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. Danny Earl Britt, Jr.'s Unfiltered Take on Policy, Politics, & Politicians
Sen. Danny Earl Britt, Jr. guest hosts the podcast this week with Skye and Brian as they tick through the latest policy, budget, and process developments…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Budget Surplus a Bust? The Return of Blust? And Talking Shop with Rep. Mark Brody
The $400 million budget surplus predicted for this fiscal year ending on June 30 and the $1 billion surplus penciled in for next year isn't going to happen, at…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Political Reporter Bryan Anderson on Politics in the Newsroom
Bryan Anderson is a freelance journalist who founded Anderson Alerts, a substack on all things #ncpol. The California native talks about his stints at the News…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
#NCPOL Operative Nathan Babcock: 'I Went from Missionary to Mercenary'
Nathan Babcock plays two crucial roles in #ncpol. Half of his work is inside the General Assembly working as a policy advisor to Senate President Pro Tem Phil…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Majority Leader John Bell & Sen. Jay Chaudhuri Preview Short Session
There's a lot of unfinished issues for legislators to tackle in the General Assembly short session set to begin on April 24: Medical marijuana, gambling…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Rep. Charles Smith Holds Court as College Hoopster, Lawyer, & Legislator
Rep. Charles Smith was a three-sport athlete (basketball, baseball, and soccer) in high school. The power forward/centerfielder/sweeper would go on to play…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
GOP Campaign Consultant Jim Burton's One Goal is to Win
Campaign consultant Jim Burton works everyday to get Republicans elected up and down the ballot. Burton takes listeners behind the scenes of his 2022 work to…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Sen. Mujtaba Mohammed Opens Up About His Muslim Faith, Ramadan, & Politics
As Muslims around the world celebrate Ramadan, Sen. Mujtaba Mohammed talks about his faith and its linkage to Christianity and Judaism, the importance of…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
A Heartfelt Conversation with Lobbyist Andy Ellen
Veteran lobbyist Andy Ellen went for a morning run in the summer of 2023, returned home to catch up on news before heading to the General Assembly, and he…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Rep. Brian Biggs' Big Ideas
Rep. Brian Biggs is in his first term representing Randolph County, however his path to victory included a primary race in 2022 against a veteran GOP…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Knives Out Primary Election Analysis with Sen. Jim Perry
It was a North Carolina primary election for the ages, one that was incorrectly described in the days leading up to it as a "sleeper." Sen. Jim Perry…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Special Primary Election Preview with Professors Michael Bitzer & Chris Cooper
Primary Election Day is Tuesday, March 5, the day many races across North Carolina will be ultimately decided. However, some of the more crowded races are…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Kimberly Reynolds: Democrats' Maven Political Operative
Kimberly Reynolds is a Democratic political consultant at Maven Strategies, a firm she founded with Maggie Barlow. Kimberly talks about her career dating back…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
The Political Mettle of Sen. Eddie Settle
Sen. Eddie Settle is a no-nonsense, unpretentious, and accessible legislator whose style of legislating has won him admiration and respect from his colleagues…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Rep. Caleb Rudow on Trading a Safe House Seat to Run for Congress
Rep. Caleb Rudow is currently sitting in one of the safest House seats in the General Assembly. The Asheville Democrat could sit back in 2024, put a few yard…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Dylan Watts: The Man Behind the Senate Caucus Curtain
The Senate Republican Caucus is well known as a well-oiled, disciplined machine known for recruiting top-shelf candidates, methodically executing campaign…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Sens. Warren Daniel & Julie Mayfield Live from Asheville!
The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a live recording of the Do Politics Better Podcast in front of an audience of over 100 people on the campus of…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Tim Kent: The Life & Stories of an Ultimate Political Insider
Tim Kent, the executive director of the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, traces his North Carolina political roots back to 1981, the year he arrived in…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Meet Kian Sadjadi, NC Democratic Party Executive Director
The NC Democratic Party announced last fall it hired Kian Sadjadi as its new executive director. The 36-year old veteran political operative will lead…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Sen. Vickie Sawyer on Dealing with Social Media Trolls in the New Year
Sen. Vickie Sawyer kicks off the first podcast episode of 2024, and the conversation centers around social media trolls and how to deal with them. The Iredell…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Sen. Thom Tillis: From Trailer Parks to NC Speaker to US Senator
In this year-end podcast, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis sits down with Skye and Brian on Capitol Hill to talk about his early life growing up in trailer parks, his…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Journalist Billy Ball Talks NC Politics, Culture, & Coping with Tragedy
Billy Ball writes about North Carolina politics and culture as Senior Editor at Cardinal & Pine, a left-leaning, online newspaper. Whether Ball is covering…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Rep. David Willis’ Journey from Eastern NC to China to the General Assembly
Rep. David Willis was raised by a single mom in Wilson, NC and eventually made his way to Union County, where he became an early childhood education provider…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Rep. Maria Cervania: ’Here’s a Story I’ve Never Shared’
Rep. Maria Cervania is serving in her first term in the General Assembly after serving her Cary and Morrisville communities on the Wake County Board of…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Dr. Michael Bitzer: ’2024 is Going to be Off the Charts’
Dr. Michael Bitzer is often quoted in the media on all things #ncpol in addition to contributing to political discussions with his engaging and informational…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Rep. Kelly Hastings on Overcoming a Learning Disability
Rep. Kelly Hastings has served in the General Assembly since 2011, however his work in NC politics dates back to 1992 when Lt. Governor Jim Gardner ran for…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
2023 Long Session Wrap Up with Sen. Todd Johnson & Rep. Allison Dahle
The General Assembly's 2023 long session is adjourned and Sen. Todd Johnson (R-Union) and Rep. Allison Dahle (D-Wake) sit down with Skye and Brian to break it…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Reps. Destin Hall, John Bell, Jason Saine, & Brenden Jones on the Speaker Deal
A deal for NC House Speaker has been reached by Reps. Destin Hall, John Bell, Jason Saine, and Brenden Jones. The four Republican legislators talk to Skye and…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Israel’s War Hits Home for Lobbyist Bruce Mildwurf
Most of the world looked in horror as Hamas attacked Israel with brutal terrorism on October 7. When General Assembly lobbyist Bruce Mildwurf heard the news…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Rep. Jarrod Lowery’s Love of Home, Family, & Lumbee Heritage
Rep. Jarrod Lowery loves Robeson County. It's where his Lumbee people have lived for thousands of years, it's where he grew up, and it's where he met his wife…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Behind the Lines: Redistricting 101 with Dan Crawford
Dan Crawford has been on all sides of redistricting. In 2001, he worked for a Democratic Senate Redistricting Committee Chair, who oversaw the gerrymandering…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Professor Chris Cooper: #NCPOL Class Is In Session
Dr. Chris Cooper is a regular contributor to #ncpol. His commentary and political insights can be found on X (Twitter) and in NC and national media outlets…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Casinos Fold & Budget Rolls: In the Room with Rep Allen Chesser
Rep. Allen Chesser was in the room on Tuesday afternoon when the news came down that casino legislation in the state budget was dead, including the one planned…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Senate Doubles Down on Casinos, House Plays Against the Odds
It was an epic week at the General Assembly as casino politics took center stage and threw a state budget vote off track this week. In this special edition of…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
NC’s Capitol Hill Reporter Danielle Battaglia: ‘You Don’t Want Me Digging’
Danielle Battaglia is the NC Congressional Correspondent for the News & Observer and Charlotte Observer and covers North Carolina's 16 members of Congress and…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Rep. Ken Fontenot: A New Look for the Grand Old Party
Rep. Ken Fontenot is known for his fiery floor speeches, dramatic committee presentations, and his constant reminder to his legislative colleagues that he was…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Rep. Cecil Brockman’s Balancing Act as a Swing Vote
Rep. Cecil Brockman is one of a handful of Democrats who is considered a swing vote in the General Assembly. The 5-term legislator talks about how he balances…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Intern to Influence: Sen. Brad Overcash’s Story
Sen. Brad Overcash started his political journey as Congressional page for the late Rep. Howard Coble before interning in the NC Senate. He would later go on…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Rep. Ya Liu’s Journey from Immigrant to NC Legislator
Rep. Ya Liu immigrated to the United States from China two decades ago to pursue higher education and better opportunities. She had little money, spoke very…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
The Adventurous Life & Career of Reporter Rose Hoban
If you work on health care policy at the General Assembly, whether as a legislator or lobbyist, there's a good chance you've spoken to health care reporter…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Rep. Jeff Zenger on Surviving Childhood & Thriving Today
Rep. Jeff Zenger is by all accounts a success: A beautiful family, a thriving business, and a productive political career. However, life wasn't always so…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
The Hurt of Rep. Allison Dahle
Rep. Allison Dahle is at the top, or near the top, of everyone's list of favorite legislators. That goes for Republicans, Democrats, staff, and lobbyists. And…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Rep. Allen Chesser: Combat Veteran, Cop, & Policy Problem Solver
Rep. Allen Chesser was not likely to earn the high school superlative of "Most Likely to Serve in the General Assembly". It was also unlikely he would go on to…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
The Atonement of Rep. Jeff McNeely
Rep. Jeff McNeely asked Rep. Abe Jones a question with racial overtones during a heated House floor debate in May that landed both legislators in national and…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Sen. Paul Lowe: ’My Style of Politics is Relational’
Sen. Paul Lowe has served in the Senate since 2015. However, his political work and public service started in the fall of 1991 when he was named as pastor at…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Treasurer Dale Folwell is Running for NC Governor
NC State Treasurer Dale Folwell is known as a fix-what's-broken political leader going back to his days serving in local government in Winston-Salem, his…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Rep. Abe Jones’ Story of Grace & Forgiveness
Rep. Abe Jones is a man of many accomplishments: student leader in high school, a standout runner, double Harvard graduate, attorney, and Superior Court judge…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Catching Up, Clearing the Air with Sens. Benton Sawrey & Mary Wills Bode
Senators Benton Sawrey and Mary Wills Bode were guests on the podcast in the weeks following the 2022 election. They return to the podcast this week to talk…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Inside Lucille Sherman’s Reporter’s Notebook
Axios Raleigh reporter Lucille Sherman has broken some blockbuster stories that in many ways have defined the 2023 legislative session: Auditor Beth Wood’s car…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Rep. Jennifer Balkcom on the Importance of Family & Farming
Rep. Jennifer Balkcom is an 8th generation Henderson County native whose life was shaped by family, farming, and profound loss. The freshman Republican…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Cory Bryson’s Inspiring Journey from Growing Up Poor to Senior Advisor to the Speaker
Cory Bryson is a Senior Policy Advisor to the Speaker Tim Moore. However, the Gaston County native wasn't always so fortunate. Cory was raised by his maternal…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Crossover Week Upstaged by a 12-Week Abortion Bill
This week was supposed to be about the crossover deadline on May 4, the day policy bills had to pass either the House or Senate in order to be eligible for…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Rep. Jeffrey Elmore: Classroom Teacher, Artist, & Big Budget Chair
Rep. Jeffrey Elmore is the go-to legislator in the House, maybe even in the General Assembly, on all things K-12 related. That's because he's spent 23 years as…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Sen. Rachel Hunt on Growing Up in NC Politics & in the Governor’s Mansion
The Hunt name still carries weight in North Carolina politics two decades after Governor Jim Hunt left office. Sen. Rachel Hunt, the daughter of the "Education…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Rep. Dennis Riddell’s One-Time Road to Perdition is Now Paved by Redemption
Rep. Dennis Riddell is known in the General Assembly as legislator for his effectiveness, persistence, and his Christian faith. However, the Alamance County…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
GOP Supermajorities are Official! And a Conversation with Rep Caleb Rudow
Rep. Caleb Rudow is a former lead singer in a David Bowie cover band, a trilingual Peace Corp volunteer in Africa, and he’s as energetic and optimistic as a…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Rep. Tim Reeder, an ER Doctor Who Makes (NCGA) House Calls on Policy
Rep. Tim Reeder is one of two medical doctors serving in the NC House (the other is Rep. Kristin Baker). The Greenville Republican talks about his career in…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Billy Lassiter: Growing Up As Albino, Bullied, & Now a Fierce Advocate for Juvenile Justice
Billy Lassiter is the Deputy Secretary for Juvenile Justice at the Department of Public Safety. If you've seen Billy at the General Assembly advocating for…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
NC Supreme Court Justice Phil Berger, Jr.’s Life, Career, and Growing Up Berger
NC Supreme Court Justice Phil Berger, Jr. is the son of NC's most powerful politician, Senator Phil Berger. He talks about his father's sacrifice to make a…
- Do Politics Better Podcast
Rep. Ed Goodwin: Farmer, Gun Carrying Federal Agent, & NC Legislator
Rep. Ed Goodwin is part northeastern NC farmer and part James Bond. He's protected Presidents of the United States, fought crime in cities, been in hostile…