When Rep. Bryan Cohn decided to challenge an incumbent in 2024, he executed a plan that was based on old school politics combined with new tech tools.  By the time election night rolled in, he knew he was in an excellent position to win the seat.  The Oxford Democrat also talks about the uniqueness of his swing district, including a violent civil rights history documented in the book/movie Blood Done Sign My Name.    Skye and Brian also break down Governor Stein’s State of the State Address, the Speaker’s response, action on key bills in the General Assembly, #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.

As a financial controller, Rep. Jonathan Almond is familiar with sifting through data, studies, and spreadsheets to look for answers.  It's what he did when COVID shut down the world, when his twin boys were diagnosed with autism, and it's what he plans to do as a Cabarrus County legislator.   However, the 38-year old Republican is not just about the numbers.  He's felt anguish for his twin boys, he's grieved, and he's been broken.  Rep. Almond talks candidly about the transformation he continues to make through faith, family, and friends, and how that journey led him to the General Assembly.   Plus, Skye and Brian talk about the Senate Helene package, an alphabet soup of bills (ICE, DEI and AG) on the move, a parliamentary question, #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.

Spend enough time with Rep. Dante Pittman, the 28-year old legislator representing Wilson and part of Nash Counties, and it's evident the freshman legislator is a throwback Democrat.   The National Guard captain describes himself as pro business, pro public education, and pro health care.  He also believes in the power of family, including a single mother who raised him and his brother, and loving grandparents who played a pivotal role in his life.   Plus, Skye and I talk about the House Helene bill, a DMV resignation, pair of controversial Senate bills, competing mobile phone bills, #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. Heather Rhyne started her official freshman term this year after getting a head start in the House last summer when former Rep. Jason Saine resigned his seat to enter the private sector.   The Lincoln County Republican started her political career on her county's local school board and brings a focus to the General Assembly that is focused on supporting all facets of education and health care.  As a pharmacist, she's got ideas based on her career experience.   Plus, winter weather is hitting much of the state, an announced primary challenger to the state's most powerful political leader, North Carolina's preliminary fiscal forecast released, limited action in the General Assembly this week, #TOTW, and DOGE suggestions for NC.   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. Tracy Clark has a list "whys" on her decision to serve in the General Assembly.  Two of the three issues that motivated the Guilford County freshman Democrat are the most divisive in politics, but she's optimistic that she can find middle ground, especially with those in her freshman class.   Also, the House drops a Helene package a week after Governor Stein proposes his. Next up is the Senate and hopefully Congress.  An unsubstantiated rumor circulates, celebrating a NC Supreme Court decision, #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.

There's a good chance you wore a garment of clothing this week that is older than the 22-year old freshman legislator from Onslow County.   Rep. Wyatt Gable visits with Skye and Brian to talk about his improbable political journey to the General Assembly that began in a college economics class a couple years back. Now the eastern NC Republican is a senior in college and stepping into the 2025-2026 biennium ready to get to work for his constituents while serving as an inspiration to a new generation of voters and future office holders.   Plus, former Lt. Governor withdraws lawsuit, Helene spending plans, a Senate gun bill, Cooper v Tillis news drip, #TOTW, class photos, Super Bowl, 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. Woodson Bradley is a sexual assault survivor and in this powerful podcast conversation with Skye and Brian she talks about a dark and painful time in her life that led her to this moment as a freshman state senator advocating for change.   The Mecklenburg County Democrat also self-describes as a moderate who campaigned on a pro-law enforcement, pro-business, and pro-public education platform.   The General Assembly gets to work as a House schedule and full committee assignments are released, bill filing begins, a new House member seated, an unsubstantiated rumor surrounding Sen. Danny Earl Britt, a pair of disaster relief hearings, #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. Grant Campbell was raised by a single mother under very challenging circumstances in rural Lee and Harnett Counties.  The experience shaped every aspect of his life, including his decision to attend UNC (undergrad and medical school), become an OB/GYN, join the military, pen a novel, and serve in the General Assembly.   The freshman Republican representing part of Cabarrus County opens up about his life, including his work, family, and unique approach to politics and policymaking.   Plus, Skye and Brian discuss Governor Stein's executive order, Attorney General news, House committee chair assignments, Rep. Joe John dies, #TOTW, and a big week in NC for snow.   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 part 2 of the podcast's Meet the Freshmen series, Skye and Brian sit down with Rep. Mike Schietzelt, who won a hard-fought swing election in November.   The Wake County Republican talks about growing up without means, his love of music and the law, and ultimately his faith-based decision to run for the House.   Plus, Senate committee assignments, staff announcements, a veteran TV journalist transitions, Sen. Tillis gets a GOP challenger, #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. Monika Johnson-Hostler is a freshman legislator, but she's no stranger to the General Assembly as she's been working in and around the building since 1999, when she started her career at the NC Coalition Against Sexual Assault, which is represented by New Frame.   The Wake County Democrat talks about her advocacy work, her service on the Wake County School Board, and her decision to run for the NC House when Rep. Rosa Gill announced her retirement.   Plus, a New Year ushers in a new legislative session, a new Governor and Council of State, and a new House Speaker.  Skye and Brian unpack it all and talk about their predictions for the coming year.   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.