Joey Hudson / Just The Truth

Texas Democrats Run, SC’s New Driving Law, and Faith with Tim Scott (Ep 499)

Just the Truth Podcast with Joey Hudson

MAGA hat censorship in St. Louis, Harry Enten’s explosive take on Trump’s influence, Texas Democrats fleeing to Chicago over redistricting, SC’s new hands-free driving law, and closing with Senator Tim Scott on faith and Trump’s first six months.

Block 1 – Free Speech & MAGA Hat Incident at St. Louis City SC

• Viral moment: Michael Weitzel escorted out of Energizer Park for wearing a MAGA hat; security claimed political symbols weren’t allowed while other “pre-approved” flags flew. Reaction and implications for ideological censorship in public entertainment venues. (Fox News, OutKick, Daily Caller)

Block 2 – Harry Enten’s Verdict: Trump “Most Influential President This Century”

• CNN’s Harry Enten lays out why he’s making the claim: historic rise in average U.S. tariff rates (from ~2% to roughly 18%), plunging net immigration trends potentially turning negative, and a record pace of executive orders in Trump’s second, nonconsecutive term. Framing influence vs. legacy. (Mediaite, New York Post, Fox News)

Block 3 – Texas Democrats Flee to Chicago to Block Redistricting

• Over 50 Texas House Democrats fly to Chicago to deny quorum and stall a GOP-backed redistricting map that could add five House seats the Trump coalition carried in 2024. GOP leadership, including Attorney General Ken Paxton, threatens penalties and possible arrest; Democrats frame it as a moral stand. The broader fight over representation, map fairness, and political theater. (Houston Chronicle, Financial Times, PBS)

Block 4 – South Carolina’s Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Law

• Gov. Henry McMaster signs H.3276, the Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act, banning holding or supporting mobile devices while driving. Warning period begins September 1, 2025, giving drivers six months to adjust before citations. What to expect and enforcement timeline. (governor.sc.gov, SC Daily Gazette, WSOC TV)

Block 5 – Tim Scott on Faith, Trump’s First Six Months & New Book

• Senator Tim Scott joins to discuss the achievements of President Trump’s first half-year, the role of Christian values in American history, and his upcoming book One Nation Always Under God: Profiles in Christian Courage (street date August 5, 2025). Book highlights Americans of faith who shaped the nation—used as a rallying call for faith-infused patriotism. (HarperCollins, Target)

 

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WEEKEND: Spartanburg County Sheriff Race – Nine GOP Candidates Facing Off (Ep 498)

Just the Truth Podcast with Joey Hudson

 

The race to lead the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office was set in motion when former Sheriff Chuck Wright resigned in May 2025, after taking leave in April. Governor McMaster appointed Jeffery Stephens as interim sheriff in the interim. With Wright’s departure, nine Republican candidates filed to run in the special election, with the primary set for Tuesday, August 5, 2025, early voting through August 1, and a likely runoff on August 19 if no candidate secures a majority. The special general election will follow on November 4.

🧾 Candidate Breakdown

1. Nick Duncan
   A career lawman who left the Sheriff’s Office in 2023 after a previous Republican primary run in 2024. Duncan is pitching a platform centered on restoring trust, transparency, and “honesty” to the office. He’s also at the center of controversy—claims suggest a “hit list” within the office targeting associates, but state investigators found no wrongdoing tied to those allegations (https://www.foxcarolina.com).
2. Andy Clark
   A recent retiree from Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office (retired January 2025), Clark emphasizes experience and stability. In one-on-one interviews he outlined plans for immediate reforms, though specific policy proposals weren’t deeply detailed in the initial coverage (https://www.foxcarolina.com).
3. Randy Hollifield
   A veteran law enforcement officer within the Sheriff’s Office. His framing: leadership built on being “Firm, Fair and Consistent.” Hollifield speaks directly to deputies encouraging them to maintain professionalism despite internal turmoil, pledging continuity with accountability (https://www.foxcarolina.com).
4. Ric Stephens
   A unique profile: local and federal law enforcement, including work with the Secret Service task force and United Nations, as well as an advanced degree in Forensics. He says he wouldn’t remove current staff—his focus is to tackle three priorities fast: Drugs, Traffic, and Crime. He stresses global experience adapted to local results (https://www.foxcarolina.com).
5. Bill Rhyne
   Retired state trooper with prior tenure in Spartanburg Sheriff’s Office. Rhyne hits the pitch that “this isn’t politics, it’s people.” His focus is community safety, deputies’ respect and morale, and a county‑wide Sheriff’s Office “that truly serves every corner” (https://www.foxcarolina.com).
6. Adam Crisp
   Former deputy at the Sheriff’s Office, Crisp positions himself as a reform candidate. His message: restore accountability and deliver tangible outcomes—not empty rhetoric. He defines the campaign as service‑oriented and addresses a public distrust gap in leadership (https://www.foxcarolina.com, https://www.foxcarolina.com).
7. Rusty Clevenger
   Serving Spartanburg County as Coroner since 2009, he brings decades of experience in investigations. Clevenger wants to depoliticize the Sheriff’s Office and “protect the integrity” of law enforcement personnel so they can focus on community safety—honest, transparent leadership is his promise (https://www.foxcarolina.com).
8. Robert J. Cheeks
   Former Spartanburg Police Department officer (from 2010), now with the Sheriff’s Office since 2016. Cheeks highlights a hands‑on leadership style: building trust, listening, engaging directly, and building communities “from the inside out” (https://www.foxcarolina.com).
9. Joseph A. Pilato
   Veteran officer with over 30 years across Texas, Florida, and South Carolina—14 years most recently embedded in Spartanburg PD until his resignation on June 19. Pilato officially filed his campaign paperwork June 20, aiming to bring seasoned multi‑state experience to local leadership (https://www.foxcarolina.com).

⚖️ Missing or Former Candidates

• Joseph Hawes, Chief of Police in Pacolet, expressed intent but did not file by the deadline of June 21 (https://www.foxcarolina.com).
• Gregg Satterfield, formerly Duncan Police Chief, initially joined the race but dropped out on June 12, citing personal reasons (https://www.foxcarolina.com).

🎤 Campaign Dynamics & Events

• The Spartanburg County GOP hosted a forum on July 11 at Converse University. Eight of nine filed candidates participated. Adam Crisp was the only one who declined to appear (https://www.foxcarolina.com).
• The Fourth District Republican Club scheduled a second public forum and straw poll on July 31 — all nine candidates attending before the campaign enters final stretch toward August 5 primary (https://www.foxcarolina.com).

🔍 Themes & Talking Points

Several common themes surfaced across the candidate pool:

• Restoring Trust & Transparency: Multiple candidates—including Duncan, Crisp, Clevenger—emphasize fixing internal trust issues after the Wright resignation scandal.
• Experience & Continuity: Candidates like Clark, Hollifield, and Rhyne lean on institutional knowledge and career service in law enforcement.
• Reform & Results-Focus: Stephens and Crisp highlight immediate action plans addressing pressing issues: crime, drug trafficking, traffic safety, gang activity.
• Non-Politicized Leadership: Clevenger, Cheeks, Rhyne stress separating office leadership from political influence, allowing deputies to serve effectively.

🗓️ Timeline Recap

Event	Date
Filing closes	May–June 2025
Early voting for primary	July 21 – August 1
Republican primary election	August 5
If no majority → runoff	August 19
Special general election	November 4

🏛️ Summing It Up

At stake in Spartanburg County’s sheriff’s race is more than just a name in the deputy’s chair—it’s a chance to reset the culture of the office. With Wright’s sudden resignation grating nerves county‑wide, each candidate is pitching a version of trust, service, and reform.

• Veterans Duncan, Clark, Hollifield, Rhyne offer continuity with the promise of better transparency.
• Outsiders or reform-minded candidates like Crisp, Stephens, Clevenger, Cheeks and Pilato aim to shake up the status quo with new leadership styles and a focus on immediate results.

As the early voting period closed August 1, the campaign heads into its final countdown, with runoffs nearly guaranteed among nine contenders. It’s shaping up as a pivotal moment for law enforcement leadership in Spartanburg County.

 

 

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"Durham/Soros Revelation & Cincinnati Mob Violence | SC Economy with Pamela Evette | Tipping Debate" (Ep 497)

Just the Truth Podcast with Joey Hudson

In this hard-hitting episode, Joey Hudson breaks down a cascade of stories shaking the headlines and the culture. First up: a newly declassified Durham appendix alleging a coordinated effort tied to George Soros’ Open Society Foundations, the Obama-era intelligence community, and the FBI to fuel the Trump–Russia narrative—what it means for election integrity and who should be held accountable. Then, a raw look at domestic lawlessness: the released 911 call from the Cincinnati mob attack and the city’s leadership failures, followed by the story of a Good Samaritan in the Bronx who was brutally attacked with a baseball bat while trying to stop a fight. Joey lays out what’s broken in leadership, civic duty, and public decency. Later, Lt. Governor Pamela Evette joins to unpack the nation’s stronger-than-expected GDP, interest rate dynamics, and economic development wins. The episode closes with Joey’s “tipping soapbox”—a sharp, cultural take on the modern U.S. tipping system, who it really benefits, and how Americans should think about tipping with intention in 2025.

 

Episode Show Notes / Segment Breakdown

[00:00] Intro & Teaser
Quick rundown of explosive revelations, lawlessness in American cities, economic optimism from South Carolina, and the tipping culture showdown.

[01:30] Block 1 – Lawlessness & Cultural Collapse in Cincinnati & Bronx

• Released 911 call from the Cincinnati mob attack; analysis of the crowd’s apathy and leadership failures.

• Sharp critique of Mayor Aftab Pureval’s delayed response and Councilwoman Victoria Parks’ controversial comments.

• Arrests made, but the bigger question: where’s accountability for the rest of the mob?

• Transition to the Bronx story: Good Samaritan attacked with a baseball bat while intervening—highlighting the cost of stepping in when civic courage is lacking.

• Core themes: civic duty, cultural decay, leadership vacuum, law and order.

• Sound cue suggestion: overlay of 911 audio clip (CUT) and a dramatic sting when naming leadership failures.

[10:30] Block 2 – (Bridge / Sponsor / Call-to-Action)

• Listener call-in prompt, mailing list push, social engagement reminder (texts, voice messages).

[11:00] Block 3 – Tipping Soapbox

• Personal anecdote about bad breakfast service; broader context of tipping’s origin as subsidizing employer wage shortfalls.

• “Tipflation,” social pressure, and how digital payment interfaces guilt customers.

• Practical advice: differentiate between overburdened servers vs. negligent service; use tipping as a signal, not reflex.

• Cultural critique of the modern service economy and the imbalance between customers, workers, and business owners.

• Suggested listener takeaway: tip with intention, give feedback constructively, and consider systemic reform.

[19:50] Block 4 – Durham/Soros-FBI Russiagate Revelation Deep Dive

• Background reminder of “Russiagate” and mainstream media failures.

• Newly declassified Durham appendix: alleged foreign intelligence tied to George Soros’ Open Society Foundations and coordination with the Clinton campaign to manufacture the Trump–Russia narrative.

• Claim that the FBI “added oil to the fire” and opened Crossfire Hurricane shortly after.

• Framing: election interference, abuse of power, and weaponization of agencies.

• Call for accountability: Brennan, Comey, Clapper, Clinton; need for unfiltered truth and structural reform of intelligence/law enforcement agencies.

• Praise for whistleblowers and officials pushing declassification (Tulsi Gabbard, Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, Chuck Grassley).

• Closing rhetorical challenge: What happens if ordinary Americans get targeted next?

[Ending] Outro / Call to Action

• Reinforce democratic stakes, encourage listeners to demand leadership that acts, not deflects.

• Reminder to subscribe, join the mailing list, text in, and share the episode.

America First: Trump Rips Luxury Migrant Hotels, Kash Patel Uncovers Secret FBI Files, and Kamala Harris Bows Out of 2026 Race (Ep 496)

Just the Truth Podcast with Joey Hudson

 

🔥 Trump Blasts Luxury Hotels for Migrants While Americans Struggle

Speaking from Air Force One, President Donald Trump slammed the Biden administration for putting illegal immigrants in luxury hotels, while hardworking Americans face economic hardship. Trump criticized the use of iconic locations like Manhattan’s Roosevelt Hotel — owned by a foreign government — to house migrants at taxpayer expense.

“They’re putting people in luxury hotels while Americans are living from hand to mouth.”

In New York City alone, over 232,000 migrants have been processed since 2022. Trump called it a moral and economic failure, tying it to his broader “America First” message.

🕵️‍♂️ Kash Patel Uncovers Secret FBI Room Tied to Trump–Russia Probe

FBI Director Kash Patel has unearthed a massive hidden cache of classified documents connected to the discredited Trump–Russia “Collusion” investigation — found in “burn bags” inside a secret room at FBI headquarters.

Patel says the room was locked and unknown to current oversight, and that many of the files were scheduled for destruction. They include a classified annex to the Durham Report, suggesting high-level officials advanced the Trump-Russia narrative despite lacking credible evidence.

Congressional committees are now reviewing the materials. Sources say criminal referrals may follow, involving figures like James Comey, John Brennan, and others.

🔥 Daniel High School Coach Placed on Leave After Football Camp Assault

The DW Daniel High School football coach has been placed on leave after video footage surfaced of an alleged assault during a team camp. The incident reportedly involved several players attacking a teammate. The school district and law enforcement are now investigating. The story has drawn statewide attention in South Carolina.

😱 Danville Councilman Set on Fire in Horrific Attack

Danville, VA City Councilman Lee Vogler was doused with gasoline and set on fire in his office. The suspect, Shotsie Hayes, has been arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder. Vogler remains in critical condition. The attack has shocked the close-knit Danville community.

❌ Kamala Harris Will Not Run for Governor of California

Kamala Harris has announced she will not seek the California governorship in 2026. Her decision clears the way for other Democrats like Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and AG Rob Bonta. Republicans say her exit reflects the failure of Democrat leadership after Trump’s 2024 victory.

“Kamala Harris’ political career is over thanks to President Trump,” said GOP strategist Kollin Crompton.

🧨 What’s Next?

As America confronts a border crisis, a corrupt federal bureaucracy, and failing Democratic leadership, one thing is clear: the fight for the soul of the nation is far from over.

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2M Illegal Immigrants Roam Free | NYC Wants to Cut Cops | Mob Attack Ignored | Hot Car Tragedies (Ep 495)

Just the Truth Podcast with Joey Hudson

Nearly 2 million illegal immigrants — with deportation orders or criminal convictions — are walking free in America. Why is this being allowed to happen? We dig into the shocking NY Post report.

Also in today’s episode:

• NYC mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani under fire for pledging to eliminate a police unit — when just days before  that very unit responded to a mass shooting.

• A U.S. Senator calls for the Mayor of Cincinnati to resign after a violent mob attacked two victims while bystanders recorded and nobody called 911.

• It’s dangerously hot across the country again. With 1,500+ children dead in hot cars since 1998, what can parents do to prevent another tragedy?

📰 Real talk. Real issues. No spin.

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Bill Maher on Trump Tariffs?! “I Was Wrong” | Father Arrested After Leaving Kids in Hot Car for Porn Shop Visit (Ep 494)

Just the Truth Podcast with Joey Hudson

Bill Maher stuns viewers by admitting he was wrong about Donald Trump’s tariffs, saying he “doesn’t see a country in a depression at all.” What changed his mind? We break it down.

🔥 Also in today’s show:

• A shocking arrest in Phoenix — a father is charged after leaving his children in a hot car while visiting a porn shop

• Daniel High School football assault update: The Pickens County Sheriff releases a video statement as the investigation into the team attack continues

• SC GOP Chair Drew McKissick joins us to discuss Rep. Ralph Norman’s official entry into the South Carolina governor’s race

🎙️ Don’t miss a minute — subscribe now for real talk, real news, and zero spin.

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Trump’s “Biggest Deal Ever” with EU | Norman Runs for SC Governor | Rubio Backs JD Vance 2028 (Ep 493)

Just the Truth Podcast with Joey Hudson

President Trump is calling it the “biggest deal ever made” — a massive agreement with the EU for $750 billion in U.S. energy purchases and $600 billion in investments. In today’s episode, we unpack the details and what it means for the American economy.

🔥 PLUS:

• Senator Lindsey Graham clashes with NBC’s Kristen Welker over Tulsi Gabbard’s explosive Russiagate claims

• Marco Rubio throws his full support behind VP JD Vance for 2028 — and rules himself out

• SC Rep. Ralph Norman jumps into the race for governor with a fiery campaign launch in Rock Hill

• Disturbing allegations out of DW Daniel High School in Pickens County involving football team attack — we have the latest from school officials and social media updates

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WEEKEND: Chad Connelly on Faith WINS, Pastoral Leadership, and the Church's Role in Politics (Ep 492)

Just the Truth Podcast with Joey Hudson

 

🎙️ On today’s show, Joey welcomed Chad Connelly, the founder and CEO of Faith WINS, a national organization empowering faith leaders to engage biblically and boldly in the public square. Chad joined us to talk about what’s happening across America—and how pastors are stepping up to reclaim their voice.

🏛️ What Is Faith WINS?

Chad gave us his elevator pitch right out of the gate:

“Faith WINS is about helping pastors and church leaders understand their rights, responsibilities, and influence. We’re here to educate and activate the church to stand strong in the cultural and political battles that matter most to our faith and freedoms.”

🙌 2025 Pastor Summit in Washington, D.C.

Chad just wrapped the 2025 Faith WINS Pastor Summit in our nation’s capital—an event that brought together hundreds of pastors and ministry leaders from across the country. These leaders came to be encouraged, equipped, and united around the call to stand for truth.

“We had over 650 pastors in attendance this year. It’s about creating a community of leaders who are willing to speak boldly, lead faithfully, and never sit on the sidelines.”

Since its founding, Faith WINS has worked directly with more than 16,000 pastors—mobilizing them to lead in truth and participate in the public discourse without fear or compromise.

💬 Finding the Church’s Voice Again

One of Chad’s core messages is helping the church “find its voice.” So what does that mean?

“Too many pastors have been led to believe they can't be involved in anything political. That’s simply not true. We show them how to stand firm on Scripture while still shepherding their people to be good stewards of their vote, their voice, and their influence.”

🔥 From Party Chair to Faith Leader

Before launching Faith WINS, Chad served as Chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party, hosted two nationally televised presidential debates, and helped execute the largest Presidential Preference Primary in the country at that time.

But he says the work with pastors today is both more fulfilling and more challenging than party politics.

“The resistance usually comes from fear—fear of losing members, fear of backlash, fear of the IRS. But now, with the recent IRS ruling affirming that pastors can speak freely from the pulpit without risking their tax-exempt status, the game has changed.”

✅ IRS Ruling Clears the Way for Pulpit Freedom

That IRS ruling is a major shift, affirming that pastors who endorse political candidates from the pulpit will not risk their 501(c)(3) status.

So the million-dollar question is: Will pastors take advantage of it?

“We pray they will. Because if the church won’t speak truth to power, who will? We have the freedom. Now we need the courage.”

Trump’s Re-Election and the Role of the Church

Chad says the Christian vote was absolutely decisive in re-electing President Trump—and that shouldn’t surprise anyone.

“When pastors lead, people follow. And when they lead biblically, they shape elections and the future of the nation.”

Looking ahead to the 2026 midterms, Chad and Faith WINS are already conducting voter registration drives, training local leaders, and building coalitions of engaged congregations ready to make a difference.

⚖️ Balancing the Bible and Civic Engagement

What’s the biggest challenge for churches?

“It’s understanding that teaching the Bible and engaging in public policy are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they’re deeply connected. You can’t preach the full counsel of God without addressing the issues tearing our culture apart.”

✡️ A Trip to the Holy Land

Recently, Chad visited Israel, and like so many others who’ve walked where Jesus walked, he was moved beyond words.

“It changes everything. You read the Bible differently. You preach it differently. Standing in those places reminds you that we’re part of a much bigger story.”

🔗 Learn More & Stay Connected

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