Do Politics Better Podcast

Wayne Goodwin grew up poor and with a father with debilitating mental health challenges.  These two experiences shaped the Hamlet native and his politics. In 1996, Wayne was 28-years old when he was elected to represent Richmond County in the NC House, a seat he held for 8 years before running for statewide office.     Wayne's life has been marked by incredible success and heart-wrenching loss, including the 2020 death of his beloved wife and political partner Melanie.  Wayne shares their love story and memorializes her service as a legislator who succeeded him in the General Assembly in 2005.   Skye and Brian also break down the latest John Locke Foundation/Civitas poll, talk about the Wilmington Trump/Budd rally, GOP/Dem messaging in swing legislative districts, the politics of Hurricane Ian, 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. Jim Burgin is a leader in the General Assembly on health care and mental health policy.  The Harnett County Republican talks about his passion for the issue, especially mental health, as well as his friendship and partnership with NC Health & Human Services Secretary Kody Kinsley, a Democrat, in making the state healthier.   A press gaggle this week at the General Assembly included news from Sen. Phil Berger about a possible December lame-duck session, the latest on Medicaid, and more.   Skye and Brian also talk about an abortion ad cut by Governor Cooper for a Senate candidate that may be seen in other districts, a House Democratic leader is in a tough race, the General Assembly's top fundraisers, and Treasurer Dale Folwell floats his name for governor in 2024. The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, and the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association. 

Kyle Villemain founded The Assembly, a digital magazine about North Carolina and its complex politics, in 2021.  Skye and Brian sits down with Kyle to talk about the online magazine, his life and career, and his vision for a publication that is digging deeper in our politics at a time when much of journalism is contracting.  Skye and Brian also talk about the week in politics, including an October 7 US Senate debate between Ted Budd and Cheri Beasley, negative ads, unsubstantiated rumors, Tweet(s) 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.     

Judge Jefferson Griffin has served on the NC State Court of Appeals since 2021.  The Nash County native talks about his service in the state's court system, his active military career, and his work after college as a charter fisherman.   Judge Griffin, a Republican, also announces his intentions in the 2024 election.   Skye and Brian also kickoff the post Labor Day election season with new polling, attack ads launched, unsubstantiated prefers, the final NCSBE decision on Hanig v Jordan, 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. 

Just about everyone knows about the infamous "bathroom bill" of 2016, however many don't know that Rep. John Autry was then a Charlotte City Councilman who successfully pushed for the city's non-discrimination ordinance that prompted HB2 that year.   The Mecklenburg County Democrat talks about why pushing for the ordinance was so important to him.  He also takes listeners on a life journey that began in Fayetteville and took him across the country through multiple military posts, careers, and experiences.   Skye and Brian also discuss the effect SCOTUS's Dobb's decision is having on political messaging in North Carolina, the latest on the Leandro lawsuit, an expected decision on a NC Senate candidate's residency status, 2024 rumors, 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. Steve Jarvis is a builder by trade and is recognized as a legislative leader on homebuilding and construction issues.  However, he is also just as passionate about improving foster care and the adoption process in North Carolina.   The Davidson County Republican talks about his life and family, a nearly tragic construction accident that still negatively affects him today, and he explains how a nice guy can succeed in North Carolina politics.   Skye and Brian unpack a full week of news, including a confounding NC Supreme Court decision, Attorney General Josh Stein strikes back, Lt. Governor Mark Robinson pens a book, GOP leaders disagree on abortion policy, 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. Amy Galey is an Alamance County Republican and Leonardo Williams is a Durham City Council Democrat.  However, the two found friendship and leadership growth from the NC Institute of Political Leadership.   They are joined by NC IOPL Executive Director Brad Young to talk about the political training program, its preparation for candidates for elected office, and why it's designed to throw all political philosophies into one cohort to produce NC's future political leaders.  Applications for the fall NC IOPL cohort are open until August 24.   Plus, Skye and Brian are reunited after two weeks of staggered vacations and they cover the latest in NC polling, a complaint about where a senatorial candidate lives, the latest on the state's abortion law, 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. Jim Perry returns as the podcast interview host for a second week to talk with lobbyist Brian Lewis about his transient mobile home life in eastern North Carolina, his start in NC politics in 1994, and how a lobbying mistake in 2011 led him down a path to #DoPoliticsBetter.   House Majority Leader John Bell also returns to the podcast as Skye David's guest co-host this week.  They cover the latest from the Attorney General Josh Stein criminal investigation, Medicaid expansion talks, and the 2022 mid-term elections.  They also talk a little Tiger King, Joe Exotic, and more.   The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, and the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association.   

Lobbyist and podcast co-host Skye David is interviewed by Sen. Jim Perry, and she talks about her life, education, career, and work in North Carolina as a lobbyist.   And while Skye is on vacation, Sen. Mike Woodard steps into the co-host role of the podcast with Brian and breaks down this week's news, including the latest on Medicaid expansion, Kansas and abortion politics, the Green Party's recognition, and the rise of unaffiliated voters in the state.   The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, and the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association.   

WRAL State Government Reporter Travis Fain covers the General Assembly.  The Georgia native talks about his career in journalism and his thoughts on the state of journalism and North Carolina politics.    Skye and Brian also talk about the criminal investigation into Attorney General Josh Stein's 2020 campaign, the General Assembly asks the courts to implement a 20-week abortion ban, and a redistricting case is slated for a NC Supreme Court hearing this fall.   Plus, Brian's inspiration found in Tim McGraw, Skye is going on vacation, and this podcast is a hit in Azerbaijan.   The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, and the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association.