This week our we are bringing you another episode in our occasional series which explores “South Carolina from A to Z” in depth.South Carolina from A to Z is our sister podcast – also broadcast each weekday on South Carolina Public Radio – that brings you “bite-sized," one-minute topics from the South Carolina Encyclopedia.This episode we have selected five of those topics to explore.

This week we’ll be talking about the life and career of the man that many call the Father of American opera: Carlisle Floyd. Our guests are Floyd's neice, Jane Matheny, and his biographer, Thomas Holliday. A native of Latta, South Carolina, Carlisle Floyd became a professor of composition at Florida State University in 1947. His magnum opus, Susannah, was first performed in 1955 and became the most performed American opera, second to Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess.Floyd was both composer and librettist of his operas, which typically portrayed themes common to rural America, especially the post-Civil War South. 2026 in the centennial of Carlisle Floyd’s birth and today we’ll talk with our guests about his long life and his career.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for March 7, 2026: we have South Carolina updates on the war with Iran, including from Sen. Lindsey Graham; we look at the state Supreme Court election that wasn’t; Rep. Nancy Mace is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee; and more!

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for March 3, 2026: we hear from Sen. Lindsey Graham about joint strikes launched by American and Israeli forces against Iran on Saturday; we have some additional insight from Winthrop University political science professor Dr. Scott Huffmon; former President Joe Biden was in Columbia last week; and more!

This week, Bobbi Conner talks with MUSC's Dr. Vanessa Hinson about research underway to explore the use of stem cell therapy for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

This week, Bobbi Conner talks with MUSC's Dr. Andrea Rinn about the science of sleep.

This winter, Olympic athletes are showcasing feats of skill and strength. These moments on the world stage reflect years of resilience, fighting through injuries, and long training cycles, for the chance at a medal.

Every four years, the Winter Olympics gives us a front-row seat to discipline and focus. And while most of us will never compete on that level, watching elite athletes offers students a valuable lesson in commitment.

Don’t change the channel, don’t touch that dial, because this week, we’re delving into the history of television.

This week, we’re discussing notable liars throughout history.