Shows / Do Politics Better Podcast
Do Politics Better Podcast
A weekly look at North Carolina politics and the North Carolina General Assembly from two lobbyists’ perspectives. Hosted by lobbyists Brian Lewis and Skye David.
Episodes
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Sen. Dana Jones: Doing Politics Better Long Before Arriving in Raleigh
In this Meet the Freshmen episode, Skye and Brian sit down with Sen. Dana Jones — a small business owner, former Chair of the Forsyth County School Board, and…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Longleaf Politics' Andrew Dunn, a Conservative, Pulls No Partisan Punches
Andrew Dunn, publisher of Longleaf Politics and editorial writer for the Charlotte Observer, joins us for a candid conversation about the state of media…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Obama Alum, State Senator: A Conversation with Sophia Chitlik
Before arriving at the General Assembly, Sen. Sophia Chitlik served in the Obama administration — bringing a national policy lens to local politics. In this…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Longtime Tillis Advisor Jordan Shaw on His Boss' Exit, Legacy, and '26
Jordan Shaw's connection to U.S. Senator Thom Tillis dates back to 2009, when Shaw was communications director for the NC Republican Party and Tillis was House…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Treasurer Brad Briner is Invested in NC's Future
NC Treasurer Brad Briner joins us for a candid and wide-ranging conversation about money, policy, and personal growth. Briner opens up about how his family’s…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
2025 Session Wrap-Up (So Far) with Sen. Amy Galey & Rep. Dante Pittman
As the long session (allegedly) winds down, Sen. Amy Galey (R-Alamance/Randolph) and Rep. Dante Pittman (D-Wilson/Nash) join the podcast for a wrap-up…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
'Are You Here for the Shrimp or the Hemp?'
It’s the legislative equivalent of the last day of school before trackout — but with more shrimp, last-minute amendments, and a surprise parliamentary showdown…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Rep. Allen Buansi’s Balancing Act Representing Chapel Hill Values at the General Assembly
Rep. Allen Buansi started his elected political career as a Chapel Hill Town Council member and worked as an attorney with the NC Department of Justice before…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Sen. Buck Newton's Ride from House Page to State Senator
Long before he was elected to the Senate, young Buck Newton from Wilson walked the halls of the Legislative Building as a House Page in the 1980s—an experience…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Inside Senate Democratic Leader Sydney Batch’s Playbook
Sen. Sydney Batch is six months into her new role as Senate Democratic Leader, and it's obvious that her caucus is following a different strategy compared to…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Jimmy Broughton, Sen. Jesse Helms’ Chief of Staff, Reflects on His Former Boss
In this special recess episode, Skye and Brian sit down with Jimmy Broughton, former Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Jesse Helms, for a rare and candid…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Rep. Grant Campbell: A Wartime Trauma Surgeon's Memorial Day
In this special Memorial Day episode, Skye and Brian sit down with Rep. Grant Campbell, a former wartime trauma surgeon, to talk about the solemn holiday from…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Rep. Ray Jeffers' Life on the Family Farm Shaped His Politics
Rep. Ray Jeffers talks about the deep roots that ground his politics and public service, including stories from his upbringing on his family’s 106-year-old…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Mr. McDowell Goes to Washington
Congressman Addison McDowell takes listeners behind the scenes of his 2023 decision to jump in the 2024 race for Congress in the 6th district, the bruising…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Coffee Talk with Rep. Beth Helfrich
Rep. Beth Helfrich shares her deep roots in Davidson as a third-generation resident, a former teacher, and owner of a successful coffee shop with her husband…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Reagan Perry, Daughter of Former Sen Jim Perry, & the Bill That Bears Her Name
In this special episode, Skye and Brian sit down with Reagan Perry, daughter of former North Carolina State Senator Jim Perry, for a heartfelt conversation…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Rep. Jimmy Dixon Reflects on Easter & His Mormon (LDS) Faith
Rep. Jimmy Dixon makes his third podcast appearance (his last one was 2023) to reflect on Easter and his Mormon faith, which includes membership and local…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Sen. Caleb Theodros' American Story Began in East Africa
Sen. Caleb Theodros began his life in Eritrea, a country in East Africa torn apart by civil conflict in the 1990s. At age five, his family brought him to the…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Politics, Party Labels, & Performance (Audits) with Auditor Dave Boliek
Over the last 90 days, the State Auditor position has transformed from a state agency that released audits for various NC departments, agencies, local…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Rep. Phil Rubin: "I Was a 'West Wing' Kid"
Earlier this session, the General Assembly lost Rep. Joe John to cancer at 85. Rep. John would be proud of his Democratic replacement, who is an attorney…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Reps. Charlie Miller & Reece Pyrtle on Policing, Politics, & Friendship
Reps. Charlie Miller (R-Brunswick) and Reece Pyrtle (R-Rockingham) share a legislative office suite, many committee assignments, and a bond built around their…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Old School Politics + New Tech Tools Won Rep. Bryan Cohn a House Seat
When Rep. Bryan Cohn decided to challenge an incumbent in 2024, he executed a plan that was based on old school politics combined with new tech tools. By the…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Rep. Jonathan Almond on Anguish, Transformation, & Purpose
As a financial controller, Rep. Jonathan Almond is familiar with sifting through data, studies, and spreadsheets to look for answers. It's what he did when…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Rep. Dante Pittman: A Young, Old School Democrat from Wilson
Spend enough time with Rep. Dante Pittman, the 28-year old legislator representing Wilson and part of Nash Counties, and it's evident the freshman legislator…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Rep. Heather Rhyne, a Pharmacist, Has a Prescription for Better Politics
Rep. Heather Rhyne started her official freshman term this year after getting a head start in the House last summer when former Rep. Jason Saine resigned his…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Rep. Tracy Clark's Search for the Middle on Divisive Issues
Rep. Tracy Clark has a list "whys" on her decision to serve in the General Assembly. Two of the three issues that motivated the Guilford County freshman…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Rep. Wyatt Gable: A New Generation in NC Politics
There's a good chance you wore a garment of clothing this week that is older than the 22-year old freshman legislator from Onslow County. Rep. Wyatt Gable…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Sen. Woodson Bradley's Story of Survival, Healing, & Uplifting Others
Sen. Woodson Bradley is a sexual assault survivor and in this powerful podcast conversation with Skye and Brian she talks about a dark and painful time in her…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Rep. Grant Campbell, an OB/GYN, Wants to Deliver for His District
Rep. Grant Campbell was raised by a single mother under very challenging circumstances in rural Lee and Harnett Counties. The experience shaped every aspect of…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Meet Rep. Mike Schietzelt, a Marine, Musician, Attorney, & Legislator
In part 2 of the podcast's Meet the Freshmen series, Skye and Brian sit down with Rep. Mike Schietzelt, who won a hard-fought swing election in November. The…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
'Meet the Freshmen' Series Kicks Off with Rep. Monika Johnson-Hostler
Rep. Monika Johnson-Hostler is a freshman legislator, but she's no stranger to the General Assembly as she's been working in and around the building since…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Wrapping Up 2024 with Senators Todd Johnson & Jay Chaudhuri
Senators Todd Johnson and Jay Chaudhuri join Skye and Brian to wrap up 2024, including key legislation, twists and turns, and a topsy-turvy election as a…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Brad Crone on When Conservative Democrats Ran NC Politics
There was a time before 2010 in which conservative Democrats ran NC politics, including the General Assembly and much of its leadership team. And behind the…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Remembering Tim Kent: A Conversation with Stephen Kent
Tim Kent was a journalist, lobbyist, association leader, and a friend to all who knew him, worked with him, and even opposed him on legislation at the General…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
New House Majority Leader Brenden Jones Talks New Leadership Team
Rep. Brenden Jones is the new House Majority Leader in 2025-2026 and ascends to the role as Rep. Destin Hall, Jones' friend and roommate, will be Speaker of…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Dr. Jeff Warren on Science, Politics, & Religion for Hyper-Partisan Times
Most of the NC politics world knows Dr. Jeff Warren as Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger's first science advisor starting in 2011 before he began work at…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Breaking Down NC's 2024 Election Results
Skye and Brian go through the 2024 election results, including the race for NC's 16 Electoral College votes, U.S. Congress, Governor and Council of State, the…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Congressman Patrick McHenry Reflects on His Career Start at the NC General Assembly
Congressman Patrick McHenry is wrapping up a storied 20-year career in the U.S. Congress this December. The Republican from the 10th District talks to Brian…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
License to Legislate: Rep. Jake Johnson Talks Helene, Politics, & 007 Fandom
Rep. Jake Johnson is Western North Carolina to his core. Born and raised in rural Polk County, he knows just about everyone in his close-knit district spanning…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Consultants Nathan Babcock (GOP) & Kimberly Reynolds (Dem) Preview the Election
Political consultants Nathan Babcock, a Republican, and Kimberly Reynolds, a Democrat, preview the 2024 General Election. The veteran operatives discuss #ncpol…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Chris Cooper's 'Anatomy of a Purple State' & Helene's Election Effect
Professor Chris Cooper's 'Anatomy of a Purple State' hit bookstores this week and the Western Carolina University political scientist stops by the podcast to…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Kelly McCullen on the Ever Shifting 'State Lines' of NC Politics
Kelly McCullen is the host of State Lines, a weekly roundtable public affairs show that features political analysts, journalists and elected officials. Kelly…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Mike Carpenter Built a Powerhouse Lobbying Program, Career, & Legacy
Lobbyist Mike Carpenter is a fixture at the General Assembly in his role as General Counsel at the NC Home Builders Association. However, many don't realize…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Sen. Bob Brinson's Life of Public Service Continues in the NC Senate
Note from DPB: This podcast was recorded the day before CNN broke the news about Lt. Governor Mark Robinson's alleged online pornography posts. Skye and Brian…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
GOP Political Operative Jonathan Felts: 'I'm Not One to Back Down from the Press'
If you're a Republican embroiled in a media dust-up, Jonathan Felts is the guy to call. Whether reporters are inquiring about a Kentucky Bourbon Trail or an…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Meet Braxton Winston, the Democratic Candidate for Labor Commissioner
A fatal 2016 police shooting in Charlotte thrusted Braxton Winston onto the political/advocacy scene and eventually led him to make a successful bid for the…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Meet Luke Farley, the GOP Candidate for Labor Commissioner
Luke Farley is new to politics. Yet, the Onslow County native surprised the NC political world when he won a heated Republican primary race for Labor…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Tim Kent's Time Machine Travels to When the Lt Governor Ran the Senate
There was a time when the Lieutenant Governor ran the NC Senate and had powers equal to the NC Speaker of the House. Some would argue that from 1973-1988, the…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
NC GOP Chair Jason Simmons Wants to Keep the Conservative Party Going in '24
NC Republican Party Chairman Jason Simmons stops by the podcast to talk about the RNC Convention in Milwaukee, the Republican case against Vice President…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Rep. Garland Pierce, a Rural Democrat Who Keeps Winning
In his last visit to the podcast in February 2023, Rep. Garland Pierce had just won his 10th election to the NC House in a hard fought battle against a well…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Political Polling, Partisan Indexes & More with John Locke Foundation's Donald Bryson
Political polling has always been under public scrutiny, but the 2016 election took our skepticism to an all new level. To help us understand polling, Skye and…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
The Dark Side of Politics with Political Operative Dan Crawford
Independent expenditures and c4s are an increasingly important yet misunderstood part of modern day politics. So what is an IE and a c4, and how do they…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
House GOP Caucus Director Stephen Wiley is Bullish About 2024
Stephen Wiley has one job as the NC House Republican Caucus director: Win elections so the GOP maintains control of the House. The one-time Apple store…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
NC Democratic Chair Anderson Clayton is the Life of the Party
This podcast episode is the first of two featuring conversations with the elected chairs of the Democratic and Republican parties in NC. NC Democratic Party…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Sen. Brent Jackson's Take on the Budget Impasse as Session (Kind Of) Wraps
Senate 'Big Chair' Brent Jackson is a featured guest one week after his House counterpart, Rep. Jason Saine, made his case for the House budget on the podcast…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
House 'Big Chair' Jason Saine on How We Got Here in the Budget Process
After weeks of hearing that a budget would be a conference report agreement between the House and Senate, the House pulled the trigger and released its own…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Democratic Ad Man Frank Eaton Opens Up About His Craft
Listeners may not know Frank Eaton's name, but it's likely they're very familiar with his political ads. They include eye-popping, attention-getting…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Senate Senior Policy Counsel Brent Woodcox: 'I'm a Man of Peace'
Brent Woodcox serves as the Senior Policy Counsel to Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger and Senate Republicans. Brent also has a presence on X (formerly…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Why Sen. Mary Wills Bode is Not on the Ballot in 2024
Sen. Mary Wills Bode was Democrats' new hope after the 2022 election in which she won a competitive Senate seat and put up solid numbers in rural part of her…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Secretary Grier Martin's Mission at the NC Department of Military & Veterans Affairs
NC Department of Military & Veterans Affairs Secretary Grier Martin sits down with Skye and Brian for a conversation as we head into the Memorial Day weekend…