Do Politics Better Podcast

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 in the Senate. In this episode, Skye and Brian break down the hectic final week before lawmakers head into their summer recess. From the politics of hemp and seafood to adjournment resolutions and the bills that didn’t make the cut, we’ve got it all. Plus, a standout Tweet of the Week and the moments that had the legislative building buzzing. Are you here for the shrimp or the hemp? Either way, pull up a chair. 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. 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 being elected to represent one of the most progressive communities in NC in the General Assembly.   The Dartmouth College graduate talks about navigating partisan divides, staying grounded in Chapel Hill values, and the challenges of pushing local priorities through a legislature often not politically aligned with his district. Skye and Brian also update listeners on the budget, bills moving and some crashing, an unfortunate social media post, #TOTW, and a House page that reminds us of young Skye.   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.

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 that not only sparked his interest in politics but also led to meeting his future wife. Sen. Newton reflects on his early exposure to public service, his return to Raleigh decades later as a successful candidate in 2010, and his role in helping Republicans flip the General Assembly for the first time in over a century. From page to senator to statewide candidate and back again, it’s a candid conversation about lessons learned, battles fought, and what keeps him in the game. Plus, Skye and Brian update listeners on budget news and rumors, controversial legislation heading to Gov. Stein, #TOTW, bad breaker-uppers, 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.

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 past sessions.   The western Wake Democrat returns to the pod (first appearance was in 2021) to about this new strategy and message, her approach to bipartisan negotiations, how she thinks the budget showdown will play out, and her plans for 2026 mid-terms. Skye and Brian also talk about the latest in those budget talks, a couple leadership bills on the move, Governor Stein on late night TV, Sen. Liddy Dole honored, #TOTW, hugs, 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 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 conversation about his time working for one of the most important and controversial political figures in North Carolina and American politics. Broughton shares behind-the-scenes stories from Capitol Hill, offers personal insights into Helms' style and friendships, and reflects on the senator’s legacy. Whether you admired Sen. Helms or were turned off by him, this episode offers a firsthand look at the man behind the headlines and political cartoons, told by someone who knew him best. 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 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 his perspective.   The Cabarrus County Republican talks about the chaos of combat medicine to the quiet moments of remembrance, and the haunting questions that still linger.   Whether you’ve served in uniform, know someone who has, or simply seek a deeper understanding of Memorial Day’s true significance, this episode offers a heartfelt and unflinching perspective. Plus, the House budget drops and drama ensues, another Helene package emerges, a veteran lawmaker announces retirement, #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.

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 farm by his mother and grandparents.   The Person County Democrat reflects on the lessons they passed down, his early love of training dogs, and how those rural experiences continue to shape his perspective in the General Assembly.  Skye and Brian also give a preview of the House budget from subcommittees, Democrats hold a funeral for their bills, raw milk debates gets dangerous, #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.

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 2024 primary that came with it, and how he won the early endorsement of President Trump.   Skye and Brian also break down a hectic crossover week at the NC General Assembly, major news in the NC Supreme Court race, NC State Board of Election transitions, #TOTW, and Skye talks about her recent stint as a grooms-woman.  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. 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 Tim and family.   The freshman Mecklenburg County Democrat also talks about raising five kids, what led her to run for the House in 2024 in a swing district, and her commute to Raleigh on the train.  Plus, Skye and Brian are joined by New Frame intern Claudia Vial to talk crossover, House getting to work on the budget, a perennial budget rumor, a floor debate in the House over DEI, 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 this special episode, Skye and Brian sit down with Reagan Perry, daughter of former North Carolina State Senator Jim Perry, for a heartfelt conversation. Reagan opens up about the life-altering experience of losing her leg, the physical and emotional challenges she’s faced, and how she turned her pain into purpose through Reagan’s Law (HB906), a bipartisan effort to improve care and support for future amputees in North Carolina. This conversation is about the power of resilience, the impact of family legacy, and how one young woman’s voice is shaping policy and hope for countless others who are striving to live full and active lives.   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.