On this episode we talk to Dr. Jermaine Johnson about his extraordinary journey from homelessness and personal tragedy to public service, professional sports, and a run for governor of South Carolina. We discuss his lived experience with gun violence, housing insecurity, and mental health, how those experiences shape his leadership in the State House, and his focus on bipartisan problem-solving, rural healthcare, infrastructure, affordability, and investing in people over politics.

Dr. Jermaine Johnson is a South Carolina House Representative, Democratic candidate for governor, former professional basketball player, and lifelong learner who earned his doctorate after completing both undergraduate and master’s degrees. He played professionally in the U.S. and abroad, overcame homelessness, and has become a leading advocate for mental health, rural communities, education, and pragmatic, people-centered policy.