Do Politics Better Podcast

With Rep. Cecil Brockman’s recent resignation amid questions of possible expulsion, attention has turned to what that process actually looks like in the NC House, and how rare it is for legislators to remove one of their own. In 2008, the NC House took an extraordinary and historic step — voting 109-5 to expel Rep. Thomas Wright of New Hanover County for ethical misconduct. It was the first time in more than a century that lawmakers had removed one of their own. In this episode, former Reps. Rick Glazier (D-Cumberland) and Skip Stam (R-Wake) — who chaired and vice-chaired the House Select Ethics Committee that investigated Wright — join us to reflect on that solemn moment in legislative history. They walk us through the bipartisan process that led to Wright’s expulsion, the “super due process” afforded to him, and the difficult moral and political questions facing the House as it balanced fairness, accountability, and public trust. It’s a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how North Carolina’s legislature handles its gravest internal matter — the removal of one of its own members. The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.  

Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell's political career has taken her from Raleigh City Council, to the North Carolina Senate, to serving as State Treasurer, and now back to leading the Capital City. Janet reflects on her time in the Senate — including her decision to hold out on the state lottery vote as one of the “Lottery Five,” a group of Democrats who initially opposed the measure — and how that experience shaped her independence and leadership style. She also discusses her vision for Raleigh’s future, from sustainable growth and smart financial management to the ambitious effort to attract a Major League Baseball team to the City of Oaks. Plus, Skye and Brian break down an extraordinary week in #ncpol: a sharp Senate press release aimed at House leadership, a school system facing scrutiny, the latest congressional maps lawsuit, how the federal government shutdown is affecting the state, and the political community mourning two recent deaths in North Carolina politics. The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Lisa Stifler is the Chief of Staff to Senate Democratic Leader Sydney Batch — who also happens to be her friend since they were 15. Lisa shares how their lifelong friendship shapes their work at the General Assembly and how she helps navigate the challenges of leading the Senate Democratic caucus.   Plus, Skye and Brian break down the week in #ncpol: new congressional redistricting developments, the mini-budget, a Cecil Brockman update, Skye’s exciting family news, and more. The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.

We’re on location at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds for a special Do Politics Better episode with NC Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. From the smell of fried food to the sound of ferris wheels spinning, Commissioner Troxler shares what makes the State Fair one of North Carolina’s most beloved traditions — and why it’s a powerful showcase for the state’s $100 billion agriculture industry. We talk about the state of farming in North Carolina, his concerns about the loss of farmland, and that memorable moment when he was asked to run for Governor. Plus, Skye and Brian unpack a busy week in North Carolina politics — including the announcement that the General Assembly is redrawing congressional maps, the latest on Rep. Cecil Brockman’s criminal allegations, a split-decision court ruling, candidate news, and much more. It’s a fun, fairground conversation that blends policy, politics, and fried food. The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Rep. Donnie Loftis shares his story — from his years as a career Army serviceman and elite athlete to managing CVS drug stores and serving on the Gaston County Commission. In this candid conversation, Loftis reflects on his path to the General Assembly and the controversy surrounding his presence in Washington, D.C. on January 6. He sets the record straight about what happened that day and how it continues to shape his public life and political perspective.  Plus, Skye and Brian unpack a full week of NC political news, including Rep. Cecil Brockman facing serious sexual assault charges, Iryna’s Law signed into law, new political candidates emerging, a major rumor being substantiated, and Taylor’s new album reviewed. The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.  

Rep. Dean Arp, one of the chief budget writers in the NC House, reflects on his life and political career.  The Union County Republican talks about his reputation in Raleigh as the legislature’s “nice guy,” and the personal tragedies that shaped him—including surviving two fatal car wrecks and growing up without his father, who was in prison during his childhood. And yes, we ask him about the extraordinary story of him saving an elderly woman’s life from a mobile home fire on his way to the General Assembly earlier this year. Skye and Brian also unpack a week of news, including tragedy in Southport, a court decision, Medicaid cuts underway, an un-retirement, and it's a great time of year for sports.   The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Donna King, editor of the Carolina Journal and one of North Carolina’s most influential conservative journalists, has covered the political battles shaping Raleigh and beyond, offering sharp reporting and unapologetically conservative analysis. In this conversation, Donna talks about her journey in journalism, what it means to cover politics from a conservative perspective, and why free speech, free markets, and freedom are at the heart of her work. She also shares candid thoughts on today’s media landscape, the role of opinion in political coverage, and how she sees the future of journalism in North Carolina. Plus, Skye and Brian break down the week in #ncpol, including the budget standoff, what got done (and didn't get done) during this week's legislative session, campaign announcements, rumors, and more. The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.

In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, NC Young Republicans President Emily Stack and NC Young Democrats President Zach Finley issued a rare joint statement denouncing political violence and calling for unity. Their message, released just one day after the tragedy, stood in stark contrast to the divisive commentary flooding social media. On this special episode of Do Politics Better, Skye and Brian sit down with Stack and Finley to talk about why they chose to rise above partisanship at such a critical moment. The podcast also breaks down the latest rift between the House and Senate, a new Carolina Journal poll, Wiley Nickel's newest race, General Assembly weighs policy changes after Charlotte tragedy, #TOTW, and more.  The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.

NC Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey shares his life story, from his early days as an insurance man to his political career that took several attempts before finally winning the office he now holds. But the most remarkable chapter in his journey came when the Guilford County Republican agreed to wear a wire for the FBI — helping expose corruption at the highest levels of state politics.  Plus, Brian and Skye break down the week’s news: a court case reaches resolution (for now), Charlotte reels from tragedy, Sen. Budd plays hardball, and #TOTW makes its return. Brian reports back from a Brooklyn visit, while Skye celebrates a big birthday and a full football weekend. The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Political Science professor Chris Cooper (Western Carolina University) joins Brian for a wide-ranging conversation on the state of North Carolina politics in 2025. They unpack what to expect from the legislative session, the latest chapter in the ongoing saga of gerrymandering, and how Governor Josh Stein is navigating the political landscape. The two also discuss the rise of a new Speaker of the House, Senator Phil Berger’s high-stakes primary, the brewing U.S. Senate race, and much more. Plus, Skye and Brian kick things off by breaking down the week’s news: a new AI panel takes shape, the September session looms large, a former senator is remembered, the Bill Belichick Era begins, and more. The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.