Do Politics Better Podcast

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.

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.