Maroon Bison Presents: The Southern Comfort Podcast
Hosted by veteran campaign operatives and HBCU alums Kevin Harris and Richard McDaniel, The Southern Comfort Podcast delivers unfiltered political analysis with a Southern perspective, drawing from over 40 years of combined experience shaping campaigns from City Hall to the White House. Each week, they break down complex policies, share insider stories, and explore the intersection of politics and culture, offering listeners a front-row seat to the strategies and wisdom that drive American politics.
Maroon Bison Presents: The Southern Comfort Podcast
Episode 40 | Wise For The People
Christian Dior Wise Smith is back—and he’s running for Georgia Labor Commissioner. In this heartfelt and unfiltered conversation, Christian joins Rich and Kevin to announce his campaign, reflect on their brotherhood, and break down why the labor commissioner race actually matters. From poverty math to political fundraising, the trio keeps it all the way real about what it takes to run, win, and serve in Georgia.
📍 06:11 – Announcing the Campaign for Labor Commissioner
Christian drops the big news and explains why this office—often ignored—is the key to unlocking economic dignity for working families.
📍 10:17 – From Prosecutor to Preventer
He reflects on why his time as a prosecutor pushed him toward prevention and how the labor office can break cycles before the justice system ever gets involved.
📍 12:36 – The Brutal Math of Minimum Wage
With rent at $1,200 and minimum wage stuck at $7.25, Christian breaks down the harsh reality of working poverty—and why it’s costing Georgians more than just money.
📍 18:43 – Running on Lived Experience, Not Talking Points
The conversation gets deeply personal as Christian shares how his life journey, from childhood trauma to public service, fuels his passion for people-first policy.
📍 28:07 – Why Fundraising Sucks, But Matters
Christian opens up about the emotional and strategic grind of raising money, especially as a Black candidate in a down-ballot statewide race.
🐍 Mamba Mentality Award Goes To…
🐍 Christian Wise Smith — For betting on himself (again), centering purpose over politics, and stepping into a race with real consequences for Georgia’s working class.