Do Politics Better Podcast

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.

WUNC’s Capital Bureau Chief Colin Campbell has been covering North Carolina politics for over a decade across newspapers, digital outlets, and now public radio. Colin shares how his love for broadcasting began as a teenager reading the news at a small station in Virginia, and how that early passion led him into a long career reporting on the people and policies shaping our state. Skye and Brian also dig into the behind-the-scenes of his own weekly podcast — how he chooses stories, brings in voices from across the political spectrum, and balances the immediacy of daily news with deeper conversations. Away from the mic, Colin talks about life in Wendell with his family, finding community in a fast-growing town just outside Raleigh, and what keeps him grounded after long days at the legislature. Plus, new polling numbers from Catawba College, Governor Stein’s appointment of a bipartisan task force, yet another General Assembly rematch, the Taylor + Travis cultural moment, and how students are finding creative ways around a new state law in public schools. 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.

This week on the podcast, we sit down with Ardis Watkins, Executive Director of the State Employees Association of NC, whose big hair, cowboy boots, and Texas roots have made her a standout advocate for North Carolina’s state employees. Ardis shares her perspective on the 2025 legislative session, the challenges and opportunities ahead for SEANC, and how the organization’s bipartisan culture is built on loyalty to policymakers who stand with state employees—no matter their party. We also learn that the former Texan is now a grandmother, once pursued her passion as an inspiring songwriter, and eventually found her path to law school and leadership at SEANC. Plus, Skye and Brian unpack the news, take a closer look at an odd veto vote in the Senate last month, and reminisce about the return of the Presidential Fitness Test. It’s a conversation full of personality, politics, and a little nostalgia—don’t miss it. 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 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 one of the newest faces in the North Carolina Senate. The Forsyth County Republican shares why she decided to run for the seat after Sen. Joyce Krawiec announced she wouldn’t seek re-election, and how her experience on the school board prepared her for life in Raleigh. Sen. Jones also talks about the challenges she’s faced outside of politics, including the devastating fire that destroyed her family’s business — and how resilience has been a constant theme in her life. Plus, John Locke polling, a veto, campaign finance reports, a rumor, #TOTW, Taylor Swift, 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.

Andrew Dunn, publisher of Longleaf Politics and editorial writer for the Charlotte Observer, joins us for a candid conversation about the state of media, politics, and his journey through both in this one-on-one conversation with Brian. A former advisor to Lt. Governor Dan Forest's gubernatorial campaign, Dunn brings an insider’s perspective to both the press and politics — and he's not shy about calling out Republicans or Democrats when the moment calls for it. 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.

Before arriving at the General Assembly, Sen. Sophia Chitlik served in the Obama administration — bringing a national policy lens to local politics. In this episode, the freshman Durham Democrat reflects on her path from presidential staffer to political upstart, including her primary win last year over a popular incumbent.  Plus, she shares how she builds unlikely friendships across the aisle — even as she disagrees with her Senate colleagues — with a quirky charm and intentionality that’s as strategic as it is sincere. Skye and Brian also rundown a week of veto overrides, a mini-budget emerges, reg reform on ice, Tomato Sandwich Day, #ncpol and Happy Gilmore 2, and an upcoming birthday.    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.

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 Minority Whip. Sixteen years later, Shaw is a founding partner at Gamechangers Strategies — where Tillis remains one of his clients—and he joins us to break down one of the biggest developments in North Carolina politics: Tillis' decision not to run for re-election in 2026. Shaw shares his perspective on the Senator’s legacy, his influence on conservatism in the state, and what this means for the GOP’s future in North Carolina and beyond. We also look ahead to 2026 — and what might be next for both Shaw and the broader political landscape. Plus, Skye and Brian preview the upcoming legislative action in Raleigh and keep the always-watchful #CooperWatch going. 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 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 early financial struggles shaped his outlook, created educational opportunities, and launched a successful career in finance. Now managing the state’s money, the first term Republican talks with us about the challenges with the State Health Plan, the future of the pension system, and his perspective on bitcoin, digital assets, and the national debt. Skye and Brian also unpack the week in #ncpol news: Attorney General Jeff Jackson is taking on the Trump Administration with a pair of lawsuits,Charlotte lands the 2026 MLS All-Star Game, candidates are already jumping into the 2026 election cycle, and tragedy strikes the family of a sitting state senator. 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.

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 conversation on the bills, the budget, and the big political themes of 2025 at the NC General Assembly so far. The discussion includes legislation they worked on directly, the raw milk debate, shrimp trawling, immigration, permitless carry, hemp regulation, Tomato Sandwich Day, and what didn’t make it to the finish line, such as a budget. It’s part recap, part forecast, and full of insight from both chambers.  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.

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.