Do Politics Better Podcast

Usually, a legislator's first floor speech is something easy.  Maybe it's a point-of-personal-privilege after the business of the Senate has concluded or they rise in support of an innocuous bill.  However, Sen. Lisa Graftstein's first floor speech was personal as she talked about her childhood and coming to terms with her sexuality.   The Wake County Democrat talks about her first speech as well as her life, legal career, and how she is attempting to build relationships across the political aisle to advocate for her community and the issues important to her.   Skye and Brian also unpack the Medicaid expansion compromise, medical marijuana passing the Senate, a House abortion bill push stalls, a declared and not-yet-declared candidates for statewide office, #TOTW, kickball, and more.   The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, and the NC Pork Council.   

NC Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson announced in December 2022 he was not running for re-election to the post in 2024 nor would he seek any other elected office.   In this exclusive interview, Commissioner Dobson talks to Skye and Brian on how he came to this heartfelt decision and why he is at peace with it.  He also talks about his plans for the next two years, the work he would like to do in the next phase of his career, and how he feels about the TikToks about him that are circulating.  Plus, the State of the State address scheduled as House shifts into a higher budget gear, bills (marijuana, guns, immigration, and school calendar) moving through the General Assembly, a parliamentary procedure explained, TOTW, and Brian transitions from belts to suspenders.  The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, and the NC Pork Council. 

Sen. Julie Mayfield began her political career on the Asheville City Council in 2015 and five years later was elected to the General Assembly as a Democrat.  The environmental attorney talks about her transition from local to state government and how she works to get work done for her district by partnering with Republicans. While Sen. Mayfield enjoys working with all of her colleagues from both sides of the aisle, she opens up about a confrontation recorded on video in 2021 that included her and the current Lieutenant Governor.   In this 100th episode of the podcast, Skye and Brian also unpack a week of news, including the NC Democratic Party upset, guns, Medicaid expansion, marijuana, House Rules, positive economic forecast, lots of rumors, Tweet of the Week, and more.  The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, and the NC Pork Council. 

Rep. Ben Moss spent over 20 years working on the railroad and knows about hard (and dangerous) work.  So while running for county commission in Democratic controlled Richmond County was a tall order, he knew that his blue collar work ethic and persistence would eventually win him a seat in 2010 after two unsuccessful attempts.  A decade later he would win a seat in the NC House.   Skye and Brian talk to Rep. Moss about his life, his politics, and his pride in being a card carrying union member, a fact that often turns heads in Republican circles. He also talks about his plans to run statewide in 2024 for Labor Commissioner. Plus, it was a packed week in NC politics, including a NC Supreme Court ruling, Parents Bill of Rights, a pair of possible NC Constitutional amendments, the death of Sen. Jerry Tillman, the Speaker's riot bill, a pair of substantiated rumors, Medicaid expansion, Tweet-of-the-Week, Attorney General Josh Stein's reprieve, an unfortunate Twitter fight, and more.  The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, and the NC Pork Council. 

Rep. Garland Pierce is one of the longest serving members in the General Assembly.  As a Democrat who was first elected in 2005, he knows what it's like to serve in the majority and he knows the challenges of serving the minority since 2011.   The Scotland and Hoke County legislator talks to Skye and Brian about his politically changing district and how he is positioning himself to get work done in the 2023 session. Plus, the Parents Bill of Rights bill moves in the Senate, all Democrats sign on to an abortion rights bill, Sen. Berger endorses a NC Constitutional change, Unsubstantiated Rumors, TOTW, and more.   The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, and the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association.   

The hit-and-run charges against NC Auditor Beth Wood has become a daily news story for the last two weeks.  Much of the talk in NC political circles is how the actions and communications surrounding the incident could have been handled better.   Skye and Brian have a conversation with veteran communications professional Seth Palmer, who has advised elected and appointed officials across North Carolina, as well as trade associations, businesses, and nonprofits.  Plus, the General Assembly asks the NC Supreme Court to revisit a redistricting and voter ID case, two polls are released, another House Democrat gets a gavel, contentious bills filed, Tweet-of-the-Week, and more.   The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, and the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association.       

Sen. Bobby Hanig fights for the underdog, because he is one.  Whether it's growing up in poverty in the projects of Philadelphia, fighting county government on a regulation impeding his business, challenging a House incumbent, or just recently, winning a Democratic leaning Senate district.   The Outer Banks Republican opens up to Brian about his life, small business, and his impressive political career.  He also talks about his love of surfing, a pastime he's hoping to resume now that campaign season is over.  Also, the House announces committee assignments with bipartisan chairs, Attorney General Josh Stein kicks off his 2024 gubernatorial campaign, time runs out for TikTok on state devices, Auditor Beth Wood charged with hit-and-run, Dr. Michael Bitzer's 2024 Candidate List, Tweet-of-the-Week, and more.   The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, and the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association.    

The NC General Assembly opened its 2023-2024 biennium on Wednesday with a day of celebration, optimism, and bipartisanship (for the most part).  This podcast covers the ceremonial day, including a new rule in the House that will allow for easier veto overrides in that chamber, the news that an abortion bill is being negotiated between the House and Senate, and a list of unfinished business from 2021-22 likely to get action this session.   Skye and Brian also talk to ACLU of NC Senior Policy Counsel Ann Webb about her positive approach to the General Assembly on offensive and defensive issues. The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, and the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association.    

One might assume the conservative John Locke Foundation gets everything it asks for from a Republican General Assembly.  Well, the think-tank gets a lot, but the organization has differences over big legislative issues, including Medicaid expansion.   JLF President/Chief Strategy Officer Donald Bryson talks with Skye and Brian about Locke's approach to the General Assembly, his life and career, and how JLF prepares for the 2023 General Assembly session.   Skye has a few questions for Brian about the opening ceremonial session on January 11, including the tumultuous 2003 session that required days of roll call votes and back-room deals to produce Co-Speakers of the House.   The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, and the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association. 

Republican Senator Danny Britt and Democratic Senator Mike Woodard look back at the year in North Carolina politics, including their top stories and surprises of 2022.  They also look ahead to the 2023 General Assembly session and share their views on the 2024 elections.  Sen. Britt also gives his take on the race for attorney general.   Skye and Brian also unpack the latest NC Supreme Court rulings, a 2024 gubernatorial poll, and Governor Cooper has a new lobbying team.  Plus, Unsubstantiated Rumors, Tweet-of-the-Week, New Year's Resolutions, and more.   The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, and the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association.