  for a conversation on how to prepare for the holidays mentally and emotionally. They discuss navigating grief, uncomfortable conversations and finding joy and gratitude in the midst of it all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“You are in essence surrendering your majority.” Trey explains why the rarely used discharge petition became the center of an internal GOP fight, and why it sparked questions about transparency, consistency, and selective outrage. He also discusses why he believes releasing investigative files is no substitute for real prosecutions and clarifies how lawyers are disciplined by state bars. Plus, Trey gives his take on the Texas officer who collided with South Carolina football players during the Texas A&M game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trey reflects on a full-circle moment as he watches his son take the oath to join the South Carolina Bar. He uses that moment to highlight his concerns about political favoritism in the state’s judicial system. Plus, he shares his weekend on the golf course with President Trump and offers his own perspective on questions about the president’s health. Trey closes by addressing the Epstein files and explains why he believes trial transcripts are the clearest path to understanding what justice requires. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"If it is gone, human nature tells you someone in power is not going to voluntarily give that power up." Trey answers a follow-up question about whether a future Senate could ever reinstate a filibuster and explains why, in practice, once the 60-vote rule is gone it is unlikely to return. He uses history, Senate precedent, and even a lesson from Sparta to show how the filibuster serves as both a shield and a limit on majority power. Trey also recommends a favorite myth-inspired novel and offers practical advice for frustrated sports fans navigating YouTube TV’s carriage dispute. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"I view last Tuesday night as something tantamount to a mock trial for the GOP."Trey breaks down what last week's election results reveal about the Republican Party’s message and strategy heading into the 2026 Midterms. He reflects on why traditional GOP priorities like crime and border security failed to resonate with voters this election cycle, the risks of political infighting, and the importance of humility and authenticity in leadership. Trey also calls on Republicans to focus less on ambition and more on governing with decency and compassion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trey answers listener questions about the future of the filibuster, explaining why the Senate’s 60-vote rule protects against one-party control and encourages compromise, even if it frustrates presidents from both parties. He also discusses what happens if an elected official dies before taking office and closes with a heartfelt defense of South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer, praising his hard work, humility, and determination to build a winning program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trey reflects on the importance of character and accountability in leadership, calling out the entitlement and misconduct that have made headlines in South Carolina politics. He contrasts that behavior with the humility and hard work of public servants who go unnoticed, and reminds listeners that we should never settle for representatives who fail to lead with decency. Trey also shares his perspective on the ongoing government shutdown and why Americans deserve better from those elected to keep government running. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices